Patent Description:
Central vacuum systems for home and commercial use have been used for many years, examples of which are shown in <CIT> and <CIT>. These systems generally are comprised of a main vacuum source which is usually mounted in the basement or other locations in the structure or closely adjacent thereto. The vacuum source is connected to various dedicated inlet valves in the structure by conduits or tubing. These inlet valves, also referred to as valve boxes in the industry, are mounted in a wall, inside of a cabinet or in and on other structures by various types of flanges, brackets, etc. Some examples are shown in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Additionally, some central vacuum systems include secondary inlet valves, or which are generally referred to as secondary inlets or auxiliary inlets.

Issues continue to exist with inlet valve assemblies inasmuch as they are typically required to be constructed at the same time as the structure within which it resides. When the conventional inlet valve assemblies discussed above are constructed with the structure, the inlet valve assemblies are set within the wall. Thus, a need continues to exist for an inlet valve assembly that can be installed on a wall, exterior thereof, after the completion of the construction of the structure. This need may be addressed with a vacuum inlet valve assembly featuring all characteristics of the preamble of present claim <NUM> as is disclosed in <CIT>.

A problem remains that connecting a hose with the valve assembly inside the conduit cannot be visually controlled by an operator.

In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a vacuum inlet valve assembly comprising: a housing configured to be mounted exterior to a preexisting wall in a structure such that a housing is connected with a conduit and the conduit is exterior to the wall and retains a hose therein, and the hose is adapted to be pulled out from a stored position within the conduit external from the wall to an extracted position, and when in the extracted position, an end cap or hose plug on the hose is releasably connected with a connection assembly in the housing. A portion of the conduit is clear or translucent or transparent so an operator can watch the end cap or hose plug approach the connection assembly.

In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a vacuum inlet valve assembly comprising: a housing having an upper cylindrical portion; a sleeve seal disposed within the upper cylindrical portion; a conduit coupled with the upper cylindrical portion and sealed with the sleeve seal; a lower wall of the housing that defines an aperture; a ball seal disposed within the aperture sized to seal an open end of a hose; and a rear end of the housing that is mounted on a preexisting wall to dispose the vacuum inlet valve exterior of the preexisting wall. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide an aperture formed near a lower end of the sleeve seal sized to receive a cylindrical portion of the housing therethrough. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a spring disposed within the cylindrical portion configured to move a pin into engagement with a channel formed in a hose plug, wherein the spring is disposed through the aperture formed near the lower end of the sleeve seal. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a vacuum hose exterior the preexisting wall that is disposed within the conduit. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a lower terminal end of the conduit disposed within the upper cylindrical portion. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a ledge extending radially inward from an inner surface of the sleeve seal, wherein the lower terminal end of the conduit engages the ledge. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least a portion of the conduit that is clear to enable a vacuum hose within the conduit to be viewed. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the portion of the conduit that is clear is about <NUM>,<NUM> (two feet) in length. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a connection assembly having upper portion and a lower portion. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a tapered opening formed in the upper portion that is aligned with upper cylindrical portion and the conduit, and an uppermost ledge of the tapered opening engages a ledge of the sleeve seal. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide at least one nub on the sleeve seal that is disposed in a cutout portion of the upper cylindrical potion shaped complementary to the at least one nub. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide a first sidewall; a narrow portion positioned between an upper portion of the first sidewall and a lower portion of the first sidewall. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide wherein the upper portion of the first sidewall has a greater width than the narrow portion and wherein the lower portion of the first sidewall has a greater width than the narrow portion but less than the width the upper portion.

In yet another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a method comprising: mounting a vacuum inlet valve assembly exterior to a preexisting wall within a structure; coupling a conduit to the vacuum inlet valve assembly, wherein the conduit is exterior to the preexisting wall; disposing a hose within the conduit; moving an end of the hose towards the vacuum inlet valve assembly through the conduit exterior to the preexisting wall; coupling the end of the hose to vacuum inlet valve assembly exterior to the preexisting wall; and moving air through the hose in response to operation of a vacuum source. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide altering a direction of air movement through the hose; and blowing air outwardly through a nozzle of the hose. This may e.g. be done by reversing a fan within the vacuum source. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide viewing the end of the hose through a clear portion of the conduit exterior to the preexisting wall This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide unsealing a nozzle on the hose from a ball seal on the vacuum inlet valve assembly; extracting the hose from the vacuum inlet valve assembly; and moving the end of the hose downwardly through the clear portion of the conduit exterior the preexisting wall. This exemplary embodiment or another exemplary embodiment may further provide engaging pins in the vacuum inlet valve assembly with a channel formed in the end of the hose; rotating the end of the hose about an axis; depressing the pins with cams formed in the end of the hose during rotation of the end of the hose; and pulling the end of the hose downwardly while the pins are depressed to remove the end of the hose from the vacuum inlet valve assembly.

A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

A vacuum inlet valve assembly is depicted throughout the figures generally at <NUM>. The vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, is a supplemental vacuum inlet valve for a central vacuum cleaning system. The vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure is configured to be a supplementary valve inasmuch as it is designed to be installed on a wall after the wall was constructed. Stated otherwise, the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> of the present disclosure is an inlet valve for a central vacuum cleaning system that is installed in the structure or home after construction of the structure or home is completed. One such exemplary installation location for the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> is in a garage, wherein an installer mounts the assembly <NUM> on one of the interior garage walls. Portions of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> may differ from other whole home or central vacuum cleaning system valves in that it is not inset into the wall or attached to the wall during the construction of home or structure.

