VALVE ASSEMBLY MODULES FOR CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEMS AND RELATED METHODS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an outlet box system and valve assembly module for a central vacuum system. More particularly, the present invention provides a valve assembly module operable to be assembled and disassembled within a casing assembly without the use of handheld tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Central vacuum systems have been a popular choice for maintaining cleanliness in residential and commercial environments due to their ability to provide powerful suction and convenient disposal of debris. Traditional central vacuum systems consist of a central power unit connected to a network of pipes installed within the walls of a building, leading to various inlets throughout the premises. These inlets allow users to plug in a vacuum hose and access the suction power of the system from multiple locations.

The inlets or ports used within a central vacuum system ordinarily include a casing assembly that may include a valve assembly comprised of various parts which must be carefully assembled together when the port is installed. The various parts of the casing and valve assembly are generally held together using tiny nuts, bolts or other fasteners. Because these fasteners are very small and must be precisely engaged, they are tedious and difficult to work with during installation of the vacuum port, and generally require the use of handheld tools and sometimes specialized precision tools. Casing and valve assemblies also require maintenance from time to time, thereby requiring disassembly and reassembly of the casing and valve assemblies, again involving tedious and time-consuming work requiring hand held and/or specialized tools. It is therefore desirable to provide casing and valve assemblies for a central vacuum port that may be installed, removed and repaired without the use of fasteners or the use of handheld or precision tools.

The present invention addresses these shortcomings by providing casing and valve assemblies for a central vacuum port in which the parts allow for tool-free assembly and disassembly, significantly reducing the time for installation and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides casing and valve assemblies for use in outlet boxes of central vacuum systems placed along the walls of buildings. The assemblies of the present invention are designed to facilitate fastener-free and tool-free assembly and disassembly of the components making up the valve assemblies. The casing assemblies of the present invention may include an input receptacle and an output port, where the output port may be in communication with the central vacuum system. The input receptacle may be operable to receive a valve assembly module comprising several different parts designed to sealingly engage the input receptacle with a vacuum hose. The parts of the valve assembly module are designed to be installed or removed from the casing assembly without the use of fasteners or hand tools.

In some embodiments, the casing assembly of the present invention may include a single primary support tab and at least two secondary support tabs. The primary support tab may be positioned on a back surface within the casing assembly, and the secondary support tabs may be positioned on side surfaces of the assembly. In embodiments of the present invention, a valve assembly module may be provided for operable incorporation into a casing assembly, and the casing assembly may be operable for mounting to a support structure such as a wall or structural frame. In some embodiments the output port of a casing assembly of the present invention may be positioned behind and/or above the support structure.

A door assembly may be mounted to the casing assembly. The door assembly may be operable to provide users access to the input receptacle of the casing assembly and the valve assembly module inside, allowing users to perform maintenance or repair on the valve assembly module.

In some embodiments, a valve assembly module of the present invention may be provided to users as a kit with a plurality of components. Embodiments of the present invention provide users with the ability to install, assemble and/or disassemble the valve assembly module without the use of fasteners or handheld tools. This makes it possible to easily and quickly perform installation, maintenance and/or repair of the valve assembly module.

Embodiments of a kit for a valve assembly module of the present invention may contain a plurality of components including without limitation a deformable cylindrical member, a compression ring, a pull bar, a lock cage, and a lock plate. Each of these components, as well as the associated casing assembly, may include one or more slots, tabs, or ridges operable to secure the parts of the valve assembly to the casing assembly, so that the installed valve assembly may be operated to provide a tight seal for a vacuum hose in communication with the central vacuum system.

In embodiments of the present invention, a deformable cylindrical member may be provided as part of the valve assembly module, and may be operable to regulate the air flow within the casing assembly. In some embodiments, the cylindrical member may have an hourglass shape, having upper and lower conical portions, and at least one central waistline portion. In embodiments of the cylindrical member, axial pressure exerted on one or both of the upper and/or and lower conical portions of the deformable member will compress them together and cause the waistline portion to extend radially inwardly. This compression causes the waistline portion to seal around an end of a vacuum hose that has been inserted into the input receptacle. Removal of pressure from the upper and/or lower conical portions of the deformable will allow the waistline portion to return to its original non-deformed condition, thereby extending radially outwardly, and releasing the vacuum hose from the seal.

