CA1037883A - Vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same - Google Patents
Vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1037883A CA1037883A CA237,852A CA237852A CA1037883A CA 1037883 A CA1037883 A CA 1037883A CA 237852 A CA237852 A CA 237852A CA 1037883 A CA1037883 A CA 1037883A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- electrical
- hose
- connectors
- conductor
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B17/00—Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by their form
- H01B17/56—Insulating bodies
- H01B17/58—Tubes, sleeves, beads, or bobbins through which the conductor passes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/246—Hose or pipe couplings with electrical connectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
- F16L11/04—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
- F16L11/11—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with corrugated wall
- F16L11/118—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with corrugated wall having arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. electrically conducting
- F16L11/1185—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with corrugated wall having arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. electrically conducting electrically conducting
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
- F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
- F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
- F24F11/745—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity the air flow rate increasing with an increase of air-current or wind pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F13/00—Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
- F24F13/02—Ducting arrangements
- F24F13/04—Air-mixing units
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F7/00—Ventilation
- F24F7/04—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation
- F24F7/06—Ventilation with ducting systems, e.g. by double walls; with natural circulation with forced air circulation, e.g. by fan positioning of a ventilator in or against a conduit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/005—Electrical coupling combined with fluidic coupling
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/04—Pins or blades for co-operation with sockets
- H01R13/05—Resilient pins or blades
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same is provided. The hose assem-bly comprises a vacuum hose, and a plurality of electrical conductors extending along the vacuum hose with each con-ductor having its opposite ends arranged immediately ad-jacent the opposite ends of the vacuum hose. Electrical connectors are fixed to opposite and portions of each con-ductor with each of the connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot. Each knife-like portion is arranged generally trans-verse to the elongated dimension of the associated end por-tion of its conductor with the conductor and portion wedged between the opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical and electrical connection. A pair of hose connectors are fixed to the opposite ends of the vacuum hose and formed substantially as an integral part thereof and each of the hose connectors has associated electrical connectors embed-ded therein.
A vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same is provided. The hose assem-bly comprises a vacuum hose, and a plurality of electrical conductors extending along the vacuum hose with each con-ductor having its opposite ends arranged immediately ad-jacent the opposite ends of the vacuum hose. Electrical connectors are fixed to opposite and portions of each con-ductor with each of the connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot. Each knife-like portion is arranged generally trans-verse to the elongated dimension of the associated end por-tion of its conductor with the conductor and portion wedged between the opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical and electrical connection. A pair of hose connectors are fixed to the opposite ends of the vacuum hose and formed substantially as an integral part thereof and each of the hose connectors has associated electrical connectors embed-ded therein.
Description
~.037t~l~3 This invention relates to vacuum cleaner hose assembly and methods for making the same.
Vacuum cleaners of the so-called tank or canister type often employ a ~acuum hose assembly which is connected to the tank at one end. At its other end it has a cleaning tool such as, for example, a rotatable cleaning brush, or the like, which is usually powered by an electric motor. It is therefore necessary to provide necessary electrical conductors along the assembly hose. Because -the vaccum cleaner hose industry is such a highly competitive one there is a constant effort being made by hose manufacturers to produce quality hose assemblies with the required electrical conductors and connectors yet at minimum cost.
This invention provides a high quality vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same wherein such hose assembly is particularly adapted for use with a tank or canister type vacuum cleaner and wherein such hose assembly is of simple, economical and safe construction. The hose assembly according to a broad aspect of this invention comprises, a vacuum cleaner hose assembly comprising, an elongated vacuum hose having opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of electrical conductors-extending in a helical pattern along said vacuum hose with each conductor having opposite end portions disposed ' in a helical path about said longitudinal axis and each said opposite end portion being arranged immediately adjacent the associated , opposite end of said vacuum hose, a plurality of electrical connectors each fixed to an associated end portion of each conductor while being disposed substantially ~arallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said electrical connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot, each knife-like portion h being arranged generally transverse the helical path of the associated ' ~ .
Vacuum cleaners of the so-called tank or canister type often employ a ~acuum hose assembly which is connected to the tank at one end. At its other end it has a cleaning tool such as, for example, a rotatable cleaning brush, or the like, which is usually powered by an electric motor. It is therefore necessary to provide necessary electrical conductors along the assembly hose. Because -the vaccum cleaner hose industry is such a highly competitive one there is a constant effort being made by hose manufacturers to produce quality hose assemblies with the required electrical conductors and connectors yet at minimum cost.
This invention provides a high quality vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same wherein such hose assembly is particularly adapted for use with a tank or canister type vacuum cleaner and wherein such hose assembly is of simple, economical and safe construction. The hose assembly according to a broad aspect of this invention comprises, a vacuum cleaner hose assembly comprising, an elongated vacuum hose having opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of electrical conductors-extending in a helical pattern along said vacuum hose with each conductor having opposite end portions disposed ' in a helical path about said longitudinal axis and each said opposite end portion being arranged immediately adjacent the associated , opposite end of said vacuum hose, a plurality of electrical connectors each fixed to an associated end portion of each conductor while being disposed substantially ~arallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said electrical connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot, each knife-like portion h being arranged generally transverse the helical path of the associated ' ~ .
-2- -. . . - ~
, .' ' : , ' : ' .' ' '' '; ', . ~ ' ' ^ ~0378~3 ~nd portion of ils conduc-tor wil.l~ c conduc-Lor (1l(1 ~ortion bciJIg -~wedged between said opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical and electrical connection, and a pair of hose connectors fixed to said opposite ends of said vacuum hose and formed substantially as an integral part thereof, each of said hose connectors having associated ones of said electrical connectors embedded therein and providing the sole support therefor.
By one variant, the electrical conductors include:
a plurality of male electrical connectors, each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in one of said pair of hose connectors; and a plurality of female electrical connectors, each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in the other of said hose connectors; in another variant the electrical conductors comprise a pair of electrical conductors which also serve as reinforc-ing wires for said vacuum hose; in which said electrical connectors ~
include a pair of electrical conductors which also serve as reinforc- -ing wires for said vacuum hose, said electrical connectors include a pair of male electrical connectors arranged in spaced parallel relation and each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in one of said pair of hose connectors and a pair of female electrical connectors arranged in spaced parallel relation and each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in the other of said hose connectors; while in another variant said hose has integral convolutions therein which extend in a helical pattern between said hose connectors; and in yet another variant, each of said ~
electrical conductors also serves as a reinforcing wire for said vacuum ~ . -hose and has its own plastic electrical insulating sleeve therearound and said edges of said knife-like portion of each connector extend through said insulating sleeve and wedge an associated conductor A30 therebetween; and in still another variant, each of the electrical .
-.:, iC~
. ~ :~ , , .
~c onnectors comprise another ]cnif~?-like portion arranged parallel to the first knife~like portion of each connector~ said other knife-like portion also being provided with opposed edges defining sides of a second slot which is arranged in aligned relation with said first-na.med slot, said other knife-like portion also being arranged generally transverse the elongated dimension of the associated end portion, said knife-like portions cooperating to provide a double mechanical and electrical connection of each electrical connector on its associated conductor. . --In still another variant, each of the pair of integral hose connectors is made of a thermoplastic material which provides said sole support for associated electrical connectors as well as electrical insulation therefor; while in another variant the vacuum. hose is made of a thermoplastic material; and in which said hose connectors are made by injection molding, and of a thermoplastic material which is -compatible with the material used to make said vacuum hose.
In still a further variant, the wedging of each conductor between opposed edges of an associated knife-like portion is the sole means holding an electrical connector and conductor together, preferably in which said electrical connectors has a U-shaped portion .
defined by a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs and said :
knife-like portions of each connector comprise the outwardly extending legs thereof and still more preferably in which each of said slots in each knife-like portion is a keyhose~ shaped slot. ~ .
By another aspect of this invention, a method is provided .-for making a vacuum cleaner hose assembly comprising the steps of providing an elongated vacuum hose having opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis, extending a plurality of electrical conductors in a helical pattern along said vacuum hose so that each conductor has . . .
opposite end portions each disposed in a helical path about said .
,~ , -4- .-- 1037~3 longitudinal axis and each said opposi-te end por~ion being arranged immediately adjacent the opposite ends of said vacuum hose~ providing electrical connectors at opposite end portions of each conductor, each of said electrical connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot, arranging each knife-like portion generally transverse the helical path of the associated end portion of its conductor, relatively moving the con- -~
ductor end portion and associated electrical connector together to wedge said conductor end portion between said opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical connection wherein each electrical connector is disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, and form-: ing a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said vacuum hose as an integral part *hereof simultaneously embed associated ones of said electrical connectors therein and thereby provide the sole support for the associated electrical connectors.
By one variant in the step of extending a pair of electrical conductors comprises extending a pair a electrical conductors; and .
in which said step of providing electrical connectors comprises providing a pair of male electrical connectors at one end of said , 20 pair of electrical conductors and a pair of female electrical connect-ors at the opposite end of said pair of electrical conductors; while . -.
in yet another variant bhe step of extending a pair of electrical conductors comprises the step of extending a pair of electrical conductor wires having comparatively high strength in a helical pattern along the vacuum hose, whereby said electrical conductor wires also serve as reinforcing wires substantially preventing collapse of said vacuum hose.
.:~
.; ' 'i.' ,~ ' ~u -~ .