<FIG> depict the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> as including a top <NUM> opposite a bottom <NUM> defining a longitudinal center axis <NUM> therebetween. In one particular embodiment, the longitudinal axis <NUM> is aligned in a vertical direction. Vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> may further include a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM> defining a first transverse direction therebetween. Vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> may further include a front end or first end <NUM> opposite a rear end or second end <NUM> defining a second transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and the first transverse axis defined between first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>.

Vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> may further include a housing <NUM>, a cylindrical seal <NUM>, a connection assembly <NUM> within the housing <NUM>, and a ball seal <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the housing <NUM> may be formed from a single monolithic unibody material that is substantially continuous and formed or molded with the structural features described herein. As such, it is to be understood that portions of the housing <NUM> discussed below may be characterized as different features with corresponding reference elements designating the different features of the monolithic unibody material defining the housing <NUM>. However, it clearly understood that the monolithic unibody material may be separated into separate component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, while it contemplated that housing <NUM> will be formed or molded from a polymer material, any material shall suffice that will structurally support the assembly <NUM> and the other components that are attached to the assembly, such as a vacuum hose or a vacuum conduit.

Housing <NUM> includes an upper cylindrical portion <NUM> extending vertically downward from an upper circular edge <NUM> extending circumferentially around longitudinal axis <NUM>. Circular edge <NUM> is interrupted by a downwardly extending concave edge <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, there are two downwardly extending concave edges <NUM> associated with each side of the housing <NUM>. More particularly, a first downwardly extending concave edge <NUM> is positioned diametrically opposite a second concave edge <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. A cylindrical wall <NUM> extends downwardly from edge <NUM> to a bottom end of the wall <NUM> that is connected with a rounded fillet <NUM> that connects the bottom end of the cylindrical wall <NUM> of the cylindrical portion <NUM> to a generally horizontal wall <NUM>. Horizontal wall <NUM> includes an upwardly facing top surface opposite a downwardly facing bottom surface. The outer surface of the horizontal wall <NUM> and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> are smooth and continuous and uniform with each other such as to collectively define a collective outer surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Horizontal wall <NUM> is a generally planar portion of the housing that is oriented to lie approximately perpendicular to the axis <NUM> below the cylindrical portion <NUM>, and lie generally in a plane along the first transverse axis and the second transverse axis.

Two side walls extend downwardly from horizontal wall <NUM>. Namely, a first sidewall 48A associated with the first side <NUM> of vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> and a second sidewall 48B associated with the second side <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. Sidewalls 48A, 48B extend downwardly from an edge 50A, 50B, respectively. Edges 50A, 50B are spaced apart and generally parallel to each other. However, as will be described in greater detail below, some portions of the housing <NUM> may taper inwardly towards each other relative from the rear to the front when viewed from above. As such, edge 50A and edge 50B may slightly angle inwardly towards each other relative to the second transverse axis defined between the front <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. A transverse edge <NUM> may extend between edge 50A and edge 50B near the front ends of edges 50A, 50B adjacent the front of housing <NUM>. A front wall <NUM> may be convexly bowed outwardly and extend between vertical edges 56A and 56B that connect the front wall <NUM> with the respective sidewalls 48A, 48B. The bowed front wall <NUM> includes an outer surface opposite an inner surface. The outer surface of the curved wall <NUM> is substantially uniform in continuous with the outer surface of the sidewall 48A and the sidewall 48B and the wall <NUM> so as to collectively define the collective outer surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The bowed front wall <NUM> is disposed vertically below the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the horizontal wall <NUM>. The bowed front wall <NUM> is positioned forwardly from the first sidewall 48A and the second sidewall 48B.

A lower portion of front wall <NUM> terminates at a lower edge <NUM>. The lower edge <NUM> extends transversely outward and rearwardly along the second transverse axis and downwardly so as to bound a portion of the second sidewall 48B and bound a portion of the first sidewall 48A. A portion of lower edge <NUM> that extends rearwardly and downwardly from the front portion of lower edge <NUM> is denoted as 58A with respect to the first side <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> and is denoted as 58B with respect to the second side <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, edge <NUM> is below edges 50A, 50B and transverse edge <NUM>. Edges 56A, 56B extend generally vertically between transverse edge <NUM> and lower edge <NUM>. Further, the frontal portion of edge <NUM> is positioned forwardly from the portions 58A, 58B that extend rearwardly and downwardly to respectively bound the sidewalls 48A, 48B.

As depicted in <FIG>, first sidewall 48A is shown in a side elevation view and portions of the first sidewall 48A are described with reference elements ending in "A" designations. For brevity, it is to be understood that corresponding features of the second sidewall 48B are mirroredly structured relative to the longitudinal vertical axis <NUM>. For example, narrow portion 60A of sidewall 48A has a corresponding narrow portion 60B on the second sidewall 48B. However, as shown in <FIG> and for brevity, mirroredly duplicated portions of the second sidewall 48B are not further detailed, but it will be understood that when a reference element ending in a "B" designation that the component is the same as that having the same reference element and a corresponding "A" designation.

