Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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OUTLET BOX SYSTEM FOR CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS
Field of the invention:
The present invention generally relates to the field of central vacuum
systems.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an outlet box system for
use with a
central vacuum system, to a kit for assembling the same, to a central vacuum
system provided with such an outlet box system and/or resulting assembly, and
to
corresponding methods of assembling and operating associated thereto.
Background of the invention:
Known in the art are central vacuum systems, and the different components
and accessories used therewith, such as retractable hose systems, for example.
For instance, International patent application No. WO 01/24677 Al made
public on April 12th, 2001, relates to a retractable hose central vacuum
cleaning
system. This document describes a central vacuum cleaning system with a
retractable hose having a handle receptacle with a cover that can be closed
when a
handle is removed to prevent airflow through the hose, thereby allowing the
suction
in the vacuum system to aid in retracting the hose into stationery conduit in
walls. In
the preferred embodiment, the conduit includes a portion having a sweeping
radius
adjacent a terminal portion through which the hose retracts. The foot end of
the hose
has an annular seal disposed between the hose and the conduit such that
airflow
past the seal is minimal. The conduit may have a portion with a larger inner
diameter
at a location adjacent the annular seal when the hose is fully retracted. That
permits
substantial airflow between the annular seal and the conduit to clean dirt
from the
outside of the hose when the hose is nearly fully retracted. When the hose is
fully
retracted into the conduit, a portion of the handle receptacle limits
retraction by its
contact with either a wall plate or preferably, the terminal end of the
conduit. The wall
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plate preferably has a hinged cover that hides the handle receptacle when the
hose
is fully retracted. The hinged cover of the wall plate preferably has a
protrusion that
engages a portion of the handle receptacle to move the handle receptacle
partially
out from the terminal portion of the conduit as the hinged cover is opened.
Similarly, International patent application No. WO 2004/108307 A2 made
public on December 16th, 2004, relates to a retractable hose central vaccum
cleaning system and method. This document describes a retractable hose central
vacuum cleaning system comprising a retractable vacuum hose configured to
retract
through a valve assembly, into a system vacuum pipe responsive to the vacuum
communicated from a vacuum source. The valve assembly comprising a static
valve
seal adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create a
substantially air-tight sealed communication between the system vacuum pipe
and
the vacuum hose. The static valve seal being adjustable from a first unsealed
configuration where the vacuum hose can move freely through the valve assembly
and system vacuum pipe, to a second sealed configuration where the vacuum hose
is in sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, and where the vacuum
hose
is substantially fixed in relative position to the valve assembly. Wherein
movement
from first configuration to the second configuration locks the vacuum hose in
place
relative to the valve assembly.
Despite these improvements, there is always a need to continue innovating
and finding better and/or different ways of using central vacuum systems, and
of
using the different components and accessories associated therewith, such as
retractable hose systems, for example.
Summary of the invention:
An object of the present invention is to provide a system which, by virtue of
its
design and components, is intended to satisfy the above-mentioned need and
which
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is thus an improvement over other related devices, systems, assemblies and/or
methods known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as
will
be easily understood from the present description, with an outlet box system
such as
the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the
accompanying drawings.
More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an outlet box system for a central vacuum system, the outlet box
system
comprising:
a casing assembly for operatively mounting onto a given support structure,
the casing assembly having a substantially closed body provided with first and
second ports, the first port being sealingly connectable via piping to the
central
vacuum system, and the second port being configured for allowing a vacuum hose
of
the central vacuum system to extend therethrough and out from the casing
assembly;
a door assembly operatively mountable onto the casing assembly in a
substantially sealed manner, the door assembly being configured for allowing a
user
to selectively have access to an inside portion of the casing assembly; and
a gap-adjustment assembly for adjusting a distance between the door and
casing assemblies, in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface
of the
support structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided an outlet box system comprising a valve assembly module capable of
being
operated independently from the casing assembly, and/or being detachable from
said casing assembly.
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Indeed, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the outlet
box system comprises a valve assembly module removably mountable into the
inside portion of the casing assembly, and having a sealing component through
which the vacuum hose is extendable, the valve assembly module being operable
between a first configuration where the vacuum hose is freely displaceable
through
the sealing component of the valve assembly module, and a second configuration
where the sealing component is urged about the vacuum hose, thereby
substantially
fixing the vacuum hose with respect to the valve assembly module, and creating
a
seal between the vacuum hose and a corresponding tubing component of the
central
vacuum system.