. -5-, - . -'*
- ^` 1037883 By still further variant, the step of providing : a vacuum hose comprises providing a vacuum hose made of a thermoplastic material; and in which ~aid step of forming a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said ~ 5 vacuum hose comprises forming said hose connectors of a - thermoplastic material hwich is compatible with the thermo-plastic material of the vacuum hose and by injection mold-ing process.
In yet another variant, the step of relatively moving the conductor end portion and associated electrical :
connector together comprises moving each electrical con-nector radially outwardly against its conductor end por-tion with a hammer member and against a backup member.
The accompanying drawings show present exemplary embodim~nts of this invention, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view with parts in eleva-tion, parts in cross section, and parts broken away illus-trating a vacuum cleaning apparatus together with an ex-emplary vacuum hose assembly of one aspect of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating a male hose connector and associated male electrical connectors provided at one end of the hose as-sembly;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating alfemale hose connector and associated female electrlcal connectors provided at the opposite end of the hose assembly;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in elevation of one end of a vacuum hose showing the manner in which such hose is cut initially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis;
: .
:. 6 .'' ' .
,, ': :.. '~ .
FIG. 5 is a view similsr to FIG. 4 illustrating the manner in which the vacuum hose and its integral elec-trical conductors are cut further to define the configura-; tion illustrated in FIG. 5;
5 FIG. 6 is a view slmilar to FIG. 5 illustrating a pair of female electrical connectors installed in posi- .
tion at the end of the vacuum hose after cutting thereof as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a view taken essentially on the line 7~
7 of FIG. 6 and illustrating the shorter one of the pair : :
of electrical connectors of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view taXen essentially on the line 8-8 of FIG. 6 and illustrating the longer one of the pair of electrical connectors of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a view taken essentially on the line 9-. .
9 of FIG-. 8;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a comparatively long male electrical connector; ~ . .
FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating .:
a male electrical connector which is shorter in axial length '.~
than the e-lectrical connector of FIG. 10; .. ~ ~i FIG. 12 is a perspective view w~th parts in cross-sectlon, parts in elevation, and parts broken away illustrat~
ing an exemplary semi-automatic machine and certain method .: -~ :
- .
steps of an aspect of this invention which may be used in ::~
- the making of the hose a~sembly of one aspect of this in-vention;
FIG. 13 is a view illustrating method steps and a cutting .:
apparatus, which may comprise the machine of :~
FIG. 12 to cut each end of the associated vacuum hose in ..
''.
.: '`.
"
....
:: 10378~33 the manner shown in FIG. S in one cutting step;
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a connector install-ing apparatus which may comprise the machine of FIG. 12 ; and such apparatus is used to install a pair of female elec-5 trical connectors on associated electrical conductors in ;~
a single step; and FIG. 15 is a p~an v~ew of a lower half of a mold . apparatus which is used to form hose connectors with elec-trical connectors embedded therein at opposite ends of a vacuum hose as an integral part of such vacuum hose to define the hose construction of FIG. 1.
Reference is now being made to FIG. 1 of the draw-. ings which illustrates an exemplary vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaning apparatus which i8 designated generally by the .
reference numeral 25 and which employs one embodiment ofa vacuum cleaner hose assembly of one aspect of this in-vention which is designated generally by the reference ~:.
numeral 26. The apparatus 25 has a canister or tank 27 provided with a suitable vacuum tube 30 extending outwardly from the top portion thereof. The apparatus 25 uses elec-trical power to operate its vacuum unit and in a manner which .. ' i8 well known in the art.
The apparatus 25 has a female electrical recept-acle 31 either mounted on or provided as an integral part ~ 25 of its tank 27 and the receptacle 31 is used to supply ``. power through the hdse assembly 26 of one aspect of this inventlon to an electrical motor 32 comprising the terminal end of a cleaning instrument 33 which is suitably operatively i .
connected at 34 to the hose assembly 26 in accordance with : 30 techniques which are well known in the;art. The apparatus ... ..
.'~ ' ~.
, -8- :
~0378t33 25 has an electrical cord assembly 35 provided with a male ,~ :
fitting 36 and a female fitting 37 and the connector 36 :
is installed within the electrical connector 31 while the connector 37 is suitably electrically connected to the hose ~- -assembly 26 to provide an electrical connection to the hose assembly 26. The apparatus 25 has another electrical cord assembly 40 which has a male connector 41 at one end elec- . -trically connected to the hose assembly 26 and the oppDsite end of the electrical assembly 40 is suitably electrically - .
connected to the motor 32 of the cleaning instrument 33. :
The electrical . ' ' ~ .
:~ :
'~' ~ ''' '- "
, ~.~ ' ~' ' -, ' ,.: :
; ~`.':- ~, :
' :'"' ;, ' .
., "' ..
',' ' '' ' :- ~0378~33 connectors provided at opposite ends of the hose assembly 26 and used to connect the cord assemblies 35 and 40 to the hose assembly 26 will be described in detail subsequently.
;- As seen in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, the hose assembly 26 - S is comprised of a flexible vacuum hose 42 which has a plurality of two wires 43 and 44 provided substantially as an integral -part thereof and as is well known in the art the wires 43 and 44 are dual function wires which serve as reinforcing wires to assure that the vacuum hose 42 may be flexed or bent as required in normal use yet it retains its tubular - configuration throughout without collapse; and, the wires - also serve as electrical conductors. The wires or conduc-tors 43 and 44 are insulated by tubular electrical insulating sleeves 45 and 46 respectively and in this example the wires 15 with their sleeves extend in substantially helical patterns ---- along the hose 42 whereby the hose 42 has helical convolu-- tions along its length.
The hose assembiy 26 has a pair of electrical connec*ors fixed to each of its opposite ends and in this 20 example each wire 43 and 44 has a male connector designated ; by the reference numeral 47 fixed to one thereof and a female connector 48 fixed to its opposite end. The male 5 connectors 47 are electricaily connected to the female ;,. :
fitting 37 of the elçtrical cord assembly 35 and the female x`
25 connectors 48 are suit~bly eiectrically connected to the male connector 41 of the cord asse~bly 4D whereby once the apparatus 25 is suitably connected to an electrical source, power is provided to the female connector 31 and an electrical ;-circuit is completed to the motor 32 through cord assembly 35~ male connectors 47, conductors 43 and 44, female ,. .
, , . :, . , 10 . , , , . ,:
- , ,, - ,,, , : . . - ; . .
:: :
1037t~3 connectors 48, and cord assembly 40. It will be appreciated that, if desired, suitable controls including on-off switches, .
and the like, may be provided at any point in the above-mentioned electrical circuit. ~ -The electrical connectors 47 and 48 are of com~
paratively inexpensive construction and easy.to install with minimum time and effort. The manner in which the electrical .-connectors 47 and 48 are fixed to associated end portions ---- of their conductors 43 and 44 wili be described in detail - .
10 subseauently and unique apparatus and method steps provided : -for this purpose will be described in detail subsequently.
The hose assembly 26 has a pair of hose connectors .:
51 and 52 fixed to its o.pposite ends and each hose connector .
- 51 and 52 is provided essentially as an integral part of the ..
15 vacuum hose 42 in as much as each hose connector is prefer- t ; ably formed or made in position against an associated end : portion of the vacuum hose 42. As shown in FIG. 15, for ex-ample, the opposed end portions of a vacuum hose 42 may have ..
the hose connectors 51 and 52 suitably molded in position there-20 on using injection molding techniques by placing the associated ~:
. end portions 53 and 54 respectively in respective mold cavities 55 and 56 in the lower half 57 of a mold apparatus 58. The end . portions 53 and 54 have their electrical connectors 47 and 48 suitably fixed in position on their conductors 43 and 44 and in ... . .
the showing of FIG. lS Ithe connectors are beneath their assoc~
iated hose end portions and suitably supported and aligned . ,~ .
,-~ by fixtures, as is well known in the art, whereupon the other ~-~
half (not shown) of the mold apparatus 58 is installed in posi- ..
tion and a suitable elasto~eric or plastic material is injected .
. 30 t~rough a channel 60 to define the hose connectors 51 and 52 ...
10378t~3 in a simultaneous manner while simultaneously embedding the electrical connectors 47 and 48 in their respective hose connectors 51 and 52.
The plastic material of the hose connector 51 serves as a matrix for the male connectors 47 which are - positioned so that their terminal outer ends are arranged in coplanar aligned relation,with the plane of the ends being parallel to a plane coinciding with the end of the hose connector 51. The pins 47 are embedded in a protected position as indicated at 62 in FIG. 2 while being readily accessible through an access opening 63. Similarly, the female connectors 48 are arranged in aligned parallel -- relation with their terminal ends in a plane which is sub-stantially parallel with a plane coinciding with the end of the hose connector 52. The female connectors 48 are . embedded so that the elastomeric material of connector 52 -~ serves as a matrix for the connectors 48. The plastic material of the hose connectors 51 and 52 provides the sole ~upport for the electrical connectors 47 and 48 respectively.
F~rther, it will be seen that the end of connector 51 is adopted to be received within the vacuum tube 30 while the -~
cleaning instrument 33 has an end 64 which is adopted to be received in connector 52.
Having described the vacuum cleaner hose assembly 25 26 and associated components the detailed description will 'T .
now proceed with a description of the unique electrical -~
connectors 47 and 48 provided at opposite ends of the vacuum cleaner hose assembly 26 and the female connectors will be described first making particular reference to FIGS. 6-9 of the drawings.
- : .
