WO2020160212A1

WO2020160212A1 - Vacuum attachment for grooming

Info

Publication number: WO2020160212A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/015802
Authority: WO
Inventors: David M. KELLER
Original assignee: Keller David M
Priority date: 2019-01-31
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2020-08-06

Abstract

A device that includes a housing component and a rotatable internal component is described. The internal component is rotatably coupled to the housing component. Moreover, the internal component includes a protrusion and a slot, and a grooming tool may be coupled to the slot. The protrusion and slot are radially offset from an axis of rotation such that the internal component is gravitationally biased. The device can be connected to a vacuum source and used in the grooming of animals or cleaning upholstery. The device may connect to the vacuum source using a flexible tubing for use among a variety of vacuum sources. A system including the device and methods related to the use thereof are also described.

Description

VACUUM ATTACHMENT FOR GROOMING

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/799,385, filed January 31, 2019, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to attachments for household vacuum cleaning devices. The device disclosed includes a new vacuum attachment tool designed to more efficiently groom pets. The tool can also be utilized to complete other similar tasks, such as cleaning upholstery. The tool is mechanically configured to automatically deposit hair and other debris gathered by a grooming tool, such as a brush, comb, or blade, into a plenum of the tool. Additionally, the tool is configured to include a means for universal attachment to a wide-variety of household vacuums.

[0003] Various grooming brushes and blades exist, and some are configured to be able to attach to a vacuum. However, existing tools have a multitude of drawbacks. For example, some stationary type brushes gather loose hair or debris, but the brush remains out in the ambient area mostly outside the suction created by the vacuum so that only the debris that is very loose is captured by the vacuum In other words, existing grooming tools do not efficiently locate the debris so that the vacuum can actually gather the collected debris. Moreover, many of these designs position bristles, teeth, and/or blades in a direction opposite that of the airflow created by the vacuum Other tools may involve some type of motion to relocate a brush or blade into a better position to deposit collected hair or debris, but those tools require additional mechanical components to be actively operated by the user.

[0004] Beneficially, the present invention fulfills a need by more effectively positioning a brush, comb, blade, etc., within a plenum of the tool without requiring a user to take the additional steps of activating additional mechanical components. Utilizing more effective mechanics, the device disclosed is more efficient and time-saving than existing products.

SUMMARY

[0005] The invention described herein may be considered a grooming tool that is attachable to a household vacuum in order to more efficiently and effectively groom animals as well as clean up after them, for example by more effectively cleaning upholstery. Within examples described in more detail below, the tool is configured such that a brush, comb, or blade, etc. is located within the tool and is biased to rotate inwards towards a plenum of the tool after the tool is lifted away from the surface being brushed, combed, etc. By mechanically configuring tire tool to rotate freely in the maimer described, the suction created by the vacuum easily and efficiently removes any hair or other debris collected by the tool without requiring the user to actively operate any mechanical features, such as buttons or switches.

