Vacuum hose storing device
A method and apparatus for vacuum hose management is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a holding component coupled to the hose. The holding component is tension mounted to a housing of the vacuum appliance. The holding component has a first and a second position, the first position corresponding to the hose within the housing, and the second position corresponding to the hose partially outside the housing. The apparatus also includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector sized larger than an opening in the housing through which the hose is threaded. The holding component may be a wheel mounted on an arm, with the arm rotatably coupled to the housing through a pivot and a spring.
The present application claims priority to Higer et al.'s Provisional App. No. 60/491,785, filed on Jul. 31, 2003, and entitled VACUUM HOSE MANAGEMENT, and to Small's Provisional App. No. 60/556,338, filed on Mar. 24, 2004 and entitled RETRACTABLE CANISTER HOSE AND FITTING, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELDThe present invention relates to the field of storage technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to managing a hose in a vacuum appliance for consumer and industrial applications.
BACKGROUNDConsumer products involving vacuuming and sealing plastic bags have grown in popularity over the years. The basic model available includes a seal wire, which seals the length of the bag, and a vacuum pump which pumps air out of the bag before sealing. This model works well enough to have sold and inspired imitation.
Unfortunately, the model described provides vacuum capability only for plastic bags. Much food and similar material is better stored in jars. Jars with a lid having an aperture or one-way vent of some form may be vacuumed through use of a hose, but cannot be inserted into a slit-shaped opening for this purpose.
Adding a hose to a vacuum appliance provides another part that may be lost, located away from the appliance, or damaged during storage. Accordingly, it may be preferable to implement a system in which a hose for a vacuum appliance may be stored or managed in a useful manner for a consumer. Moreover, containing the hose may be more difficult or different from containing a cord, as the cord may have different properties and may be subject to flexing motion such as winding.
SUMMARYA method and apparatus for vacuum hose management is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a holding component coupled to the hose. The holding component is tension mounted to a housing of the vacuum appliance. The holding component has a first and a second position, the first position corresponding to the hose within the housing, and the second position corresponding to the hose partially outside the housing. The apparatus also includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector sized larger than an opening in the housing through which the hose is threaded. The holding component may be a wheel mounted on an arm, with the arm rotatably coupled to the housing through a pivot and a spring.
In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of managing a vacuum hose in a vacuum appliance housing. The method includes moving a hose-holding component responsive to tension on the vacuum hose, thereby allowing extension of the hose outside of the housing. The method also includes moving the hose-holding component responsive to release of tension on the vacuum hose, thereby allowing retraction of the hose into the housing.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention is an apparatus for managing a vacuum hose in a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a means for holding the hose within the vacuum appliance, with the means for holding also for moving responsive to tension on the hose from outside the vacuum appliance. The apparatus also includes a means for guiding the hose through an opening in a housing of the vacuum appliance.
In another alternate embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the hose, the bracket to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector coupled to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In still another alternate embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the hose, the bracket to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector coupled to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In an embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the vacuum appliance. The bracket is to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus also includes a nozzle mounted on the vacuum appliance. The nozzle is suitable for connection to the second end of the hose. The nozzle couples to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In another embodiment, the invention is a method of storing a vacuum hose on a housing of a vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance has a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket mounts opposite the second bracket. The first bracket is facing away from the second bracket and the second bracket is facing away from the first bracket. The method includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the first bracket. The method also includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the second bracket.
In still another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the vacuum appliance. The bracket is to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose. The connector couples to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method of storing a vacuum hose on a housing of a vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance has a first external bracket and a second external bracket. The first external bracket mounts opposite the second external bracket. The first external bracket faces away from the second external bracket. The second external bracket faces away from the first external bracket. The method includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the first external bracket. The method also includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the second external bracket.
In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus further includes a first bracket mounted on the vacuum appliance. The first bracket is to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus also includes a second bracket mounted on the vacuum appliance. The second bracket is also to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector coupled to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention teaches a variety of apparatus and methods for vacuum hose management. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a holding component coupled to the hose. The holding component is tension mounted to a housing of the vacuum appliance. The holding component has a first and a second position, the first position corresponding to the hose within the housing, and the second position corresponding to the hose partially outside the housing. The apparatus also includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector sized larger than an opening in the housing through which the hose is threaded. The holding component may be a wheel mounted on an arm, with the arm rotatably coupled to the housing through a pivot and a spring.
