Abstract: A coupling (10) is disclosed for joining together a first tube (12) and a second tube (14) to form a continuous fluid passageway. The first tube (12) has a mount (20) a predetermined distance from its end (18) and the second tube (14) has a return bend on its end (36). Second tube (14) telescopically fits over first tube (12). A cage (22) having inclined locking tabs (30) is mounted by mount (20) externally of first tube (12). Locking tabs (30) cam to allow the return bend (36) of second tube (14) to pass the locking tabs (30). Tabs (30) return to their at rest inclination after the return bend (36) passes, to trap the return bend (36) between the locking tabs (30) and mount (18), thereby locking the first and second tubes (12,14) against disconnection and providing a visible connection to allow verification of the connection.

Abstract: A connector is provided for releaseably fastening a vacuum pipe to the body of an implement which is convertible between a blower and vacuum mode. The vacuum pipe is adapted to attach to an intake port formed in the body of the implement. The vacuum pipe is provided with a collar having a series of angularly spaced apart receptacles each having a passage therethrough provided with a locking surface extending part way along the passage and an abutment aligned with the locking surface defining a space therebetween. The body is provided with a plurality of stakes angularly spaced about the intake port aligned with the passages on the collar. Each stake is provided with a locking face disposed and arranged to overhang the locking surface in the collar and has a thickness substantially equal to the spacing between the locking surface and abutment. The collar is adapted to be angularly positioned relative to the body with the passages aligned with the stakes.

Abstract: A vacuum hose/fluid line combination is provided for use with a vacuum cleaning system which includes a vacuum canister and heated fluid dispensing apparatus. The vacuum hose is devised with identical swivel cuffs at the ends thereof, each being formed with an opening in the cylindrical wall thereof and arranged to rotatably receive a flexible fluid dispensing line rotatably therethrough. The fluid line is retained within the hose and has its respective ends projecting outwardly through the openings for connection at one end to a hand tool, and at the other end to the fluid dispensing apparatus. Once connected, the vacuum hose is freely rotatable between the connection points.

Abstract: A one-piece hollow sleeve molded of an elastomeric vinyl 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 frictionally 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.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a rigid vacuum conduit to a nozzle provides high rotational freedom between the nozzle and the rigid conduit while retaining a reasonable degree of airtightness between the conduit and the nozzle. In one form of the invention, the rigid vacuum conduit includes a coupling section of generally cylindrical form adapted to be received into an inlet opening of the nozzle. The coupling section includes a plurality of spaced grooves, each circumscribing the coupling section. The presence of the grooves reduces the frictional loading between the vacuum conduit and the inlet opening while providing a trap for dirt particles that would otherwise jam the vacuum conduit into fixed position in the nozzle. In a further version of the invention, the rigid vacuum conduit comprises metallic material. To reduce frictional loading between such metallic material and the inlet opening of the nozzle, an annular band of low friction material encircles a coupling section of the vacuum conduit.

Abstract: An adapter, mounted on the cylindrical sidewall of the vacuum cleaner tank, provides a receptacle for a rigid connector on which a flexible vacuum hose is sealingly mounted. The leading edge of the connector insert is beveled. A corresponding beveled surface is formed on the inner wall of the receptacle to engage and seal with the beveled leading edge of the connector to form a continuous, peripheral seal immediately adjacent to the wall of the tank so that when the vacuum motor is turned on, a positive force is generated to increase the effectiveness of the seal.

Abstract: A coupling device for releasably connecting a suction hose (15) to a vacuum cleaner housing (10) includes a tube connection piece (13) attached to the suction base and adapted to be inserted into a cylindrical socket (11) in the vacuum cleaner housing. The tube connection piece (13) is rotatably attached to a coupling sleeve (16) which carries a latch (17) which is releasably connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (10) in a non-rotatable position.

Abstract: In a suction cleaner comprising a housing (10) with a disposable filter bag (13) a movable tube piece (17) is provided which is adapted to enter the inlet opening (14a) of the filter bag. According to the invention, the tube piece (17) is provided with a control means actuatable by a pressure difference, preferably the difference between atmospheric pressure and the underpressure in the suction cleaner housing.