Embodiments of the valve assembly may include a compression ring that is provided in a generally cylindrical form, having an upper circular edge surrounded by an annular flange for receiving a (lower) conical portion of the deformable member. The upper conical portion of the deformable member fits against a similar circular ring of the input receptacle. Moving the compression ring (upward) against the deformable member provides consistent pressure to the deformable member squeezing it between the compression ring and the input receptacle, and may be operable to maintain a tight seal between the compression ring and the input receptacle, and between the waist of the deformable member and a vacuum hose. In some embodiments, the compression ring may include a plurality of tapered guides around an inner opening of the compression ring, for guiding and centering an end of the vacuum hose received into the compression ring.

In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the compression ring may be provided with one or more elongated slots that correspond to one or more tabs on the casing assembly allowing the compression ring to slide from a first lower position to a second upper position with respect to the casing assembly, while maintaining axial alignment with the input receptacle. In some embodiments, a pair of slots may be provided on opposite sides of the compression ring that engage with a pair of corresponding tabs on the casing assembly. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments, multiple slots and multiple corresponding tabs may be provided.

Embodiments of the compression ring may include a pair of oppositely positioned tabs on the exterior surface thereof for engagement with arms of a pull bar. Movement of the pull bar may apply upward pressure to these tabs causing them to move the compression ring upward, thereby applying pressure to the deformable member. These tabs may be positioned so as to also limit the extent of the upward sliding motion of the compression ring.

Embodiments of the valve assembly may include a pull bar that is operable to transition the valve assembly module and the casing assembly between a sealed mode and an unsealed mode. The sealed mode may be operable to provide a tight seal of the deformable member around a vacuum hose in order to provide a sealed connection of the hose directly to the central vacuum system. The unsealed mode may allow users to insert, remove and otherwise manipulate the vacuum hose, and access the components of the system for maintenance, repair, replacement, and the like.

In some embodiments, the pull bar may include a handle having a pair of parallel arms attached at opposite ends thereof, defining a central open area between the arms for receiving the compression ring. Upper edges of each arm may include sloping recessed areas defining a pair of channels that are designed to slidably receive the pair of tabs on the exterior surface of the compression ring. When the tabs on the compression ring are located at lowermost portions of the channels, no pressure is provided to the compression ring, and the valve assembly module may be in an unsealed mode. Pulling on the handle may cause the tabs on the compression ring to travel along the slopes towards upper edges of the channels, moving the compression ring upward, and exerting upward pressure on the deformable member causing the central waist portion thereof to move radially inwardly and seal around the vacuum hose in a sealed mode.

In some embodiments, a lock cage and lock plate may be operable to secure the pull bar and compression ring within the casing assembly. Embodiments of the lock cage may include a frame with an exterior portion having a shape that conforms to the inside surface of the casing assembly, and a central opening that corresponds with the central opening of the compression ring. Embodiments of the lock cage may include a distal end for engagement with an end tab on the interior surface of the casing assembly, and a pair of side arms, each arm having a recess therein for engagement with a corresponding side tab on the interior surface of the casing assembly.

In some embodiments, the lock cage may also include at least two tabs at a distal end for supporting a distal end of a lock plate, and a slot on each of arms for receiving corresponding protrusions on the arms of the lock plate. In these embodiments, the lock plate itself has a generally U-shaped configuration, having two side arms and an end wall. The end wall may be supported by the tabs at the distal end of the lock gage, and protrusions on the side arms may engage with slots on the arms of the lock gage. When engaged, the central opening of the lock plate may align concentrically with the opening in the lock cage.

The valve assembly may be engaged with the casing assembly by first inserting the deformable member by hand into the input receptacle such that one of the conical ends thereof is flush against a corresponding circular ridge of the input receptacle. Next, the compression ring is inserted by hand so that the upper circular end and annular flange of the compression ring engage the other of the conical ends of the deformable member. The compression ring may be rotated by hand until the slots on the compression ring align with corresponding tabs on the casing assembly, allowing the compression ring to slide toward or away from the input receptacle.