Narrow portion 60A is positioned between an upper portion 62A of first sidewall 48A and a lower portion 64A of first wall 48A. The upper portion 62A of the first sidewall 48A has a greater width measured in the direction of the second transverse axis between the front <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> than the width of the narrow portion 60A measured in the same second transverse axis. The width of the lower portion 64A of the first sidewall 48A is greater than the width in the second transverse axis of the narrow portion 68A, but less than the width in the second transverse axis of the upper portion 62A. The front of the narrow portion 60A is bound by an edge 66A that connects with edge 58A at a rounded downwardly concaved corner <NUM>. Edge 66A extends downwardly from the rounded corner <NUM> to a lower edge 70A meeting at a rounded corner 72A. Lower portion 64A of the first sidewall <NUM> is bound at it upper end by the lower edge 70A. Collectively, edge 58A, the rounded corner 68A, edge 66A, rounded corner 72A, and edge 70A define a recessed region <NUM> as configured to receive a nozzle end of a vacuum hose when the hose is in the stored position and contained by the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>.

A wall <NUM> is bound between the rounded corners 68A, 68B and the vertical edges 66A, 66B and the lower rounded corners 72A, 72B. Wall <NUM> is aligned generally orthogonally to first sidewall 48A and second sidewall 48B. Near the bottom of wall <NUM> is a raised convex surface <NUM> that retains a switch <NUM> that is in operative communication with an electrically boss or circuit that turns on and turns off the vacuum device to initiate suction through the hose when the hose is removed, at least partially, from the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. Wall <NUM> is below the upper portion 62A of the first sidewall 48A and below the upper portion 62B of the second sidewall 48B. Similarly, the wall <NUM> is disposed below the bowed front wall <NUM>, the horizontal wall <NUM>, and the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

A lower wall <NUM> defines a partially annular cutout or aperture <NUM> through which the ball seal <NUM> is disposed. The ball seal <NUM> may be spring activated to move substantially in a vertical direction along the longitudinal axis <NUM> through the aperture <NUM>. The lower wall is positioned at an angle relative to the wall <NUM> and is generally lower than the same. For example, the lower wall <NUM> connects with the generally lowermost portion of wall <NUM> and extends outwardly therefrom towards the front of the housing <NUM>.

A lower front wall <NUM> is connected with the foremost portion of the lower wall <NUM>. The front wall <NUM> extends between a lower vertical edge 88A and a lower vertical edge 88B, coupling the lower wall <NUM> to the lower portion 64A of the first sidewall 48A and the lower portion 64B of the second sidewall 48B, respectively. The lower front wall <NUM> may be interrupted by a cutout region <NUM> that is bound by a V-shaped wall <NUM> defining a portion of the edge that defines aperture <NUM>. Particularly, a V-shaped edge <NUM> defines a frontal portion of the edge of the aperture <NUM> within which ball seal <NUM> resides. As will be described in greater detail below, the V-shaped wall <NUM> and the cooperative V-shaped edge <NUM> are sized so as to receive an end of a hose extending through the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. A bottom wall <NUM> is connected to the lower front wall <NUM> via a rounded edge <NUM> extending in the direction of the first transverse axis. The lowermost portion of the V-shaped wall <NUM> is positioned slightly above the edge <NUM>. The bottom wall is connected to the first and second sidewalls 48A, 48B by bottom edges 93A, 93B, respectively, which extend in the direction of the second transverse axis.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the seal <NUM> is a substantially cylindrical member defining an upper edge <NUM> having an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may be a cylindrical sleeve and may be referred to as sleeve seal <NUM>. The length of the cylindrical seal <NUM> is centered along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> defines a cylindrical opening <NUM> or bore that is centered along the center longitudinal axis <NUM>. The seal <NUM> extends from the upper edge <NUM> to a bottom edge <NUM> (<FIG>). The seal <NUM> may include a downwardly protruding nub <NUM> on each side of the outer surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM>. Particularly, the downwardly extending protrusions or nubs fit within the downwardly concave edge <NUM> defined by the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, when the seal <NUM> is installed and attached to the housing <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>, the outer surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> is disposed inwardly from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the cylindrical wall <NUM> has a larger diameter than the outer surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the seal <NUM> may have an equal diameter with the inner surface <NUM> of the cylindrical wall <NUM> such that the outer surface <NUM> of seal <NUM> engages the inner surface <NUM> of the cylindrical wall <NUM> through a frictional interference fit. The upper edge <NUM> is positioned slightly above the edge <NUM> on the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the seal <NUM> may be longer than the cylindrical wall <NUM> such that the bottom edge <NUM> of seal <NUM> is disposed vertically below the bottom end of cylindrical wall <NUM>. Additionally, the bottom end <NUM> of seal <NUM> may be disposed below the horizontal wall <NUM> of housing <NUM>. Even further, the bottom end <NUM> of seal <NUM> may be disposed below the edges 50A, 50B, and <NUM>. As such, it is seen that the seal <NUM> extends from the uppermost portion of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> thereby defining the top <NUM> to an interior portion of the housing <NUM> below some of the upper components positioned above the horizontal wall <NUM>.