In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of managing a vacuum hose in a vacuum appliance housing. The method includes moving a hose-holding component responsive to tension on the vacuum hose, thereby allowing extension of the hose outside of the housing. The method also includes moving the hose-holding component responsive to release of tension on the vacuum hose, thereby allowing retraction of the hose into the housing.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention is an apparatus for managing a vacuum hose in a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a means for holding the hose within the vacuum appliance, with the means for holding also for moving responsive to tension on the hose from outside the vacuum appliance. The apparatus also includes a means for guiding the hose through an opening in a housing of the vacuum appliance.
In another alternate embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the hose, the bracket to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector coupled to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In still another alternate embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the hose, the bracket to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector coupled to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In an embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the vacuum appliance. The bracket is to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus also includes a nozzle mounted on the vacuum appliance. The nozzle is suitable for connection to the second end of the hose. The nozzle couples to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In another embodiment, the invention is a method of storing a vacuum hose on a housing of a vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance has a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket mounts opposite the second bracket. The first bracket is facing away from the second bracket and the second bracket is facing away from the first bracket. The method includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the first bracket. The method also includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the second bracket.
In still another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus also includes a bracket connected to the vacuum appliance. The bracket is to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose. The connector couples to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
In yet another embodiment, the invention is a method of storing a vacuum hose on a housing of a vacuum appliance. The vacuum appliance has a first external bracket and a second external bracket. The first external bracket mounts opposite the second external bracket. The first external bracket faces away from the second external bracket. The second external bracket faces away from the first external bracket. The method includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the first external bracket. The method also includes wrapping the vacuum hose around the second external bracket.
In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a hose having a first end and a second end. The apparatus further includes a first bracket mounted on the vacuum appliance. The first bracket is to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus also includes a second bracket mounted on the vacuum appliance. The second bracket is also to hold the hose in proximity to the vacuum appliance. The apparatus further includes a connector connected to the second end of the hose, the connector coupled to a vacuum pump of the vacuum appliance.
After use of the hose 114, a second configuration may be suitable.
An alternate embodiment may involve use of a cartridge that may be removed from a vacuum appliance 200.
Before or after use of vacuum hose 214, the cartridge may be in a second configuration.
In another alternate embodiment, a spiral holder for a vacuum hose may be used in a vacuum appliance 300.
When hose 314 is stored, it is stored in a second configuration.
In such an embodiment, a vacuum hose may be stored within appliance 500, such as within base 505 for example. In one embodiment, a vacuum hose for use with a vacuum pump of appliance 500 may be accessible through an opening in base 505, such as is illustrated with in
A method of managing a vacuum hose may be implemented using the devices described previously or using similar mechanical assemblies.
Other embodiments of vacuum hose management systems may be used, along with similar or different embodiments of vacuum appliances.
Reversing the perspective provides an illustration of other aspects of the embodiment.
In use with a canister or other container, the hose may be extended and attached or coupled to a container lid.
While the vacuum hose management system of
The various embodiments may be used with a variety of containers, such as canisters, and corresponding lids or portions of such containers.
The fitting used may be further illustrated, too.
Cap 790 fits onto housing 780, using cylindrical projection 793 to engage with channel 783, providing an airtight channel. Aligned with projection 793 is fitting 795, through which a through hole passes, allowing communication with channel 783. Moreover, cap 790 causes spring 785 to hold ball 775 against the through hole of housing 780, thus closing off channel 783 when ball 775 is not dislodged. When fitting 750 is engaged with stem 1120, ball 775 is dislodged. While ball 775 may block the surface of stem 1120, notch 1125 allows for airflow and thus vacuum operations.
Alternate embodiments of a canister lid may be used with fitting 750 or similar fittings, and thus with various vacuum hose management systems.