[0006] In one aspect, a device is described. The device includes a housing component and in internal component. The interal component is rotatably coupled to the housing component. In some regards, the internal component may be located within the housing component. The internal component includes a protrusion and a slot A grooming tool, such as a brush, comb, or blade may be coupled to the interal component by sliding the tool into the slot. The grooming tool may be entirely or in part constructed from metal, plastic, composite, or rubber, among other possible materials. The protrusion and the slot, and thus any tool coupled to the slot, are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the interal component is gravitationally biased. Within examples, the protrusion and slot are offset in the same general direction such that the interal component is weighted in that direction. Additionally, among other features, the housing component may define a plenum and the internal component may rotate the grooming tool into the plenum The plenum may be located internally within the tool and air may flow from the plenum towards a vacuum source when coupled to the vacuum source.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of using one or more of the devices disclosed, is described herein. The method includes engaging a surface by at least one of a protrusion of an internal component or a grooming tool coupled to the internal component. The surface may be a coat of an animal that has hair, fur, or wool. The surface may also be furniture or upholstery that may have animal hair, fur, or wool on it. The internal component is rotatably coupled to a housing component. Furthermore, the housing component defines a plenum that may be considered within the housing component. The protrusion and the grooming tool attached to the internal component are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the interal component is gravitationally biased. Within examples, the axis may be perpendicular to a direction of air flow when the housing component is attached to a vacuum source. The method further includes moving the housing component across the surface such that the grooming tool contacts the surface. The method also includes rotating the grooming tool into the plenum by disengaging from the surface. Among other examples, when the protrusion becomes engaged with the surface, the moving of the housing component across the surface can cause the grooming tool to rotate in a direction away from the plenum such that the grooming tools comes into contact with the surface.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a system is described. The system includes a vacuum source and a grooming attachment The vacuum source may also include further components such as a vacuum hose and vacuum nozzle, for example. The grooming attachment is coupled to the vacuum source and includes a housing component and an interal component. The housing component defines a plenum and the plenum is in fluid connection with the vacuum source. The internal component is rotatably coupled to the housing component. In some examples, the internal component may be considered to be attached within the housing component. The internal component includes a protrusion and a grooming tool. The grooming tool and the protrusion are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component. The offset causes the internal component to be gravitationally biased, and more particularly biased in the general direction of the offset. When the grooming tool is in a collection position, at least one of the protrusion or the grooming tool are positioned to engage a surface. Positioned to engage the surface may include being orientated in a direction such that the protrusion and/or grooming tool are facing the surface. Moreover, when the grooming tool is in a deposit position, the grooming tool is positioned in the plenum. Within examples, the grooming tool may move from the collection position to the deposit position by rotating about the axis of rotation of the internal component. In some examples, the grooming attachment may include a tubing adapter component to facilitate the coupling of the attachment to the vacuum source.

[0009] In another aspect, another method for generally attaching a vacuum attachment to a vacuum source is described. Within examples, the vacuum attachment may be a grooming attachment and may include a grooming tool, such as a brush, comb, blade, etc. The method includes coupling a first end of a tubing to the vacuum attachment. In one embodiment, the tubing may be stretched, extended, and/or rolled over at least a portion of the vacuum attachment. The method further includes rolling a second end of the tubing and then locating a nozzle of the vacuum source in a position near a distal end of the vacuum attachment. The distal end may be considered the end of the attachment that air flows out of when connected to the vacuum source. After locating the nozzle in the position, the method also includes unrolling the second end of the tubing such that the second end of the tubing is coupled to the nozzle. The unrolling causes the vacuum attachment and the nozzle to be in fluid communication with one another.

[0010] These, as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 depicts a grooming attachment device, according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of a grooming attachment device, according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3A depicts a grooming attachment device and a surface, according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3B depicts a grooming attachment device moving across a surface, according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3C depicts a grooming attachment device in a vertical orientation relative to a surface, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example method, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 A depicts a tubing adapter, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure SB depicts a tubing adapter partially coupled to a grooming attachment device, according to an example embodiment

[0019] Figure SC depicts a tubing adapter coupled to a grooming attachment device and a nozzle of a vacuum source, according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6A depicts a tubing adapter, according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6B depicts a tubing adapter coupled to a grooming attachment device and rolled in preparation for connection to a vacuum source, according to an example embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6C depicts a tubing adapter coupled to a grooming attachment device and a nozzle of a vacuum source, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Example methods and systems are described herein. The words "example," “exemplary,” and“illustrative” are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an "example," being “exemplary,” or being“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0024] A grooming attachment device and related systems, methods of use and assembly are described herein. The grooming attachment device may efficiently and effectively remove hair and other debris from a surface, such as loose hair or fur from an animal such as a dog. By connecting to a vacuum source, or more particularly a nozzle and/or tubing of a household vacuum cleaner, the grooming attachment device provides easy collection and disposal of hair and debris collected by a grooming tool that is included as part of the grooming attachment. Animals, and more particularly pets that live within a household, leave hair and other debris behind, such as on furniture about the house. To limit the amount of hair that can stubbornly become stuck to furniture, it is helpful to groom pets by removing loose hair directly from the pet’s coat. Additionally, ordinary household vacuum attachments may not be effective at removing hair that gets caught up in upholstery. Utilizing the grooming attachment device disclosed herein solves these problems by providing a means for a user to more effectively groom and cleanup after pets (or other animals).

