WO2022051656A1

WO2022051656A1 - Hose adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2022051656A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/049121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Lee HILLARD
Original assignee: Mullet Tools, LLC
Priority date: 2020-09-04
Filing date: 2021-09-03
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Also published as: US20220071462A1; US20230309772A1

Abstract

An adapter having a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses.

Description

HOSE ADAPTER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0000] This application is a continuation-in-part application of United States Patent Application No. 17/088,064, entitled “HOSE ADAPTER,” filed November 3, 2020 - which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including all references cited therein. This application also claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application Serial Number 63/074,504, entitled “HOSE ADAPTER FOR WET/DRY VACUUM CLEANERS,” filed September 4, 2020 - which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including all references cited therein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001 ] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates in general to adapters and, more particularly, to universal adapters for use in association with, for example, wet- dry vacs, shop-vacs and/or dust extractors. The adapters of the present disclosure are compatible with a plurality of vacuum cleaners and facilitate quick and easy connection/disconnection between hoses and vacuum cleaner units themselves.

2. Background Art

[0004] Adapters and associated accessories for vacuum cleaners have been known in the art for years and are the subject of a plurality of patents and publications, including: United States Patent Number 8,789,854 entitled "Quick- Connect Tube Coupling," United States Patent Number 8,533,905 entitled "Vacuum Accessory Tool," United States Patent Number 6,672,628 entitled "Quick Connect Hose Coupling," United States Patent Number 6,086,1 19 entitled "Detachable Plug-In Connection for Receiving a Tubular Plug-in-Part," United States Patent Number 4,997,209 entitled "Universal Adapter Sleeve for Central Vacuum Cleaning Systems," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2017/0238775 entitled "Carpet Cleaning Assembly," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0053934 entitled "Direct Connect Adapter Device," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0213700 entitled "Wet/Dry Vac Accessory Securement Sleeve," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0170140 entitled "Vacuum Cleaner Adapter Set," and Korean Patent Publication Number 10-0750710 entitled "Wand Assembly for a Vacuum Cleaner" - all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including all references cited therein.

[0005] United States Patent Number 8,789,854 appears to disclose a flow regulated quick-connect fitting that has a polymeric first connector and a polymeric second connector, the first connector being either a male fitting or a female fitting, and the other of the male fitting or the female fitting being the second connector. The female fitting has a longitudinal cylindrical cavity therein, and the male fitting has a generally cylindrical body having an end opening. The cylindrical body of the male fitting is positionable within the cylindrical cavity of the female fitting forming the connection. A clip is pivotably connected to the second connector moving between a first position connecting the female fitting to the male fitting when the male fitting is positioned within the female fitting and a second position in which the male fitting is removable from the female fitting. A replaceable flow regulator in the male fitting end opening regulates flow through the quick-connect fitting.

[0006] United States Patent Number 8,533,905 appears to disclose a vacuum accessory tool that comprises a housing that defines a suction nozzle and an agitator assembly located in the suction nozzle and driven by an air turbine. The agitator assembly comprises an agitating element having a plurality of resilient blades configured to reduce hair wrap around the agitator assembly.

[0007] United States Patent Number 6,672,628 appears to disclose a hose and quick connect coupling assembly comprising a receiving hose, an insertion hose, a pair of quick connect coupling halves each coupling half being identical to the other, and a securing clasp. The securing clasp releasably secures the coupling halves around the receiving hose, thereby forming a releasable coupling as the insertion hose in inserted into the receiving hose. The insertion hose may be removed by depressing the coupling halves together, causing the top portions thereof to pivot away from the insertion hose. The securing clasp may also be removed from the hose coupling, thereby removing the coupling halves from the receiving hose.

