Classifications

• • 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
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/38—Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
• • 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
• • 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
  • A47L9/244—Hose or pipe couplings for telescopic or extensible hoses or pipes

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to the field of central vacuum systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an outlet box system for use with a central vacuum system, to a kit for assembling the same, to a central vacuum system provided with such an outlet box system and/or resulting assembly, and to corresponding methods of assembling and operating associated thereto.
• the conduit may have a portion with a larger inner diameter at a location adjacent the annular seal when the hose is fully retracted. That permits substantial airflow between the annular seal and the conduit to clean dirt from the outside of the hose when the hose is nearly fully retracted.
• a portion of the handle receptacle limits retraction by its contact with either a wall plate or preferably, the terminal end of the conduit.
• the wall plate preferably has a hinged cover that hides the handle receptacle when the hose is fully retracted.
• the hinged cover of the wall plate preferably has a protrusion that engages a portion of the handle receptacle to move the handle receptacle partially out from the terminal portion of the conduit as the hinged cover is opened.
• a retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising a retractable vacuum hose configured to retract through a valve assembly, into a system vacuum pipe responsive to the vacuum communicated from a vacuum source.
• the valve assembly comprising a static valve seal adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create a substantially air-tight sealed communication between the system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose.
• the static valve seal being adjustable from a first unsealed configuration where the vacuum hose can move freely through the valve assembly and system vacuum pipe, to a second sealed configuration where the vacuum hose is in sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, and where the vacuum hose is substantially fixed in relative position to the valve assembly. Wherein movement from first configuration to the second configuration locks the vacuum hose in place relative to the valve assembly.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a system which, by virtue of its design and components, is intended to satisfy the above-mentioned need and which is thus an improvement over other related devices, systems, assemblies and/or methods known in the prior art.
• an outlet box system for a central vacuum system comprising:
• a casing assembly for operatively mounting onto a given support structure, the casing assembly having a substantially closed body provided with first and second ports, the first port being sealingly connectable via piping to the central vacuum system, and the second port being configured for allowing a vacuum hose of the central vacuum system to extend therethrough and out from the casing assembly;
• a door assembly operatively mountable onto the casing assembly in a substantially sealed manner, the door assembly being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to an inside portion of the casing assembly;
• an outlet box system comprising a valve assembly module capable of being operated independently from the casing assembly, and/or being detachable from said casing assembly.
• the outlet box system comprises a valve assembly module removably mountable into the inside portion of the casing assembly, and having a sealing component through which the vacuum hose is extendable, the valve assembly module being operable between a first configuration where the vacuum hose is freely displaceable through the sealing component of the valve assembly module, and a second configuration where the sealing component is urged about the vacuum hose, thereby substantially fixing the vacuum hose with respect to the valve assembly module, and creating a seal between the vacuum hose and a corresponding tubing component of the central vacuum system.
• the valve assembly module is operable between the first and second configurations by selectively operating the sealing component between unchoking and choking modes, wherein in the unchoking mode, a peripheral gap is allowed between the vacuum hose and the sealing component, thereby allowing a suction force of the central vacuum system to pass through both the vacuum hose and the sealing component, and wherein in the chocking mode, the sealing component is urged towards the vacuum hose in order to close said peripheral gap, thereby urging the suction force of the central vacuum system to pass by the vacuum hose.
• an outlet box system comprising a valve assembly module configured so that the valve assembly is activated via a pulling action, such as by pulling on a corresponding handle of the valve assembly, for example.
• valve assembly module is operated from the first to the second configuration by pulling out on a handle of the valve assembly module, the handle being operatively connectable to the sealing component via an actuating assembly.
• the actuating assembly comprises an actuating component operatively rested against a bottom portion of the sealing component, and operable between lowered and raised configurations for selectively operating the sealing component between the unchocking and choking modes respectively.
• an outlet box system comprising a valve assembly module configured such that when the valve assembly is activated, it automatically activates a corresponding actuator button which in turns automatically turns on the vacuum source associated with the outlet box system.
• valve assembly module is configured so that the actuator button automatically activates the switch into the ON configuration when the handle is operated into an extended configuration.