';.,:
, ': `'- ~:. ' '.
r ` 1037883 Each female electrical connector i~ designated by the reference numeral 48 although one connector, the ~: connector of FIG. 7, has a shorter axial length than the connector of FIG. 8. Different length connectors 48 are required and as will be readily apparent from FIG. 6. In particular, the increased length of one female connector 48 is necessary to take into account the spacing between ~ :
the helically wound conductors 43 and 44 and such spacing is indicated at 6~ in FIG. 6. This length is taken into account by providing an added length in the central portion of the longer electrical female connector 48 of FIG. 8 ~ whereby the detailed description will now proceed with the remaining portions of each female connector electrical which are substantially identical. -... 15 Each connector 48 is preferably made of a single- -~
. piece or sheet of electrically conductive material (see FI6S. 7-9)-and so that it has a tubular end 66 which is adopted to receive an associated electrical pin therein, , and an approximately ~-shaped attaching portion 70 with 20 the U-shaped portion 70 being defined by a bight 71 ad- ~ .
. joined at its opposite ends by a pair of knife-like portions each designated by the same reference numeral 72.
Each knife-like portion 72 is a double-thic~ness ~ -~` portion provided with opposed double thickness ed~es 73 : .
defining sides of a slo~ 74,and, as will be readily apparent from FIG. 6 each knife-like portion 72 is arranged generally transverse the elongated dimension of the associated end portion of its electrical conductor or wire 43 or 44 with - :
; an exposed part of the wire end portion being wedged between . .
s; 30 the opposed edges 73 to proYide a firm mechanical and r`
'.
13- ;
. ' ~ - - ` : . .. - ~ ,- - :~, ~03788~
electrical connection. The dimension of the lower portion of the slot 74 is such that once a connector 47 is install-ed in position its knife-like portions 72 serve to cut through the insulating sleeve, either 45 or 46 depending upon whether the conductor 43 or 44 is being cut, and provide metal-to-metal contact as shown at 75 in FIGS. 7 and 8.
The slot 74 in this exa~ple is in the form of a ; keyhole shaped slot having a subs$antially circular upper portion 76 and a lower portion provided with flared surface portions 77 each of which adjoins an associated double thickness edge portion 73 whereby either sleeve insulated conductor 43 or 44 may be easily positioned along a surface .
- 77 which acts as cam surface or ramp toward edge portions 73. Once the wire or conductor is ~orcefully urged toward the large portion 76 the opposed edges 73 serve as knives cutting the insulating sleeve, either 4~ or 46, exposing the associated wire to provide the firm mechanical and -electrical connection. The conductor wire is then further pushed within the enlarged portion 76 of the slot, which is 20 shown enlarged in an exaggerated manner in this example, ~ -whereby the wire is, in essence, trapped and held within -portion 76. ~ -Having described the female electrical connectors 48 the description willlnow proceed with a detailed descrip-- 25 tion of the male electrical connectors illustrated in FIGS.
10 and 11. The connectors of FIGS. 10 and 11 are substant-ially identical to the female electrical connectors 48 with the exception that instead of each connector 47 having a tubular end for receiving a connector pin therewithin each connector 47 has an end 80 in the form of a pin with the ' , 10378~}3 pin 80 having a rounded end 81 which may have a central opening 82 therein which enables easier fabrication there-of. Each male electrical connector 47 a~so has a central transition portion 67 similar to the transition portion 5 67 of each female electrical connector 48 with the conn-- ectors 4~ of FIGS. 10 and 11 having different lengths for similar reasons as the female connectors 48 of FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively. Each male connector 47 also has a U-shaped portion 70 with its bight 71 and double-thickness knife-like portions 72 provided with slots 74, edge portions 73,as well as the other componen~ portions of the U-shaped portion 70.
It will also be appreciated that each electrical connector 47 or 48 instead of having a double thickness knife-like ?ortion 72 may be prosrided wi.h a single thicX-ness portion, as desired. Indeed the edge portions 73 of such single thickness knife-like portions may be sharp knife edges to facilitate cutting into the electrical in-sulating sleeve as well as providing partial cutt~ng into the solid electrical conductor therebeneath.
The vacuum hose 42 of the hose assembly 26 ~ay be made utilizing any suitable technique known in the art and in this example the vacuum hose 42 is shown having a helical outer surface defined by outwardly convex helical convolutions having thelsupporting and conductor wires 43 r and 44 therein. The vacuu~ hose 42 is then cut as will now be described to enable easy installation of the connectors -47 and 43.
In particular, opposed ends of a given desired length of hose are first cut so that each terminal end '' , ' .
-15- ~
, , . . ~
' ~
10378~33 thereof has an edge 83 which lies in a plane which i5 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 85 of such vacuum hose 42 and as shown in FIG. ~. The end o~ t~e vacuum hose after having been cut as shown in ~I6. 4 is then cut S as is illustrated in FIG. 5 so that its outside edge has a unique configuration as illustrated at 86 in ~IG. S and includes a pair of cutouts 87 and 88. With the cut end of the hose 42 as shown in FI6. 5 an outermost wire 44 is arranged with its end further auay from the longitudinal axis 85 while the end of an adjacen$ turn of the wire 43 is closer to the axis or center line 85. This arrangement ;is provided so that upon fixing the shorter female electrical ~-connector 48 on wire 44 and the longer electrical connector 48 on the wire 43 as shown in FI~. ~ the terminal ends of ; 15 the electrical connectors are in ali~ned relation.
The female electrical connectors are suitably ~
installed in position by forcing or urging each connector ~ -48 against its associated conductor wire while suitably backing up the wire so that the forcing action results in ~20 simultaneous cutting through the sleeve around the conductor .
;wire while providing the firm mechanical and electrical ~
,, . :
contact defined by edge portions 73 enga~ing the diametrically oppQsed surfaces of conductor wire as explained earlier.
:Thus, it is seen that this technique does not .
require soldering, twislting of wire end portions to~ether~
use of special connectors, or the li~e, yet provides a mechanical and electrical connection of high structural strength and optimum electrical conductivity. In addition, once the hose connectors 51 and 52 are suitably formed or -molded into position against opposite end portions of the ., `
- : , ' :. , .: .
. . .
'. ' 1(~37883 vacuum hose 42 the electrical connectors 47 and 48 are supported in a plastic matrix and the plastic surrounds while being in intimate contact with 'he connector parts which are to be supported thereby assuring that the elec-trical and mechanical connection is maintained throughoutthe entire life of the hose assembly 26.
The above detailed description has been made with particular reference to the installation of female elec-trical connectors 48 on the terminal ends of the electrical conductor wires 43 and 44. However, it will be appreciated that substantially tXe same procedure is used in installing the male electrical connectors 47 in position whereby the vacuum hose 42 would be cut in a similar manner as shown in FIGS. 4 and S and the male electrical connectors 47 then ~ -15 suitably installed in position and in a similar manner as ~-shown in FIG. 6.
It will be appreciated that the installation of connectors 47 and 48 on conductors 43 and 44 is achieved -by arranging each elongated connector 47 or 48 transverse the length of the conductor and pushing or forcing wire and connector together. ~
~he cutting of the end as shown in FIG. S may be ~ -achieved manually in a plurality of steps and likewise installation of each electrical connector 47 or 48, as shown in FIG. 6 for con~ector 48, may be achieved manually or in a series of steps. Preferably, cutting and installa-tion is achieved either automatically or semi-automatically.
For example, FIG. 12 of the drawings illustrates an exemplary semi-automatic apparatus or machine 9S a part of which may be used to cut the opposite ends of a predetermined length ; - ' ~'~ .-.
~. . , : .
: . : ~ . - - ~ -10378~3 of vacuum hose 42 as shown in FIG. S after having first cut such opposite ends square as illustrated in FIG. 4.
The cutting action may be achieved in a simul-- taneous manner by a guillotine type cutting device 96, as S shown in FIG. 13, and which employs a central mandrel 97 and a pair of saddle-shaped cutters 98 (shown schematically) which are actuated by suitable actuating rod& 99 and in one simultaneous stroke cut on end of the vacuum hose 42 to -define the configuration illustrated in FIG. S. The machine ; 10 9S has a pair of devices 96 provided therein on the left side thereof as shown at 100 whereby both ends of a length ' of hose 42 after having been cut as shown in FIG. 4 are slipped over mandrels 97 and cut simultaneously upon actuat~
ing a foot pedal (not shown) of the machine 9S. -It will be appreciated that each mandrel 97 is preferably made of a suitable material, which is a hard '~
plastic material, which may be repeatedly engaged a large number of times by the special configuration cuttèrs 98 without damage to such cutters and minimum wear while `
providing the required back-up of the hose 42 to facilitate cutting to define the cut configuration shown in FIG. 5 in both ends of the hose 42.
With each end of the vacuum hose 42 cut as shown in FIG. S the electrical connectors 47 and 48 may then be suitably installed there,on with a pair of connectors 47, (i.e., a short and a long connector) at one end of the hose 42 and a pair of connectors 48 tagain a short and a long connector 48) at the opposite end.
The machine 9S provides simultaneous installation ~
: 30 of a long and short female connector 48 at one end of the -~. ~
,' ' ' ' ' " ' ,~ . :- .
8_ - ~ -: - . - , . .
10378~33 vacuum hose 42 as shown at 102 and simultaneous installation of a long and short male connector 47 in the opposite end ,- of the vacuum hose 42 as sho~m at 103.