Lid 1610 includes recess 1630 that is large enough to allow for insertion of the fitting 750 and for access to the fitting 750 therein. Stem 1625 rises from the inner surface of recess 1630, and preferably does not protrude above, the outer surface of lid 1610, thereby allowing for simple stacking of multiple containers 1600. Stem 1625 may be formed in a similar manner to the channel of fitting 750, with an internal ball and channel to allow for passage of air out of container 1600 but blocking air flow back into container 1600. As illustrated, container 1600 contains a material 1670 that is meant to be vacuum stored.
Processes for using vacuum hose management systems may be used in conjunction with the apparatuses illustrated, or with other apparatuses for example.
Similarly,
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. In some instances, reference has been made to characteristics likely to be present in various or some embodiments, but these characteristics are also not necessarily limiting on the spirit and scope of the invention. In the illustrations and description, structures have been provided which may be formed or assembled in other ways within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similarly, methods have been illustrated and described as linear processes, but such methods may have operations reordered or implemented in parallel within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
Claims
1-53. (canceled)
54. An attachable hose storage apparatus for storing a vacuum hose for use with a home vacuum packaging appliance, the attachable hose storage apparatus comprising:
- means for storing a vacuum hose; and
- means for attaching said attachable hose storage apparatus to a working surface.
55. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 54, wherein said means for storing a vacuum hose is a spool shaped mechanism around which said vacuum hose may be wrapped.
56. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 54, wherein said means for attaching said attachable hose storage apparatus is a mechanical attachment device.
57. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 54, wherein said working surface is a surface of a home vacuum packaging appliance.
58. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 54 wherein said working surface is a surface of kitchen counter or wall.
59. A vacuum packaging appliance capable of convenient storage of a vacuum hose, said vacuum packaging appliance comprising:
- a hood having an underside that is only exposed when said hood is open; and
- a hose storage management system built into said underside of said hood.
60. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 56, wherein said mechanical attachment device is a hooking mechanism.
61. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 56, wherein said mechanical attachment device is at least one pair of mating snaps such that a first snap of said at least one pair of mating snaps is attached on said working surface and a second snap of said at least one pair of mating snaps is located on said attachable hose storage apparatus.
62. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 54, wherein said means for attaching said attachable hose storage apparatus is an attachment pad.
63. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 62, wherein said attachment pad is double-sided tape.
64. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 62, wherein said attachment pad is velcro.
65. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 57, wherein said means for storing a vacuum hose is a spool shaped mechanism around which said vacuum hose may be wrapped, and wherein said means for attaching said attachable hose storage apparatus is a mechanical attachment device.
66. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 65, wherein said mechanical attachment device is a hooking mechanism.
67. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 65, wherein said mechanical attachment device is at least one pair of mating snaps such that a first snap of said at least one pair of mating snaps is located on said working surface and a second snap of said at least one pair of mating snaps is located on said attachable hose storage apparatus.
68. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 57, wherein said means for storing a vacuum hose is a spool shaped mechanism around which said vacuum hose may be wrapped, and wherein said means for attaching said attachable hose storage apparatus is an attachment pad.
69. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 68, wherein said attachment pad is double-sided tape.
70. The attachable hose storage apparatus of claim 68, wherein said attachment pad is velcro.
71. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 59, wherein said hose storage management system comprises one or more clamps attached to said underside of said hood and a vacuum hose spool, attached to said one or more clamps, wherein said vacuum hose is stored by wrapping said vacuum hose around said vacuum hose spool.
72. A method for storing a vacuum hose in a vacuum packaging appliance, said method comprising:
- opening a hood of a vacuum packaging appliance;
- storing said vacuum hose using a hose storage management system coupled to an underside of said hood exposed by opening said hood; and
- closing said hood.
73. The method of claim 72, wherein said hose storage management system comprises one or more clamps attached to said underside of said hood and a vacuum hose spool, attached to the one or more clamps, wherein said vacuum hose is stored by wrapping said vacuum hose around said vacuum hose spool.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 18, 2005
Publication Date: Aug 18, 2005
Inventors: Steven Small (Novato, CA), Landen Higer (Alameda, CA), Charles Albritton (Hercules, CA)
Application Number: 11/108,442