Optionally, the valve assembly module is operable between the first and
second configurations by selectively operating the sealing component between
unchoking and choking modes, wherein in the unchoking mode, a peripheral gap
is
allowed between the vacuum hose and the sealing component, thereby allowing a
suction force of the central vacuum system to pass through both the vacuum
hose
and the sealing component, and wherein in the chocking mode, the sealing
component is urged towards the vacuum hose in order to close said peripheral
gap,
thereby urging the suction force of the central vacuum system to pass by the
vacuum hose.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided an outlet box system comprising a valve assembly module configured so
that the valve assembly is activated via a pulling action, such as by pulling
on a
corresponding handle of the valve assembly, for example.
Indeed, and optionally, the valve assembly module is operated from the first
to
the second configuration by pulling out on a handle of the valve assembly
module,
the handle being operatively connectable to the sealing component via an
actuating
assembly. Optionally also, the actuating assembly comprises an actuating
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component operatively rested against a bottom portion of the sealing
component,
and operable between lowered and raised configurations for selectively
operating
the sealing component between the unchocking and choking modes respectively.
5
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided an outlet box system comprising a valve assembly module configured
such
that when the valve assembly is activated, it automatically activates a
corresponding
actuator button which in turns automatically turns on the vacuum source
associated
with the outlet box system.
Indeed, and optionally, the valve assembly module is configured so that the
actuator button automatically activates the switch into the ON configuration
when the
handle is operated into an extended configuration. Optionally also, the
actuator
button is further configured to remain projecting out, and maintain the switch
in an
ON configuration, when the handle is pushed back into a retracted position
within the
valve assembly module. Optionally also, the actuator button can be pushed back
into
a retracted configuration, either manually and/or by closing an access door of
the
door assembly.
It is worth mentioning that the present invention need not be limited to the
field
of central vacuum systems, and may include all other kinds of objects and/or
applications with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
Therefore, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an outlet box system comprising:
a casing assembly for operatively mounting onto a given support structure;
a door assembly operatively mountable onto the casing assembly in a
substantially closed manner, the door assembly being configured for allowing a
user
to selectively have access to an inside portion of the casing assembly; and
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a gap-adjustment assembly for adjusting a distance between the door and
casing assemblies, in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface
of the
support structure.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
central vacuum cleaning system provided with the above-mentioned outlet box
system.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit
with components for assembling the above-mentioned assembly and/or system.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-
mentioned kit.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or
set.
According yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided
a
method of using the above-mentioned assembly, system, and/or components
thereof.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned assembly, system,
components thereof, kit, set and/or corresponding method(s).
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of
optional embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only,
with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Brief description of the drawings:
Figures 1-40 are different views of various aspects, components and features
of a possible outlet box system (and/or resulting "assembly") and/or different
components thereof, according to preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
Detailed description of optional embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not
unduly
burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been
provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present
invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The
embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions
shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use with
a central vacuum system, and corresponding components and accessories used
therewith, such as retractable hose system and/or the like, for example, it
may be
used with other objects and/or in other types of applications, and/or other
technical
fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason,
expressions such as
"central", "vacuum", "system", "retractable", "hose", "support structure",
etc., used
herein should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention
and
include all other kinds of objects and/or applications with which the present
invention
could be used and may be useful. For example, it will be easily understood
that the
casing assembly of the present system need not be securely mounted onto a
support structure for the present outlet box system in order to be
operational.
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Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "system",
"assembly", "kit", "device", "station", "unit" and "product", as well as any
other
equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art will be
used
interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also
for any
other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "sealingly",
"fluidly",
"air-tight", etc.; b) "adjustably", "selectively", "press-fittingly",
"tighteningly",
"jammingly", "sealingly", "fluidly", etc.; c) "tubing", "piping",
"connection", etc.; d)
"fastener", "clip", "connector", "rivet", "screw", "bolt", "pin", etc.; e)
"seal", "joint", etc.;
as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the
aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional
aspects
of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered
that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or
"centerline", such
as the longitudinal axis of a rod for example, or the centerline of a bore or
an orifice,
for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or
"mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present
invention
also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting
fully
assembled and operational outlet box assembly (and/or a central vacuum
cleaning
system including the same, etc.).
In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, and
although the preferred embodiments of the outlet box system (and/or
corresponding
components, portions thereof) and corresponding parts as shown consist of
certain
geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of
these
components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not
be
taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the
scope of the
present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person
skilled in the
art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as
other
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suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the present outlet box
system
and corresponding parts/components according to the present invention, as will
be
briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person
skilled in
the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
List of numerical references of some corresponding possible components
illustrated
in the accompanying drawings:
1. outlet box system (or "outlet box assembly")
3. central vacuum system
5. casing assembly
7. support structure (ex. wall, floor, etc.)