' The female connectors 48 are fed through a two ,; 5 compartment conduit 105 at the rear of the machine 95 in : spaced parallel relation and in ribbon-like form with the .,~ short female connectors 48 being attached on one ribbon 106 ', and the long female connectors being attached on the opposite . .
ribbon 107. Similarly, the male electrical connectors 47 ' 10 are fed through a two compartment conduit 110 at the rear of the ~achine 95 in spaced parallel relation and in ribbon- -_ ~ ::: like form with the short male connectors 47 being attached :~
., to one ribbon 111 and the long connectors attached on an ~,' associated ribbon 112. : -;~ 15 The machine 95 operates to install the two female . . .~
:,' connectors 48 at one end of hose 42 and the two male connectors 47 at the opp~site end of hose 42 in a substantially simultaneous .,, manner using a pair of ins'talling devices 113 as shown in FIG. 14.
Upon placing the opposed ends of the vacuum hose 42, , 20 cut as shown in FIG. 5, in position with,in the apparatus 95 as illustrated at 103 the devices 113 are simultaneously turned on. Accordingly, each device 113 has a hammer member 114 which is relatively urged toward a backup member 115, after '- , ' the ribbons have positioned or interposed their associated ~;~ 2S connectors 47 or 48 betwefn hammer 114 and anvil 115.
.', A device 113 is provided for installing a pair of female connectors 4B and a similar device is provided for : installing a pair of male connectors 47 and it will be ~, ,.. , appreciated that either member 114 or 115 or both may be '' 30 moved to provide the installing action of shoving the elec- ' . . .
"
. . , . .
. . : : - .
10;~7t~3 trical connectors around their conductor wires.
After simultaneous installation of a plurality of four connectors (47 at one end of hose 42 and 48 at the opposite end) the opposed hose ends are positioned in accor-dance with techniques known in the art in the mold of FIG. 15, as explained earlier, to define hose connectors Sl and 52. ;
It will be appreciated that the machine 9S isprovided with suitable electrical power and suitable means to operate its devices 96 and 113. Further, the machine 9S
has suitable switches, controls, etc. as required to operate the machine 95.
The vacuum hose 42 comprising the hose assembly -26 of this invention is preferably made of any suitable material which may be in the form of a flexible plastic material. Further, while any suitable plastic material may be used to define the hose connectors 51 and 52 at opposite ¦~
ends of the hose assembly 42 a thermoplastic material such l~
:- a~. for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and the like, i8 pre- ~:
ferably utilized. In addition, the thermoplastic material s 20 is preferably molded in position by injection molding to the hose connectors as well as embed the associated elec-trical connectors in position.
The thermoplastic material used to define the hose connectors 51 and 52 should be compatible with the flexible plastic material comprisyng the vacuum hose 42 to thereby assure that the hose connectors are formed at opposite ends of the vacuum hose essentially as an integral part thereof.
It will also be appreciated that the electrical insulating ~leeves 45 and 46 on the electrical conductors 43 and 44 are also made of a suitable plastic material which is compatible '. ': ' , ' ~
.~ 10378~3 with the plastic material of both the vacuum hose 42 and connectors 51 and 52.
In this disclosure of the invention in its various aspects the hose assembly 26 is shown as having a male hose connector 51 at one end provided with male electrical con-, nectors and a female connector 52 at its opposite end pro-vided with female electrical connectors. However, it will be appreciated that the concept of this invention in its various aspects utilizing the unique electrical connectors 47 and 48 may be used to provide an improved vacuum cleaner ~: hsoe assembly similar to the hose assembly 26, but which may have male hose connectors at both ends, female hoæe connectors at both ends, and the like, and the electrical -; connectors provided on each of these assemblies will be selected as required in accordance wlth standard safe prac-tices in the industry.
In this disclosure each electrical connector 47 or 48 has a U-shaped portion 70 provided with a bight 71 and a pair of knife-like portions 72; however, it will be , -.
appreciated that each connector 47 or 48 may be modified so that only a single knife-like attaching portion 72 is ~ provided and has a slot 74, edge portions, etc., as desired.
:., - , , . . : , , . ' ~' , .
., . .~
-
, .' ' : , ' : ' .' ' '' '; ', . ~ ' ' ^ ~0378~3 ~nd portion of ils conduc-tor wil.l~ c conduc-Lor (1l(1 ~ortion bciJIg -~wedged between said opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical and electrical connection, and a pair of hose connectors fixed to said opposite ends of said vacuum hose and formed substantially as an integral part thereof, each of said hose connectors having associated ones of said electrical connectors embedded therein and providing the sole support therefor.
By one variant, the electrical conductors include:
a plurality of male electrical connectors, each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in one of said pair of hose connectors; and a plurality of female electrical connectors, each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in the other of said hose connectors; in another variant the electrical conductors comprise a pair of electrical conductors which also serve as reinforc-ing wires for said vacuum hose; in which said electrical connectors ~
include a pair of electrical conductors which also serve as reinforc- -ing wires for said vacuum hose, said electrical connectors include a pair of male electrical connectors arranged in spaced parallel relation and each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in one of said pair of hose connectors and a pair of female electrical connectors arranged in spaced parallel relation and each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in the other of said hose connectors; while in another variant said hose has integral convolutions therein which extend in a helical pattern between said hose connectors; and in yet another variant, each of said ~
electrical conductors also serves as a reinforcing wire for said vacuum ~ . -hose and has its own plastic electrical insulating sleeve therearound and said edges of said knife-like portion of each connector extend through said insulating sleeve and wedge an associated conductor A30 therebetween; and in still another variant, each of the electrical .
-.:, iC~
. ~ :~ , , .
~c onnectors comprise another ]cnif~?-like portion arranged parallel to the first knife~like portion of each connector~ said other knife-like portion also being provided with opposed edges defining sides of a second slot which is arranged in aligned relation with said first-na.med slot, said other knife-like portion also being arranged generally transverse the elongated dimension of the associated end portion, said knife-like portions cooperating to provide a double mechanical and electrical connection of each electrical connector on its associated conductor. . --In still another variant, each of the pair of integral hose connectors is made of a thermoplastic material which provides said sole support for associated electrical connectors as well as electrical insulation therefor; while in another variant the vacuum. hose is made of a thermoplastic material; and in which said hose connectors are made by injection molding, and of a thermoplastic material which is -compatible with the material used to make said vacuum hose.
In still a further variant, the wedging of each conductor between opposed edges of an associated knife-like portion is the sole means holding an electrical connector and conductor together, preferably in which said electrical connectors has a U-shaped portion .
defined by a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs and said :
knife-like portions of each connector comprise the outwardly extending legs thereof and still more preferably in which each of said slots in each knife-like portion is a keyhose~ shaped slot. ~ .
By another aspect of this invention, a method is provided .-for making a vacuum cleaner hose assembly comprising the steps of providing an elongated vacuum hose having opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis, extending a plurality of electrical conductors in a helical pattern along said vacuum hose so that each conductor has . . .
opposite end portions each disposed in a helical path about said .
,~ , -4- .-- 1037~3 longitudinal axis and each said opposi-te end por~ion being arranged immediately adjacent the opposite ends of said vacuum hose~ providing electrical connectors at opposite end portions of each conductor, each of said electrical connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot, arranging each knife-like portion generally transverse the helical path of the associated end portion of its conductor, relatively moving the con- -~
ductor end portion and associated electrical connector together to wedge said conductor end portion between said opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical connection wherein each electrical connector is disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, and form-: ing a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said vacuum hose as an integral part *hereof simultaneously embed associated ones of said electrical connectors therein and thereby provide the sole support for the associated electrical connectors.
By one variant in the step of extending a pair of electrical conductors comprises extending a pair a electrical conductors; and .
in which said step of providing electrical connectors comprises providing a pair of male electrical connectors at one end of said , 20 pair of electrical conductors and a pair of female electrical connect-ors at the opposite end of said pair of electrical conductors; while . -.
in yet another variant bhe step of extending a pair of electrical conductors comprises the step of extending a pair of electrical conductor wires having comparatively high strength in a helical pattern along the vacuum hose, whereby said electrical conductor wires also serve as reinforcing wires substantially preventing collapse of said vacuum hose.
.:~
.; ' 'i.' ,~ ' ~u -~ .
. -5-, - . -'*
- ^` 1037883 By still further variant, the step of providing : a vacuum hose comprises providing a vacuum hose made of a thermoplastic material; and in which ~aid step of forming a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said ~ 5 vacuum hose comprises forming said hose connectors of a - thermoplastic material hwich is compatible with the thermo-plastic material of the vacuum hose and by injection mold-ing process.
In yet another variant, the step of relatively moving the conductor end portion and associated electrical :
connector together comprises moving each electrical con-nector radially outwardly against its conductor end por-tion with a hammer member and against a backup member.
The accompanying drawings show present exemplary embodim~nts of this invention, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view with parts in eleva-tion, parts in cross section, and parts broken away illus-trating a vacuum cleaning apparatus together with an ex-emplary vacuum hose assembly of one aspect of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating a male hose connector and associated male electrical connectors provided at one end of the hose as-sembly;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view illustrating alfemale hose connector and associated female electrlcal connectors provided at the opposite end of the hose assembly;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in elevation of one end of a vacuum hose showing the manner in which such hose is cut initially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis;
: .
:. 6 .'' ' .
,, ': :.. '~ .
FIG. 5 is a view similsr to FIG. 4 illustrating the manner in which the vacuum hose and its integral elec-trical conductors are cut further to define the configura-; tion illustrated in FIG. 5;
5 FIG. 6 is a view slmilar to FIG. 5 illustrating a pair of female electrical connectors installed in posi- .
tion at the end of the vacuum hose after cutting thereof as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a view taken essentially on the line 7~
7 of FIG. 6 and illustrating the shorter one of the pair : :
of electrical connectors of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view taXen essentially on the line 8-8 of FIG. 6 and illustrating the longer one of the pair of electrical connectors of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a view taken essentially on the line 9-. .