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a grooming tool vacuum attachment 100 (grooming attachment 100). Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view' of the grooming attachment 100. The grooming attachment 100 includes an internal component 110 and a housing component 120. The interal component 110 includes a protrusion 112, a slot 114, an extended portion 116. The internal component 110 is configured to rotate about an axis 118 (axis of rotation 118 of the internal component 110). Moreover, the internal component 110 is rotatably coupled to the housing component 120. The slot 114 is configured to accept and couple to a grooming tool 105. The grooming tool 105 includes teeth 107 that are configured to gather and remove hair and debris from a surface. The grooming tool 105 may be considered a deshedding blade in some embodiments. While grooming tool 105 is depicted in the figures, the slot 114 is designed to accept a variety of grooming tools in the art. For example, in other examples, the grooming tool 105 may be considered a brush, a comb, or a blade, among other examples. So, for example, the grooming tool 105 may include bristles or other features (in addition or in place of teeth 107) designed to capture and remove hair and debris from a surface.

[0026] As depicted, the protrusion 112 and the slot 114, and thus any grooming tool attached to the slot 114, are radially offset from the axis of rotation 118 of the internal component 110. In this regard, the internal component 110 is gravitationally biased. In other words, by locating the protrusion 112, slot 114, and grooming tool 105, generally in the same direction offset from the axis 118, those components bias the internal component 110 to rotate in the direction of gravity. In some examples, the protrusion 112 may be weighted and/or provide additional mass to the internal component 110 that the internal component 110 is“weighted” in the direction of the offset from the axis 118. In even further examples, the protrusion 112 may be considered a leading edge of the interal component 1 10.

[0027] The housing component 120 includes a plurality of external protrusions 122, a plenum 124, an internal protrusion 126, a plurality of edge components 128, a nozzle component 130, and a handle component 140. Each of the plurality of exteral protrusions 122 may be rounded and may be spaced out along an engaging side of the grooming attachment 100 so that the plurality of external protrusions 122 can smooth out a portion of a surface before the surface is contacted by the grooming tool 105. For example, a dog’s skin may roll up or be uneven in certain areas and in order to effectively engage the grooming tool 105 with the surface (skin and hair, for example), the plurality of external protrusions 122 may smooth out the skin before the grooming tool 105 comes into contact with that area of skin and hair. In this regard, the spacing between the plurality of exteral protrusions 122 and the axis of rotation 118 of the internal component, or the grooming tool 105, may be approximately one inch, or between a half inch and one and a half inches, to prevent the skin surface from rolling back up between the external protrusions 122 and grooming tool 105.

[0028] As shown, the housing component 120 defines the plenum 124. The internal component 110 is configured to rotate the grooming tool 105 into the plenum 124. The plenum 124 may be an interior space within the housing component 120 that is in fluid connection with a vacuum source when the grooming attachment 100 is coupled to the vacuum source. In this regard, when the grooming tool 105 is in a deposit position (described in more detail below in relation to Figures 3A-3C), the teeth 107 or a blade of the grooming tool 105 may be located within the plenum 124 and air may flow over at the grooming tool 105 and thereby pull any hair or debris on the teeth 107 from the plenum 124 towards the vacuum source. The plenum 124 may experience positive air pressure relative to the vacuum source, thus fluid (e.g., air), located in the plenum 124 tends to flow towards the lower pressure created by the vacuum source. When the grooming attachment 100 is coupled to a vacuum source, the plenum 124 is in fluid connection with the vacuum source.