• the actuator button is further configured to remain projecting out, and maintain the switch in an ON configuration, when the handle is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module.
• the actuator button can be pushed back into a retracted configuration, either manually and/or by closing an access door of the door assembly. It is worth mentioning that the present invention need not be limited to the field of central vacuum systems, and may include all other kinds of objects and/or applications with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
• an outlet box system comprising:
• a casing assembly for operatively mounting onto a given support structure; a door assembly operatively mountable onto the casing assembly in a substantially closed manner, the door assembly being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to an inside portion of the casing assembly; and a gap-adjustment assembly for adjusting a distance between the door and casing assemblies, in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface of the support structure.
• a central vacuum cleaning system provided with the above-mentioned outlet box system.
• Figures 1 -40 are different views of various aspects, components and features of a possible outlet box system (and/or resulting "assembly") and/or different components thereof, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention.
• any other mutually equivalent expressions such as, for example: a) “sealingly”, “fluidly”, “air-tight”, etc.; b) “adjustably”, “selectively”, “press-fittingly”, “tighteningly”, “jammingly”, “sealingly”, “fluidly”, etc.; c) “tubing", “piping”, “connection”, etc.; d) “fastener”, “clip”, “connector”, “rivet”, “screw”, “bolt”, “pin”, etc.; e) “seal”, “joint”, etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
• outlet box system (or “outlet box assembly")
• support structure (ex. wall, floor, etc.)
• vacuum hose ex. "retractable” or “extension” hose
• pivot support (ex. rod)
• peripheral groove (of sealing component)9a top peripheral groove (of sealing component)9b. bottom peripheral groove (of sealing component)9c. central peripheral groove (of sealing component)1 . output fitting
• the present outlet box system (1 ) is intended to be used with conventional vacuum systems, while providing various advantages with respect to what is possible with existing retractable hose central vacuum cleaning systems, in that, as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the present system (1 ) is suitable for adapting itself to various types of wall constructions (ex. drywall, brick, plaster, etc.), and most importantly, to various wall thicknesses, thereby not only facilitating installation of the outlet box system (1 ) for an improved finished end result, but also greatly facilitating the use of the outlet box system (1 ) by virtue of its innovative design and innovative new features.
• an outlet box assembly (1 ) for use with a central vacuum system (3).
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may comprise a casing assembly (5) for operatively mounting onto a given support structure (7), the casing assembly (5) having a substantially closed body (9) provided with first and second ports (1 1 , 13), the first port (1 1 ) being sealingly connectable via piping (15) to the central vacuum system (3), and the second port (13) being configured for allowing a vacuum hose (17) of the central vacuum system (3), whether it be a "retractable” hose or an “extension” hose, to extend therethrough and out from the casing assembly (5).
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may also comprise a door assembly (19) operatively mountable onto the casing assembly (5) in a substantially sealed manner, the door assembly (19) being configured for allowing a user to selectively have access to an inside portion (21 ) of the casing assembly (5), and thus, have access to the vacuum hose (17), for example.
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may also comprise a gap-adjustment assembly (23) for adjusting a distance (25) or "gap" between the door and casing assemblies (5, 19), in accordance with a wall thickness of a finished surface (27) of the support structure (7), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 5 and 6, for example.
• the gap-adjustment assembly (23) of the present system (1 ) may come in various shapes and forms, depending on the applications for which the present outlet box assembly (1 ) is intended for, and the desired end results, but according to one possible and straightforward embodiment, it may simply comprise a male component (23a) adjustably insertable into a corresponding female component (23b).
• the male component (23a) is provided on the door assembly (19)
• the female component (23b) is provided on the casing assembly (5).
• the male component (23a) could be provided on the casing assembly (5)
• the female component (23b) could be provided on the door assembly (19).
• the door assembly (19) could be provided with both male and female components (23a,23b) operating respectively with female and male components (23b, 23a) provided on the casing assembly (5), and/or vice versa.