9 of FIG-. 8;
FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a comparatively long male electrical connector; ~ . .
FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating .:
a male electrical connector which is shorter in axial length '.~
than the e-lectrical connector of FIG. 10; .. ~ ~i FIG. 12 is a perspective view w~th parts in cross-sectlon, parts in elevation, and parts broken away illustrat~
ing an exemplary semi-automatic machine and certain method .: -~ :
- .
steps of an aspect of this invention which may be used in ::~
- the making of the hose a~sembly of one aspect of this in-vention;
FIG. 13 is a view illustrating method steps and a cutting .:
apparatus, which may comprise the machine of :~
FIG. 12 to cut each end of the associated vacuum hose in ..
''.
.: '`.
"
....
:: 10378~33 the manner shown in FIG. S in one cutting step;
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a connector install-ing apparatus which may comprise the machine of FIG. 12 ; and such apparatus is used to install a pair of female elec-5 trical connectors on associated electrical conductors in ;~
a single step; and FIG. 15 is a p~an v~ew of a lower half of a mold . apparatus which is used to form hose connectors with elec-trical connectors embedded therein at opposite ends of a vacuum hose as an integral part of such vacuum hose to define the hose construction of FIG. 1.
Reference is now being made to FIG. 1 of the draw-. ings which illustrates an exemplary vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaning apparatus which i8 designated generally by the .
reference numeral 25 and which employs one embodiment ofa vacuum cleaner hose assembly of one aspect of this in-vention which is designated generally by the reference ~:.
numeral 26. The apparatus 25 has a canister or tank 27 provided with a suitable vacuum tube 30 extending outwardly from the top portion thereof. The apparatus 25 uses elec-trical power to operate its vacuum unit and in a manner which .. ' i8 well known in the art.
The apparatus 25 has a female electrical recept-acle 31 either mounted on or provided as an integral part ~ 25 of its tank 27 and the receptacle 31 is used to supply ``. power through the hdse assembly 26 of one aspect of this inventlon to an electrical motor 32 comprising the terminal end of a cleaning instrument 33 which is suitably operatively i .
connected at 34 to the hose assembly 26 in accordance with : 30 techniques which are well known in the;art. The apparatus ... ..
.'~ ' ~.
, -8- :
~0378t33 25 has an electrical cord assembly 35 provided with a male ,~ :
fitting 36 and a female fitting 37 and the connector 36 :
is installed within the electrical connector 31 while the connector 37 is suitably electrically connected to the hose ~- -assembly 26 to provide an electrical connection to the hose assembly 26. The apparatus 25 has another electrical cord assembly 40 which has a male connector 41 at one end elec- . -trically connected to the hose assembly 26 and the oppDsite end of the electrical assembly 40 is suitably electrically - .
connected to the motor 32 of the cleaning instrument 33. :
The electrical . ' ' ~ .
:~ :
'~' ~ ''' '- "
, ~.~ ' ~' ' -, ' ,.: :
; ~`.':- ~, :
' :'"' ;, ' .
., "' ..
',' ' '' ' :- ~0378~33 connectors provided at opposite ends of the hose assembly 26 and used to connect the cord assemblies 35 and 40 to the hose assembly 26 will be described in detail subsequently.
;- As seen in FIGS. 1-3 and 6, the hose assembly 26 - S is comprised of a flexible vacuum hose 42 which has a plurality of two wires 43 and 44 provided substantially as an integral -part thereof and as is well known in the art the wires 43 and 44 are dual function wires which serve as reinforcing wires to assure that the vacuum hose 42 may be flexed or bent as required in normal use yet it retains its tubular - configuration throughout without collapse; and, the wires - also serve as electrical conductors. The wires or conduc-tors 43 and 44 are insulated by tubular electrical insulating sleeves 45 and 46 respectively and in this example the wires 15 with their sleeves extend in substantially helical patterns ---- along the hose 42 whereby the hose 42 has helical convolu-- tions along its length.
The hose assembiy 26 has a pair of electrical connec*ors fixed to each of its opposite ends and in this 20 example each wire 43 and 44 has a male connector designated ; by the reference numeral 47 fixed to one thereof and a female connector 48 fixed to its opposite end. The male 5 connectors 47 are electricaily connected to the female ;,. :
fitting 37 of the elçtrical cord assembly 35 and the female x`
25 connectors 48 are suit~bly eiectrically connected to the male connector 41 of the cord asse~bly 4D whereby once the apparatus 25 is suitably connected to an electrical source, power is provided to the female connector 31 and an electrical ;-circuit is completed to the motor 32 through cord assembly 35~ male connectors 47, conductors 43 and 44, female ,. .
, , . :, . , 10 . , , , . ,:
- , ,, - ,,, , : . . - ; . .
:: :
1037t~3 connectors 48, and cord assembly 40. It will be appreciated that, if desired, suitable controls including on-off switches, .
and the like, may be provided at any point in the above-mentioned electrical circuit. ~ -The electrical connectors 47 and 48 are of com~
paratively inexpensive construction and easy.to install with minimum time and effort. The manner in which the electrical .-connectors 47 and 48 are fixed to associated end portions ---- of their conductors 43 and 44 wili be described in detail - .
10 subseauently and unique apparatus and method steps provided : -for this purpose will be described in detail subsequently.
The hose assembly 26 has a pair of hose connectors .:
51 and 52 fixed to its o.pposite ends and each hose connector .
- 51 and 52 is provided essentially as an integral part of the ..
15 vacuum hose 42 in as much as each hose connector is prefer- t ; ably formed or made in position against an associated end : portion of the vacuum hose 42. As shown in FIG. 15, for ex-ample, the opposed end portions of a vacuum hose 42 may have ..
the hose connectors 51 and 52 suitably molded in position there-20 on using injection molding techniques by placing the associated ~:
. end portions 53 and 54 respectively in respective mold cavities 55 and 56 in the lower half 57 of a mold apparatus 58. The end . portions 53 and 54 have their electrical connectors 47 and 48 suitably fixed in position on their conductors 43 and 44 and in ... . .
the showing of FIG. lS Ithe connectors are beneath their assoc~
iated hose end portions and suitably supported and aligned . ,~ .
,-~ by fixtures, as is well known in the art, whereupon the other ~-~
half (not shown) of the mold apparatus 58 is installed in posi- ..
tion and a suitable elasto~eric or plastic material is injected .
. 30 t~rough a channel 60 to define the hose connectors 51 and 52 ...
10378t~3 in a simultaneous manner while simultaneously embedding the electrical connectors 47 and 48 in their respective hose connectors 51 and 52.
The plastic material of the hose connector 51 serves as a matrix for the male connectors 47 which are - positioned so that their terminal outer ends are arranged in coplanar aligned relation,with the plane of the ends being parallel to a plane coinciding with the end of the hose connector 51. The pins 47 are embedded in a protected position as indicated at 62 in FIG. 2 while being readily accessible through an access opening 63. Similarly, the female connectors 48 are arranged in aligned parallel -- relation with their terminal ends in a plane which is sub-stantially parallel with a plane coinciding with the end of the hose connector 52. The female connectors 48 are . embedded so that the elastomeric material of connector 52 -~ serves as a matrix for the connectors 48. The plastic material of the hose connectors 51 and 52 provides the sole ~upport for the electrical connectors 47 and 48 respectively.
F~rther, it will be seen that the end of connector 51 is adopted to be received within the vacuum tube 30 while the -~
cleaning instrument 33 has an end 64 which is adopted to be received in connector 52.
Having described the vacuum cleaner hose assembly 25 26 and associated components the detailed description will 'T .
now proceed with a description of the unique electrical -~
connectors 47 and 48 provided at opposite ends of the vacuum cleaner hose assembly 26 and the female connectors will be described first making particular reference to FIGS. 6-9 of the drawings.
- : .
';.,:
, ': `'- ~:. ' '.
r ` 1037883 Each female electrical connector i~ designated by the reference numeral 48 although one connector, the ~: connector of FIG. 7, has a shorter axial length than the connector of FIG. 8. Different length connectors 48 are required and as will be readily apparent from FIG. 6. In particular, the increased length of one female connector 48 is necessary to take into account the spacing between ~ :
the helically wound conductors 43 and 44 and such spacing is indicated at 6~ in FIG. 6. This length is taken into account by providing an added length in the central portion of the longer electrical female connector 48 of FIG. 8 ~ whereby the detailed description will now proceed with the remaining portions of each female connector electrical which are substantially identical. -... 15 Each connector 48 is preferably made of a single- -~
. piece or sheet of electrically conductive material (see FI6S. 7-9)-and so that it has a tubular end 66 which is adopted to receive an associated electrical pin therein, , and an approximately ~-shaped attaching portion 70 with 20 the U-shaped portion 70 being defined by a bight 71 ad- ~ .
. joined at its opposite ends by a pair of knife-like portions each designated by the same reference numeral 72.
Each knife-like portion 72 is a double-thic~ness ~ -~` portion provided with opposed double thickness ed~es 73 : .
defining sides of a slo~ 74,and, as will be readily apparent from FIG. 6 each knife-like portion 72 is arranged generally transverse the elongated dimension of the associated end portion of its electrical conductor or wire 43 or 44 with - :
; an exposed part of the wire end portion being wedged between . .
s; 30 the opposed edges 73 to proYide a firm mechanical and r`
'.
