VACUUM HOLSTER

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vehicle cleaning equipment, and more particularly to a retention system for a vacuum nozzle.

Most existing vehicle cleaning facilities, such as car washes and truck washes, include a vacuum system that consumers can use to vacuum their vehicle. Typically, the vacuum system includes a central commercial-grade vacuum unit that supplies a vacuum to a manifold. Multiple vacuum hoses are connected to the manifold and provide a suction force therethrough. Each of the vacuum hoses extend to a vacuum station, which is usually located conveniently for consumer access. The vacuum hoses are outfitted with a nozzle, which can be round, slender or claw shaped, to enable the nozzle to fit in tight spaces and crevices when a consumer uses the vacuum to clean carpet or flooring inside the consumer's vehicle. The vacuum nozzle also can be constructed from a hard durable material to protect the end of the tube near the nozzle from wear and tear.

When not in use, vacuum tubes and nozzles are stored out of the way of users and their vehicles at the respective stations. This is so vacuum system retains a decent vacuum force, and so the user and workers at the facility will not trip over the hoses or nozzles. Storage of these items also prevents the hoses and nozzles from being run over and damaged by vehicles around the vacuum stations, in which case the facility owner will need to repair or replace the nozzles or hoses with new ones, which can be expensive and time consuming, and can result in down time for the vacuum system.

Typically, a storage system for a nozzle and hose can include a simple tube or cup shaped to receive the end of a nozzle. The cup can be constructed from plastic or metal, and placed in a fixed location, such as the side of a building, or on a pedestal. The cup can include sidewalls integrally formed with a bottom constructed from the same plastic or metal as the remainder thereof. The end of the nozzle can be placed adjacent the bottom, while suction or vacuum continues to be applied through the hose and nozzle. As a result, the nozzle pulls against the bottom under the vacuum and thus is suctioned and held inside the cup under the force of the vacuum. Due to the nozzle being closed to the environment, the suction or vacuum in the hose also can be equilibrated so that other tubes and nozzles within the system at other vacuum stations can operate with decent suction.

While such a storage system can provide decent retention of an associated nozzle and an attached hose, it suffers some shortcomings. For example, if the vacuum in a tube is low while a nozzle is in the cup, the suction may not be sufficient to pull the nozzle against the bottom of the cup. If the attached tube is longer and/or somewhat heavy and suspended, the nozzle may inadvertently pull out of the cup and end up on the ground at the vacuum station. As a result, a user entering the station might run over and damage the vacuum tube or nozzle with their vehicle. As another example, a user might not insert the nozzle far enough into the cup to engage the bottom with the suction through the nozzle. As a result, the weight of the tube may pull the nozzle out of the cup so the nozzle and tube again fall to the ground, in a location prone to damage. As a further example, the vacuum in the tube may be set high to prevent the nozzle from falling out of the cup and ending up on the ground. As a result, a user with little strength may find it difficult or impossible to withdraw the nozzle from the cup for use.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the field of storage systems for vacuum nozzles and hoses, particularly around vehicle wash facilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A vacuum holster adapted to retain a vacuum nozzle at a vacuum station of a vehicle wash facility is provided. The holster can include an insertion opening sized to receive a wide mouth end of the nozzle therethrough. The holster can include a retention contour distal from the insertion opening, optionally forming a nesting recess. The nozzle can nest, under the force of gravity pulling down on the nozzle and/or a vacuum hose, optionally in the nesting recess, so that the retention contour retains the nozzle and impairs the nozzle from exiting the holster, disengaging the nozzle from the retention contour.

In one embodiment, the vacuum holster can include a mounting flange configured to be fixedly attached to a structure to thereby support the vacuum holster relative to the structure. The mounting flange can surround a proximal opening defining an insertion opening and a nesting recess below the insertion opening.

In another embodiment, the vacuum holster can include walls extending from the proximal opening toward a distal opening. The walls can define a first lateral width configured to allow passage of a nozzle tip or the widest dimension of a vacuum nozzle through the insertion opening and a second lateral width adjacent the mounting flange. The second lateral width can be less than the first lateral width.

In still another embodiment, the walls can form a retention contour beyond which the nozzle tip or the widest dimension of the vacuum nozzle cannot pass when the vacuum nozzle is pulled outward against the retention contour. Thus, when the vacuum nozzle is disposed in the vacuum holster the vacuum nozzle is trapped in the nesting recess via the vacuum nozzle interacting with the retention contour. The nozzle, however, optionally can be removeable via the vacuum nozzle being moved, for example, tilted upward and out of contact with the retention contour, during withdrawal of the vacuum nozzle from the holster by a user.