• the manners in which the gap-adjusting assembly (23) make express itself according to different possible embodiments of the present invention may be very diverse, so long as they enable for an adjustment of a distance (di , d 2 , etc.) between first and second components provided on the door and casing assemblies (5,19) respectively, so as to ensure a very nice and smooth finish of the door assembly (19) onto the finished surface (27) of the support structure (7), in accordance with the wall thickness (di , d 2 , etc.) of said finished surface (27).
• the present outlet box assembly (1 ) is not limited to use with drywall only, having a wall thickness of about 0.5 inches or about 5/8 inches, and may be used with wall thicknesses of a much greater range, and with various different types of wall constructions, such as brick and plaster, for example.
• the first port (1 1 ) of the casing assembly (5) may be positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a corresponding tube fitting (29), intended to be sealingly connectable via piping (15) to the central vacuum system (3).
• the tube fitting (29) may be insertable into a socket (31 ) of the first port (1 1 ) of the casing assembly (5), and secured thereto using an appropriate adhesive (ex. glue), for example.
• an appropriate adhesive ex. glue
• the casing assembly (5) may be positioned, shaped and sized for receiving thereabout a framing (33) of the door assembly (19), so that the door assembly (19) be sealingly connectable to the inside portion (21 ) of the casing assembly (5), and according to a possible embodiment, the casing assembly (5) comprises a groove (35) extending about (ex. adjacent, along, etc.) the second port (13), the groove (35) being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a corresponding collar (37) of the door assembly (19), which is one possible form of a "male component" (23a) insertable into a corresponding possible form of a "female component” (23b), such as the groove (35), for example.
• the collar (37) of the door assembly (19) is press-fittingly (ex. adjustably, etc.) insertable (ex. pushed, jammed, etc.) into the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5), and has a substantially rectangular profile, although various other shapes and forms may be contemplated.
• an outer surface (39a) of the collar (37) may be provided with tightening flanges (39), but according to an alternative implementation, an inner surface (37b) the collar (37) could be provided with such tightening flanges (39).
• both the outer surface (37a) and the inner surface (37b) of the collar could be provided with tightening flanges (39).
• the tightening flanges (39) may be tapered so as to provide an increased tightening force between the door assembly (19) and the casing assembly (5) when the collar (37) of the door assembly (19) is removably (ex. press-fittingly, tighteningly, adjustably, etc.) inserted (ex. pushed, jammed, etc.) into the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5). Also, and as can be easily understood from Figures 7-9, the collar (37) and corresponding door assembly (19) can be urged into the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5) by using and tightening the corresponding fasteners (47).
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may also comprise a sealing joint (41 ) operatively insertable between the collar (37) of the door assembly (19) and the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5), so as to provide a greater seal between the door assembly (19) and the casing assembly (5).
• the sealing joint (41 ) is provided about (ex. on, adjacent, along, etc.) a rim (37c) of the collar of the door assembly (19).
• the sealing joint (41 ) may simply be removably insertable into the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5).
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may also comprise a hub portion (43) extending about the second port (13) of the casing assembly (5) and projecting outwardly from a front side of said casing assembly (5).
• the hub portion (43) has a substantially rectangular profile and the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5) may extending about (ex. within, near, adjacent, along, etc.) said hub portion (43).
• the hub portion (43) may also comprise at least one securing orifice (45) for receiving a corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount the door assembly (19) onto the casing assembly (5).
• the at least one securing orifice (45) can also be used for receiving a corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount a temporary cover plate (49) onto the casing assembly (5) prior to the door assembly (19) being mounted onto the casing assembly (5).
• the corresponding fastener (47) used to securely mount the temporary cover plate (49) onto the casing assembly (5) and the corresponding fastener (47) used to securely mount the door assembly (19) onto the casing assembly (5) are the same fastener (47) provided with the outlet box assembly (1 ).
• the temporary cover plate (49) is made of a color different from that of the casing assembly (5), and the temporary cover plate (49) may provide with visual information (51 ), such as appropriate warnings, for example.
• the temporary cover plate (49) is only intended to be used during installation of the present outlet box assembly (1 ) onto a given support structure (7), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 37-40, and thus, during finishing of said support structure (7), such as for example, when putting up drywall, or lying brick, or plastering the wall surface, it is important that the area covered by the temporary cover plate (49) remains "exposed".