Abstract: A cabinet includes a downturned arcuate top having an upstanding flange at the front edge and spaced apart upstanding support members at the rear edge. Elongate flexible items, such as sections of vacuum hose, are stored upon the top intermediate the flange and the support members. Cradles, carried by the support members, hold elongate rigid items, such as vacuum hose extensions and handle sections of various equipment. Cleaning heads and other attachments are engaged with and suspended from sockets formed in the bottom of the cabinet. Other items are held by hooks which depend from the cabinet. The cabinet is also provided with a shelf and lockable doors for storage of small items and toxic or poisonous materials.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner structure wherein a force transfer structure is provided for facilitated positioning of a locking post provided for resiliently releasably locking a pair of flow passage elements in the vacuum cleaner structure. The force transfer structure defines a large area for facilitated fingertip manipulation and indication to the user of the location of the locking structure. The force transfer structure may be selectively mounted to other structure carried by the flow passage element. In one form, the force transfer structure is mounted to the flow passage element by an annular collar and, in another form, the force transfer structure is mounted directly to the flow passage element by a securing element, such as a rivet.

Abstract: A fitting is disclosed for covering the vacuum orifice formed in the wall of the swimming pool. The fitting includes a hollow body member connectable to the vacuum orifice and having an opening for receiving a vacuum hose. A spring loaded cap is connected to the body member and is designed to seal the orifice when the cap is in the closed position. A safety locking mechanism is provided to prevent the inadvertent opening of the fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the cap further includes a lug for engaging a vacuum hose to enhance the connection between the hose and the fitting.

Abstract: By providing at least two elongated, telescopically engaged tube members which incorporate therein a spring biased, dual locking pin structure in combination with tube aligning and centralizing zones, a unique, adjustable handle and arm assembly is achieved which is capable of being easily moved into a plurality of alternate positions and securely engaged in each position, with unwanted dislodgement or lateral wobbling or movement being completely eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated telescopically engaged tube members are constructed with cooperating enlarged diameter zones and reduced diameter zones to prevent the unwanted disengagement of the tube members. In addition a plurality of alternate operative end units can be quickly and easily mounted to said elongated handle and arm assembly, with one of said end units comprising a unique mooring clasp and book hook construction.

Abstract: A plug retainer for use in a vacuum cleaner having a handle removably connected to a wand. The plug retainer is arranged to effectively preclude discharge of static electricity from the dirty suction air to the electrical conductors and interconnected plugs so as to avoid spurious operation of electrostatic discharge sensitive control structure of the vacuum cleaner, which may include microprocessor control elements. The plug retainer structure includes a locking tongue and an integral static shield extending over a substantial area between the connected male and female plugs of the control wiring.

Abstract: A conduit system for the flow of a fluid medium therethrough wherein the system is made up of a plurality of elongated conduit segments connected by means of fittings, such as straight connectors, elbows, T's or the like. The conduit segments are composed of opaque material and the fittings are composed of transparent material.

Abstract: A connection assembly is particularly useful for positively connecting a flexible hose member with an inlet plug for a suction source while being adapted for subsequent disconnection without requiring any specialized tools. In connecting operation, an integral extension portion of a flexible hose member is telescopically inserted into an inlet plug to a predetermined longitudinal stopping point therein, and then rotated so as to cause engagement of projections formed on the extension portion and projection-receiving holes formed in the inlet plug. Such engagement rotatably and longitudinally secures the flexible hose relative the inlet plug. Slots are formed in the inlet plug for guiding the hose member projections during longitidinal movement of the hose member. The hose member may be selectively withdrawn by reverse rotation of the hose extension portion and longitudinal removal thereof from the inlet plug.

Abstract: For attaching a rigid coupling to a nozzle for relative rotational freedom between them and for reducing the noise level at the connection between them, the coupling has a generally cylindrical arm to be received in a cylindrical opening into the nozzle. The arm of the coupling has a nonmetallic, plastic sleeve placed thereover, which is preferably in the form of two half cylinders. Grooves in the nonmetallic sleeve reduce the area of frictional contact between the sleeve and the nozzle. The nonmetallic sleeve has tabs at one end for passing through a gap in a ring in the nozzle to connect the coupling and the nozzle, while permitting relative rotation.

Abstract: An aquatic vacuum hose swivel cuff coupling comprises, in combination, a blow-molded vacuum hose and a molded swivel cuff. The hose includes one end which terminates as a corrugated end portion having circumferential grooves therein. The swivel cuff component has a seating portion for receiving the corrugated end portion of the hose and at least one annular ring adapted to fit within the circumferential grooves of the hose, the annular ring being provided about the hose entrance to the seating portion of the cuff. The corrugated end portion of the hose is maintained within the seating portion of the cuff by the annular ring being disposed within the circumferential grooves whereby the hose may be swivelably rotated within the cuff. The corrugated end portion of the hose is extruded with the continuous extrusion blow-molded hose thereby eliminating the need to weld components such as seals.