In yet another embodiment, the walls can include a first lower sidewall that transitions at a first shoulder to a first upper sidewall and a second lower sidewall that transitions at a second shoulder to a second upper sidewall. The first shoulder and the second shoulder can form at least a portion of the retention contour and the nesting recess inward from the mounting flange.

In even another embodiment, the nesting recess can taper open or flare wider as the nesting recess extends farther from the mounting flange into the holster. The nesting recess can also taper narrower or reduce in width as it nears the mounting flange. The insertion opening however, can remain substantially the same first lateral width as the insertion opening extends farther form the mounting flange into the holster and above the nesting recess and/or the retention contour.

In still yet another embodiment, the vacuum nozzle can include a proximal end extending to a vacuum hose, and a distal end defining an opening and including the widest dimension of the vacuum nozzle. The vacuum nozzle can include a center portion between the proximal end and the distal end, but not necessarily in the geometric center or middle of the length of the nozzle. This center portion can include a center lateral width that is narrower than the widest dimension of the vacuum nozzle, such that the center portion fits between a first lower sidewall and a second lower sidewall and at least partially within the nesting recess. The center portion also can be configured to engage the retention contour.

In a further embodiment, the holster can include a backer plate and a flexible flap beyond the nesting contour, engageable by a suction force through the nozzle to further retain the nozzle in the holster.

In still a further embodiment, the holster can include a backer plate adjacent the walls and disposed over the distal opening. One or more fasteners can join the backer plate with the walls to close off an enclosed tubular structure formed by the walls at the distal opening, with a proximal opening of the structure and holster remaining open to insert and withdraw the vacuum nozzle.

In yet a further embodiment, the holster can include the flexible flap. The flexible flap can extend over the distal opening. The proximal opening can remain open and surrounded by the mounting flange. A vacuum drawn through the vacuum nozzle can engage a distal end of the vacuum nozzle against the flexible flap, to further secure the vacuum nozzle in the holster.

In even a further embodiment, the weight of the vacuum hose can urge a center portion or other portion of the nozzle into the nesting recess or into engagement with the retention contour. The nozzle can flare or become broader toward a mouth of the nozzle.

In still yet a further embodiment, the mouth can be unable to fit in or pass over or by the retention contour or nesting recess because it is too wide. To withdraw the nozzle from the holster, the center portion can be tilted upward vertically, so it exits the nesting recess or disengages the retention contour. With the nozzle tilted, the flared mouth which is too wide to fit through the retention contour, can travel above, over or outside that retention contour and the nesting recess until it exits the holster for use by a user.

The current embodiments provide a vacuum holster that efficiently and safely retains a vacuum nozzle in the holster, yet allows for a simple removal of the nozzle from the holster by tilting and removing the nozzle, with a widest portion of the nozzle travelling outside a nesting recess and/or above a retention contour. This allows the nozzle to be easily secured in the holster, and easily removed from the holster with a simple tilting of the nozzle upward to disengage the retention contour. Where the backer plate and/or flexible flap are included, a suction force can be exerted thereon to further engage and secure the nozzle in the holster. The suction force, however, can be interrupted and/or broken by a user removing the nozzle from the holster.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum holster of a current embodiment installed in a support structure at a vacuum station of a vehicle wash facility.

FIG. 2 is a perspective close-up view of a vacuum nozzle being installed toward the vacuum holster.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the vacuum nozzle being installed toward the vacuum holster.

FIG. 4 is a lower partially exploded perspective view of the vacuum nozzle being installed toward the vacuum holster.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the vacuum nozzle installed and retained in the vacuum holster.