[0008] United States Patent Number 6,086,1 19 appears to disclose a detachable, quick connect connector having a retaining spring with jaws for engaging a locking ring of a tube. The connector includes a housing with a chamber for receiving the tube and the retaining spring. The retaining spring has a pair of inwardly directed jaws which are opened by pushing a plate connected by webs to the jaws. When opened, the jaws permit the locking ring to pass through and close to engage the ring when the tube has been fully inserted. A support member projects outwardly from each jaw and is received in a recess formed in the housing wall. The support members have arcuate surfaces to engage a contact surface along the recess to secure the retaining spring axially in the housing. The end faces are beveled outwardly from a radial plane by an angle between 15° and 60° to increase the retaining force of the support members.

[0009] United States Patent Number 4,997,209 appears to disclose a one-piece hollow sleeve molded of an elastomeric vinyl that has a cylindrical rear end portion for attachment to a flexible hose of central vacuum cleaning system and has a front-end portion which is slidably fictionally engageable within the inlet opening of variety of inlet valves. The front-end portion is formed with a series of specifically sized and located tapered zones of varying lengths and angles of taper which enable the sleeve to be used with a variety of inlet valves having various internal diameters and lengths. A metal band is seated in a recess formed in the front-end portion between certain of the tapered zones and has a length and location enabling it to contact the various pairs of contact buttons of the various types and styles of inlet valves. This universal sleeve eliminates a different hose attachment sleeve being required for each of the most common inlet valves of the most popular central vacuum cleaning systems.

[0010] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2017/0238775 appears to disclose a carpet cleaning assembly that includes a nozzle that may be fluidly coupled to a vacuum. The nozzle may be manipulated thereby facilitating the nozzle to engage a carpet. A plurality of tongs is provided and each of the tongs is coupled to the nozzle. Each of the tongs may penetrate the carpet. Each of the tongs may dislodge debris in the carpet thereby facilitating the debris to be vacuumed from the carpet. [0011 ] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0053934 appears to disclose a vacuum attachment that comprises an enclosure housing upon which a direct connect central vacuum system inlet valve is attached to one side. On the opposite side of this housing is attached an attachment fixture which is similar to that of a hose that would naturally attach to a portable vacuum cleaner for which it is made. Inside this housing is a coupling that couples the direct connect inlet valve to the attachment fixture so that particulate flows from the hose plugged into the inlet valve through the housing coupling through the attachment fixture and into a portable vacuum cleaner. A 1 10 volt cord comes from inside to outside of the housing where it is connected to the 110 volt wires of the direct connect central vacuum inlet.

[0012] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0213700 appears to disclose an attachment assembly for a wet/dry vacuum comprising first and second tubular structures with a third tubular structure spanning a junction between the first and second tubular structures. The third tubular structure may be resilient to conform to both the first and second tubular structures. In a first position, the third tubular structure may span the junction between the first and second tubular structures and, in a second position, the third tubular structure may be rolled back onto itself to engage only one of the first and second tubular structures. The third tubular structure may resist separation of the first tubular structure from the second tubular structure in the first position. The third tubular structure may also seal the junction between the first and second tubular structures.

[0013] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0170140 appears to disclose a set of related vacuum cleaner adapters and accessories, designed for vacuum cleaning areas that are high clearance, low clearance, narrow clearance, or surfaces with special cleaning needs. The various embodiments disclosed may be fit onto the terminal end of a standard hose fitting of a vacuum cleaner, and used to clean heretofore inaccessible areas. There is also an associated flashlight assembly disclosed herein that may be affixed to the other adapters disclosed, or may be affixed to a vacuum cleaner hose or a portion of the hose fitting. The flashlight assembly may be used to provide illumination to the otherwise nonilluminated area being cleaned with an adapter, and may also be useful for vacuum cleaners that do not have lights incorporated therein such as the canister variety of vacuum cleaners. There are a number of embodiments, shapes, and configurations for these related adapters disclosed, including an article retrieval screen, and with a variety of specialized new and useful cleaning applications disclosed.