11. first port (of casing assembly)
13. second port (of casing assembly)
15. piping
17. vacuum hose (ex. "retractable" or "extension" hose)
19. door assembly
21. inside portion (of casing assembly)
23. gap-adjustment assembly
23a. male component (of gap-adjustment assembly)
23b. female component (of gap-adjustment assembly)
25. distance ("or gap")
27. finished surface (of support structure)
29. tube fitting
31. socket (of first port)
33. door framing (of door assembly)
35. groove (of casing assembly)
37. collar (of door assembly)
37a. outer surface (of collar)
37b. inner surface (of collar)
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37c. rim (of collar)
39. tightening flange
41. sealing joint
43. hub portion
5 45. securing orifice (of hub portion)
47. fastener (for hub portion)
49. temporary cover plate
51. visual information
53. projection (of temporary cover plate)
10 55. through-hole (of temporary cover plate)
57. mounting flange
59. mounting component
61. mounting hole (of mounting flange)
63. fastener (for mounting flange)
65. central line indicator (of mounting flange)
67. reinforcement rib
69. outer portion (of casing assembly)
71. access door (of door assembly)
73. pivot support (ex. rod)
75. recessed portion (of door framing)
77. clasping component (of door framing)
79. access port (of door framing)
81. sealing joint (of door assembly)
83. inside portion (of access door)
85. inlet rim (of door framing)
87. reinforcement component (of access door)
89. through-hole (of door framing)
91. valve assembly module
93. sealing component
95. peripheral gap
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97. handle (of valve assembly module)
97a. top sub-portion (of handle)
97b. bottom sub-portion (of handle)
99. actuating assembly
101. actuating component
103. bottom portion (of sealing component)
105. socket (of actuating component)
107. groove (of socket)
109. distal bottom rim (of sealing component)
111. internal socket (of first port)
113. top portion (of sealing component)
115. groove (of internal socket)
117. distal top rim (of sealing component)
119. peripheral groove (of sealing component)
119a. top peripheral groove (of sealing component)
119b. bottom peripheral groove (of sealing component)
119c. central peripheral groove (of sealing component)
121. output fitting
123. pin (of output fitting)
125. biasing path
127. curved inlet (of output fitting)
129. fixed component (of valve assembly module)
129a. top sub-portion (of fixed component)
129b. bottom sub-portion (of fixed component)
131. lower notch (of biasing path)
133. upper notch (of biasing path)
135. through-hole (of fixed component)
137. fastener (for fixed component)
139. securing orifice (for valve assembly module)
141. top inner portion (of casing assembly)
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143. fastener (for sub-portions of fixed component)
145. finger-receiving recess (of fixed component)
147. gripping portion (of handle)
149. fastener (for sub-portions of handle)
151. switch
153. actuator button
155. magnet
157. abutment shoulder
159. resilient component
161. notch
163. wiring
Broadly described, the present outlet box system (1) is intended to be used
with conventional vacuum systems, while providing various advantages with
respect
to what is possible with existing retractable hose central vacuum cleaning
systems,
in that, as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the present
system (1) is
suitable for adapting itself to various types of wall constructions (ex.
drywall, brick,
plaster, etc.), and most importantly, to various wall thicknesses, thereby not
only
facilitating installation of the outlet box system (1) for an improved
finished end
result, but also greatly facilitating the use of the outlet box system (1) by
virtue of its
innovative design and innovative new features.
Namely, according to one general aspect of the present system, there is
provided an outlet box assembly (1) for use with a central vacuum system (3).
The
outlet box assembly (1) may comprise a casing assembly (5) for operatively
mounting onto a given support structure (7), the casing assembly (5) having a
substantially closed body (9) provided with first and second ports (11,13),
the first
port (11) being sealingly connectable via piping (15) to the central vacuum
system
(3), and the second port (13) being configured for allowing a vacuum hose (17)
of
the central vacuum system (3), whether it be a "retractable" hose or an
"extension"
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hose, to extend therethrough and out from the casing assembly (5). The outlet
box
assembly (1) may also comprise a door assembly (19) operatively mountable onto
the casing assembly (5) in a substantially sealed manner, the door assembly
(19)
being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to an inside
portion
(21) of the casing assembly (5), and thus, have access to the vacuum hose
(17), for
example. The outlet box assembly (1) may also comprise a gap-adjustment
assembly (23) for adjusting a distance (25) or "gap" between the door and
casing
assemblies (5,19), in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface
(27) of
the support structure (7), as can be easily understood when referring to
Figures 5
and 6, for example.