FIG. 6 is a section view of the vacuum nozzle installed and retained in the vacuum holster.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the vacuum nozzle entering an insertion opening of the holster above a nesting recess.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the vacuum nozzle being tilted downward into the nesting recess upon full depth insertion of the nozzle in the holster above a nesting recess.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the vacuum nozzle entering an insertion opening of the holster above a nesting recess.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the vacuum nozzle being tilted upward to remove a portion of it from the nesting recess for full removal of the nozzle from the holster.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A current embodiment of the vacuum holster is shown in FIGS. 1-10 and generally designated 10. The vacuum holster 10 as shown retains a vacuum nozzle 90 at a vehicle station 101 of a car wash facility. The vacuum holster 10 can be mounted to a support structure 102 which optionally can be in the form of a waste receptacle. Of course, in other constructions, the support structure 102 can be the side of a building, a barrier, a support, or any other structure. As illustrated, there can be two vacuum holsters adjacent one another on the support structure 102, however, in other applications, there may only be a single vacuum holster or there may be multiple additional vacuum holsters on the support structure. One of the vacuum holsters is shown illustrating a storage configuration where a vacuum nozzle 90 is installed and securely maintained in the vacuum holster. The vacuum nozzle 90 is attached to a vacuum hose 90T that can be in fluid communication with a vacuum source, such as a commercial grade vacuum and vacuum manifold (not shown). The vacuum source can provide a suction force or vacuum force through the tube or hose 90T and ultimately through the vacuum nozzle 90 so that a user can use the vacuum nozzle and vacuum debris and other items from their vehicle or another structure. The vacuum source can include one or more associated vacuum canisters for collecting dirt, debris and anything else sucked up though the hoses and nozzles in fluid communication with the vacuum source or vacuum producer, which can be used interchangeably herein. Optionally, the vacuum hose 90T can be attached to a manifold or circuit, and further in fluid communication with the vacuum source. The vacuum producer can generate a suction force through the hose and the nozzle, such that suction is present at a mouth or opening at the nozzle tip 91. In some cases, the vacuum source can be connected to a manifold or in a circuit such that it is in fluid communication with two or more vacuum hoses and thus two or more nozzles like those described herein. Accordingly, the vacuum or suction force generated by the vacuum source can be conveyed and distributed through the two or more hoses and tips, with the suction force being present and functioning at the mouths of the vacuum tips 91 as described below.

The vacuum holster, vacuum nozzle, and other components will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-6. As shown in FIG. 2, the vacuum holster 10 can include a mounting flange 20. This mounting flange 20 can define one or more fastener holes 21. Respective fasteners 21F can be placed through the respective fastener holes 21 to secure the mounting flange 20 and thus mount and support the vacuum holster 10 to and relative to the support structure 102. Optionally, in other applications, the mounting flange 20 can be adhered, cemented, clipped or otherwise secured to a support structure and might not include the fastener holes 21. In yet other constructions, the mounting flange 20 may be absent from the vacuum holster 10.

The mounting flange 20 can extend outwardly from the tubular structure 30 which can comprise multiple walls as described below. The mounting flange 20 can completely surround an insertion opening 41 which is in communication with and extends downward to a nesting recess opening 42. The insertion opening 41 and nesting recess opening 42 can cooperatively form a proximal opening 40 of the mounting holster 10. This proximal opening 40 can be located on the exterior part of the tubular structure 30. Opposite the proximal opening, the tubular structure 49 can include a distal opening 49, which as described below can be closed off by a backer plate 50 and/or a flexible flap 55. The tubular structure 30 optionally can entirely surround and encapsulate a storage void 48 defined within the tubular structure 30 between the proximal opening and the distal opening 49. For the optionally, there are no openings, apertures or other holes through the tubular structure between the proximal opening and the distal opening 49.

As mentioned above and shown in FIG. 2, the proximal opening 40 can comprise the insertion opening 41 and the nesting recess opening 42. These openings open to and are in communication with the void 48. These openings also can be bounded by the mounting flange 20. The tubular structure 30 can include a first upper sidewall 31U and an opposing second upper sidewall 32U. The first upper sidewall 31U and the second upper sidewall 32U can be joined with and integrally formed with an upper wall 33U. The first upper sidewall, the second upper sidewall and the upper wall can extend rearward from the mounting flange 20 and away from the proximal opening toward the distal opening 49. Optionally, the first upper sidewall, the second upper sidewall and the upper wall can bound the insertion opening 41 which also optionally can extend rearward from the mounting flange and be bounded by it. Further optionally as shown, each of the upper side walls and the upper wall can transition at a rounded, angled, radiused, or other transition corner 23 to the mounting flange 20. With this rounded or angled corner, the nozzle 90 can be easily guided into and enter the void 48 through the proximal opening 40.