Abstract: The pipe joint connection, in which one of the pipes to be connected is inserted into the other pipe, has a click-stop arrangement for maintaining the connection, which click-stop arrangement comprises two stop webs extending conically with respect to each other and being mounted on the outside of one pipe and two resilient tongues mounted on the outside of the other pipe. When the two pipes are being connected, the resilient tongues pass between the stop webs, whereby they are moved towards each other and, when being in the stop location, engage with the backsides of the stop webs.

Abstract: The invention provides an upper fill tube configuration for a vacuum cleaner that includes: a rigid upper fill tube that communicates, adjacent its upper end, with a dirt collecting receptacle; a flexible tube extending from the cleaner foot; communicating with the rigid upper fill tube and removably secured to it and a latch arrangement carried, in part, by the flexible tube and, in part, by the upper fill tube to releasably retain the two together.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for coupling a drainpipe to a recreational vehicle discharge pipe fitting of the type having a terminal end portion with circular periphery and a plurality of locking pins extending outward radially from the periphery. The device employs a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. A drainpipe end portion of the tubular member terminating at the distal end has a complementary shape and size adapted to engage threadably an end of a corrugated drainpipe, while a fitting end portion of the tubular member terminating at the proximal end has a complementary shape and size adapted to engage telescopically a terminal end portion of the discharge pipe fitting.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a wheeled nozzle with a two-piece wand defining a lower end connected to a swivel connector portion of the nozzle. Guide structure is provided for accurately aligning cooperating male and female terminals on the wand and swivel connector of the nozzle for facilitated connection therebetween when the lower end of the wand is connected to the swivel connector for providing a suction connection from an associated cannister to the nozzle. A foot pedal-operated lever is provided for releasing a latch retaining the lower end of the wand to the swivel connector when desired. A connector connects the upper end of the lower portion of the wand to the lower end of the upper portion thereof by a rotatable connection to permit limited rotation of the upper portion of the wand about the axis of the wand for selective disposition of the handle connected to the upper end of the upper portion of the wand.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose connection fitting is provided which can accommodate attachments both internally and externally thereon, and a single latch device is provided capable of securing either internally or externally accommodated attachments to the hose fitting.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner attachments which have a V-shaped cleaning head and are particularly suited for cleaning in corners and crevices and along the edges of surfaces. Vertically biased and rotatable brushes and other disturbers can be provided to promote the dislodgement of foreign substances from the surface being cleaned; and the attachment can be constructed to operate in a first mode in which suction is concentrated in the nose of the attachment, causing it to emulate a conventional crevice tool. In a second mode of operation, the suction is distributed along the legs or wings of the attachment so that it functions in a manner akin to that of a dusting brush or floor cleaning attachment. An optional control and a detent arrangement allow more sophisticated versions of the attachment to be operated in a selected one of the foregoing modes or in a third mode in which the attachment alternates between the two first-mentioned modes of operation as it is pushed away from and pulled toward the operator.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaner attachments which have a V-shaped cleaning head and are particularly suited for cleaning in corners and crevices and along the edges of surfaces. Vertically biased and rotatable brushes and other disturbers can be provided to promote the dislodgement of foreign substances from the surface being cleaned. A preferred universal-type connection between the cleaning head and a vacuum fitting attached thereto facilitate the manipulation of the attachment and allow pressure to be brought to bear on the nose of the cleaning head, thereby promoting the dislodgement of foreign substances from the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, the swivel hose couplings include two parts, a swivel insert which may be threaded or otherwise attached to the end of the hose, and a swivel hose end piece which has an internal groove therein in which an exterior portion of the swivel is rotatably received. A sealing lip may be provided on the exterior of the swivel insert to form a seal with the wall of the internal groove in the swivel hose end piece. Also, a skirt portion may be provided on the swivel hose end piece which extends axially into the end of the hose to shield the axial outer end of the swivel insert and hose end against entrained material in the fluid passing through the coupling from entering the swivel connection between the swivel insert and swivel hose end piece.