Concerning the gap-adjustment assembly (23) of the present system (1), it
may come in various shapes and forms, depending on the applications for which
the
present outlet box assembly (1) is intended for, and the desired end results,
but
according to one possible and straightforward embodiment, it may simply
comprise a
male component (23a) adjustably insertable into a corresponding female
component
(23b). In a possible implementation, the male component (23a) is provided on
the
door assembly (19), and the female component (23b) is provided on the casing
assembly (5). Alternatively, the male component (23a) could be provided on the
casing assembly (5), and the female component (23b) could be provided on the
door
assembly (19). According to yet another possible embodiment, and as can be
easily
understood by a person skilled in the art, the door assembly (19) could be
provided
with both male and female components (23a,23b) operating respectively with
female
and male components (23b,23a) provided on the casing assembly (5), and/or vice
versa. Therefore, the manners in which the gap-adjusting assembly (23) make
express itself according to different possible embodiments of the present
invention
may be very diverse, so long as they enable for an adjustment of a distance
(d1, d2,
etc.) between first and second components provided on the door and casing
assemblies (5,19) respectively, so as to ensure a very nice and smooth finish
of the
door assembly (19) onto the finished surface (27) of the support structure
(7), in
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accordance with the wall thickness (d1, d2, etc.) of said finished surface
(27). Thus,
contrary to conventional systems, the present outlet box assembly (1) is not
limited
to use with drywall only, having a wall thickness of about 0.5 inches or about
5/8
inches, and may be used with wall thicknesses of a much greater range, and
with
various different types of wall constructions, such as brick and plaster, for
example.
Concerning the casing assembly (5) of the present system, the first port (11)
of the casing assembly (5) may be positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a
corresponding tube fitting (29), intended to be sealingly connectable via
piping (15)
to the central vacuum system (3). As shown in Figure 10, for example, the tube
fitting (29) may be insertable into a socket (31) of the first port (11) of
the casing
assembly (5), and secured thereto using an appropriate adhesive (ex. glue),
for
example.
Referring now to Figures 1-10, the second port (13) of the casing assembly
(5) may be positioned, shaped and sized for receiving thereabout a framing
(33) of
the door assembly (19), so that the door assembly (19) be sealingly
connectable to
the inside portion (21) of the casing assembly (5), and according to a
possible
embodiment, the casing assembly (5) comprises a groove (35) extending about
(ex.
adjacent, along, etc.) the second port (13), the groove (35) being positioned,
shaped
and sized for receiving a corresponding collar (37) of the door assembly (19),
which
is one possible form of a "male component" (23a) insertable into a
corresponding
possible form of a "female component" (23b), such as the groove (35), for
example.
According to one possible implementation, the collar (37) of the door
assembly (19) is press-fittingly (ex. adjustably, etc.) insertable (ex.
pushed, jammed,
etc.) into the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5), and has a substantially
rectangular profile, although various other shapes and forms may be
contemplated.
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As better shown in Figures 2 and 5-8, an outer surface (39a) of the collar
(37)
may be provided with tightening flanges (39), but according to an alternative
implementation, an inner surface (37b) the collar (37) could be provided with
such
tightening flanges (39). In some cases, both the outer surface (37a) and the
inner
5 surface (37b) of the collar could be provided with tightening flanges
(39).
As can be easily understood from Figures 1-8, the tightening flanges (39) may
be tapered so as to provide an increased tightening force between the door
assembly (19) and the casing assembly (5) when the collar (37) of the door
10 assembly (19) is removably (ex. press-fittingly, tighteningly,
adjustably, etc.) inserted
(ex. pushed, jammed, etc.) into the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5).
Also, and
as can be easily understood from Figures 7-9, the collar (37) and
corresponding
door assembly (19) can be urged into the groove (35) of the casing assembly
(5) by
using and tightening the corresponding fasteners (47).
The outlet box assembly (1) may also comprise a sealing joint (41) operatively
insertable between the collar (37) of the door assembly (19) and the groove
(35) of
the casing assembly (5), so as to provide a greater seal between the door
assembly
(19) and the casing assembly (5).
According to one possible embodiment, the sealing joint (41) is provided
about (ex. on, adjacent, along, etc.) a rim (37c) of the collar of the door
assembly
(19). Alternatively, the sealing joint (41) may simply be removably insertable
into the
groove (35) of the casing assembly (5).
Concerning another possible aspect of the present system, the outlet box
assembly (1) may also comprise a hub portion (43) extending about the second
port
(13) of the casing assembly (5) and projecting outwardly from a front side of
said
casing assembly (5). According to one possible implementation, the hub portion
(43)
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has a substantially rectangular profile and the groove (35) of the casing
assembly (5)
may extending about (ex. within, near, adjacent, along, etc.) said hub portion
(43).