The first upper sidewall 31U and the second upper sidewall 32U can be separated by a first lateral width W1. This first lateral width W1 can be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA of the vacuum holster 10 about which the tubular structure is formed. This first lateral width W1 also can be generally parallel to a horizontal plane HP when the vacuum holster is installed relative to structure. The lateral width optionally can be 3 inches to 6 inches in width, 3 inches to 5 inches in width, about 4 inches in width, about 4½ inches in width or other widths depending on the application and size of the vacuum nozzle 90 and its tip 91. This first lateral width also can be the width W1 of the insertion opening 41 where the upper sidewalls 31U and 32U are substantially parallel. The width W1 can be the width of the void between those sidewalls from the proximal opening 40 all the way to the distal opening 49.

The vacuum nozzle 90 as shown in FIGS. 2-3 can include a widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle 90. This widest dimension WD can be disposed at a distance, vacuum nozzle and 91. This widest dimension also can correspond to an opening or mouth 900 of the vacuum nozzle 90 through which a suction force SF is applied through the vacuum nozzle tip 91. The mouth or tip 91 can be the widest portion of the vacuum nozzle when taking laterally, generally parallel to a horizontal plane HP. The vacuum nozzle also can include a proximal end 92 that is joined with the vacuum hose 90T.

Between the proximal end 92 and the distal end 91, the vacuum nozzle can include a center portion 93, which as shown in the figures is not exactly in the center, but generally closer to the distal end 91. The center portion 93 can include a center lateral width CLW. This center lateral width CLW can be less than or narrower than the widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle 90. In some cases, the center lateral width can be less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 75%, less than, 60%, less than 50% of the widest dimension WD.

As shown in FIG. 3, the vacuum nozzle 90 optionally can flare outward or widen as the vacuum nozzle progresses from the proximal end 92 toward the distal end 91, or nearing or adjacent the nozzle tip 91. The flaring or widening can be more pronounced or evident in the region between the center portion 93 and the distal end 91. Optionally, the nesting recess flares wider as the nesting recess extends farther from the mounting flange. The insertion opening and the insertion compartment associated with the insertion opening can remain substantially the same width, for example, the first lateral width W1, as the insertion compartment extends farther from the mounting flange into the holster 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the vacuum nozzle can have a thickness T1 that extends vertically in generally perpendicular to the widest dimension, which again can be a widest lateral dimension. The thickness T1 can be less than the height H1 of the insertion opening 41 so that the vacuum nozzle distal end or tip 91 can fit within the insertion opening 42. This thickness T1 can extend from the upper surface 90U to the lower surface 90L of the vacuum nozzle and the mouth or distal end or tip 91 of the vacuum nozzle. Although the vacuum nozzle 90 is described as including the various features and components above, it is noted that it may be modified structurally and have different dimensions and components, depending on the application and the vacuum holster configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 2-3, the tubular structure 30 can comprise a first lower sidewall 31L and a second lower sidewall 32L that are joined via a lower wall 33L. The first lower sidewall 31L second lower sidewall 32L and lower wall 33L can all extend rearward from the mounting flange 20 and can all be joined therewith via a, transition 23 optionally. The first lower sidewall 31L second lower sidewall 32L and lower wall 32L can all bound the nesting recess as well as the nesting recess NR that is formed within the void 48 below the insertion compartment IC which extends rearward from the insertion opening 41. The nesting recess NR can also extend rearward from the nesting recess opening 42. The nesting recess NR can be the recess within which the portion of the vacuum nozzle 90 distal from the nozzle tip 91, toward the proximal end 92 nests within, interfaces with and/or generally becomes disposed in when the vacuum nozzle 90 is fully inserted and installed relative to the vacuum holster 10 as described below. The nesting recess NR again can be bounded by the first lower wall 31, the second lower wall 32L, and the lower wall 33. The nesting recess can be disposed below an internal compartment or insertion compartment IC, which is adjacent the insertion opening 41.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the first lower sidewall, 31L and second lower sidewall 32L can form a portion of the nesting recess NR. In a location adjacent the mounting flange, the first lower side wall 31L can be separated from the second lower sidewall 32 by a second lateral width W2. The second lateral width can be less than the first lateral width W1. This second lateral width W2 can be taken along in line that is generally parallel to a horizontal plane HP when the vacuum holster 10 is installed relative to a support structure. The nesting recess NR can optionally widen or flare outward as it extends away from the proximal opening toward the distal opening 49 or generally away from the nesting recess opening 42. Put another way, the nesting recess NR can become narrower or taper to a lesser lateral width, as it extends toward the nesting recess opening 42. Of course, in other applications, the nesting recess NR can be of a constant second lateral width W2 with projections, bumps, posts or other structures that extend inwardly from the first lower sidewall 31L and second lower sidewall 32L which can interfere with and/or engage portions of the vacuum nozzle 90 to retain the vacuum nozzle within the nesting recess and generally within the vacuum holster.