• the temporary cover plate (49) can be made of a bright warning color, such as yellow, for example, which would contrast that of the remaining outlet box assembly (1 ) and the temporary cover plate (49) could be provided with corresponding warnings or visual aids so as to remind the user not to cover the temporary cover plate (49) during finishing of the support structure, whether it be a wall, a floor or any other support structure with which the present outlet box system (1 ) could be used and may be useful.
• a bright warning color such as yellow, for example, which would contrast that of the remaining outlet box assembly (1 ) and the temporary cover plate (49) could be provided with corresponding warnings or visual aids so as to remind the user not to cover the temporary cover plate (49) during finishing of the support structure, whether it be a wall, a floor or any other support structure with which the present outlet box system (1 ) could be used and may be useful.
• the temporary cover plate (49) may also be provided with a projection (53) for facilitating removal of the temporary cover plate (49) from the casing assembly (5), and according to a given implementation, the temporary cover plate (49) is substantially rectangular, and may be provided with four through-holes (55), with one through-hole (55) in each corner, for example.
• the hub portion (43) comprises four securing orifices (45), each securing orifice (45) being configured for receiving a corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount the door assembly (19) or the temporary cover plate (49) onto the casing assembly (5), and each securing orifice (45) being provided about a corresponding corner of the hub portion (43), for example.
• each securing orifice (45) may be a threaded securing orifice (45) for receiving a corresponding threaded fastener (47) therein, and the hub portion (43) may project outwardly from a corresponding mounting flange (57) of the casing assembly (5).
• the casing assembly (5) may comprise a mounting flange (57) for mounting the casing assembly (5) onto a mounting component (59) of the support structure (7), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 37-40.
• the mounting flange (57) may extend about the second port (13) of the casing assembly (5); b) the mounting flange (57) may have a substantially rectangular profile; c) the mounting flange (57) may be provided with at least one mounting hole (61 ) for receiving a corresponding fastener (63) intended to securely mount the casing assembly (5) onto the mounting component (59) of the support structure (7); d) the mounting flange (57) may comprise a central line indicator (65); e) etc.
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may also comprise reinforcement ribs (67) extending between the mounting flange (57) and an outer portion (69) of the body (9) of the casing assembly (5), in order to provide greater structural soundness or "stiffness" to the present system, etc.
• the door assembly (19) of the present system may comprise an access door (71 ) selectively operable with respect to a door framing (33) of the door assembly (19) between an opened configuration for allowing a user to have access to the inside portion (21 ) of the casing assembly (5), and a closed configuration where the access door (71 ) is shut against the door framing (33), so to create a substantially sealed condition inside the casing assembly (5) when the door assembly (19) is operatively mounted onto the casing assembly (5).
• an access door (71 ) selectively operable with respect to a door framing (33) of the door assembly (19) between an opened configuration for allowing a user to have access to the inside portion (21 ) of the casing assembly (5), and a closed configuration where the access door (71 ) is shut against the door framing (33), so to create a substantially sealed condition inside the casing assembly (5) when the door assembly (19) is operatively mounted onto the casing assembly (5).
• the access door (71 ) may come in various shapes and forms, but according to one possible embodiment, it is a hinged access door (71 ) being substantially rectangular and pivotably moveable with respect to the door framing (33) via at least one pivot support (73), such as a rod, for example, as better illustrated in Figure 10.
• the door framing (33) may comprise a corresponding recessed portion (75) for receiving therein the access door (71 ) when operated into the closed configuration.
• the door framing (33) may also comprise at least one clasping component (77) for removably clasping a corresponding component of the access door (71 ), and selectively maintaining the access door (71 ) in the closed configuration.
• the door framing (33) comprises an access port (79) being substantially complementary to the second port (13) of the casing assembly (5), and the second port (13) of the casing assembly (5) and the access port (79) of the door assembly (19) can be substantially rectangular, although other shapes and forms are also contemplated for the present system (1 ).