Abstract: Structure for concurrently connecting an end of a vacuum cleaner hose to a canister suction inlet and an electrical power cord carried exteriorly of the hose and having at one end a first electrical connector associated with the hose end to a complementary second electrical connector associated with the canister. The connecting structure includes locking structure formed integrally with the hose end for releasably locking the hose end to the suction inlet to provide an air flow connection therebetween. Mounting structure is formed integrally with the hose end for removably mounting the first electrical connector to the hose end to be accurately aligned and engaged with the second electrical connector as an incident of locking association of the locking means to the suction inlet.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a two-part tubular fitting for attachment to a wall of a tank, or the like, at a hole through the wall. The first fitting part includes a tube which supports a radially directed wall at one end of the and on the fitting part wall is an axially directed flange for engaging one side of the tank wall. The second fitting part is a ring that receives the first fitting part tube and that engages the opposite side of the tank wall. A plurality of flange like, circular segment plates are circumferentially spaced around the ring. The plates extend over the tube and through the hole in the tank wall and the exterior surfaces of the plates contact the tank wall surrounding the hole. Radially inwardly directed detent hooks at the outward ends of at least some of the plates hook over respective detent walls defined on the tube underneath the axially directed flange. The detent hooks engage the detent walls for connecting the fitting parts together.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner bag which comprises a bag for receiving and retrieving dirt and debris picked up by a vacuum cleaner. The bag fabric at the open end of the bag is firmly attached to a semi-elastic circular band having a raised male internal rib. The band is adapted to slip over a corresponding circular male flange of the vacuum cleaner. The flange is provided with a female recess corresponding to the raised rib, so that the rib can engage and fit into the recess, preventing the bag from being blown off when the cleaner is in use. An attached tab fastened to the band assists the user in engaging and disengaging the bag from the cleaner.

Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner having electrical conductors extending from electrical circuitry in the canister through the connection of the suction hose thereto through electrical conductors embodied in the suction hose to electrical apparatus associated with a nozzle, such as a brush motor therein. The electrical connection between the hose end and the canister is provided by a first electrical connector mounted to the hose end, and a second electrical connector mounted to the base portion of the canister housing. Both the hose suction connector and the first electrical connector at the hose end are freely installable through a suction inlet passage formed in the cover and are then connected to a source of suction and a second electrical connector mounted in the base.

Abstract: An aquatic vacuum hose swivel cuff coupling comprises, in combination, a blow-molded vacuum hose and a molded swivel cuff. The hose includes one end which terminates as a right cylindrical end portion and a hose ring provided substantially adjacent to the cylindrical end portion whereby a circumferential groove is provided between the cylindrical end portion and the hose ring. The swivel cuff component has a seating portion for receiving the cylindrical end portion of the hose and an annular ring adapted to fit within the circumferential groove of the hose, the annular ring being provided about the hose entrance to the seating portion of the cuff. The cylindrical end portion of the hose is maintained within the seating portion of the cuff by the annular ring being disposed within the circumferential groove whereby the hose may be swivelably rotated within the cuff. The hose end components are extruded with the continuous extrusion blow-molded hose thereby eliminating the need to weld components such as seals.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, especially a suction nozzle, for a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus has a joint pan connected with an apparatus housing, and a joint head connected with an apparatus connecting piece for a handle of the vacuum cleaner. The joint parts are parts of a joint, especially a tilting joint, and delimit a gap of movement of the joint. At least one of the joint parts is a part which can be detached from the apparatus part respectively associated therewith, which detachable part is provided at least partially with a fiber packing which projects into the gap of movement. The fiber packing includes closely packed fibers which are arranged at least substantially at right angles on an associated supporting surface of the joint part.

Abstract: A self-cleaning joint is disclosed. The joint is disposed in an air flow passage, such as that of a vacuum cleaner power nozzle, and allows an element attached thereto, such as a vacuum cleaner hose to which it is connected, to be pivoted between first and second positions. The joint includes a chamber and a tubular member having a first portion pivotably disposed in the chamber and a second portion protruding from the chamber. To prevent abrasion of the joint caused by the accumulation of abrasive particles, the inner walls of the chamber are provided with grooves where any dust which penetrates the joint can collect. The grooves are positioned so that they are cleaned periodically by the flow of air in the passage.

Abstract: A multiple fluid conveying hose assembly comprising a principal vacuum conveying hose for a vacuum cleaning system, and a smaller diameter liquid conveying hose passing through its interior. A molded end connector on the principal hose provides an outlet for the smaller hose and serves to separate the ends of the two hoses for use. Alternatively, the hose may utilize reinforcing wire coils which also serve as electrical conductors.