[0029] The interal protrusion 126 of the housing component 120 may engage the internal component 110. In some regards, described in more detail below in relation to Figures 3A-3C, the internal protrusion 126 may act as a stop block when the grooming tool 105 is in the plenum 124. In some examples, the internal protrusion 126 may be shaped such that the internal protrusion 126 allows airflow over at least a portion of at least two sides of the grooming tool 105 when the grooming tool 105 is in the plenum 124.

[0030] The plurality of edge components 128 of the housing component 120 may couple to opposite ends of the internal component 110. As depicted in the Figures, the plurality of edge components 128 may include two edge components 128. In some examples, such as shown in Figure 2, at least one of the edge components 128 may be removable from the housing component 120 such that the internal component 110 can be removed from the housing component 120. Moreover, the removable edge component 128 may allow for the grooming tool 105 to be removed and or replaced from the internal component 110. Furthermore, the plurality of edge components 128 may extend and be rounded in a direction similar to the plurality of exteral protrusions 122 so that the edge components 128 may also have a smoothing function as described for the external protrusions 122. Additionally, the edge components 128 may extend to shield or protect edges or sides of the grooming tool 105 from getting caught up or damaging a surface. The edge components 128 may include a cavity that is configured to mate with the extended portion 116 of the interal component 110, thereby allowing for the internal component 110 to be rotatably coupled to the housing component 120.

[0031] The nozzle component 130 may be a transition component that extends from a first side 132 to a second side 134. The first side 132 may be part of or near the plenum 124. The first side 132 may also be wider than the second side 134. Among other possibilities, the nozzle component 130 may transition the shape of the housing component 120 of the grooming attachment 100 from a rectangular shape at the first side 132 to a circular shape at the second side 134. In some examples, the second side 134 may be circular and configured to attached to hoses and/or nozzles of a vacuum source. In other examples, such as depicted in the figures, the handle component 140 may couple to the second side 134 of the nozzle component 130 of the housing component 120. The handle component 140 may provide a convenient location for a user to hold, handle, and guide the grooming attachment 100 across a surface. While the nozzle component 130 and the handle component 140 are shown in the figures and may be considered part of the housing component 120, in some embodiments the nozzle component 130 and the handle component 140 may be separate from the housing component 120 and take a variety of shapes and sizes. In some examples, the shape and sizing of the components that couple to the housing component 120 may depend on the shape and sizing of a corresponding nozzle and/or hose of a vacuum source.

[0032] Figures 3A-3C depict the grooming attachment 100 at various stages and positions in use. In addition to the various features and aspects of the grooming attachment 100 previously identified, Figures 3A-3C include a surface 150. As described herein, the surface 150 may include a variety of surfaces including but not limited to the skin or coat of an animal or surface of furniture. Figure 3B depicts the grooming attachment 100, and more particularly the interal component 110 in an open position. The open position may also be considered a collection position as the grooming tool 105 of the internal component 110 engages and contacts the surface 150 or hair attached thereto and collects loose hair and debris therefrom while in the collection position. In some examples, the grooming attachment 100, and more particularly the interal component, may be lockable in the collection position such that the grooming attachment 100 acts like a regular brush and may be used without attaching to a vacuum. Figure 3C depicts the grooming attachment 100, and more particularly the interal component 110 and the grooming tool 105, in a closed position. The closed position may also be considered a deposit position as the grooming tool 105 is back within the plenum 124 such that any collected hair or debris is deposited into the airflow of a vacuum attached to the grooming attachment 100. In other examples, the grooming attachment 100, and more particularly the internal component, may be also be lockable in the closed position. When locked in the closed position, the grooming attachment 100 may be in a storage position. The storage position, i.e., the locked, closed position, may prevent the interal component or blade from coming into contact with external components or users unnecessarily.

[0033] For exemplary purposes, the surface 150 is shown as generally level and flat.