13- ;
. ' ~ - - ` : . .. - ~ ,- - :~, ~03788~
electrical connection. The dimension of the lower portion of the slot 74 is such that once a connector 47 is install-ed in position its knife-like portions 72 serve to cut through the insulating sleeve, either 45 or 46 depending upon whether the conductor 43 or 44 is being cut, and provide metal-to-metal contact as shown at 75 in FIGS. 7 and 8.
The slot 74 in this exa~ple is in the form of a ; keyhole shaped slot having a subs$antially circular upper portion 76 and a lower portion provided with flared surface portions 77 each of which adjoins an associated double thickness edge portion 73 whereby either sleeve insulated conductor 43 or 44 may be easily positioned along a surface .
- 77 which acts as cam surface or ramp toward edge portions 73. Once the wire or conductor is ~orcefully urged toward the large portion 76 the opposed edges 73 serve as knives cutting the insulating sleeve, either 4~ or 46, exposing the associated wire to provide the firm mechanical and -electrical connection. The conductor wire is then further pushed within the enlarged portion 76 of the slot, which is 20 shown enlarged in an exaggerated manner in this example, ~ -whereby the wire is, in essence, trapped and held within -portion 76. ~ -Having described the female electrical connectors 48 the description willlnow proceed with a detailed descrip-- 25 tion of the male electrical connectors illustrated in FIGS.
10 and 11. The connectors of FIGS. 10 and 11 are substant-ially identical to the female electrical connectors 48 with the exception that instead of each connector 47 having a tubular end for receiving a connector pin therewithin each connector 47 has an end 80 in the form of a pin with the ' , 10378~}3 pin 80 having a rounded end 81 which may have a central opening 82 therein which enables easier fabrication there-of. Each male electrical connector 47 a~so has a central transition portion 67 similar to the transition portion 5 67 of each female electrical connector 48 with the conn-- ectors 4~ of FIGS. 10 and 11 having different lengths for similar reasons as the female connectors 48 of FIGS. 7 and 8 respectively. Each male connector 47 also has a U-shaped portion 70 with its bight 71 and double-thickness knife-like portions 72 provided with slots 74, edge portions 73,as well as the other componen~ portions of the U-shaped portion 70.
It will also be appreciated that each electrical connector 47 or 48 instead of having a double thickness knife-like ?ortion 72 may be prosrided wi.h a single thicX-ness portion, as desired. Indeed the edge portions 73 of such single thickness knife-like portions may be sharp knife edges to facilitate cutting into the electrical in-sulating sleeve as well as providing partial cutt~ng into the solid electrical conductor therebeneath.
The vacuum hose 42 of the hose assembly 26 ~ay be made utilizing any suitable technique known in the art and in this example the vacuum hose 42 is shown having a helical outer surface defined by outwardly convex helical convolutions having thelsupporting and conductor wires 43 r and 44 therein. The vacuu~ hose 42 is then cut as will now be described to enable easy installation of the connectors -47 and 43.
In particular, opposed ends of a given desired length of hose are first cut so that each terminal end '' , ' .
-15- ~
, , . . ~
' ~
10378~33 thereof has an edge 83 which lies in a plane which i5 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 85 of such vacuum hose 42 and as shown in FIG. ~. The end o~ t~e vacuum hose after having been cut as shown in ~I6. 4 is then cut S as is illustrated in FIG. 5 so that its outside edge has a unique configuration as illustrated at 86 in ~IG. S and includes a pair of cutouts 87 and 88. With the cut end of the hose 42 as shown in FI6. 5 an outermost wire 44 is arranged with its end further auay from the longitudinal axis 85 while the end of an adjacen$ turn of the wire 43 is closer to the axis or center line 85. This arrangement ;is provided so that upon fixing the shorter female electrical ~-connector 48 on wire 44 and the longer electrical connector 48 on the wire 43 as shown in FI~. ~ the terminal ends of ; 15 the electrical connectors are in ali~ned relation.
The female electrical connectors are suitably ~
installed in position by forcing or urging each connector ~ -48 against its associated conductor wire while suitably backing up the wire so that the forcing action results in ~20 simultaneous cutting through the sleeve around the conductor .
;wire while providing the firm mechanical and electrical ~
,, . :
contact defined by edge portions 73 enga~ing the diametrically oppQsed surfaces of conductor wire as explained earlier.
:Thus, it is seen that this technique does not .
require soldering, twislting of wire end portions to~ether~
use of special connectors, or the li~e, yet provides a mechanical and electrical connection of high structural strength and optimum electrical conductivity. In addition, once the hose connectors 51 and 52 are suitably formed or -molded into position against opposite end portions of the ., `
- : , ' :. , .: .
. . .
'. ' 1(~37883 vacuum hose 42 the electrical connectors 47 and 48 are supported in a plastic matrix and the plastic surrounds while being in intimate contact with 'he connector parts which are to be supported thereby assuring that the elec-trical and mechanical connection is maintained throughoutthe entire life of the hose assembly 26.
The above detailed description has been made with particular reference to the installation of female elec-trical connectors 48 on the terminal ends of the electrical conductor wires 43 and 44. However, it will be appreciated that substantially tXe same procedure is used in installing the male electrical connectors 47 in position whereby the vacuum hose 42 would be cut in a similar manner as shown in FIGS. 4 and S and the male electrical connectors 47 then ~ -15 suitably installed in position and in a similar manner as ~-shown in FIG. 6.
It will be appreciated that the installation of connectors 47 and 48 on conductors 43 and 44 is achieved -by arranging each elongated connector 47 or 48 transverse the length of the conductor and pushing or forcing wire and connector together. ~
~he cutting of the end as shown in FIG. S may be ~ -achieved manually in a plurality of steps and likewise installation of each electrical connector 47 or 48, as shown in FIG. 6 for con~ector 48, may be achieved manually or in a series of steps. Preferably, cutting and installa-tion is achieved either automatically or semi-automatically.
For example, FIG. 12 of the drawings illustrates an exemplary semi-automatic apparatus or machine 9S a part of which may be used to cut the opposite ends of a predetermined length ; - ' ~'~ .-.
~. . , : .
: . : ~ . - - ~ -10378~3 of vacuum hose 42 as shown in FIG. S after having first cut such opposite ends square as illustrated in FIG. 4.
The cutting action may be achieved in a simul-- taneous manner by a guillotine type cutting device 96, as S shown in FIG. 13, and which employs a central mandrel 97 and a pair of saddle-shaped cutters 98 (shown schematically) which are actuated by suitable actuating rod& 99 and in one simultaneous stroke cut on end of the vacuum hose 42 to -define the configuration illustrated in FIG. S. The machine ; 10 9S has a pair of devices 96 provided therein on the left side thereof as shown at 100 whereby both ends of a length ' of hose 42 after having been cut as shown in FIG. 4 are slipped over mandrels 97 and cut simultaneously upon actuat~
ing a foot pedal (not shown) of the machine 9S. -It will be appreciated that each mandrel 97 is preferably made of a suitable material, which is a hard '~
plastic material, which may be repeatedly engaged a large number of times by the special configuration cuttèrs 98 without damage to such cutters and minimum wear while `
providing the required back-up of the hose 42 to facilitate cutting to define the cut configuration shown in FIG. 5 in both ends of the hose 42.
With each end of the vacuum hose 42 cut as shown in FIG. S the electrical connectors 47 and 48 may then be suitably installed there,on with a pair of connectors 47, (i.e., a short and a long connector) at one end of the hose 42 and a pair of connectors 48 tagain a short and a long connector 48) at the opposite end.
The machine 9S provides simultaneous installation ~
: 30 of a long and short female connector 48 at one end of the -~. ~
,' ' ' ' ' " ' ,~ . :- .
8_ - ~ -: - . - , . .
10378~33 vacuum hose 42 as shown at 102 and simultaneous installation of a long and short male connector 47 in the opposite end ,- of the vacuum hose 42 as sho~m at 103.
' The female connectors 48 are fed through a two ,; 5 compartment conduit 105 at the rear of the machine 95 in : spaced parallel relation and in ribbon-like form with the .,~ short female connectors 48 being attached on one ribbon 106 ', and the long female connectors being attached on the opposite . .
ribbon 107. Similarly, the male electrical connectors 47 ' 10 are fed through a two compartment conduit 110 at the rear of the ~achine 95 in spaced parallel relation and in ribbon- -_ ~ ::: like form with the short male connectors 47 being attached :~
., to one ribbon 111 and the long connectors attached on an ~,' associated ribbon 112. : -;~ 15 The machine 95 operates to install the two female . . .~
:,' connectors 48 at one end of hose 42 and the two male connectors 47 at the opp~site end of hose 42 in a substantially simultaneous .,, manner using a pair of ins'talling devices 113 as shown in FIG. 14.
Upon placing the opposed ends of the vacuum hose 42, , 20 cut as shown in FIG. 5, in position with,in the apparatus 95 as illustrated at 103 the devices 113 are simultaneously turned on. Accordingly, each device 113 has a hammer member 114 which is relatively urged toward a backup member 115, after '- , ' the ribbons have positioned or interposed their associated ~;~ 2S connectors 47 or 48 betwefn hammer 114 and anvil 115.
.', A device 113 is provided for installing a pair of female connectors 4B and a similar device is provided for : installing a pair of male connectors 47 and it will be ~, ,.. , appreciated that either member 114 or 115 or both may be '' 30 moved to provide the installing action of shoving the elec- ' . . .