Once the compression ring has been properly aligned, the pull bar may be inserted by hand such that recesses on the arms of the pull bar slidably engage with tabs on opposite sides of the compression ring. The lock cage is then inserted by hand to hold the pull bar in place. The distal end of the lock cage is inserted above an end tab on the casing assembly, and the side arms of the lock cage are inserted above side tabs on the casing assembly which hold the lock cage firmly against the bottom of the pull bar. A lock plate may then be inserted by hand adjacent to the lock cage to fully secure the valve assembly module. A distal end of the lock plate may be engaged above a pair of tabs on the lock cage, and side arms of the lock plate may be engaged with side openings in the lock cage, securing the lock plate within the lock cage and the valve assembly module.

During the insertion of the lock cage and lock plate, the pull bar may be pulled out in a sealed mode, providing the necessary clearance for the insertion of the lock cage and lock plate, After insertion of the lock cage and lock plate, the pull bar is guided inwards towards the back surface of the casing assembly, thereby transitioning the module to an unsealed mode, ready to receive an end of a vacuum hose.

Embodiments of the present invention are designed for the casing assembly to be mounted to a wall or frame member, followed by insertion of the components of the valve assembly by hand without the use of fasteners or hand tools. Alternatively, the components of the valve assembly may be inserted into the casing assembly which may then be mounted to a wall or frame member. A door assembly may be operably mounted to the casing assembly to allow users access to the valve assembly module.

To insert a vacuum hose, a user may first open a door covering the casing assembly, and transition the valve assembly module to a unsealed mode-ordinarily by pushing in the handle of the pull bar. One end of a vacuum hose may then be inserted into the compression ring, centered by the peripheral guides. Once the hose has been inserted, the user may move the valve assembly module into a sealed mode by pulling the handle of the pull bar towards the user. This compresses the deformable member which causes the central waist portion to deform radially inwardly, sealing against the circumference of the vacuum hose, thereby sealing the hose and the central vacuum system.

In some aspects, embodiments of the invention provide an outlet box assembly for a central vacuum system that is operable to be assembled and disassembled without the use of hand tools comprising: an outlet box assembly for a central vacuum system that is operable to be assembled and disassembled without the use of hand tools comprising: a casing assembly for receiving an end of a vacuum hose, the casing assembly having an input receptacle comprising at least one guide tab on an interior surface thereof; a valve assembly, comprising: a hollow deformable cylindrical member having an hourglass shape, the deformable member having an upper circular surface for engagement with said input receptacle, and a lower circular surface; and a compression ring comprising an upper circular surface with an adjacent annular flange operable for engagement with the lower circular surface of said cylindrical member, and at least one elongated longitudinal slot located on said outer surface for slidable engagement with said at least one guide tab of said input receptacle.

In related aspects, embodiments of the outlet box assembly may include a pair of oppositely positioned left and right tabs provided on an outer surface of said compression ring, wherein the valve assembly further comprises: a movable pull bar having a handle that is attached to left and right arms, each such arm having a sloping recessed area on an upper surface thereof operable for slidable engagement, respectively, with the left and right tabs of said compression ring. In other aspects, a primary tab may be provided at a back portion of the interior surface of said casing assembly, and two secondary tabs are provided at opposite sides of the interior surface of said casing assembly, and the valve assembly may further comprise: a lock cage having a body with a central opening, at least one distal end operable for engagement with said primary tab of said casing assembly, at least one distal tab, and a pair of side arms operable for engagement with said secondary tabs of said casing assembly.

In further aspects, embodiments of the outlet box assembly may include a lock plate having a distal end for engagement with said at least one distal tab of said locking cage. In other aspects, a plurality of support tabs may be provided on the outer surface of said compression ring to prevent said compression ring from passing through the central opening of said lock cage. In other aspects, a plurality of tapered ridges may be provided on an inside surface of said compression ring and are operable to guide an end of a vacuum hose into said compression ring. In other aspects, the compression ring may be operable to seal a vacuum hose operably connected to said input receptacle of said casing assembly. In other aspects, movement of the pull bar is operable to transition said valve assembly between a sealed mode and an unsealed mode, such that pulling said pull bar out from said casing assembly causes said compression ring to move upward which compresses said deformable cylindrical such that a waist of said cylindrical member moves radially inwardly and is operable to seal against a vacuum hose. In some aspects, a pair of ridges are provided on an upper surface of said lock gate operable to guide the arms of said pull bar.