With further reference to FIGS. 2-3, the tapering or flaring of the nesting recess NR is shown in comparing the second lateral width W2 between the first lower sidewall 31L and the second lower sidewall 32L to the third lateral width W3 between those lower side walls. The third lateral width W3 can be greater than the second lateral width W2. The second lateral width W2 could be slightly greater than the center lateral width CLW of the vacuum nozzle. The third lateral width W3 can be slightly larger than the second lateral width CLW2 of the center portion 93 of the vacuum nozzle 90. Generally, the widths W2 and W3 of the nesting recess NR can be proportioned and correspond to the width of the vacuum nozzle along the sidewalls 93W1 and 93W2 of the center portion 93 on the vacuum nozzle 90 so that that center portion can nest within the nesting recess NR. Given the corresponding shape of the nesting recess NR to the vacuum nozzle in the center portion 93, when the nozzle extending away from the tip 91 is pulled downward into the nesting recess, generally transitioning from the insertion compartment somewhat or fully into the nesting recess NR, sidewalls 93W1 and 93W2 move adjacent and engage the respective lower sidewall 31L and second lower sidewall 32L of the nesting recess and/or the lower wall 33L of the nesting recess. In this nesting configuration, the nozzle 90 and its sidewalls 93W1 and 93W2 also can engage shoulders 34 and 35. Upon this engagement, the shoulders 34 and 35 and/or lower sidewalls can secure, hold and otherwise engage nozzle or sidewall 93W1 93W2 to impair or prevent the nozzle from being withdrawn from the vacuum holster. And in this configuration, the center portion 93 can be at least or fully disposed in the nesting recess NR.

As mentioned above, and shown in FIGS. 2-3, the tubular structure 30 can include first shoulder 34 and a second shoulder 35 that can project inwardly, generally toward a longitudinal axis LA of the tubular structure 30. The first shoulder and the second shoulder can be rounded as shown and include a single radius or compound radii. In some cases, the shoulders can be slightly angled. Optionally, although not shown, the shoulders can be in the form of projections that extend inwardly from untapered, or unflared lower side walls, 31 and 32. These shoulders and the lower side walls 31L, 32L and the lower wall 33L can individually or in combination generally form a retention contour that can retain the nozzle within the nesting recess and generally within the holster 10. Put another way, the retention contour can comprise one or more of the shoulders 34, 35, the lower sidewalls 31L 32L and/or the lower wall 33L, or simple projections, bumps, posts or other features extending into the nesting recess NR. Again, the shoulders alternatively could be in the form of projections, bumps, ridges, or other elements that project generally toward the longitudinal axis and that form a second lateral width W2 that is less than the widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle 90.

The vacuum holster 10 can include the internal void 48 that extends through the tubular structure 30. The internal void can extend to a distal opening 49. This distal opening 49 can be closed at least partially or fully by a backer plate 50. The backer plate can be secured to the tubular structure in any manner. As shown, however, the upper wall 33U and/or lower wall 33L can include one or more fastener bosses 30SB1 and/or 30SB2. The bosses 30SB1 and 30SB2 can be thickened or widened portions of the respective upper wall, lower wall or any of the sidewalls of the tubular structure 30. The fastener bosses optionally can include pilot holes to receive fasteners 50F, which can be in the form of screws, bolts or other elongated fasteners or connecting members. These fasteners can include threads that thread into the pilot holes to secure the fasteners 50F therein to the tubular structure. These fasteners optionally can be used to join and/or secure optional backer plate 50 and/or flexible flap 55 to the vacuum holster, in particular the tubular structure at the distal opening 49 to close off at distal opening 49.

