Abstract: The present invention provides casing and valve assemblies for use in outlet boxes of central vacuum systems placed along the walls of buildings. The assemblies of the present invention are designed to facilitate fastener-free and tool-free assembly and disassembly of the components making up the valve assemblies. The casing assemblies of the present invention include an input receptacle and an output port, where the output port is in communication with the central vacuum system. The input receptacle may be operable to receive a valve assembly module comprising several different parts that include a deformable sealing member, a compression ring, a pull bar, a lock cage, and a lock plate designed to sealingly engage the input receptacle with a vacuum hose. The parts of the valve assembly module are designed to be installed or removed from the casing assembly without the use of fasteners or hand tools, enhancing user convenience and system maintainability.

Abstract: A mounting system for a central vacuum system hose valve box operable for secure attachment to a wall stud or frame member. The system includes flanges at the front of the valve box for attachment of either the left or right side of the front of the box to a stud or frame member. An additional rear bracket is provided for attachment of the rear of the valve box to the same wall stud or frame member. These dual attachments provide a firm and secure mount of the valve box to the wall stud, thus avoiding damage or disconnection encountered by other flimsy mounts. This configuration ensures a robust and reliable connection, maintaining the operational integrity of the vacuum hose system while providing ease of installation and maintenance.

Abstract: A hose valve sub-assembly designed for use in central vacuum cleaning systems that include a retractable suction hose. The hose valve sub-assembly comprises an end nozzle arranged for attachment with the end of a suction hose and a seal-ring arranged for attachment to a valve box. The seal-ring defines a radially disposed inner surface for receiving and engaging the end nozzle and comprises a radially biased pin for locking the end nozzle the seal-ring. The end nozzle comprises a radially disposed O-ring groove arranged to receive an O-ring for sealing the end nozzle to the inner surface of the seal-ring. The end nozzle also comprises a radially disposed locking track having a first end that defines a first opening arranged to receive and engage the biased pin of the seal ring when the suction hose is pulled through the system vacuum pipe.

Abstract: A hose valve sub-assembly designed for use in central vacuum cleaning systems that include a retractable suction hose. The hose valve sub-assembly comprises an end nozzle arranged for attachment with the end of a suction hose and a seal-ring arranged for attachment to a valve box. The seal-ring defines a radially disposed inner surface for receiving and engaging the end nozzle and comprises a radially biased pin for locking the end nozzle the seal-ring. The end nozzle comprises a radially disposed O-ring groove arranged to receive an O-ring for sealing the end nozzle to the inner surface of the seal-ring. The end nozzle also comprises a radially disposed locking track having a first end that defines a first opening arranged to receive and engage the biased pin of the seal ring when the suction hose is pulled through the system vacuum pipe.

Abstract: A hose valve for central vacuum cleaning systems having retractable suction hoses that retract into a system vacuum pipe. The hose valve comprises a valve box, a chamber connection port, and a system pipe connection port arranged to securely engage the chamber connection port. A locking assembly is radially disposed about a locking assembly axis between the chamber connection port and the system pipe connection port. The locking assembly comprises a coaxially disposed compression cylinder having a radially outer cylinder surface arranged to define symmetrically disposed helical grooves. A cylindrical deformable sleeve is coaxially disposed adjacent the compression cylinder and is radially inwardly deformable responsive to an axial compressive force.

Abstract: A hose valve for central vacuum cleaning systems having retractable suction hoses that retract into a system vacuum pipe. The hose valve comprises a valve box, a chamber connection port, and a system pipe connection port arranged to securely engage the chamber connection port. A locking assembly is radially disposed about a locking assembly axis between the chamber connection port and the system pipe connection port. The locking assembly comprises a coaxially disposed compression cylinder having a radially outer cylinder surface arranged to define symmetrically disposed helical grooves. A cylindrical deformable sleeve is coaxially disposed adjacent the compression cylinder and is radially inwardly deformable responsive to an axial compressive force.

Abstract: A hose valve for central vacuum cleaning systems that employ retractable suction hoses of the type that retract into a system vacuum pipe. The hose valve comprises a valve box with a connection port wherein a locking assembly is secured within the valve box. The locking assembly includes a compression cylinder. A cylindrical deformable sleeve is coaxially disposed within the compression cylinder. The deformable sleeve is radially inwardly deformable responsive to an axial compressive force. A thrust means is provided for engagement with the compression cylinder to impose a compressing force on the deformable sleeve. The thrust means being axially movable from a first unlocked non-compressing position where the deformable sleeve is in its non-deformed condition, to a second locked compressed position where the deformable sleeve is compressed to cause deformation with its walls collapsing radially inward to form a seal around a retractable hose disposed through the locking assembly.

Abstract: A one piece, nestable, portable mini-greenhouse and plant protector for use in a substrate, such as soil, to protect plants and seedlings from extreme weather elements, bugs and pests. The mini-greenhouse has a light-transmitting shell that forms a protective chamber and integrated legs that act to anchor as well as support the shell. The legs can be fully or partially inserted in the soil providing options for a closed or ventilated protective chamber. The unit has concave channels that facilitate watering without disturbing the apparatus. It has unique light filtering and dispersing properties to aid creating a nurturing and growing environment.

Abstract: A hose valve for central vacuum cleaning systems that employ retractable suction hoses of the type that retract into a system vacuum pipe. The hose valve comprises a valve box with a connection port wherein a locking assembly is secured within the valve box. The locking assembly includes a compression cylinder. A cylindrical deformable sleeve is coaxially disposed within the compression cylinder. The deformable sleeve is radially inwardly deformable responsive to an axial compressive force. A thrust means is provided for engagement with the compression cylinder to impose a compressing force on the deformable sleeve. The thrust means being axially movable from a first unlocked non-compressing position where the deformable sleeve is in its non-deformed condition, to a second locked compressed position where the deformable sleeve is compressed to cause deformation with its walls collapsing radially inward to form a seal around a retractable hose disposed through the locking assembly.