The hub portion (43) may also comprise at least one securing orifice (45) for
receiving a corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount the door
assembly (19) onto the casing assembly (5). As can be easily understood when
referring to Figures 9, 10 and 37-40, the at least one securing orifice (45)
can also
be used for receiving a corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount
a
temporary cover plate (49) onto the casing assembly (5) prior to the door
assembly
(19) being mounted onto the casing assembly (5).
Even though different fasteners could be used for the door assembly (19) and
for the temporary cover plate (49) respectively, according to a possible
implementation, the corresponding fastener (47) used to securely mount the
temporary cover plate (49) onto the casing assembly (5) and the corresponding
fastener (47) used to securely mount the door assembly (19) onto the casing
assembly (5) are the same fastener (47) provided with the outlet box assembly
(1).
According to an optional embodiment, the temporary cover plate (49) is made
of a color different from that of the casing assembly (5), and the temporary
cover
plate (49) may provide with visual information (51), such as appropriate
warnings, for
example. Indeed, the temporary cover plate (49) is only intended to be used
during
installation of the present outlet box assembly (1) onto a given support
structure (7),
as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 37-40, and thus, during
finishing of said support structure (7), such as for example, when putting up
drywall,
or lying brick, or plastering the wall surface, it is important that the area
covered by
the temporary cover plate (49) remains "exposed". Therefore, according to one
possible embodiment, the temporary cover plate (49) can be made of a bright
warning color, such as yellow, for example, which would contrast that of the
remaining outlet box assembly (1) and the temporary cover plate (49) could be
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provided with corresponding warnings or visual aids so as to remind the user
not to
cover the temporary cover plate (49) during finishing of the support
structure,
whether it be a wall, a floor or any other support structure with which the
present
outlet box system (1) could be used and may be useful.
The temporary cover plate (49) may also be provided with a projection (53) for
facilitating removal of the temporary cover plate (49) from the casing
assembly (5),
and according to a given implementation, the temporary cover plate (49) is
substantially rectangular, and may be provided with four through-holes (55),
with one
through-hole (55) in each corner, for example.
Similarly, the hub portion (43) comprises four securing orifices (45), each
securing orifice (45) being configured for receiving a corresponding fastener
(47)
intended to securely mount the door assembly (19) or the temporary cover plate
(49)
onto the casing assembly (5), and each securing orifice (45) being provided
about a
corresponding corner of the hub portion (43), for example.
According to a possible embodiment, each securing orifice (45) may be a
threaded securing orifice (45) for receiving a corresponding threaded fastener
(47)
therein, and the hub portion (43) may project outwardly from a corresponding
mounting flange (57) of the casing assembly (5).
Indeed, concerning another possible aspect of the present system, the casing
assembly (5) may comprise a mounting flange (57) for mounting the casing
assembly (5) onto a mounting component (59) of the support structure (7), as
can be
easily understood when referring to Figures 37-40.
According to possible embodiments: a) the mounting flange (57) may extend
about the second port (13) of the casing assembly (5); b) the mounting flange
(57)
may have a substantially rectangular profile; c) the mounting flange (57) may
be
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provided with at least one mounting hole (61) for receiving a corresponding
fastener
(63) intended to securely mount the casing assembly (5) onto the mounting
component (59) of the support structure (7); d) the mounting flange (57) may
comprise a central line indicator (65); e) etc.
The outlet box assembly (1) may also comprise reinforcement ribs (67)
extending between the mounting flange (57) and an outer portion (69) of the
body (9)
of the casing assembly (5), in order to provide greater structural soundness
or
"stiffness" to the present system, etc.
Concerning the door assembly (19) of the present system, and as it can be
easily understood when referring to Figures 9 and 10, for example, it may
comprise
an access door (71) selectively operable with respect to a door framing (33)
of the
door assembly (19) between an opened configuration for allowing a user to have
access to the inside portion (21) of the casing assembly (5), and a closed
configuration where the access door (71) is shut against the door framing
(33), so to
create a substantially sealed condition inside the casing assembly (5) when
the door
assembly (19) is operatively mounted onto the casing assembly (5).
The access door (71) may come in various shapes and forms, but according
to one possible embodiment, it is a hinged access door (71) being
substantially
rectangular and pivotably moveable with respect to the door framing (33) via
at least
one pivot support (73), such as a rod, for example, as better illustrated in
Figure 10.
The door framing (33) may comprise a corresponding recessed portion (75)
for receiving therein the access door (71) when operated into the closed
configuration. The door framing (33) may also comprise at least one clasping
component (77) for removably clasping a corresponding component of the access
door (71), and selectively maintaining the access door (71) in the closed
configuration.