The cylindrical portion <NUM> may include two similar bosses that extend rearwardly from a portion of the cylindrical wall <NUM>. Namely, a first boss 108A and a second boss 108B extend rearwardly as a cantilevered projection defining a hole aligned offset parallel to the first transverse axis extending between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. The aligned apertures are configured to receive a connector, such as a screw and complementary threaded nut, as depicted throughout the figures. As will be described in greater detail below, the aligned bosses are configured to flexibly tighten or constrict the cylindrical portion <NUM> to thereby seal the seal <NUM> against a conduit to create an effective seal.

With respect to the ball seal <NUM>, while not depicted throughout the figures, it is understood that there may springs that engage a horizontally extending pin which extends through a diametric hole formed in the ball seal <NUM>. The ball seal <NUM> is located in a central channel formed in a bottom bracket internal to the housing <NUM> between the lower portions 64A, 64B of the respective sidewalls 48A, 48B. The V-shaped wall <NUM> acts and defines a downwardly extending ramp formed by a recess in the front wall <NUM> and the wall <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> installed exterior to a wall <NUM> and connected with a vacuum tube conduit <NUM> that retains and houses a vacuum hose <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the wall <NUM> of the house or structure is a preexisting wall in the same. As such, the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> is considered a secondary or after-market vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> for a central vacuum system. State otherwise, the wall <NUM> is constructed with the structure and then, sometime after the completion of the structure, the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> may installed and connected to an exterior surface of the wall <NUM>. This is in contradistinction with typical vacuum inlet valve assemblies for whole home vacuum systems which typically install the inlet valves during construction of the home such that portions of the inlet valves and conduits for the same are recessed within the wall. As such, the entirety of the system of which vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> is composed is exterior to the wall <NUM> of the home, except for some small minor mounting components, such as mounting screws, that would connect the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> to the wall <NUM>.

The length of the conduit <NUM> may be any length and the length of the hose <NUM> may be any length that is not longer than the conduit <NUM>. Accordingly, a breakaway line <NUM> is depicted along the length of the hose <NUM> and the conduit <NUM> indicating that it may of any suitable length. The conduit <NUM> includes a lower terminal end <NUM> (<FIG>) that is disposed within the opening <NUM> and aligned centrally along the vertical longitudinal axis <NUM>. A cylindrical sidewall <NUM> of the conduit <NUM> extends away from the top <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall <NUM> that is most immediate the top <NUM> of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> is clear, translucent, or transparent such that the hose <NUM> may be viewed through the conduit <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the clear, transparent, or translucent cylindrical sidewall <NUM> enables an operator to see the hose <NUM> as the hose is being extracted from the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. While the length of the clear section of the cylindrical sidewall extending up from the top <NUM> may be any suitable length, it is envisioned that in one particular embodiment, the length of the clear sidewall may be about <NUM>,<NUM> (two feet). Then, where the clear section of the cylindrical sidewall <NUM> terminates, traditional conduits, such as PVC tubing, may connect to the upper end of the cylindrical sidewall <NUM>. While it is possible to form an entire conduit <NUM> of a clear cylindrical sidewall, it may be cost effective to only include a small portion of clear tubing at the uppermost portion, such as connecting with the top <NUM>, of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, it would be entirely possible to have a substantially opaque tubing, such as a traditional PVC tubing, that is integrated with a window that would enable an operator to see the hose <NUM> that is capable of moving within the conduit <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, the lower end <NUM> of conduit <NUM> contacts a ledge <NUM> formed in the inner surface <NUM> of seal <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> extends radially inward towards the vertical longitudinal axis <NUM> defining an inner diameter that is substantially similar with an inner surface <NUM> of the cylindrical wall <NUM>. Stated otherwise, ledge <NUM> includes a short vertical wall segment that is substantially coplanar with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM> defining the conduit <NUM>. The hose <NUM> extends through the conduit <NUM> and includes a lower end <NUM> and an end cap <NUM> (which may also be referred to as a hose plug <NUM>). The lower end <NUM> of the hose <NUM> may further be associated with a nozzle and may be referred to as nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> includes a lower edge defining an aperture that engages the ball seal <NUM> when the hose <NUM> is in the installed and sealed position depicted in <FIG>. In this position, the ball seal <NUM> seals the aperture defined by the lower edge of the nozzle. As will be described in greater detail below, the hose <NUM> may be extracted from the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> (as depicted in <FIG>) so as to remove the nozzle <NUM> from its sealed connection with the ball seal <NUM> and draw the end cap or hose plug <NUM> downwardly towards the connection assembly <NUM>. In some implementations, nozzle <NUM> may carry one or more low voltage wires that run through the hose and connect with the switch <NUM> or other conductor pins to allow the system to be turned on and off by toggling a secondary switch (not shown) at the nozzle <NUM>. Alternatively, the nozzle <NUM> may include a radio frequency remote to control the operation of power to turn the system on and off. When low voltage wires are embedded in the hose, end contacts for the wires would be coupled and energized once hose was pulled all the way out and the locking pins snap into place. The connection of the end cap to the pins would ensure that the wires embedded in the hose establish an electrical connection thus conveying the ability to turn the system on and off to the handle end (i.e., nozzle <NUM>) of the hose <NUM>. Notably, the electrical current would not need to extend through the pins, rather, the pins lock the end cap in place which would have connectors to establish electrical communication with switch <NUM> or another electrical element.