However, it should be understood that the surface 150 does not need to be flat and the motion described herein is applicable to various surfaces that may be orientated in any direction. This is possible because of the rotational engagement of the grooming attachment 100 to the surface 150. In other words, while lateral motion is described herein, all that is required to operate the grooming attachment 100 is the relative movement between the grooming attachment 100 and the surface 150. So, for example, if the surface 150 was orientated vertically, or at an angle, when the grooming attachment 100 is engaged with the surface 150 such that some part of the internal component 110 (e.g., protrusion 112 or grooming tool 105) is in contact with the surface 150, the movement of components of the grooming attachment 100 are generally the same (but just might vary in degree or amount of rotation, for example). The continued description of Figures 3A-3C below will further explain these features.

[0034] In Figure 3 A the grooming attachment 100 is depicted just about to engage and come into contact with the surface 150. In fact, in the orientation shown, the protrusion 112 of tiie internal component 110 and the plurality of external protrusions of the housing component 120 are going to engage the surface 150 first when the user lowers the grooming attachment 100 onto the surface 150. In this horizontal orientation with the surface 150 below the grooming attachment 100, the protrusion 112, slot 114, and grooming tool 105 being radially offset from the axis 118 biases the internal component 110 into the orientation shown, i.e., with the protrusion 112 hanging down about to engage the surface.

[0035] Continuing to Figure 3B, the grooming attachment 100 has engaged the surface 150 and is being moved across the surface. As the grooming attachment 100 moves across the surface 150, the interal component 110 rotates, driven by the contact and friction between the internal component 110 and the surface 150. In some examples, an exterior surface of the internal component 110 and/or the protrusion 112 may include a silicone rubber strip. The rubber strip may be coupled to the internal component 110 and/or the protrusion 112 such that the friction between the interal component and the surface 150 is greater such that the internal component 110 rotates more easily and does not slide along the surface 150 when the interal component 110 first comes into contact with the surface 150. The rotation causes the grooming tool 105 to engage and contact the surface 150. Thus, moving the housing component 120 across the surface causes the grooming tool 105 to come into contact with the surface 150. While moving across the surface 150, the grooming tool 105 may remove loose hair and/or other debris from the surface 150.

[0036] If the surface 150 was horizontal, but above the grooming attachment 100, the grooming attachment 100 would be flipped 180 degrees. Similarly, if the surface 150 was orientated vertically, the grooming attachment 100 would be rotated 90 degrees correspondingly. While the features of the internal component 110 including the protrusion 112 might not be orientated in the initial position shown in Figure 3A, once the grooming attachment 100 engages and moves across the surface 150, the internal component 110 will rotate and move into the open position shown in Figure 3B. In some examples, the orientation of the internal component 110 at the time of engagement may be that the grooming tool 105 is already in contact with the surface 150. Nonetheless, no matter the initial position at immediate contact, whether the surface engages the grooming tool 105 directly or the protrusion 112 of the internal component 110, as the grooming attachment 100 moves across the surface 150 the grooming tool 105 will be moved (or already positioned) in the open or the collection position as illustrated in Figure 3B.

[0037] After moving the grooming attachment 100 across the surface 150, the grooming tool 105 will collect any loose hair and possibly other debris. At this point, as illustrated in Figure 3C, the user may move or lift the grooming attachment 100 including the housing component 120 into a vertical orientation. The vertical orientation includes the interal component 110 located generally above the plenum 124. When orientated in this manner, again, as shown in Figure 3C, the gravitational bias of the internal component 110, caused by the offset location of the protrusion 112, the slot 114, and the grooming tool 105, causes the grooming tool 105 to rotate into plenum 124. Within examples, such as depicted in Figure 3C, in this orientation the internal protrusion 126 is acting as a stop block within the housing component 120 and preventing the interal component 110 from over-rotating beyond the plenum. The interal component 110 may be considered to be freely rotatable between the open position (collection position) and the closed position (deposit position) based on the orientation of the grooming attachment 100 including the housing component

120.