[0014] Korean Patent Publication Number 10-0750710 appears to disclose a vacuum cleaner that includes a flexible hose having a body, a dust collecting device, one end for coupling to the input of the dust collecting device and the other end terminated at the connecting portion, the body and a rigid pipe that is selectively connectable to the body to provide a handle for the cleaner when connected to and a wand when released from the body. The pipe has openings at the first and second ends and at the first end has a grip portion, on which the user can fold the pipe. The hose connection is connectable to an opening in either end of the pipe. Thus, the pipe can be used more conveniently during cleaning in the cylindrical mode.

[0015] While the above-identified patents and publications do appear to disclose various adapters and connectors, their configurations remain non-desirous and/or problematic inasmuch as, among other things, none of the above-identified adapters and/or connectors appear to be compatible with a plurality of vacuum cleaners and facilitate quick and easy connection/disconnection between hoses and vacuum cleaner units themselves.

[0016] These and other objects of this disclosure will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, and drawings.

SUMMARY

[0017] The present disclosure is directed to an adapter, comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of, for example, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner and outer surfaces of the first portion of the body are generally annular.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first portion of the body decreases in diameter from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the proximal end of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange.

[0021 ] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the proximal end of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange.

[0024] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the second portion of the body is generally annular.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the top side of the second portion of the body further comprises a fastener housing for releasably securing a threaded fastener therein.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom side of the second portion of the body further comprises a hose securement bracket.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the body of the adapter is fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, a natural resin, a synthetic resin, a plastic, a composite, wood, and/or combinations thereof.

[0028] The present disclosure is also directed to an adapter, comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: (a) a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses; (b) wherein the diameter of the first portion of the body decreases in diameter from the proximal end to the distal end; (c) wherein the outer surface of the proximal end of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange; (d) wherein the outer surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange; (e) wherein the inner surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange; (f) wherein the inner surface of the proximal end of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange; (g) wherein the top side of the second portion of the body comprises a fastener housing for releasably securing a threaded fastener; (h) wherein the bottom side of the second portion of the body comprises a hose securement bracket; and (i) a fastener positioned within the fastener housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted.

[0030] It will be further understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0031] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0032] Fig. 1 of the drawings is an exploded perspective view of an adapter associated with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner and a hose;

[0033] Fig. 2 of the drawings is a front perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0034] Fig. 3 of the drawings is a rear perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0035] Fig. 4 of the drawings is a front view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0036] Fig. 5 of the drawings is a rear view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0037] Fig. 6 of the drawings is a side view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0038] Fig. 7 of the drawings is a top view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0039] Fig. 8 of the drawings is a bottom view of the adapter of Fig. 1 ;

[0040] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter taken along line IX of Fig. 1 ;

[0041] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a suction source and the second portion secured to a hose;

[0042] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a suction source;

[0043] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a suction source and the second portion secured to a hose;

[0044] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure showing the first portion secured to a plumbing hard line/suction source and the second portion secured to a hose; and

[0045] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

[0047] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of one or more embodiments of the disclosure, and some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0048] Referring now to the collective drawings, and to Figs. 1 -9 in particular, adapter 10, is shown for use in association with, for example, wet-dry vac or hard line/plumbing 12 (e.g., 1 -1/2" PVC pipe, etcetera) and hose 14. Adapter 10 enables a user to quickly and easily releasably connect a plurality of different sized hoses 14 to wet-dry vac or suction source 12 (e.g., wet-dry vacs, shop-vacs, dust extractors, hard line or plumbing for a central or remote vac, etcetera).

[0049] As is best shown in Fig. 6, adapter 10 includes body 16 having first portion 18 and second portion 20. [0050] Referring once again to Figs. 1 -9, first portion 18 includes proximal end 22, distal end 24, inner surface 26, and outer surface 28. First portion 18 is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor - just to name a few.

[0051 ] Second portion 20 includes proximal end 30, distal end 32, inner surface 34, and outer surface 36. Second portion 20 is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of different sized hoses.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, inner and outer surfaces 26 and 28, respectively, of first portion 18 of body 16 are generally annular.

[0053] Preferably, the diameter of first portion 18 decreases in diameter from proximal end 22 to distal end 24.