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According to some implementations, the door framing (33) comprises an
access port (79) being substantially complementary to the second port (13) of
the
casing assembly (5), and the second port (13) of the casing assembly (5) and
the
access port (79) of the door assembly (19) can be substantially rectangular,
although
other shapes and forms are also contemplated for the present system (1).
As can be easily understood when referring to Figures 9 and 10, the outlet
box assembly (1) may comprise a sealing joint (81) meant to operate between an
inside portion (83) of the access door (71) and an inlet rim (85) of the door
framing
33, in order to ensure a greater seal thereinbetween.
According to the possible embodiments illustrated in the accompanying
drawings: a) the inlet rim (85) of the door framing (33) may be rounded; b)
the inside
portion (83) of the access door (71) may be provided with reinforcement
components
(87); c) the door framing (33) may be substantially rectangular, and provided
with
four through-holes (89), each through-hole (89) being configured for receiving
a
corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount the door framing (33)
onto
the casing assembly (5), and each through-hole (89) being provided about a
corresponding corner area of the door framing (33), for example; d) etc.
Concerning another possible aspect of the present system, the outlet box
assembly (1) comprises a valve assembly module (91) removably mountable into
the
inside portion (21) of the casing assembly (5), and having a sealing component
(93)
through which the vacuum hose (17) is extendable, the valve assembly module
(91)
being operable between a first (ex. "unsealed") configuration where the vacuum
hose (17) is freely displaceable through the sealing component (93) of the
valve
assembly module (91), and a second (ex. "sealed") configuration where the
sealing
component (93) is urged about the vacuum hose (17), thereby substantially
fixing the
vacuum hose (17) with respect to the valve assembly module (91), and creating
a
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seal (ex. a substantially "air-tight" seal, and/or other "appropriate" seal)
between the
vacuum hose (17) and a corresponding tubing component of the central vacuum
system (3).
5 According to one possible embodiment, the valve assembly module (91) is
operable between the first ("unsealed") and second ("sealed") configurations
by
selectively operating the sealing component (93) between unchoking and choking
modes, wherein in the unchoking mode, a peripheral gap (95) is allowed between
the vacuum hose (17) and the sealing component (93), thereby allowing a
suction
10 force of the central vacuum cleaning system (3) to pass through both the
vacuum
hose (17) and the sealing component (93), and wherein in the chocking mode,
the
sealing component (93) is urged towards the vacuum hose (17) in order to close
said
peripheral gap (95), thereby urging the suction force of the central vacuum
system
(3) to pass by the vacuum hose (17), as can be easily understood when
referring to
15 Figures 32 and 33, for example.
In some implementations, the valve assembly module (91) is operated from
the first ("unsealed") to the second ("sealed") configuration by pulling out
on a
handle (97) of the valve assembly module (91), the handle being operatively
20 connectable to the sealing component (93) via an actuating assembly
(99).
According to one possible embodiment, the actuating assembly (99) may
comprise an actuating component (101) operatively rested against a bottom
portion
of the sealing component (103), and operable between lowered and raised
configurations for selectively operating the sealing component (93) between
the
unchocking and choking modes respectively.
In some other implementations, the actuating component (101) may comprise
a socket (105) for receiving therein the bottom portion (103) of the sealing
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component (93), and the socket (105) of the actuating component (101) may
further
comprise a groove (107) for receiving therein a distal bottom rim (109) of the
sealing
component (93).
Similarly, the first port (11) of the casing assembly (5) may be provided with
an internal socket (111) for receiving therein the top portion (113) of the
sealing
component (93), and such an internal socket (111) provided about the first
port (11)
of the casing assembly (5) may comprise a groove (115) for receiving therein a
distal
top rim (117) of the sealing component (93).
According to one possible embodiment, the sealing component (93) is made
of a suitable flexible elastomeric material, and is positioned, shaped and
sized within
the outlet box assembly (1), and provided with a plurality of peripheral
grooves (119),
so as to be operated between the unchoking and choking modes, as can be easily
understood when referring to Figures 34 and 35.
In some implementations, the actuating component (99) comprises and/or
simply consists of an output fitting (121) provided with at least one pin
(123)
engageable with a corresponding biasing path (125) of the handle (97), the pin
(123)
and corresponding output fitting (121) being "vertically" displaceable along
said
biasing path (125) of varying height via a pulling action of the handle (97),
as can be
easily understood when referring to Figures 11-31, for example.
As can be easily understood when referring to Figure 31, the output fitting
(121) may comprise a curved inlet (127) for facilitating displacement of the
vacuum
hose (17) into the output fitting (121) and corresponding valve assembly
module
(91).