The connection assembly <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. While the connection assembly <NUM> is described as having a upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>, it is to be understood that it is possible for these two portions to be formed as one integral monolithic unibody structure. However, for the purposes of this disclosure, the upper portion <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> are shown as two separate and distinct structures that are connected together. With respect to the upper portion <NUM>, a tapered opening is defined by a tapered wall <NUM> at the upper end of the upper portion <NUM>. The uppermost ledge of the tapered wall <NUM> nests and frictionally engages the ledge <NUM> on the seal <NUM>. The tapered wall <NUM>, at its uppermost end, includes a thickness that is complementary in width to the bottom edge of the ledge <NUM>. From there, the tapered wall <NUM> angles downwardly and inwardly towards the longitudinal axis <NUM> so as to reduce the inner diameter of the inner surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM> positioned interior to the inner surface <NUM> of seal <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> adjacent its lower end <NUM> is positioned exterior from the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM>. Particularly, the inner surface <NUM> of the seal <NUM> adjacent its lower end <NUM> is in a frictional interference fit with the outer surface <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM>. The lower end or bottom <NUM> of seal <NUM> may include a transversely extending flange <NUM> at the bottom <NUM> that extends transversely outward away from the cylindrical portion of seal <NUM>. An inner surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> defines an opening <NUM> that stretches over an endwall <NUM> on a cylindrical portion <NUM> to connect with an outer or top surface <NUM> of the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

Upper portion <NUM> further includes the hollow cylindrical portion <NUM> extending outwardly in a cantilevered manner in the first transverse direction from outer surface <NUM>. The cylindrical portion <NUM> may define a hollow bore containing a compression coil spring <NUM> that is bound by an end wall <NUM> and in operable communication with a pin <NUM> extending through a transverse aperture formed in the upper portion <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, the pin <NUM> is configured to interact with the end cap <NUM> to lock, in a releasable manner, the end cap <NUM> to the connection member <NUM> so as to create a vacuum seal to thereby enable vacuum suction to flow through the hose <NUM> when the hose <NUM> is in its extracted position relative to the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>.

The compression coil springs enable the pins <NUM> to move in a transverse direction between a collapsed position and an extended position. When the pins <NUM> are in the extended position, they engage a complementary channel <NUM> formed in the end cap <NUM> in order to releasably connect the same to the connection assembly <NUM>. When the pins <NUM> are in the collapsed position, the hose <NUM> is able to freely bypass and move along the pins <NUM> that are collapsed by pushing the spring <NUM> in a direction along the transverse axis <NUM>.

A bottom end flange <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> may include a downwardly facing notch <NUM>. Notch <NUM> may be an annular recess circumscribing the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The notch <NUM> receives a portion of the lower portion <NUM> therein. More particularly, lower portion <NUM> includes a upwardly extending wall <NUM> that is complementary in shape and size to the notch <NUM> and is mated or inserted therein. Wall <NUM> on the lower portion <NUM> may be generally cylindrical, at a short height, and include an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. An annular seal <NUM> is disposed radially inwardly from the inner surface <NUM>. The seal <NUM> forms a seal between the lower portion <NUM> and the upper portion <NUM>. The seal is retained by a shortened wall <NUM> that is curved radially inward and terminates at a lower vertical height than wall <NUM>. More particularly, an upper end <NUM> is disposed radially inward from the inner surface <NUM> of wall <NUM> and supports thereon the annular seal <NUM> such that the annular seal <NUM> is sandwiched between the upper end <NUM> of wall <NUM> and a bottom surface of the ledge <NUM> of the upper portion <NUM>. In one particular embodiment, the lower portion <NUM> is chemically bonded, such as through a high strength adhesive, to the upper portion <NUM> by inserting the chemical bonding in the notch <NUM> and press-fitting the same together in order to sandwich the seal <NUM> between the upper end <NUM> of wall <NUM> and a bottom surface of the flange <NUM>. While the annular seal <NUM> is shown as having a circular cross-section, it is entirely possible that other dimensional shapes or configurations of the annular seal <NUM> are possible provided that the annular seal <NUM> surrounds the entire circumference of the hose <NUM>. Further, while the annular seal <NUM> is shown interior of the inner surface <NUM> of wall <NUM>, it is possible that other portions of the lower portion <NUM> may be rearranged to position the annular seal <NUM> in other locations.

In accordance with one exemplary aspect, the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> provides a housing that is configured to mount external of an existing wall <NUM> within a structure. In one particular embodiment, the wall <NUM> is a garage wall that defines the interior portion of the garage such that the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> is in the interior of the garage. This enables the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> to be part of a central vacuuming system that is an after-market portion or device installed subsequent to the construction of the home. In one particular example, a user may install a vacuum device with a conduit that connects to the clear conduit <NUM> and the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. The hose <NUM> can be used in the garage to vacuum cars or other items within the garage. Additionally, according to one aspect, and as is known in the art, the vacuum suction device may be reversed by either (i) altering current to reverse the fan, or reversing the fan in any other known manner, or (ii) plugging the other end of hose <NUM> into a blow hole on the vacuum suction device so that the hose <NUM> becomes a blower. When this blower mode is used, the end or nozzle <NUM> of the hose <NUM> can be used to dry small components, such as when washing and detailing a motorcycle.