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) may comprise a sealing joint (81 ) meant to operate between an inside portion (83) of the access door (71 ) and an inlet rim (85) of the door framing 33, in order to ensure a greater seal thereinbetween.
• the inlet rim (85) of the door framing (33) may be rounded; b) the inside portion (83) of the access door (71 ) may be provided with reinforcement components (87); c) the door framing (33) may be substantially rectangular, and provided with four through-holes (89), each through-hole (89) being configured for receiving a corresponding fastener (47) intended to securely mount the door framing (33) onto the casing assembly (5), and each through-hole (89) being provided about a corresponding corner area of the door framing (33), for example; d) etc.
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) comprises a valve assembly module (91 ) removably mountable into the inside portion (21 ) of the casing assembly (5), and having a sealing component (93) through which the vacuum hose (17) is extendable, the valve assembly module (91 ) being operable between a first (ex. “unsealed”) configuration where the vacuum hose (17) is freely displaceable through the sealing component (93) of the valve assembly module (91 ), and a second (ex. "sealed”) configuration where the sealing component (93) is urged about the vacuum hose (17), thereby substantially fixing the vacuum hose (17) with respect to the valve assembly module (91 ), and creating a seal (ex.
• valve assembly module (91 ) is operable between the first ("unsealed") and second ("sealed") configurations by selectively operating the sealing component (93) between unchoking and choking modes, wherein in the unchoking mode, a peripheral gap (95) is allowed between the vacuum hose (17) and the sealing component (93), thereby allowing a suction force of the central vacuum cleaning system (3) to pass through both the vacuum hose (17) and the sealing component (93), and wherein in the chocking mode, the sealing component (93) is urged towards the vacuum hose (17) in order to close said peripheral gap (95), thereby urging the suction force of the central vacuum system (3) to pass by the vacuum hose (17), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 32 and 33, for example.
• valve assembly module (91 ) is operated from the first ("unsealed") to the second (“sealed") configuration by pulling out on a handle (97) of the valve assembly module (91 ), the handle being operatively connectable to the sealing component (93) via an actuating assembly (99).
• the actuating assembly (99) may comprise an actuating component (101 ) operatively rested against a bottom portion of the sealing component (103), and operable between lowered and raised configurations for selectively operating the sealing component (93) between the unchocking and choking modes respectively.
• the actuating component (101 ) may comprise a socket (105) for receiving therein the bottom portion (103) of the sealing component (93), and the socket (105) of the actuating component (101 ) may further comprise a groove (107) for receiving therein a distal bottom rim (109) of the sealing component (93).
• the first port (1 1 ) of the casing assembly (5) may be provided with an internal socket (1 1 1 ) for receiving therein the top portion (1 13) of the sealing component (93), and such an internal socket (1 1 1 ) provided about the first port (1 1 ) of the casing assembly (5) may comprise a groove (1 15) for receiving therein a distal top rim (1 17) of the sealing component (93).
• the sealing component (93) is made of a suitable flexible elastomeric material, and is positioned, shaped and sized within the outlet box assembly (1 ), and provided with a plurality of peripheral grooves (1 19), so as to be operated between the unchoking and choking modes, as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 34 and 35.
• the actuating component (99) comprises and/or simply consists of an output fitting (121 ) provided with at least one pin (123) engageable with a corresponding biasing path (125) of the handle (97), the pin (123) and corresponding output fitting (121 ) being “vertically” displaceable along said biasing path (125) of varying height via a pulling action of the handle (97), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 1 1 -31 , for example.
• the output fitting (121 ) may comprise a curved inlet (127) for facilitating displacement of the vacuum hose (17) into the output fitting (121 ) and corresponding valve assembly module (91 ).
• the handle (97) is displaceable with respect to a fixed component (129) of the valve assembly module (91 ), and the biasing path (125) of varying height is provided within the handle (97), so that a pulling action of the handle (97) urges the actuating component (99) from a "lowered” to a “raised” configuration.