According to one possible embodiment of the present system, the handle (97)
is displaceable with respect to a fixed component (129) of the valve assembly
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module (91), and the biasing path (125) of varying height is provided within
the
handle (97), so that a pulling action of the handle (97) urges the actuating
component (99) from a "lowered" to a "raised" configuration.
As better shown in Figure 36, the biasing path (125) may comprise a lower
notch (131) configured to be removably engaged with a corresponding component
(101) of the actuating component when the handle (97) is operated into a fully
retracted configuration, corresponding to the first ("unsealed") configuration
of the
valve assembly module (91), and the biasing path (125) may further comprise an
upper notch (133) configured to be removably engaged with said corresponding
component of the actuating component (101) when the handle (97) is operated
into a
fully extended configuration, corresponding to the second ("sealed")
configuration of
the valve assembly module (91). This is also particularly advantageous with
respect
to conventional systems in that contrary to conventional valve assemblies
where a
lever needs to be typically urged from left to right, which is very strenuous
on the
fingers of a user, the present system (1) only requires a very simple pulling
action of
the handle (97). Also, contrary to conventional systems, where chocking of the
vacuum hose is done by pulling on a lever from left to right, and done in an
"indefinite" or "gradual" manner, the above-mentioned innovative features of
the
present system (1) enables a given user to "know" and "feel" exactly when the
valve
assembly (91) is completely "on" and/or completely "off", in that, the
presence of the
above-mentioned notches (131,133) enables to know when the opposite fixed
configurations (i.e. "on" and "off") have been attained.
Concerning another possible aspect of the present system, the valve
assembly module (91) is independent and/or removably detachable from the
casing
assembly (5), which is also very advantageous for facilitating inspection,
maintenance and/or repair, and according to one possible embodiment, the fixed
component (129) comprises may comprise at least one through-hole orifice (135)
for
receiving a corresponding fastener (137) intended to securely mount the fixed
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component (129) of the valve assembly module (91) onto a corresponding
securing
orifice (139) of a top inner portion (141) of the casing assembly. Optionally
also, the
fixed component (129) may comprise top and bottom sub-portions (129a,129b)
being removably connectable to one another via at least one corresponding
fastener
(143), and in some implementations shown such as the one in Figure 10, the top
and
bottom sub-portions (129a,129b) of the fixed component (129) are removably
connectable to one another via four corresponding fasteners (143), although
various
other connection/affixing possibilities are also contemplated for the present
system
(1).
According to another possible embodiment, and as better shown in Figures
15-31, the handle (97) is substantially U-shaped, and provides a transversal
gripping
portion (147), and thus, the fixed component (129) can be configured for
defining a
transversal finger-receiving recess (145) behind the handle (97) when operated
into
the retracted configuration, as better shown in Figures 15-18 and 31.
Similarly, the
handle (97) may comprise top and bottom sub-portions (97a,97b), and the top
and
bottom sub-portions (97a,97b) of the handle (97) may be removably connectable
to
one another via a pair of corresponding fasteners (149), for example, as also
better
shown in Figure 10, although various other connection/affixing possibilities
are also
contemplated for the present system (1).
Concerning another possible aspect of the present system, the outlet box
assembly (1) comprises a switch (151) electrically connectable via wiring to
the
central vacuum system (3), the switch (151) being operable between ON and OFF
configurations via a corresponding actuator button (153).
According to one possible embodiment, the switch (151) is provided about the
casing assembly (5), and the actuator button (153) is provided about the valve
assembly module (91).
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According to an advantageous embodiment of the present system, the valve
assembly module (91) is configured so that the actuator button (153)
automatically
activates the switch (151) into the ON configuration when the handle (97) is
operated
into an extended configuration. Indeed, contrary to conventional systems where
the
valve assembly and the actuator button need to be operated
independently/separately, for a greater number of resulting manipulation
steps, the
present system (1) enables for the actuator button (153) to be automatically
activated upon activating the valve assembly (91), which is beneficial in that
if a user
is going to be using the valve assembly (91) for affixing a given length of a
retractable hose to be used, for example, he/she will necessarily need to turn
the
system (3) on for activating the vacuum source. Therefore, the present
innovative
valve assembly module (91) with handle (97) and actuator button (153)
cooperating
together in the manner described hereinabove is advantageous in that it
enables to
reduce an additional step which would be normally required with conventional
systems.
In some implementations, the actuator button (153) comprises a magnet
(155), and the switch (151) is automatically turned ON when the magnet (155)
is
aligned with the switch (151) within the outlet box assembly (1), such as,
when the
handle (97) is pulled out, for example.