[0054] In accordance with the present disclosure, adapter 10 includes a plurality of stop members (e.g., wall, flanges, protrusions, rim, step, etcetera) to facilitate securement of the first portion to a suction source, and the second portion to, for example, a hose or other conduit. In particular, outer surface 28 of proximal end 22 of first portion 18 of body 16 includes first stop flange 38, outer surface 28 near distal end 24 of first portion 18 of body 16 includes second stop flange 40, inner surface 26 near distal end 24 of first portion 18 of body 16 includes third stop flange 42, and inner surface 34 of proximal end 30 of second portion 20 of body 16 includes fourth stop flange 44. It will be understood that adapter 10 can include any combination of first, second, third, and/or fourth stop flanges. Moreover, outer surface 28 of first portion 18 of body 16 preferably includes a plurality of ribs 46 that enhance frictional securement to a suction source.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, inner and outer surfaces 34 and 36, respectively, of second portion 20 of body 16 are generally annular.

[0056] Preferably, the top side of second portion 20 of body 16 includes fastener housing 48 for releasably securing threaded fastener 50 therein with, for example, square nut 49. Threaded fastener 50 enables fast and easy securement of a plurality of different sized hoses by clamping down the collar of the hose against the inner wall of the second portion of the adapter.

[0057] The bottom side of second portion 20 of body 16 preferably includes hose securement bracket 52. Hose securement bracket 52 matingly engages a male clip positioned on the collar of the hose.

[0058] Adapter 10 is preferably fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, a natural resin, a synthetic resin, a plastic, a composite, wood, and/or combinations thereof.

[0059] In operation, a user first connects (e.g., friction fits with or without adhesive) first portion 18 of adapter 10 to, for example, the input of wet/dry vac or hard line/plumbing 12. Next, a user connects (e.g., friction fits with or without adhesive) second portion 20 of adapter 10 to, for example, collar 54 of hose 14. Lastly, optional threaded fastener 50 may be used to further secure the hose -depending on the diameter of the hose (See Fig. 10).

[0060] Additional securement configurations and stop positions for adapter 10 are shown in Figs. 1 1 -13. Notably, as is best shown in Figure 13, adapter 10 is compatible with hard line/plumbing applications (e.g., 1 -1/2" PVC pipe etcetera).

[0061 ] Fig. 14. illustrates another embodiment of the adapter 10. The adapter 10 shown in Fig. 14 is similar to other previously described embodiments, but the adapter shown in Fig. 14 may include a second fastener 56. The second fastener 56 may extend though the first portion 18 of the adapter and is configured to engage the suction source 12. As shown in Fig. 14, the second fastener 56 may be a threaded fastener. Further, and as best shown in Figs. 6 and 14, the first portion 18 of the adapter 10 may include a collar portion 58 of the first portion 18 defined between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40. As shown in Fig. 14, the collar portion 58 may have a substantially constant inner and/or outer diameter between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40. The first portion 18 of the adapter 10 may also include a tapered portion 60 defined between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38. As best shown in Figs. 6 and 14, the diameter of the tapered portion 60 may increase from the second stop flange 40 to the first stop flange 38. Additionally, and as best shown in Figs. 6 and 14, the inner surface of the second portion 20 may include an inner portion 62, a transition portion 64, and an outer portion 66. As shown in Fig. 14, the outer portion 66 may have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the inner portion 62 and the transition portion may taper the diameter between the outer portion 66 and the inner portion 62

[0062] As described above, the adapter 10 has a number of interrelated portions which contribute to its overall functionality and its ability to connect to multiple different types of suction sources and to multiple different types of hoses or other attachments. Certain dimensions and relative dimensions of these portions can be advantageous to the overall functionality of the adapter 10. Referring now to Fig. 14, dimensions of certain portions of the adapter 10 are defined and described below:

“A” - inner diameter of the collar portion 58 • “B” - outer diameter of the collar portion 58