• the biasing path (125) may comprise a lower notch (131 ) configured to be removably engaged with a corresponding component (101 ) of the actuating component when the handle (97) is operated into a fully retracted configuration, corresponding to the first ("unsealed") configuration of the valve assembly module (91 ), and the biasing path (125) may further comprise an upper notch (133) configured to be removably engaged with said corresponding component of the actuating component (101 ) when the handle (97) is operated into a fully extended configuration, corresponding to the second ("sealed") configuration of the valve assembly module (91 ).
• the valve assembly module (91 ) is independent and/or removably detachable from the casing assembly (5), which is also very advantageous for facilitating inspection, maintenance and/or repair
• the fixed component (129) comprises may comprise at least one through-hole orifice (135) for receiving a corresponding fastener (137) intended to securely mount the fixed component (129) of the valve assembly module (91 ) onto a corresponding securing orifice (139) of a top inner portion (141 ) of the casing assembly.
• the fixed component (129) may comprise top and bottom sub-portions (129a, 129b) being removably connectable to one another via at least one corresponding fastener (143), and in some implementations shown such as the one in Figure 10, the top and bottom sub-portions (129a, 129b) of the fixed component (129) are removably connectable to one another via four corresponding fasteners (143), although various other connection/affixing possibilities are also contemplated for the present system (1 ).
• the handle (97) is substantially U-shaped, and provides a transversal gripping portion (147), and thus, the fixed component (129) can be configured for defining a transversal finger-receiving recess (145) behind the handle (97) when operated into the retracted configuration, as better shown in Figures 15-18 and 31 .
• the handle (97) may comprise top and bottom sub-portions (97a, 97b), and the top and bottom sub-portions (97a, 97b) of the handle (97) may be removably connectable to one another via a pair of corresponding fasteners (149), for example, as also better shown in Figure 10, although various other connection/affixing possibilities are also contemplated for the present system (1 ).
• the outlet box assembly (1 ) comprises a switch (151 ) electrically connectable via wiring to the central vacuum system (3), the switch (151 ) being operable between ON and OFF configurations via a corresponding actuator button (153).
• the switch (151 ) is provided about the casing assembly (5), and the actuator button (153) is provided about the valve assembly module (91 ).
• the valve assembly module (91 ) is configured so that the actuator button (153) automatically activates the switch (151 ) into the ON configuration when the handle (97) is operated into an extended configuration.
• the present system (1 ) enables for the actuator button (153) to be automatically activated upon activating the valve assembly (91 ), which is beneficial in that if a user is going to be using the valve assembly (91 ) for affixing a given length of a retractable hose to be used, for example, he/she will necessarily need to turn the system (3) on for activating the vacuum source. Therefore, the present innovative valve assembly module (91 ) with handle (97) and actuator button (153) cooperating together in the manner described hereinabove is advantageous in that it enables to reduce an additional step which would be normally required with conventional systems.
• the actuator button (153) comprises a magnet (155), and the switch (151 ) is automatically turned ON when the magnet (155) is aligned with the switch (151 ) within the outlet box assembly (1 ), such as, when the handle (97) is pulled out, for example.
• the actuator button (153) can be urged into the ON configuration by means of an abutment shoulder (157) of the handle (97) being positioned, shaped and sized for pushing against the actuator button (153) when the handle (97) is pulled out, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 36.
• the actuator button (153) can be further configured to remain projecting out, and maintain the switch (151 ) in an ON configuration, when the handle (97) is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module (91 ).
• the actuator button (153) may comprise a resilient component (159) engageable with a corresponding complementary notch (161 ) provided about an inner wall of the fixed component (129), so as to maintain the switch (151 ) in an ON configuration, when the handle (97) is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module (91 ).
• a resilient component (159) engageable with a corresponding complementary notch (161 ) provided about an inner wall of the fixed component (129), so as to maintain the switch (151 ) in an ON configuration, when the handle (97) is pushed back into a retracted position within the valve assembly module (91 ).
• various the other suitable interactions between the actuator button (153) and the fixed component (129) may be employed in order to attain the above- mentioned feature.