[0038] While the grooming attachment 100 including the housing component 120 are in the vertical orientation depicted in Figure 3C, in other examples the grooming tool 105 may rotate into the plenum 124 when the grooming attachment is not in the vertical orientation. For example, the interal component 110, the protrusion 112, the slot 114, and the grooming tool 105 may be orientated relative to one another such that by simply disengaging contact with the surface 150, the gravitational bias of the internal component 1 10, including in some examples the protrusion 112, may cause rotation of the internal component 110 at enough of an angular rate such that momentum of the internal component (again, including the protrusion 112 in some examples) causes the grooming tool 105 reaches the plenum 124. In yet another example, the internal component 110, the protrusion 112, the slot 114, and the grooming tool 105 may be relatively orientated such that just the gravitational bias of the internal component 110 itself can cause the grooming tool 105 to be located in the plenum 124.

[0039] As described above, when the grooming tool 105 is located in the plenum 124, the internal component 110 and the grooming attachment 100 more generally is considered in the closed or deposit position. When attached to a vacuum source, the direction of the airflow in the plenum 124 is aligned with the direction of the grooming tool 105 such that any hair or debris is placed into the airflow in a direction that can more easily remove the collected hair or debris from the grooming tool 105. Additionally, while the internal protrusion 126 of the housing may act as a stop block and locate the grooming tool 105 in the plenum 124, the internal protrusion 126 may not laterally span the distance of the housing component 120 such that air may flow on at least two sides of the grooming tool 105 when in the deposit position.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 for utilizing a grooming attachment, such as the grooming attachment 100 of Figures 1, 2, and 3A-3C. As shown by block 402, the method 400 includes at least one of a protrusion of an interal component or a grooming tool coupled to the internal component engaging a surface. The internal component is rotatably coupled to a housing component. The housing component may also define a plenum The protrusion and the grooming tool are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the interal component is gravitationally biased.

[0041] At block 404, the method 400 also includes moving the housing component across the surface such that the grooming tool contacts the surface. As described in relation to Figures 3B and 3C above, in some uses the grooming tool may rotate with the internal component as the housing component is moved in order to come into contact with the surface, while in other uses the grooming tool itself may come into contact when the surface is originally engaged. Contacting the surface should be understood to include contacting the hair or debris attached to the surface, especially in the use of grooming an animal.

[0042] At block 406, the method 400 includes the grooming tool rotating into the plenum of the housing component by moving the housing component and grooming attachment into a vertical orientation. The vertical orientation should be understood as described in relation to Figure 3C above, that is, with the interal component generally above the plenum

[0043] The method 400 may include other aspects not depicted in Figure 4. For example, when the protrusion of the interal component engages with the surface, the moving of the housing component across the surface may cause the grooming tool to then rotate in a direction away from the plenum such that the grooming tool contacts the surface. This may be similar to the open or collection position described in Figure 3B above.

[0044] In other embodiments, the method 400 may include the grooming tool removing loose hair from the surface. Within examples, this may occur when the grooming tool is in contact with the surface. Additionally, the method 400 may include the grooming tool depositing the loose hair into the plenum This may occur after the grooming tool rotates into the plenum, i.e., when the grooming tool is in the deposit position.

[0045] The method 400 may also include a plurality of external protrusions smoothing the surface, possibly while the housing component moves across the surface. The plurality of external protrusions may be coupled to the housing component. In other aspect, the method may include pulling the housing component in a direction that causes the grooming tool to rotate and come into contact with the surface. Pulling the housing component may include a user pulling or holding a handle component coupled to the housing component as the user strokes an animal coat or upholstery surface.