• “C” - outer diameter of the tapered portion 60 at the second stop flange 40

• “D” - outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38

• “E” - inner diameter of the tapered portion 60

• “F” - length of collar portion 58 (or distance between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40)

• “G” - length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38)

• “H” - inner diameter of the inner portion 62

• “I” - inner diameter of the outer portion 66

• “J” - distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the transition portion 64

• “K” - distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44

[0063] In embodiments, the inner diameter of the collar portion 58 (“A”) can be about 2.1 1 inches; or in the range of about 2.06 inches to about 2.16 inches; or in the range of about 2.01 inches to about 2.21 inches. The outer diameter of the collar portion 58 (“B”) can be about 2.2 inches; or in the range of about 2.15 inches to about 2.25 inches; or in the range of about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches. The outer diameter of the tapered portion 60 at the second stop flange 40 (“C”) can be about 2.26 inches; or in the range of about 2.21 inches to about 2.31 inches; or in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.36 inches. The outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38 (“D”) can be about 2.3 inches; or in the range of about 2.25 inches to about 2.35 inches; or in the range of about 2.2 inches to about 2.4 inches. The inner diameter of the tapered portion 60 (“E”) can be about 1 .9 inches; or in the range of about 1 .85 inches to about 1 .95 inches; or in the range of about 1 .8 inches to about 2 inches. The length of the collar portion 58 (or distance between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40) (“F”) can be about 0.35 inches; or in the range of about 0.3 inches to about 0.4 inches; or in the range of about 0.25 inches to about .045 inches. The length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38) (“G”) can be about 1 .23 inches; or in the range of about 1.18 inches to about 1.28 inches; or in the range of about 1.13 inches to about 1 .33 inches. The inner diameter of the inner portion 62 (“H”) can be about 2.21 inches; or in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.26 inches; or in the range of about 2.1 1 inches to about 2.31 inches. The inner diameter of the outer portion 66 (“I”) can be about 2.29 inches; or in the range of about 2.24 inches to about 2.34 inches; or in the range of about 2.19 inches to about 2.39 inches. The distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the transition portion 64 (“J”) 1.16 inches; or in the range of about 1.1 1 inches to about 1.21 inches; or in the range of about 1 .06 inches to about 1 .26 inches. The distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44 (“K”) 1 .545 inches; or in the range of about 1 .495 inches to about 1 .595 inches;or in the range of about 1 .445 inches to about 1 .645 inches. Certain dimensions are shown below in Table 1 .

[0064] Similarly, as described above, certain ratios of portions of the adapter 10 can be advantageous to the overall functionality of the adapter 10. For example, the ratio of “E” - inner diameter of the tapered portion 60 to “A” - inner diameter of the collar portion 58 (E:A) can be in the range of about 1 :1.11 ; or in the range of about 1 :1 .06 to about 1 :1 .17; or in the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1 .22. The ratio of “B” - outer diameter of the collar portion 58 to “D” - outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange 38 (B:D) can be in the range of about 1 :1 .05; or in the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :10; or in the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1.15. The ratio of “F” - length of collar portion 58 (or distance between the distal end 24 of the first portion 18 and the second stop flange 40) to “G” - length of tapered portion 60 (or distance between the second stop flange 40 and the first stop flange 38) (F:G) can be in the range of about 1 :3.51 ; or in the range of about 1 :3.34 to about 1 :3.69; or in the range of about 1 :3.16 to about 1 :3.87. The ratio of “H” - inner diameter of the inner portion 62 to “I” - inner diameter of the outer portion 66 (H:l) can be in the range of about 1 :1 .04; or in the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1 .09; or in the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1.14. The ratio of “J” - distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the transition portion 64 to “K” - distance from the distal end 32 of the second portion 20 to the fourth stop flange 44 (J:K) can be in the range of about 1 :1 .33; or in the range of about 1 :1.27 to about 1 :1.40; or in the range of about 1 :1.20 to about 1 :1 .47. Certain dimensions are shown below in Table 2.