• the actuator button (153) is configured so that a retaining force provided by the resilient component (159) engaged into the complementary notch (161 ) of the fixed component (129) is simply overridden by manually pushing the actuator button (153) back into a retracted configuration, or as can be easily understood from Figure 2, by allowing the access door (71 ) to be closed onto the outlet box assembly (1 ), so that said access door (71 ) pushes the actuator button (153) back into the retracted configuration.
• the switch (151 ) is lodged inside the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5), and can be provided with excess wiring (163) lodged inside the groove (35) of the casing assembly (5).
• kits with corresponding components for assembling an outlet box system (1 ) such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
• the casing assembly (5), the door assembly (19), the gap-adjustment assembly (23), the valve assembly module (91 ) and/or any other component described herein and/or exemplified in the accompanying drawing could be sold separately and/or together.
• a retractable hose central vacuum system provided with at least one outlet box system (1 ) such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
• the present system (1 ) is advantageous over conventional systems in that it may be used with different types of wall constructions (drywall, brick, plaster, cement, etc.) and can be easily adapted to different wall thicknesses (di , d 2 , etc.), for a very nice and smooth finish.
• the present system (1 ) is also advantageous over conventional systems in that the design of its valve assembly module (91 ) enables the same to be operated independently from the casing assembly (5), and also enables the valve assembly module (91 ) to be detachable from said casing assembly (5), which facilitates inspection, maintenance, servicing and/or repair, if need may be.
• the present system is also advantageous in that, unlike conventional systems where a valve assembly is activated by "pushing” on a lever from “left” to “right” and using one or two “extended” fingers, which is strenuous for a user, the valve assembly module (91 ) according to the present system (1 ) is configured so as to be activated via a simple pulling action, such as by pulling on a corresponding handle (97), which enables an easier and more ergonomic handling of the valve assembly (91 ).
• valve assembly module (91 ) is configured so that when it is activated, it automatically activates a corresponding actuator button (153) which in turns automatically turns on the vacuum source associated with the present outlet box system (1 ).
• a corresponding actuator button (153) which in turns automatically turns on the vacuum source associated with the present outlet box system (1 ).
• This is particularly advantageous with respect to conventional systems where the valve assemblies and corresponding actuator buttons are made to be operated independently and separately, which translates into various additional manipulation steps.
• a user typically uses a valve assembly to secure a retractable hose in place within the central vacuum system, it goes without saying that they are going to be need to turn on the system in order to activate the suction force provided by the vacuum source.
• valve assembly module (91 ) which automatically activates the actuator button (153) when the valve assembly module (91 ) is pulled out (for example), manipulation steps are considerably reduced for the user with respect to what is required with conventional systems, which is very advantageous and convenient.
• valve assembly module (91 ) is configured so as to maintain the actuator button (153) in an ON configuration when the handle (97) is pushed back into the system, this is also particularly advantageous because it is desirable for a user to have the vacuum source pulling onto the retractable hose (17), in order to a properly lodge it inside the corresponding tubing provided inside the wall, for example.
• the user may either simply push on the actuator button (153) back into the box, so as to turn off the system (3), or may simply allow the access door (71 ) to close onto the box, and this closing of the access door (71 ) will automatically push back the actuator button (153) into the OFF configuration, further supporting the different innovative features and associated advantages resulting from the design of the present outlet box system (1 ).
• the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Packages (AREA)
• Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
• Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
• Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-02-10 PT PT157468919T patent/PT3104758T/pt unknown
  • 2015-02-10 WO PCT/CA2015/050096 patent/WO2015117248A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2015-02-10 DK DK15746891.9T patent/DK3104758T3/da active
  • 2015-02-10 US US15/117,572 patent/US20160367095A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2015-02-10 ES ES15746891T patent/ES2857525T3/es active Active
  • 2015-02-10 PL PL15746891T patent/PL3104758T3/pl unknown
  • 2015-02-10 EP EP15746891.9A patent/EP3104758B1/en active Active
  • 2015-02-10 CA CA2939150A patent/CA2939150C/en active Active
  • 2015-02-10 LT LTEP15746891.9T patent/LT3104758T/lt unknown
  • 2015-02-10 AU AU2015213456A patent/AU2015213456B2/en active Active

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