[0046] Continuing to Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C, attaching a grooming attachment, such as the grooming attachment 100 and the corresponding features associated therewith, to a vacuum source may require additional features. Vacuum sources may utilize various sizes, shapes, and connectors of tubing in order to connect an external tool to use with the vacuum This puts users into the position of being forced to use vacuum attachments from the same manufacturer as the vacuum itself. However, better attachments for specific purposes, such as the grooming attachment need to be couplable to the vacuum source. In order to connect the grooming attachment tool disclosed herein, a universal tubing adapter is also disclosed. Additionally, the tubing adapter may also improve the ergonomic function of the device(s) the adapter is attached thereto. While described in terms of the grooming attachment, it should be recognized that the universal tubing adapter may be used with a variety of other tools.

[0047] For example, Figure 5A illustrates a tubing adapter component 550 (tubing adapter 550). The tubing adapter 550 may be a silicone rubber or other similar elastic material. In some examples, the tubing adapter 550 may include one or more strength components extending along the length of the tubing adapter 550. As shown in Figure 5B, a first end 551 of the tubing adapter 550 may be coupled to a vacuum attachment, such as the grooming attachment 100 as shown. More particularly, the first end 551 may be coupled to a handle component 140 of the grooming attachment 100. Coupling the first end of the tubing adapter 550 may include extending the first end of the tubing over the distal end of the grooming attachment 100. The distal end should be considered the end that air is design to leave through, while the proximate end may be the end of the grooming attachment that air enters when attached to a vacuum source. Among other possibilities, in some embodiments, the tubing adapter 550 may be considered part of the grooming attachment 100, or more particularly, part of a housing component of the grooming attachment 100.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5B, a second end 553 of the tubing adapter 550 may be rolled, and particularly rolled to expose at least a portion of the distal end of the grooming attachment 100. Within examples, the second end 553 may include a lip or a lipped edge. The lip or lipped edge may allow for easier rolling or manipulation of the tubing adapter 550. After rolling the second end 553 as shown in Figure 5B, a nozzle 506 of a vacuum source may be positioned near the distal end of the grooming attachment 100. The nozzle 506 may be of a diameter that is larger, smaller, or the same as a diameter of the corresponding portion of the handle component 140. In further examples, the handle component 140 may include the distal end of the grooming attachment may be tapered such that the distal end of the handle component 140 fits within the nozzle 506. After locating the nozzle 506 in the position, the second end 553 of the tubing adapter 550 may be unrolled such that the second end 553 couples to the nozzle 506. This is depicted in Figure 5C. Unrolling and coupling of the tubing adapter 550 may provide for fluid communication between the grooming attachment and the nozzle of the vacuum source.

[0049] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C depict further details and provide further example of the tubing adapter 550. As shown in Figure 6A, the tubing adapter 550 may include the second end 553 and a lipped edge 555. Additionally, the handle component 140 of the grooming attachment 100 (the rest of which is not illustrated for simplicity in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C) may be tapered such that the handle component 140 fits within the nozzle 506. As shown in Figure 6B, the second end 553 may be rolled up in order to insert within or couple to the handle component 140 of the grooming attachment 100 the nozzle 506. As shown in Figure 6C, the tubing adapter 550, and more particularly the second end 553 thereof, may be unrolled over the outside of the nozzle 506. As such, the tubing adapter 550 may tightly seal around the outside of the nozzle 506 while the handle component 140 fits within the nozzle 506. Other configurations are considered herein.

[0050] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular implementations described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0051] The above detailed description describes various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying figures. The example implementations described herein and in the figures are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A device, comprising:

a housing component; and

an internal component rotatably coupled to the housing component, wherein the internal component comprises a protrusion and a slot, and further wherein the slot is configured to couple to a grooming tool;