"
. . , . .
. . : : - .
10;~7t~3 trical connectors around their conductor wires.
After simultaneous installation of a plurality of four connectors (47 at one end of hose 42 and 48 at the opposite end) the opposed hose ends are positioned in accor-dance with techniques known in the art in the mold of FIG. 15, as explained earlier, to define hose connectors Sl and 52. ;
It will be appreciated that the machine 9S isprovided with suitable electrical power and suitable means to operate its devices 96 and 113. Further, the machine 9S
has suitable switches, controls, etc. as required to operate the machine 95.
The vacuum hose 42 comprising the hose assembly -26 of this invention is preferably made of any suitable material which may be in the form of a flexible plastic material. Further, while any suitable plastic material may be used to define the hose connectors 51 and 52 at opposite ¦~
ends of the hose assembly 42 a thermoplastic material such l~
:- a~. for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and the like, i8 pre- ~:
ferably utilized. In addition, the thermoplastic material s 20 is preferably molded in position by injection molding to the hose connectors as well as embed the associated elec-trical connectors in position.
The thermoplastic material used to define the hose connectors 51 and 52 should be compatible with the flexible plastic material comprisyng the vacuum hose 42 to thereby assure that the hose connectors are formed at opposite ends of the vacuum hose essentially as an integral part thereof.
It will also be appreciated that the electrical insulating ~leeves 45 and 46 on the electrical conductors 43 and 44 are also made of a suitable plastic material which is compatible '. ': ' , ' ~
.~ 10378~3 with the plastic material of both the vacuum hose 42 and connectors 51 and 52.
In this disclosure of the invention in its various aspects the hose assembly 26 is shown as having a male hose connector 51 at one end provided with male electrical con-, nectors and a female connector 52 at its opposite end pro-vided with female electrical connectors. However, it will be appreciated that the concept of this invention in its various aspects utilizing the unique electrical connectors 47 and 48 may be used to provide an improved vacuum cleaner ~: hsoe assembly similar to the hose assembly 26, but which may have male hose connectors at both ends, female hoæe connectors at both ends, and the like, and the electrical -; connectors provided on each of these assemblies will be selected as required in accordance wlth standard safe prac-tices in the industry.
In this disclosure each electrical connector 47 or 48 has a U-shaped portion 70 provided with a bight 71 and a pair of knife-like portions 72; however, it will be , -.
appreciated that each connector 47 or 48 may be modified so that only a single knife-like attaching portion 72 is ~ provided and has a slot 74, edge portions, etc., as desired.
:., - , , . . : , , . ' ~' , .
., . .~
-
Claims (16)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vacuum cleaner hose assembly comprising, an elongated vacuum hose having opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of electrical conductors extending in a helical pattern along said vacuum hose with each conductor having opposite end portions disposed in a helical path about said longitudinal axis and each said opposite end portion being arranged immediately adjacent the associated opposite end of said vacuum hose, a plurality of electrical connectors each fixed to an associated end portion of each conductor while being disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, each of said electrical connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot, each knife-like portion being arranged generally transverse the helical path of the associated end portion of its conductor with the conductor end portion being wedged between said opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical and electrical connection, and a pair of hose connectors fixed to said opposite ends of said vacuum hose and formed substantially as an integral part thereof, each of said hose connectors having associated ones of said electrical connectors embedded therein and providing the sole support therefor.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which said electrical connectors include: a plurality of male electrical connectors, each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in one of said pair of hose connectors; and a plurality of female electrical connectors, each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in the other of said hose connectors.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which said plurality of electrical conductors comprise a pair of electrical conductors which also serve as reinforcing wires for said vacuum hose, said electrical connectors include a pair of male electrical connectors arranged in spaced parallel relation and each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in one of said pair of hose connectors and a pair of female electrical connectors arranged in spaced parallel relation and each fixed to an associated electrical conductor and embedded in the other of said hose connectors.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 in which said hose has integral convolutions therein which extend in a helical pattern between said hose connectors.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 in which: each of said pair of integral hose connectors is made of a thermoplastic material which provides said sole support for associated electrical connectors as well as electrical insulation therefor.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 in which: said vacuum hose is made of a thermoplastic material; and in which said hose connectors are made by injection molding, and of a thermoplastic material which is compatible with the material used to make said vacuum hose.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 in which each of said electrical conductors also serves as a reinforcing wire for said vacuum hose and has its own plastic electrical insulating sleeve there-around and said edges of said knife-like portion of each connector extend through said insulating sleeve and wedge an associated conductor therebetween.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each of said electrical connectors comprises another knife-like portion arranged parallel to the first knife-like portion of each connector, said other knife-like portion also being provided with opposed edges defining sides of a second slot which is arranged in aligned relation with said first-named slot, said other knife-like portion also being arranged generally transverse the elongated dimension of the associated end portion, said knife-like portions cooperating to provide a double mechanical and electrical connection of each electrical connector on its associated conductor.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 in which the wedging of each conductor between opposed edges of an associated knife-like portion is the sole means holding an electrical connector and conductor to-gether.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 in which each of said electrical connectors has a U-shaped portion defined by a bight and a pair of outwardly extending legs and said knife-like portions of each connector comprise the outwardly extending legs thereof.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 in which: each of said slots in each knife-like portion is a keyhole shaped slot.
12. A method of Making a vacuum cleaner hose assembly comprising the steps of providing an elongated vacuum hose having opposite ends and a central longitudinal axis, extending a plurality of electrical con-ductors in a helical pattern along said vacuum hose so that each conductor has opposite end portions each disposed in a helical path about said longitudinal axis and each said opposite end portion being arranged immediately adjacent the opposite ends of said vacuum hose, providing electrical connectors at opposite end portions of each conductor, each of said electrical connectors comprising a knife-like portion provided with opposed edges defining sides of a slot, arranging each knife-like portion generally transverse the helical path of the associated end portion of its conductor, relatively moving the conductor end portion and associated electrical connector together to wedge said conductor end portion between said opposed edges to provide a firm mechanical and electrical connection wherein each electrical connector is disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, and forming a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said vacuum hose as an integral part thereof simulta-neously embed associated ones of said electrical connectors therein and thereby provide the sole support for the associated electrical connectors.
13. A method as set forth in claim 12 in which: said step of extending electrical conductors comprises extending a pair of electrical conductors; and in which said step of providing electrical connectors comprises providing a pair of male electrical connectors at one end of said pair of electrical conductors and a pair of female electrical connectors at the opposite end of said pair of electrical conductors.
14. A method as set forth in claim 13 in which:
said step of extending a pair of electrical conductors com-prises the step of extending a pair of electrical conductor wires having comparatively high strength in a helical pat-tern along the vacuum hose, whereby said electrical conduc-tor wires also serve as reinforcing wires substantially preventing collapse of said vacuum hose.
said step of extending a pair of electrical conductors com-prises the step of extending a pair of electrical conductor wires having comparatively high strength in a helical pat-tern along the vacuum hose, whereby said electrical conduc-tor wires also serve as reinforcing wires substantially preventing collapse of said vacuum hose.
15. A method as set forth in claim 12 in which:
said step of providing a vacuum hose comprises providing a vacuum hose made of a thermoplastic material; and in which said step of forming a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said vacuum hose comprises forming said hose connectors of a thermoplastic material which is com-patible with the thermoplastic material of the vacuum hose and by injection molding process.
said step of providing a vacuum hose comprises providing a vacuum hose made of a thermoplastic material; and in which said step of forming a pair of hose connectors around said opposite ends of said vacuum hose comprises forming said hose connectors of a thermoplastic material which is com-patible with the thermoplastic material of the vacuum hose and by injection molding process.
16. A method as set forth in claim 12 in which:
said step of relatively moving the conductor end portion and associated electrical connector together comprises mov-ing each electrical connector radially outwardly against its conductor end portion with a hammer member and against a backup member.