In operation and with reference to <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> may be lifted and removed from its sealed relationship with the ball seal <NUM> and extracted by pulling the hose <NUM> downwardly and outwardly, as indicated by arrow A. When the operator pulls the hose <NUM> in the direction of arrow A, the end cap <NUM> moves downwardly through the conduit <NUM>, and more particularly, through the clear tube or clear cylindrical wall <NUM> so as to enable the user to view the end cap <NUM> as it approaches the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> in the downward direction as indicated by arrow B. It is advantageous for the user to view the end cap <NUM> as it approaches the top of the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> because portions of the end cap <NUM> interlock and releaseably engage the pins <NUM> in the connection assembly <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, as the hose <NUM> is continued to be extracted in a downward direction as indicated by arrow B, the end cap <NUM>, which defines an annular recess or annular channel <NUM>, engages the pins <NUM> to releaseably connect the end cap <NUM> to the connection device <NUM>.

The end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may include a first section, a second section, a first seal or O-ring, and a second seal or felt ring. End cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes a first end opposite a second end aligned along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Some portions of the hose plug will be described relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be used in conjunction with the terms circumferential, or radial, relative to the longitudinal axis.

The first section of end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes a first end, which also defines first end of the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM>. First end extends circumferentially around longitudinal axis <NUM> and defines an inner annular edge defining an opening. A cylindrical inner surface extends longitudinally from inner edge to an opposing second end. An annular chamfered edge is adjacent to the second end and defines a second opening. The chamfered edge circumscribes longitudinal axis such that a first bore defined by the cylindrical inner surface extends between the first opening and the second opening.

The first section of the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may further include an annular exterior curved wall, which curves downwardly from the first end and curves radially outward from the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The annular curved wall is convexly curved between the first end and a terminal end, which is the radial outermost portion of the first section. A first ledge extends radially inward from the terminal end to a wall that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A second ledge extends radially inward from the wall. The second ledge extends radially inward to a longitudinally extending exterior cylindrical wall. A cylindrical wall extends longitudinally to the second end.

The first ledge is positioned closer to the first end than the second edge. Stated otherwise, the second edge is positioned closer to the second end than the first ledge. The first ledge has a radius that is larger than the second ledge. The first ledge is an annular ledge that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The second ledge is an annular ledge that extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first ledge and the second ledge are concentric about the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The longitudinally aligned length of cylindrical wall is greater than that of wall and curved wall. In one particular embodiment, the length of cylindrical wall may be greater than the sum of the longitudinal length of wall and curved wall; however, other dimensional configurations are possible. Collectively, the curved wall, the first ledge, the wall, the second ledge, and the cylindrical wall define an outer surface of the first section that faces radially outward from the longitudinal axis. In one particular embodiment, first section is formed from a uniform, monolithic member formed from a suitably rigid material so as to withstand deformation when the vacuum system of the present disclosure is in operation. First section may be fabricated from a polymer material; however, other rigid materials are entirely contemplated such as metal. Furthermore, the integral structure of the first section may be formed from multiple elements having similar configurations as one having ordinary skill in the art would understand.

The first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is a generally annular or O-ring-like member defining an interior aperture. In one particular embodiment, first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is generally shaped like a torus such that it has a convexly curved continuous outer surface. The first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may generally be referred to as an O-ring having elastomeric properties. The first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is circular in cross section, having an interior diameter. The diameter of this first seal has a dimension that is greater than the radially aligned length of first ledge on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM>. The diameter of the cross section of first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> enables the outer tangential edge of the first seal to extend radially outward from the terminal end of the curved wall. The first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes an inner diameter measured through the longitudinal axis <NUM> between opposing inner tangential edges. The inner diameter of the first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is slightly greater than a diameter of the first section measured through longitudinal axis <NUM> between opposing walls between the first and second ledges. The first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is configured to snugly fit and nest and seal along the inner surface <NUM> of wall <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of wall <NUM> includes a horizontal portion that acts as a seat and retains a collar or annual edge <NUM> on the nozzle <NUM>.

The second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is positioned towards the second end from the first seal. The second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is an annular member defining an interior aperture that is concentric about the longitudinal axis <NUM> and is concentric with the first seal. Unlike the first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM>, which has a continuous convexly curved outer surface, the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes an annularly planar first surface and an opposing annularly planar second surface. A short longitudinally-extending cylindrical side wall extends between the first surface and the second surface. An inner cylindrical side wall extends between the first surface and the second surface.

The second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes an inner diameter, which is measured between opposing inner walls, extending through the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The inner diameter of the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may be less than the inner diameter of the first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM>. The inner diameter of the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is configured to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first section measured between opposing cylindrical walls through the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Accordingly, the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is configured to snugly fit adjacent the inner surface <NUM> of wall <NUM>, positioned below the first seal.