According to one possible embodiment, the actuator button (153) can be
urged into the ON configuration by means of an abutment shoulder (157) of the
handle (97) being positioned, shaped and sized for pushing against the
actuator
button (153) when the handle (97) is pulled out, as can be easily understood
when
referring to Figure 36.
As can also be easily understood when referring to Figures 11-31, the
actuator button (153) can be further configured to remain projecting out, and
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maintain the switch (151) in an ON configuration, when the handle (97) is
pushed
back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module (91).
In order to achieve such result, and according to one possible embodiment
5 given simply as way of example, as better shown in Figure 36, the
actuator button
(153) may comprise a resilient component (159) engageable with a corresponding
complementary notch (161) provided about an inner wall of the fixed component
(129), so as to maintain the switch (151) in an ON configuration, when the
handle
(97) is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module
(91).
10 Obviously, various the other suitable interactions between the actuator
button (153)
and the fixed component (129) may be employed in order to attain the above-
mentioned feature.
In some implementations, the actuator button (153) is configured so that a
15 retaining force provided by the resilient component (159) engaged into
the
complementary notch (161) of the fixed component (129) is simply overridden by
manually pushing the actuator button (153) back into a retracted
configuration, or as
can be easily understood from Figure 2, by allowing the access door (71) to be
closed onto the outlet box assembly (1), so that said access door (71) pushes
the
20 actuator button (153) back into the retracted configuration.
According to possible embodiments, the switch (151) is lodged inside the
groove (35) of the casing assembly (5), and can be provided with excess wiring
(163) lodged inside the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5).
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
kit with corresponding components for assembling an outlet box system (1) such
as
the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the
accompanying drawings. For example, the casing assembly (5), the door assembly
(19), the gap-adjustment assembly (23), the valve assembly module (91) and/or
any
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other component described herein and/or exemplified in the accompanying
drawing
could be sold separately and/or together.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a
retractable hose central vacuum system provided with at least one outlet box
system
(1) such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified
in the
accompanying drawings.
As may now be better appreciated, the present system (1) is advantageous
over conventional systems in that it may be used with different types of wall
constructions (drywall, brick, plaster, cement, etc.) and can be easily
adapted to
different wall thicknesses (d1, d2, etc.), for a very nice and smooth finish.
The present system (1) is also advantageous over conventional systems in
that the design of its valve assembly module (91) enables the same to be
operated
independently from the casing assembly (5), and also enables the valve
assembly
module (91) to be detachable from said casing assembly (5), which facilitates
inspection, maintenance, servicing and/or repair, if need may be. The present
system is also advantageous in that, unlike conventional systems where a valve
assembly is activated by "pushing" on a lever from "left" to "right" and using
one or
two "extended" fingers, which is strenuous for a user, the valve assembly
module
(91) according to the present system (1) is configured so as to be activated
via a
simple pulling action, such as by pulling on a corresponding handle (97),
which
enables an easier and more ergonomic handling of the valve assembly (91).
The present invention is also advantages in that the valve assembly module
(91) is configured so that when it is activated, it automatically activates a
corresponding actuator button (153) which in turns automatically turns on the
vacuum source associated with the present outlet box system (1). This is
particularly
advantageous with respect to conventional systems where the valve assemblies
and
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corresponding actuator buttons are made to be operated independently and
separately, which translates into various additional manipulation steps.
However,
given that when a user typically uses a valve assembly to secure a retractable
hose
in place within the central vacuum system, it goes without saying that they
are going
to be need to turn on the system in order to activate the suction force
provided by
the vacuum source. Therefore, with the present system (1), by providing a
valve
assembly module (91) which automatically activates the actuator button (153)
when
the valve assembly module (91) is pulled out (for example), manipulation steps
are
considerably reduced for the user with respect to what is required with
conventional
systems, which is very advantageous and convenient.
Also, and as can be appreciated, because the valve assembly module (91) is
configured so as to maintain the actuator button (153) in an ON configuration
when
the handle (97) is pushed back into the system, this is also particularly
advantageous because it is desirable for a user to have the vacuum source
pulling
onto the retractable hose (17), in order to a properly lodge it inside the
corresponding tubing provided inside the wall, for example. Therefore, once
this
latter step is completed, the user may either simply push on the actuator
button
(153) back into the box, so as to turn off the system (3), or may simply allow
the
access door (71) to close onto the box, and this closing of the access door
(71) will
automatically push back the actuator button (153) into the OFF configuration,
further
supporting the different innovative features and associated advantages
resulting
from the design of the present outlet box system (1).
Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the
scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set
forth in
the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with
the
description as a whole.