In FIGS. 4-6, the backer plate 50 optionally can be in the form of a metal, composite or other rigid plate. The backer plate can define one or more holes 50H which can accommodate the respective fasteners 50F projecting through. The backer plate can be sized to cover the distal opening 49 of the tubular structure 30. The backer plate can overlap the respective bosses 30SB1 and 30SB2 so that the fasteners can extend through the plate and into the bosses. The backer plate can be distal from the nesting recess, the first and second lower sidewalls, as well as the lower wall within the nesting recess NR. Optionally, the backer plate 50 can include an upper portion 50U and a lower portion 50L with a middle portion 50M disposes there between. The middle portion 50M can be angled relative to the upper portion and the lower portion. The middle portion 50M can be angled so that it is parallel to the distal end or tip 91 of the vacuum nozzle placed in the vacuum holster.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tubular structure 30 can include a distal end 38 opposite the mounting flange 20 at the other end of the tubular structure 30. This distal end 38 can lay generally within a plane P1. The plate and flexible flap also can lay within or generally parallel to this plane P1. The mounting flange 20 can also be oriented and lay at least partially within a second plane P2. The first plane, P1 and second plane, P2 can be offset for one another an angle A1. This angle optionally can be about 10° to about 90°, 20° to about 45°, about 20°, about 30° or other angles, depending on the application. In some cases, this angle allows the nozzle tip 91 to fully engage the flexible flap 55 and the backer plate 50. Where the flexible flap is not included, this angle can be selected to ensure that the nozzle tip 91 engages the backer plate while allowing the vacuum nozzle 90 to nest within the nesting recess NR as described below to secure and maintain the nozzle in registration with the vacuum holster.

Optionally, a flexible flap 55 can be included and can be disposed between the backer plate 50 and the tubular structure 30. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the flexible flap 55 can be similar in shape to, and conform to, the backer plate 50. The flexible flap can be constructed from an elastomeric material, such as rubber, silicone, plastic or other materials. In some cases, the flexible flap can be a coating or layer disposed on the backer plate. The flexible flap 55 optionally can include a particular durometer that conforms to and/or seals off the mouth at the tip 91 of the nozzle 90. For example, the flexible flap can be constructed from a flexible material that has a durometer optionally 30 Shore A to 50 Shore A, inclusive, 35 Shore A to 45 Shore A, inclusive, or about 40 Shore A, or at least 40 Shore A. Of course, other durometer materials can be used, depending on the application.

Further optionally, the flexible flap 55 can be constructed and placed so that it can conform to the distal end or tip 91 of the nozzle 90, when a suction force SF is exerted through the nozzle tip and generally through the nozzle 90 as shown in FIG. 6. in some cases, the flap 55 and plate 50 can be angled to match the angle of the tip 91, so that when the tip is placed against the flap or plate, the opening or perimeter of the opening around the mouth at the tip is substantially parallel to the flap and/or plate. The tip and mouth can suction under the vacuum or suction force to the flap. In turn, this engagement can seal off the end of the nozzle tip 91 and the mouth of the nozzle 90. When the flap 55 conforms to the tip 91, in some cases, that flap may pull away or move away from slightly the backer plate, such that there is a small space or void between the flap 55 and plate 50, inward from any points of attachment between the plate and flap. In addition, when the vacuum or suction force SF is drawn through the nozzle 90, the nozzle tip and distal end 91 can be drawn against the flexible flap 55 and/or the backer plate 50 via that suction force or vacuum SF to provide some securement of the vacuum nozzle within the void defined by the tubular structure.

Optionally, the suction force or vacuum SF from the nozzle tip 91 draws the mouth of the nozzle 90 tightly against the flexible flap 55. In turn, this closes off the mouth of the nozzle and prevents that nozzle 90 from drawing or pulling in air via the suction force or vacuum SF into the nozzle 90 and any associated hose 90T. As mentioned above, the vacuum or suction force in the vacuum nozzle 90 and at the tip 91 or mouth there, can be generated by a vacuum source. That vacuum or suction can be conveyed and distributed through the two or more hoses and tips. For example, there may be another vacuum hose and nozzle identical to the vacuum hose 90T and nozzle 91 described above, in the same vacuum or fluid communication circuit, or attached to a common manifold with the hose 90T and nozzle 91. Thus, vacuum or suction can be drawn through the tips of two or more nozzles simultaneously. When one of those tips or mouths is placed near or against the flexible flap, the tip is pulled against the flap, and the flap suctions to or is pulled against the tip. Due to the optional flexible nature or material characteristics of the flexible flap, that flap can conform to and seal against the tip, closing off the tip and its mouth.