Further aspects of the present invention provide methods for installing a valve assembly into a casing assembly of a central vacuum system without the use of hand tools or fasteners comprising the steps of: inserting an upper edge of a hollow deformable cylindrical member having an hourglass shape into an input receptacle of said casing assembly; engaging a compression ring with a lower edge of said cylindrical member, and inserting said compression ring into said input receptacle such that at least one tab located on an inside edge of said input receptacle fits into at least one elongated longitudinal slot on an external surface of said compression ring; inserting a pull bar comprising a handle having left and right arms attached thereto underneath said compression ring such that sloped recesses on upper surfaces of said left and right arms engage with oppositely positioned tabs located on the external surface of said compression ring; inserting a lock cage comprising a body with a central opening, at least one distal end, at least one distal tab, and a pair of side arms underneath said pull bar such that said distal end engages with a primary tab located at a back portion of an interior surface of said casing assembly, and said pair of side arms engage with two secondary tabs provided at opposite sides of the interior surface of said casing assembly; and inserting a lock plate underneath said lock cage such that a distal end of said lock plate engages said at least one distal tab of said lock cage.

Additional aspects of the present invention include a kit for a valve assembly module for a central vacuum system comprising: a casing assembly having an input receptacle, output receptacle, an interior surface having a primary tab and at least two secondary tabs positioned around the circumference of said interior surface; a deformable cylindrical member having an hourglass shape; a compression sleeve having an outer surface with at least two tabs positioned around the circumference of said outer surface, an interior surface having a plurality of tapered ridges positioned around the circumference thereof, and an opening operable to align with said input receptacle of said casing assembly; a pull bar, having a handle and a pair of oppositely positioned arms, wherein a tapered recessed area is provided along an upper surface of each arm; a lock cage having a frame with a central opening, a distal end, a proximal end, and two opposite side surfaces, each side surface including an arm, and at least one tab positioned at said distal end of said frame; and a lock plate having a distal end and a pair of side arms. In some aspects, the distal end of the lock cage is operable for engagement with said primary slot of said casing assembly. In some aspects, the arms of said lock cage are operable for engagement with said secondary tabs of said casing assembly. In some aspects, the distal end of said lock plate is operable for engagement with said at least one distal tab of said lock cage. In some aspects, the input receptacle is operable to receive an upper edge of said deformable cylindrical member, and said compression sleeve is operable to receive a lower edge of said deformable cylindrical member.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve assembly module for a casing assembly of a central vacuum system that may be installed, removed or serviced by hand.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a valve assembly module for a casing assembly of a central vacuum system operable to be assembled and disassembled without the use of fasteners or tools.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a kit containing components necessary to assemble and install a valve assembly module into a casing assembly without the use of fasteners or tools.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a valve assembly comprised of component parts that may be easily installed, removed or swapped out without the use of fasteners or tools.

It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for installing, removing and/or replacing component parts of a valve assembly that is part of a casing assembly connected to a central vacuum system without the use of fasteners or tools.

Further object and advantages will be apparent to those having skill in the art from the description and disclosure provided herein.