[0065] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0066] While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.

[0067] The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," etcetera shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase "consisting essentially of" will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase "consisting of" excludes any element not specified.

[0068] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions 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. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0069] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0070] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etcetera. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etcetera. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0071 ] All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure. [0072] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An adapter, comprising: a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses.

2. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the body is generally annular.

3. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the first portion of the body is generally annular.

4. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein a diameter of the first portion of the body decreases in diameter from the proximal end to the distal end.

5. The adapter according to claim 4, wherein the outer surface of the proximal end of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange.

6. The adapter according to claim 5, wherein the outer surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange.

25

7. The adapter according to claim 6, wherein the inner surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange.

8. The adapter according to claim 7, wherein the inner surface of the proximal end of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange.

9. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the body is generally annular.

10. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the second portion of the body is generally annular.

11 . The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein a top side of the second portion of the body further comprises a fastener housing for releasably securing a threaded fastener.

12. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein a bottom side of the second portion of the body further comprises a hose securement bracket.

13. The adapter according to claim 1 , wherein the body of the adapter is fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, a natural resin, a synthetic resin, a plastic, a composite, wood, and/or combinations thereof.

14. An adapter, comprising a body, wherein the body includes a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, a shop-vac, and/or a dust extractor, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses; wherein a diameter of the first portion of the body decreases in diameter from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the outer surface of the proximal end of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange; wherein the outer surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange; wherein the inner surface near the distal end of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange; wherein the inner surface of the proximal end of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange; wherein a top side of the second portion of the body comprises a fastener housing for releasably securing a threaded fastener; wherein a bottom side of the second portion of the body comprises a hose securement bracket; and a fastener positioned within the fastener housing.

15. An adapter, comprising a body, comprising a first portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the first portion including a collar portion and a tapered portion; and a second portion having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the second portion including an inner portion, a transition portion, and an outer portion; wherein the first portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with an input of a suction source, and wherein the second portion of the body is adapted for releasable connection with a plurality of hoses; wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the body includes a first stop flange; wherein the outer surface of the first portion of the body includes a second stop flange; wherein the inner surface of the first portion of the body includes a third stop flange; and wherein the inner surface of the second portion of the body includes a fourth stop flange.

16. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the collar portion is within the range of about 2.01 inches to about 2.21 inches.

17. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an outer diameter of the collar portion is within the range of about 2.1 inches to about 2.3 inches.

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18. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an outer diameter of the tapered portion at the second stop flange is in the range of about 2.16 inches to about 2.36 inches.

19. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein am outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange is within the range of about 2.2 inches to about 2.4 inches.

20. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the tapered portion is within the range of about 1 .8 inches to about 2 inches.

21. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a length of collar portion is within the range of about 0.25 inches to about .045 inches.

22. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a length of tapered portion is within the range of about 1.13 inches to about 1 .33 inches.

23. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the inner portion is within the range of about 2.1 1 inches to about 2.31 inches.

24. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein an inner diameter of the outer portion is within the range of about 2.19 inches to about 2.39 inches.

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25. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the transition portion is within the range of about 1 .06 inches to about 1 .26 inches.

26. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the fourth stop flange is within the range of about 1 .445 inches to about 1 .645 inches.

27. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio an inner diameter of the tapered portion to an inner diameter of the collar portion is within the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1 .22.

28. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of an outer diameter of the collar portion to an outer diameter of the tapered portion adjacent to the first stop flange is within the range of about 1 :1 to about 1 :1.15.

29. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of a length of the collar portion to a length of the tapered portion is within the range of about 1 :3.16 to about 1 :3.87.

30. The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of an inner diameter of the inner portion to an inner diameter of the outer portion is within the range of about

1 :1 to about 1 :1 .14.

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31 . The adapter according to claim 15, wherein a ratio of a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the transition portion to a distance from the distal end of the second portion to the fourth stop flange is within the range of about 1 :1 .20 to about 1 :1 .47.

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