said step of relatively moving the conductor end portion and associated electrical connector together comprises mov-ing each electrical connector radially outwardly against its conductor end portion with a hammer member and against a backup member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US519909A US3928715A (en) | 1974-10-31 | 1974-10-31 | Vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same |
| FR7503502A FR2299600A1 (en) | 1974-10-31 | 1975-01-30 | AIR EXTRACTION BOX EQUIPPED WITH A VARIABLE FLOW VALVE |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1037883A true CA1037883A (en) | 1978-09-05 |
Family
ID=26218715
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA237,852A Expired CA1037883A (en) | 1974-10-31 | 1975-10-17 | Vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3928715A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5168975A (en) |
| BE (1) | BE835041A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1037883A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2548080A1 (en) |
| FR (2) | FR2299600A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1493283A (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7512804A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE404582B (en) |
Families Citing this family (42)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3972578A (en) * | 1975-04-18 | 1976-08-03 | Amp Incorporated | Electrical contact terminal having improved wire-receiving slot |
| US4063790A (en) * | 1976-10-15 | 1977-12-20 | Dayco Corporation | Fluid conduit assembly |
| JPS53159667U (en) * | 1977-05-20 | 1978-12-14 | ||
| US4162370A (en) * | 1977-06-24 | 1979-07-24 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Current carrying hose assembly |
| EP0005278B1 (en) * | 1978-05-10 | 1984-12-19 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Helically fabricated flexible hose and mandrel device for producing the same |
| DE2842924C2 (en) * | 1978-10-02 | 1986-11-06 | Gebrüder Trox, GmbH, 4133 Neukirchen-Vluyn | Ceiling air outlet for air conditioners |
| US4168564A (en) * | 1978-11-03 | 1979-09-25 | Dayco Corporation | Thermally protected vacuum hose assembly |
| US4466677A (en) * | 1979-03-30 | 1984-08-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum cleaner hose manufacture |
| US4277640A (en) * | 1979-04-26 | 1981-07-07 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Electric current-carrying hose assembly having end fittings enclosing an electrical switch and/or a circuit-breaking device |
| US4316304A (en) * | 1980-09-04 | 1982-02-23 | Parise & Sons, Inc. | Double disconnect, waterproof electrical connector assembly for electrified vacuum hose for wet/dry vacuum cleaner |
| US4423283A (en) * | 1981-06-25 | 1983-12-27 | Weismann Victor P | Controllable stiffness duct |
| DE3224273A1 (en) * | 1982-06-28 | 1983-12-29 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | HOSE PIPE WITH A MECHANICAL SUPPORT ELEMENT (ARMORING) IN OR IN THE INNER WALL IN THE FORM OF A WIRE REEL |
| US4515423A (en) * | 1983-04-04 | 1985-05-07 | Moore Jerry R | Extension device for electrically powered tools |
| US4547029A (en) * | 1983-10-20 | 1985-10-15 | Automation Industries, Inc. | Self-locking electrical and mechanical connecting means and method of making same |
| US4679827A (en) * | 1984-12-28 | 1987-07-14 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Raintight and oiltight connector for flexible conduit |
| US4618195A (en) * | 1985-06-03 | 1986-10-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum cleaner hose coupling |
| US4639055A (en) * | 1985-06-03 | 1987-01-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Hose coupling for vacuum cleaner |
| US4740171A (en) * | 1987-02-24 | 1988-04-26 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Vacuum cleaner hose and terminal connector therefor |
| US4846712A (en) * | 1987-02-24 | 1989-07-11 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Vacuum cleaner hose construction, terminal connector therefor and methods of making the same |
| US4881909A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1989-11-21 | Whirlpool Corporation | Hose assembly for canister vacuum cleaner |
| FR2685455B1 (en) * | 1991-12-19 | 1997-04-11 | Claude Grandvuinet | IMPROVEMENTS IN EQUIPMENT FOR MECHANICAL VENTILATION OF PREMISES. |
| US5592357A (en) * | 1992-10-09 | 1997-01-07 | The University Of Tennessee Research Corp. | Electrostatic charging apparatus and method |
| FR2740865B1 (en) * | 1995-11-02 | 1997-12-19 | Barbarin Laurent | SELF-ADJUSTING AIR INTAKE WITH ANGLED SHUTTER FOR VENTILATION SYSTEM |
| US5791377A (en) * | 1996-07-08 | 1998-08-11 | Yazaki Corporation | Electrically heated conduit |
| US5932842A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 1999-08-03 | The University Of Alberta | Strength member for combined fluid/electrical hose |
| US6749687B1 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2004-06-15 | Asm America, Inc. | In situ growth of oxide and silicon layers |
| NL1012316C2 (en) * | 1999-06-14 | 2000-12-15 | Zwaan Adrianus J | Valve and method using that valve to control air flow through a conduit. |
| DE10007506B4 (en) | 2000-02-18 | 2006-02-02 | Map Medizin-Technologie Gmbh | Breathing gas hose assembly for supplying a breathing gas |
| US7226302B2 (en) * | 2003-09-22 | 2007-06-05 | Scotech Systems Inc. | Vacuum cleaner current-carrying hose connection system |
| US20070036528A1 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-02-15 | William Ferrone | Heated hose electrical cord |
| US7574878B2 (en) * | 2006-08-07 | 2009-08-18 | Karl Siegfried Schroeder | System and method for controlling the water flow of household appliances |
| US20080144332A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-19 | Medinis David M | Surgical headlamp |
| US20080144306A1 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2008-06-19 | David Medinis | Surgical headlamp |
| US20080212332A1 (en) * | 2007-03-01 | 2008-09-04 | Medinis David M | LED cooling system |
| US9505164B2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2016-11-29 | Schauenburg Technology Se | Tapered helically reinforced hose and its manufacture |
| DE102008022663B4 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2012-10-31 | Schauenburg Hose Technology Gmbh | Stretch hose |
| US9964238B2 (en) | 2009-01-15 | 2018-05-08 | Globalmed, Inc. | Stretch hose and hose production method |
| ES2432740T3 (en) * | 2011-04-21 | 2013-12-05 | Plastiflex Group | Flexible plastic hose and method to manufacture it |
| US10113371B2 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2018-10-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Downhole control line connector |
| FR3036171B1 (en) * | 2015-05-11 | 2021-03-19 | Atlantic Climatisation & Ventilation | AERAULIC DUCT OF A VENTILATION SYSTEM |
| CN105581730B (en) * | 2016-02-26 | 2017-11-21 | 苏州爱建电器有限公司 | The steering knuckle and hand held cleaner of hand held cleaner |
| US10792454B2 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2020-10-06 | Globalmed, Inc. | Heated respiratory hose assembly |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1105795A (en) * | 1913-05-23 | 1914-08-04 | White S Dental Mfg Co | Flexible tubing. |
| US2516864A (en) * | 1948-08-24 | 1950-08-01 | Gen Electric | Method of making hose from elastomeric composition |
| US3034085A (en) * | 1959-12-09 | 1962-05-08 | Whirlpool Co | Combined fluid and electrical connector |
| NL273812A (en) * | 1961-02-27 | |||
| US3314039A (en) * | 1965-03-09 | 1967-04-11 | Dayco Corp | Vacuum cleaner connector |
| US3300571A (en) * | 1965-05-18 | 1967-01-24 | Electrolux Corp | Vacuum cleaner hose having electrical conductors |
| JPS454942Y1 (en) * | 1966-06-17 | 1970-03-07 | ||
| US3533629A (en) * | 1967-04-26 | 1970-10-13 | William Pennington | Apparatus having means determining coincidence between player and random machine selections |
| US3683319A (en) * | 1970-10-27 | 1972-08-08 | Amp Inc | Notched plate clasp apparatus |
| JPS485533U (en) * | 1971-06-04 | 1973-01-22 | ||
| US3824527A (en) * | 1972-08-03 | 1974-07-16 | Amp Inc | Wire-in-slot electrical connections |
| US3848954A (en) * | 1973-06-06 | 1974-11-19 | Reliable Electric Co | Clip terminal and applicator tool combination |
-
1974
- 1974-10-31 US US519909A patent/US3928715A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-01-30 FR FR7503502A patent/FR2299600A1/en active Granted
- 1975-08-29 GB GB35778/75A patent/GB1493283A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-10-17 CA CA237,852A patent/CA1037883A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-10-28 DE DE19752548080 patent/DE2548080A1/en active Pending
- 1975-10-29 JP JP50130281A patent/JPS5168975A/ja active Pending
- 1975-10-29 FR FR7533090A patent/FR2299000A1/en active Granted
- 1975-10-29 SE SE7512099A patent/SE404582B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1975-10-30 BE BE161396A patent/BE835041A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1975-10-31 NL NL7512804A patent/NL7512804A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE7512099L (en) | 1976-05-03 |
| JPS5168975A (en) | 1976-06-15 |
| FR2299000B1 (en) | 1978-12-01 |
| DE2548080A1 (en) | 1976-05-06 |
| BE835041A (en) | 1976-02-16 |
| NL7512804A (en) | 1976-05-04 |
| US3928715A (en) | 1975-12-23 |
| FR2299600A1 (en) | 1976-08-27 |
| FR2299000A1 (en) | 1976-08-27 |
| GB1493283A (en) | 1977-11-30 |
| FR2299600B3 (en) | 1977-10-21 |
| SE404582B (en) | 1978-10-16 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1037883A (en) | Vacuum cleaner hose assembly and apparatus and method used in making same | |
| US5475921A (en) | Method for making contact assembly | |
| USRE29666E (en) | Electrical contact terminal having improved wire-receiving slot | |
| US4930210A (en) | Method for assembling an electric motor armature | |
| US4179964A (en) | Ribbon cable splitting device | |
| JP2000058146A (en) | Insulator penetrating wedge connector with seal | |
| EP1363365B1 (en) | Improvements in or relating to commutators | |
| KR100300557B1 (en) | Assembly Commutator | |
| EP0271175B1 (en) | A commutator | |
| US6689446B2 (en) | Vehicle panel | |
| US4466677A (en) | Vacuum cleaner hose manufacture | |
| EP0325353A2 (en) | A commutator | |
| EP0163361B1 (en) | Electrical connector for coaxial cables | |
| US3895434A (en) | Assembling electrical connecting device to cordage | |
| EP0713270A2 (en) | Wiper assembly for electrical connector coding station | |
| CA1113980A (en) | Vacuum cleaner hose assembly and two stage injection molding method in making same | |
| EP0282671A1 (en) | A method of connecting an armature winding to a commutator segment | |
| JPS5939982B2 (en) | Interphase insulation insertion device | |
| JPS5849071A (en) | Interphase insulator shaping device | |
| JPH0787642A (en) | Wire stripper | |
| GB2204453A (en) | Connections between armature windings and commutator segments for an electric motor | |
| GB2202384A (en) | Connecting armature winding to commutator segments of an electric motor | |
| JPS5858852A (en) | Deforming method for automatically inserting interphase insulator | |
| JPH029515Y2 (en) | ||
| JPS635090B2 (en) |