As a further example, the tip 91 can be pulled against and thus seals against the flexible flap 55. This optionally can enhance the performance and suction force generated at the other nozzle, tip and hose that is commonly joined or in fluid communication with the same vacuum source as the nozzle 90, tip 91 and hose 90T. As a result, the suction force or vacuum SF at that other tip is maintained or not diminished while the nozzle 90 and tip 91 suctions to and seals against the flexible flap 55. Generally, in such a system where there are two or more hoses and nozzles with a suction force or vacuum drawn therethrough via a common vacuum, the flexible flap can seal off and close one nozzle when that nozzle is installed in the holster 10, to thereby maintain, not diminish and/or increase the vacuum or suction force at another vacuum nozzle that is withdrawn from the holster.

In some cases, when the nozzle 90 is placed into the insertion opening and insertion compartment IC and travels through the tubular structure to the rear of the holster 10, the suction force SF can draw the nozzle tip 91 against the flexible flap 55 and the plate to initially position the nozzle within the insertion compartment IC. When a user releases the nozzle 90, the force of gravity pulls downward on the nozzle and any associated nozzle hose 90T. Under this weight, the nozzle 90 enters the nesting recess NR and engages the respective retention contours, for example, the first shoulder 34, the second shoulder 35, the lower wall 33L and/or the lower sidewalls 31L, 32L. The center portion 93 of the nozzle itself can engage these features and the retention contour in general. However, the widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle optionally at the nozzle tip 91, generally remains attached to the flexible flap 55 under the suction force SF. Its dimensions also are too large to enter the second lateral width W2 and/or the third lateral width W3 of the nesting recess NR. As a result, the wide mouth portion and the nozzle tip 91 typically will not enter the nesting recess. Moreover, as explained below, the retention contours, for example, the shoulders, lower wall and/or the lower side walls, impair and prevent the vacuum nozzle from exiting the nesting recess and thus the vacuum holster without tilting or moving the vacuum nozzle to an orientation, where the center portion and the majority of the nozzle are relocated out from the nesting recess, and substantially oriented relative to or disposed in the insertion compartment IC and lined up with the insertion opening 41 for withdrawal or removal of the vacuum nozzle from the holster 10.

As mentioned above, the vacuum holster, 10 of the current embodiment is configured to allow a vacuum nozzle 10 having a wide nozzle tip 91 to be inserted into the vacuum holster 10, however, the vacuum holster 10 also includes a nesting recess into which the portion of the vacuum nozzle rearward of the tip 91 settles to trap and secure the vacuum nozzle within the vacuum holster. This trapping or securement is accomplished via the retention contours or some other projection or element projecting into the nesting recess, interfering with the portion of the vacuum nozzle 90. When the force of gravity acts on the nozzle and an associated vacuum hose 90T, the portion of the vacuum nozzle 90 engages with the retention contour and prevents the vacuum nozzle from easily falling out of the vacuum holster and the void 48 therein, without further input or movement or tilting action of the vacuum nozzle by a user.

To illustrate this functionality of the vacuum holster, reference is made to FIGS. 7-10. FIG. 7 illustrates the vacuum nozzle 90 being initially installed and inserted into the vacuum holster. The nozzle tip 91 and/or the widest dimension WD of the nozzle 90 is inserted into the insertion opening 41 of the proximal opening 40. The widest dimension WD and/or the nozzle tip 91 enters the insertion compartment IC and moves within that compartment toward the backer plate 50 and flexible flap 55. The nozzle tip 91 and widest dimension WD, however, remain disposed above and out of the nesting recess NR and generally above the nesting recess opening 42. Indeed, the widest dimension WD cannot enter the vacuum holster through the nesting recess opening 42 because the second lateral width W2 thereof is too narrow to receive the widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle. The center portion 93 of the nozzle and the respective side walls 93W1 and 93W2 can remain above the nesting recess and the lower walls, as well as the retention contours.

The user continues to insert the vacuum nozzle 90 into the holster 10 until the distal end or nozzle tip 91 engages the flexible flap 55 and/or backer plate 50. Where a suction force is exerted through the vacuum nozzle, that suction force SF pulls the nozzle tip 91 against the flexible flap 55 to provide some level of securement of the vacuum nozzle in the vacuum holster. In the configuration shown and FIG. 8, however, the center portion 93 and respective walls 93W1 and 93W2 still remain primarily in the insertion compartment IC, above the nesting recess NR. These components also can remain above the retention contours 34, 35 32L and 31L. In this configuration, it will be appreciated that the user could easily withdraw the vacuum nozzle out from the holster along the straight line so that the nozzle tip 91 and widest dimension exit out the insertion opening 41, without entering the nesting recess NR.