Abstract: A dirt box for an upright vacuum cleaner comprises an elliptical upper side wall portion below a top wall, a bowl-shaped bottom wall, an inlet neck opening into the chamber in the lengthwise direction and below one end of the upper side wall portion, and aimed to establish a swirling action. An outlet port for the dirt box is off-center toward the end from which the inlet extends. The bowl-bottomed dirt box is tilted and emptied through the inlet neck.

Abstract: An improved wand for connecting a vacuum cleaner and power nozzle is disclosed. The wand includes a sheath, an upper wand assembly received in the sheath and detachably connected to the vacuum cleaner hose handle, and a lower wand assembly received in the sheath and releasably connected therein to the upper wand assembly. A resilient plug body is provided for attachment to the hose handle to be connected to the cord of the sheath. The plug body contains at least two electrical connectors separated by a slit to provide a limited degree of flexibility in the plug body to insure a good connection despite any possible minor misaligment with the opposing connectors on the cord. The upper end of the lower wand assembly has a leaf spring with a button on its underside protruding through a hole in the lower wand assembly to engage a similar hole in the upper wand assembly.

Abstract: A pharyngeal suction device for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and trauma stabilization. A hollow wand is provided with peripheral recesses which act as safety vents when the wand is used without the safety tip. The safety tip is attached to the wand in either of two orientations and secured at the peripheral recesses. A safety tip outlines a hemispherical surface and defines three passages which communicate with the interior of the wand.

Abstract: An air duct system for use with mining machines in dust collection systems is connectable between a suction source and the cutting area of a mining machine and has two duct sections movable relative to each other. One duct section is mounted on the cutter boom of the mining machine and has an extendable upper wall, connected through a hinged plate, that abuts a wall of the first duct section which is mounted on the mining machine body. A lower hinged plate connected to the bottom wall of the duct swivels freely and rests on the bottom wall of the first duct to enclose the space between the two duct sections.

Abstract: A hose coupling latching arrangement is disclosed in which a resilient bendable member engages with an abutment to prevent the coupling from turning to a release position.

Abstract: A flexible, resilient, annular grommet, preferably flanged at both ends, mounts to a circular hole within a planar generally rigid backing member. The backing member forms with a thin flexible sheet member having at least a portion underlying the backing member, a plenum chamber. The flexible sheet bears perforations to provide an air bearing with an underlying support surface for a load borne by the backing member. The grommet lower flange is bifurcated and separated circumferentially by radial slots to permit lateral escape of the air to the interior of the plenum chamber with the inner flange functioning as air dispersion means within the plenum chamber to insure air flow throughout the chamber when the pallet is under load. A cross-piece or its equivalent, borne by the grommet, functions as a mechanical lock when engaging a rigid air supply tube or nozzle at the end of an air inlet hose, for feeding air under pressure to the plenum chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible coupling whose operative interposition between communicating members affords the relative relationship of 360.degree. rotation, axial alignment, misalignment, offset relationship, articulation at different angles axially. The flexible coupling is self-cleaning and acts as a vibration dampener. The flexible coupling has upstream and downstream collars which mount a U-shaped annular flexible member whose one end portion is fixed to the upstream collar between an annular flange and keeper plate and whose other end portion is freely retained on the downstream collar between annular flanges.

Abstract: An air-filler adapter is provided wherein an outer shell is adapted to fit various large diameter air supply hoses such as vacuum cleaner hoses, and a smaller diameter stem portion fits a variety of low pressure and medium pressure air filler openings used to inflate various inflatable consumer goods. The stem portion extends beyond the outer shell and has an outer tip which is adaptable to various air filler valves which are smaller than the vacuum cleaner hoses.The adapter comprises a pair of concentrically disposed tubes, the inner of which fits schrader air chucks on one end and fits the air filler openings for the consumer goods on the other end. The outer tube is sized to fit low-pressure pressurized air sources such as vacuum cleaner hoses and has an end wall which seals against the outside of the inner tube.