The second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may be fabricated from a type of fabric material such as felt. In one particular embodiment, second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> provides a sealing arrangement that is flexible in the manner so as to prevent debris and other aggregate materials from passing by the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> when it is engaged with a portion of the connection assembly <NUM> or the conduit <NUM>. However, it is envisioned that felt-like material forming the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> does not need to be completely air-tight or hermetic because the first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> establishes the hermetic seal between the hose plug and an inner surface of the connection assembly <NUM>. However, it is clearly envisioned that the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may form a hermetic seal and include the properties of precluding aggregate materials or other dust particles from passing thereby. Furthermore, while it is envisioned that the elastomeric first seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> be positioned closer to the first end of the hose plug <NUM>, it is entirely possible for the first and second seals to be switched such that the felt material of the second seal on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is positioned closer to the first end.

Second section on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes a first end opposite a second end aligned along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first end is defined by an annular surface bound by an outer edge and an inner edge defining an opening. A cylindrical wall extends downwardly from the first end to a terminal end. A ledge extends radially inward from the terminal end to an inner cylindrical wall. In one particular embodiment, cylindrical wall and cylindrical wall are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Additionally, the ledge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The second section on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes a first end opposite a second end aligned along the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The first end is defined by a planar annular surface bound by an outer edge and an inner edge defining an opening. A cylindrical wall extends downwardly from the first end to a terminal end. A ledge extends radially inward from the terminal end to an inner cylindrical wall. In one particular embodiment, cylindrical wall and cylindrical wall are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Additionally, the ledge is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The ledge extends in a radial manner between the terminal end and an inner corner. In one particular embodiment, the ledge is a continuous annular edge having a radially aligned length between the terminal end and the inner corner that is in a dimensional range slightly greater than the first ledge. The inner cylindrical wall extends longitudinally between the inner corner and a second inner corner. The longitudinal length of the inner cylindrical wall, between the first and second inner corners is slightly longer than the dimensional length of the pin <NUM>. Portions of the pin <NUM> are configured to engage the inner wall in a contacting manner. The bottom ledge extends radially outward from the second corner to an outer end. In one particular embodiment, the lower ledge faces an opposite direction of the ledge such that the faces of the ledges face each other. In one particular embodiment, the surface defined by the ledge is not continuous inasmuch as a portion of the second section defines a longitudinally aligned slot. Collectively, the ledge, the inner wall, and the second ledge define an annular channel configured to receive the pin(s) <NUM> therein. The annular channel extends substantially around the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> concentrically about the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The second section on the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes an inner surface extending from the first end to the second end. An inner annular edge defines a second end opening such that a hollow bore is in open communication with the hose <NUM>. The inner surface may further include spiraling threads, which are sized to threadably connect with a portion of the hose <NUM>. More particularly, the threads are configured to threadably mate with the distal end of the hose <NUM>. Stated otherwise, the hose <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the bore of second section by inserting the distal end of the hose <NUM> through the second end opening and releasably and threadably attaching the second section to the hose <NUM> via the threads, which mate with an exterior portion of the hose <NUM>. However, it is to be understood that the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> may be embodied similar to the other embodiment contained herein such that the cylindrical side wall of the second section is inserted into the distal end of the hose <NUM>, and secured by a frictional interference fit or another type of connection fit such as a mechanical connection, such as a screw, or a chemical connection, such as an adhesive.

The end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> includes a first cam that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis <NUM>. First cam is positioned within annular channel. First cam is connected with the inner cylindrical wall, includes a lower edge that is positioned between the ledges. Accordingly, a portion of the annular channel extends continuously below the lower ledge of the first cam and above one ledge. The portion of the annular channel extending below the lower ledge is in open communication with the slot that is longitudinally aligned with the first cam relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. The slot extends towards the second end to a lower ledge. The pin <NUM> is able to bypass the first cam and slide down into the slot by crossing through the portion of the channel that is positioned below the lower ledge and above the ledge.

The first cam includes mirroring sloped surfaces. More particularly, first cam includes a first sloped surface and a second sloped surface. In one particular embodiment, the surfaces are convexly curved between an apex of the cam and the inner cylindrical wall. In another particular embodiment, the surfaces for are concavely curved between the apex and the inner cylindrical. The apex may define a convexly curved protrusion configured to depress the pin <NUM> retained within the connection assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an enlarged view of the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> inserted into the connection assembly <NUM> with the pins <NUM> disposed in the annular channel. In this connected position, the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> is secured within the connection assembly. The first and second seals engage an inner surface <NUM>. The double seal of the first and second seals ensure the hose plug <NUM> adequately seals the conduit such that the vacuum suction extends fully through the conduit of the hose <NUM>, and not there around.

In order to remove the hose plug <NUM> from the connection assembly <NUM>, an operator will rotate the hose plug <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM>. A slight downward force may be pulled on the hose <NUM> to establish a physical connection between the pins <NUM> and the ledge. The pins <NUM> ride along the ledge and are rotated. The cams will engage the respective diametrically opposite pins <NUM> and depress the same. When the buttons are fully depressed and are substantially even with the aperture formed in the wall of the section <NUM>, the hose plug <NUM> may be longitudinally pulled outward.