To secure the vacuum nozzle 90 with a retention contour in the vacuum holster 10, the user can tilt the proximal end 92 in direction T7, generally downward toward the ground. As the occurs, the center portion side walls in that region can enter the nesting recess NR. The lower surface of the vacuum nozzle moves toward the lower wall 33 and away from the upper wall 33U of the tubular structure 30 or of the vacuum holster in general. The walls 93W1 and 93W2 and the center portion 93 can engage the retention contours, for example, 34, 35, 31L and 32L when the vacuum nozzle 90 is displaced or tilted in this downward position and enters at least partially nesting recess NR. The nozzle tip 91 and widest dimension WD, however, optionally can remain substantially outside the nesting recess and can remain in contact with and suction to the flexible flap 55 and the backer plate 50.

With the center portion 93 of the nozzle in the nesting recess, and/or otherwise engaged by the retention contour, the nozzle 90 cannot be pulled and will not fall out of the vacuum holster 10. This is true even when the force of gravity acts on the hose 90T and the nozzle 90, in a vertical or downward direction. Indeed, the weight of the hose and the vacuum nozzle urges and pulls downward on the center portion, further engaging it with the retention contour. As a result, the retention contour and vacuum holster in general further secures the vacuum nozzle 90 therein. Optionally, the sidewalls 93W1 and 93W2 of the nozzle 90 rearward of the nozzle tip 91 frictionally engage the retention contours to secure the nozzle in the holster. The widest dimension of the vacuum nozzle, however, cannot move or extend through the nesting recess NR due to the interference caused by the retention contours engaging the side walls. Optionally, the flare of the nesting recess NR matches the flare of the vacuum nozzle, nearing the nozzle tip 91. When these flared parts engage the flared recess, the nozzle can wedge within the nesting recess, thereby preventing the nozzle from being withdrawn through that nesting recess.

Optionally, portions of the vacuum nozzle, for example, lower portions of the sidewall 93W1 and 93W2 could be disposed in the nesting recess NR, while other portions, for example, the upper portions of the sidewalls, 93W1 and 93W2 can be disposed above the nesting recess, and optionally above the shoulders, and/or lower sidewalls, further optionally within the insertion compartment IC above the nesting recess NR. In other cases, the entire sidewalls 93W1 and 93W2 of the vacuum nozzle 90 can be disposed in the nesting recess NR. Yet further optionally, the portion of the nozzle 90 between the nozzle tip 91 and the center portion 93 can be disposed in varying amounts within the nesting recess and the insertion compartment above the nesting recess. For example, the distal tip 91 can be disposed substantially in the internal compartment IC, and then to varying degrees more and more of the vacuum nozzle can be disposed in the nesting recess toward the center portion 93.

As mentioned above, with the vacuum nozzle 90 disposed in the vacuum holster, and the retention contours engaging the vacuum nozzle 90, that nozzle is impaired and prevented from being removed from the proximal opening. When a user desires to remove the vacuum nozzle 90 from the vacuum holster 10 and use the same to vacuum a vehicle, the user can, as shown in 10, tilt with a tilting motion, the proximal end 92 of the vacuum nozzle 90 in direction T8. As a result, the center portion 93 of the vacuum nozzle 90 lifts upward and out of the nesting recess NR. Generally, the center portion and/or the sidewalls, 93W1 and 93W2 disengage the retention contour 34, 35, 31L, 32L and/or 33L. When this occurs, the nozzle tip 91 and the widest dimension, WD can be withdrawn and removed from the proximal opening, the insertion opening 41 and generally out the proximal opening 40. Thus, this tilting action in direction T8 can enable a user to withdraw the vacuum nozzle 90 from the vacuum holster 10. In addition, upon the withdrawal of the vacuum nozzle 90 from the holster, the user can overcome the suction force SF exerted through the vacuum nozzle 90 on the flexible flap 55 and/or the backer plate 50. After the user uses the vacuum and the vacuum nozzle, the user can replace it in the vacuum holster for securement therein once again and for future use.

Although the different elements and assemblies of the embodiments are described herein as having certain functional characteristics, each element and/or its relation to other elements can be depicted or oriented in a variety of different aesthetic configurations, which support the ornamental and aesthetic aspects of the same. Simply because an apparatus, element or assembly of one or more of elements is described herein as having a function does not mean its orientation, layout or configuration is not purely aesthetic and ornamental in nature.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,” “directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.

Reference throughout this specification to “a current embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “alternative embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment herein. Accordingly, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in an alternative embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.