Abstract: A fitting (10) secures a vacuum hose (20) to a wand or tank of a vacuum cleaner. The hose is swivelably and pneumatically sealed within the fitting through use of a sealing surface (18) on the fitting in engagement with a flexible lip (28) at the end portion (24) of the vacuum hose. A ring (30) engageable with the fitting compresses the end portion in order to bias the flexible lip into engagement with the sealing surface. The electrical terminations including slip rings (144) are used to terminate a hose (120) with electrical conductors therein to cooperating electrical connections.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement of a suction nipple on a vacuum cleaner includes an elongated portion of the suction nipple inserted into an opening formed in a housing of the vacuum cleaner. The elongated portion is provided with two vertically spaced bearing surfaces arranged in contact with the housing and forming a clearance in an area therebetween. A lower end of the elongated portion is supported by an elastic sealing ring. The elastic ring is formed with projections extending into the grooves made in the housing to seal the mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A connecting element for connecting an accessory instrument to a vacuum cleaner, has a front portion having a central axis and being tiltably connectable with an accessory instrument, a connecting portion having a further central axis and connectable with a vacuum cleaner as well as rotatably connected with the front portion, and a rotary joint which rotatably connects the connecting portion with the front portion. The rotary joint is arranged so that in normal position of the front and connecting portions, their central axes extend rectinlinearly in one direction, whereas in a plurality of further positions the central axes of these portions extend at an angle relative to one another. Advantageously, this angle is equal to between 10.degree. and 20.degree..

Abstract: A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner runs on rollers (4) at the ends of a suction passage (24) whose front and rear margins are defined by replaceable insert strips (7', 8', 9'; 7, 8, 9). The rollers have a cranked axle bar (5) supported at intervals by open bushings (23) of different orientations, integral with the nozzle body (1). At the ends of the suction passage (24) gaps between the rollers (4) and the front strips (7, 8, 9) create lateral suction. A plastic covering (2) caps the nozzle body (1) and is secured by integrally molded studs (14).

Abstract: A coupling for a vacuum system includes a socket member and a plug member. The socket member has a body defining a through bore opening at a front face. A cover supporting a gasket is pivotally carried on the socket member and adapted to cover and seal the through bore opening. The plug member includes a body defining a tubular nipple dimensioned to be received within the socket member through bore. A seal is carried by the plug member and positioned to engage the front face of the socket member when the nipple is inserted into the socket member. A lock pin is carried by the cover and dimensioned to fit within a recess defined by the plug member body.

Abstract: A connection for two co-axially arranged conduit parts of a vacuum cleaner. The connection includes a coupling which has means for turnable mounting the vacuum cleaner hose relative to a coupling member on the vacuum cleaner housing. The connection further comprises an outer and inner sleeve, with the latter being provided with said turnable means in the form of claws which are adapted to slidingly fit in a peripheral groove in a tubular portion of the coupling member.

Abstract: A connection for securing one end of a helically convoluted suction hose to a hose fitting such as is used to effect rapid engagement of the hose with or disengagement thereof from the suction inlet of a vacuum cleaner. The fitting includes a tubular portion having external threads of the same pitch as the unstressed convolutions of the hose so that the tubular portion can be threaded into the end of the hose. The cross sectional configuration of the threads is such as to resist relative rotation between the fitting and the end of the hose when the threads are engaged with the hose convolutions. Additional resistance to relative rotation between the fitting and end of the hose is provided by a collar at the inner end of the tubular portion, the collar serving as an abutment to cause compression and a reduction in the pitch of the convolutions of the hose between the threads and collar with continued threading of the fitting into the end of the hose after the end edge of the hose has engaged the collar.

Abstract: A swivel coupling for joining lengths of flexible hose together incorporates a pair of cylindrical coupling members rotatably supported within a cylindrical housing at opposite ends thereof. Each of the rotary coupling members comprises an inner sleeve and an outer coupling collar joined by an annular shoulder segment. The annular shoulders bear against adjacent shoulders on opposite ends of the outer housing to restrain the rotary coupling members against outward displacement from the housing. Tubular end segments on each of the coupling collars project outwardly from the ends of the housing for the attachment of lengths of hose thereto.

Abstract: An arrangement for connecting an attachment to a vacuum cleaning device includes two connecting sleeves, one on the attachment and the other on the device. One of the connecting sleeves has an inner and an outer portion which together bound a groove in which a projecting portion of the other connecting sleeve is received in the assembled condition. The shapes of such portions are identical but the dimensions thereof are proportionately different. Each of the portions includes a part-cylindrical circumferential zone and a polygonal zone gradually merging with the part-circular zone and complementing the same into the respective circumferentially complete portion. The other connecting sleeve may have a transverse wall at the polygonal zone, which abuts against a corresponding transverse region of the one connecting sleeve, and a seal may be sandwiched therebetween in the assembled condition. Another seal may be accommodated in the groove in the assembled condition.