There may be instances in which the rotation of hose plug <NUM> occurs, but the desired effect is not to pull the hose plug <NUM> from its releasable connection with the connection assembly <NUM>. In these scenarios, the hose plug <NUM> may be rotated with a slight inward pressure, such that the pins <NUM> do not ride along the upper edge and get depressed by the first and second cams. Rather, the slight inward pressure enables the pins <NUM> to slide down within the slots. When the pins <NUM> are in the slots, a user may continue to forcibly push the hose plug and rotate the hose plug. This will allow the pins <NUM> to depress as they are urged inward by the sloped walls, which are positioned on either side of the slots. The sloped walls may push in the pins <NUM>, so as to be substantially even with the inner surface <NUM>, and the tapered wall may continue to maintain the pins <NUM> in a depressed and retracted state as the hose plug <NUM> is continued to be pushed inwardly.

With the end cap <NUM> or hose plug <NUM> engaged with the connection assembly <NUM>, the operator may switch by activating the switch <NUM> to turn on the vacuum device that is remote from the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM>. The user may then manipulate the nozzle <NUM> of the hose <NUM> to vacuum a desired item. In one particular embodiment, when the vacuum inlet valve assembly <NUM> is installed within a garage, the operator may vacuum a workstation, such as a table saw or other woodworking device, in order to vacuum sawdust or may vacuum a vehicle, such as a car. In other particular implementations, an operator may reverse the flow of air by actuating an element on the vacuum device (not shown). The reversal of the flow may be accomplish by inserting an opposite end of hose <NUM> into a blow hole on the vacuum device. Thus, when turning the switch on, the vacuum device may act as a blower. In some instances, high precision detailing of automobiles requires that some components are blown dry when regular towels are ineffective to dry small cracks and crevices. As such, a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can be positioned near the nozzle <NUM> and the vacuum device may be activated so as to operate as a blower to blow air into the crevices and cracks of the motorcycle in order to dry the same and perform high precision vehicle detailing.

Having thus described the structure of valve <NUM> and an exemplary method of operation, reference will now be made to its assembly. Valve <NUM> may be assembled by providing the housing <NUM>. Then, the seal <NUM> may attached to the connecting assembly <NUM> by stretching the flange <NUM> over the cylindrical portion <NUM> and allowing the seal <NUM> to extend vertically therefrom. Then, the connecting assembly <NUM> and the seal <NUM> may be inserted through the front of the housing <NUM> and upwardly into the same such that the seal <NUM> is upwardly and slideably connected with the cylindrical portion <NUM> and moved along axis interior to the inner surface <NUM>. The nubs <NUM> are disposed within the arcuate cutout <NUM> to arrest or reduce the likelihood that the seal <NUM> slides downwardly from its disposition within the cylindrical portion.

With the assembly in this position, an installer may mount the assembly <NUM> to the wall <NUM> such that the front <NUM> of the assembly face outward. Then, the installer may connect the clear conduit <NUM> to the seal <NUM> and tighten the connecting member to the bosses 108A,108B to create a seal between seal <NUM> and the outer surface of the cylindrical wall <NUM>. The other end of the conduit may be coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a vacuum source. Recall, the vacuum source may be selectively altered between a vacuum mode and a blower mode. Once assembled and installed, by this exemplary manner, the operator may use the valve <NUM> in accordance with the matter discussed above.

Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

The articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one. " The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if at all), should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above.

Similarly, the terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral" and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features/elements, these features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, a first feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present disclosure. Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "one particular embodiment," or "other embodiments," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various appearances "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "one particular embodiment," or "other embodiments," or the like, are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.

If this specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, that does not mean there is only one of the element.

For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/-<NUM> % of the stated value (or range of values), +/-<NUM> % of the stated value (or range of values), +/-<NUM>% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-<NUM>% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-<NUM>% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

Additionally, any method of performing the present disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that performing some of the steps of the method in a different order could achieve a similar result.

Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures.

As used herein in the specification and claims, the term "preexisting" or "preexisting wall" refers to a wall or wall-like structure that was previously constructed and is complete. The preexisting wall is fully assembly such that the vacuum inlet valve assembly is considered a supplemental device to the constructed wall and it is not installed in the wall during construction thereof. Furthermore, the phrase "exterior to a preexisting wall within a structure" refers to the location of components of the vacuum inlet assembly. For example, "exterior" does not require that the components be outside the building or structure, rather "exterior the preexisting wall" refers to the component being located outside the wall while still within the structure such as in side a room or in a garage (which is in contradistinction to conventional whole-home vacuum systems that are inset in the wall during construction of the structure).

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Claim 1:
A vacuum inlet valve assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having an upper cylindrical portion (<NUM>);
a sleeve seal (<NUM>) disposed within the upper cylindrical portion (<NUM>);
a conduit (<NUM>) coupled with the upper cylindrical portion (<NUM>) and sealed with the sleeve seal (<NUM>);
a lower wall (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) that defines an aperture (<NUM>);
a ball seal (<NUM>) disposed within the aperture (<NUM>) sized to seal an open end of a vacuum hose (<NUM>), wherein the conduit (<NUM>) is made and arranged to retain and house such vacuum hose (<NUM>);
wherein a rear end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) is mountable on a preexisting wall (<NUM>) to dispose the vacuum inlet valve assembly (<NUM>) exterior of the preexisting wall (<NUM>), such that the conduit (<NUM>) is disposed exterior of the preexisting wall (<NUM>);
characterized in that at least a portion of the conduit (<NUM>) is clear to enable a vacuum hose (<NUM>) arranged and housed within the conduit to be viewed.