wherein the protrusion and the slot of the internal component are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the internal component is gravitationally biased.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing component defines a plenum, and further wherein the internal component is configured to rotate the grooming tool into the plenum.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the housing component comprises an internal protrusion that engages the internal component when the grooming tool is in the plenum.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the internal protrusion allows airflow over at least two sides of the grooming tool when the grooming tool is in the plenum.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing component comprises a plurality of external protrusions, wherein the plurality of external protrusions is configured to smooth a portion of a surface before the portion of the surface is contacted by the grooming tool.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing component comprises a plurality of edge components coupled to opposite ends of the internal component.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein at least one of the plurality of edge components is removable from the housing component such that the interal component and the grooming tool can be removed.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the grooming tool is a deshedding blade.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal component is freely rotatable between an open position and a closed position based on an orientation of the housing component.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein when in the closed position, the grooming tool is positioned in a plenum defined by the housing component.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a nozzle component, wherein the nozzle component is configured to couple to the housing component at a first end of the nozzle component and to a vacuum source at a second end of the nozzle component such that the housing component, nozzle component, and vacuum source are in fluid connection.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the internal component is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, the device further comprising:

a locking mechanism that maintains the internal component in at least one of the open position or the closed position.

13. A method, comprising:

engaging a surface with at least one of a protrusion of an internal component or a grooming tool coupled to the internal component, wherein the internal component is rotatably coupled to a housing component defining a plenum, and further wherein the protrusion and the grooming tool are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the internal component is gravitationally biased;

moving the housing component across the surface such that the grooming tool contacts the surface; and

rotating the grooming tool into the plenum by disengaging the surface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein rotating the grooming tool into the plenum further comprises moving the housing component into a vertical orientation.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein when the protrusion of the internal component is engaged with the surface, moving the housing component across the surface causes the grooming tool to rotate in a direction away from the plenum such that the grooming tool contacts the surface.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

removing, by the grooming tool, loose hair from the surface; and

depositing, by the grooming tool, the loose hair into the plenum.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

smoothing the surface by a plurality of external protrusions coupled to an outside of the housing component.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein moving the housing component across the surface comprises pulling the housing component in a direction that causes the grooming tool to rotate and come into contact with the surface.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the surface is a portion of a piece of furniture.

20. A system, comprising:

a vacuum source; and

a grooming attachment coupled to the vacuum source, the grooming attachment comprising:

a housing component defining a plenum that is in fluid connection with the vacuum source; and

an internal component rotatably coupled to the housing component, wherein the internal component comprises a protrusion and a grooming tool, and wherein the protrusion and the grooming tool of the internal component are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the internal component is gravitationally biased such that when the grooming attachment is in a collection position at least one of the protrusion and the grooming tool are positioned to engage a surface and when the grooming attachment is a deposit position the grooming tool is positioned in the plenum.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein when the grooming attachment is in the collection position when the grooming attachment is in contact and moving across a surface.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the grooming attachment is in the deposit position when the grooming attachment is not in contact with surface and is orientated vertically with the internal component above the plenum.

23. The system of claim 20, further comprising:

a tubing coupled between the vacuum source and the grooming attachment, wherein the tubing is configured to be extended over one of the grooming attachment or a nozzle coupled to the vacuum source, and then unrolled over the other of the grooming attachment or nozzle such that the plenum of the grooming attachment is in fluid connection with the vacuum source.

24. A method, comprising:

coupling a first end of a tubing to a vacuum attachment;

rolling a second end of the tubing;

after rolling the second end, locating a nozzle of a vacuum source in a position near a distal end of the vacuum attachment; and

after locating the nozzle in the position, unrolling the second end of the tubing such that the second end of the tubing is coupled to the nozzle, wherein the unrolling provides for fluid communication between the vacuum attachment and the nozzle.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the vacuum attachment comprises:

a housing component; and

an internal component rotatably coupled to the housing component, wherein the internal component comprises a protrusion and a slot, and further wherein the slot is configured to couple to a grooming tool; wherein the protrusion and the slot of the internal component are radially offset from an axis of rotation of the internal component such that the internal component is gravitationally biased.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein coupling the first end of the tubing comprises extending the first end of the tubing over the distal end of the vacuum attachment.