The above-described objects, advantages, and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Further benefits and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an outlet box and casing assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 a partially-exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an outlet box and casing assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a casing assembly with valve assembly module of the present invention in an unsealed mode.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a casing assembly with valve assembly module of the present invention in a sealed mode.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a casing assembly with a valve assembly module installed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective partially exploded view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module showing the deformable member inserted into the compression ring, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective partially exploded view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module showing the compression ring and deformable member inserted into the input receptacle of the casing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective partially exploded view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module showing the pull bar inserted into the casing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a different perspective partially exploded view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module showing the pull bar inserted into the casing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective partially exploded view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module showing the lock cage inserted into the casing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 a perspective view of a casing assembly with valve assembly module showing the lock plate inserted into the casing assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the component parts of a valve assembly module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front and side sectional environmental view of a casing assembly and valve assembly module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front and side sectional view of a casing assembly and valve assembly module in a closed (unsealed) position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front and side sectional view of a casing assembly and valve assembly module in an open (sealed) position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a close-up perspective view of a locking ring and input receptacle without deformable member prior to engagement, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of a deformable cylindrical member of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of a locking ring of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of a pull bar of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a close-up side view of an embodiment of a pull bar of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a close-up opposite side view of an embodiment of a pull bar of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a close-up top view of an embodiment of a locking cage of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a close-up bottom view of an embodiment of a locking cage of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a close-up front perspective view of an embodiment of a locking plate of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a close-up top view of an embodiment of a locking plate of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to FIGS. 1-16, it is seen that the present invention includes various embodiments of a valve assembly module operably incorporated into a casing assembly of a central vacuum system such that the mechanism may be operably disassembled and assembled without the use of tools.

The illustrated embodiment of present invention includes an outlet box system that includes a casing assembly 10 shown in FIG. 3, and a valve assembly module 100 shown in FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly module 100 may be operably positioned within a casing assembly 10, and the casing assembly 10 may be operably mounted onto a support structure 7, as shown in FIG. 1. The casing assembly of the present invention may include an input receptacle 12a (FIGS. 9 and 17) and an output port 12b (FIG. 3), where the input receptacle 12a may be operably connected to a valve assembly module 100 and the output port 12b may be operably connected to a central vacuum system (not shown).

The present outlet box system may be used with conventional central vacuum systems, while providing various advantages over existing outlet box systems. As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, the systems of the present invention are suitable for use with various types of casing assembly and installations (e.g., different materials and thicknesses), thereby not only facilitating the installation of the valve assembly module 100 for an improved finished end result but also greatly enhancing the usability of the system through its innovative design and novel features.

Embodiments of invention may include a door assembly 8 operably mountable on the casing assembly in a sealed manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The door assembly 8 may be configured to allow users of the outlet box system 1 to access the input receptacle 12a of the casing assembly 10 and access the vacuum hose (not shown) within the central vacuum system.

Embodiments of the casing assembly 10 may include an interior surface 11 operable to secure components from the valve assembly module 100 without the use of fasteners. The interior surface 11 may include a primary tab 14 positioned at the back of the casing assembly (shown in FIGS. 5, 14 and 15) beneath the input receptacle 12a, and at least two secondary tabs 13a, 13b positioned on opposite sides of interior surface 11 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Embodiments of the valve assembly module 100 include component parts that are operable to provide snap-fit engagement with the casing assembly and with each other, without the use of hand tools or fasteners. Components of an embodiment of the valve assembly module 100 may include a hollow deformable cylindrical member 120 (FIG. 18), compression ring 130 (FIG. 19), a pull bar 140 (FIGS. 20-22), a lock cage 150 (FIGS. 23-24), and a lock plate 160 (FIGS. 25-26), all of which are seen in FIGS. 6 and 13.

Embodiments of the cylindrical member 120 may be made of a flexible material such as rubber, silicone, or an elastomeric compound. Referring to FIGS. 6, 13 and 18, it is seen that the illustrated deformable cylindrical member 120 has an hourglass shape, and may include an upper conical portion 122, a lower conical portion 123, and an inner waistline 121. The illustrated deformable member 120 also has an upper circular edge 124 and lower circular edge 125. In some embodiments, the outer body 121 of the deformable cylindrical member may have a variable diameter between top and bottom edges 124 and 125, with at least one central constricted area or waist 121. Cylindrical member 120 may be compressible, adapting to variations of pressure between unsealed (FIGS. 3 and 15) and sealed modes (FIGS. 4 and 16).

In embodiments of the invention, the upper edge 124 of the deformable cylindrical member is circular, and fits against a complementary circular edge of the input receptacle 12a. This provides an airtight seal when the cylindrical member is compressed against the input receptacle. Similarly, in embodiments of the invention, the lower edge 125 of the deformable cylindrical member is also circular and fits against a circular edge 132 of compression ring 130, inside an annular flange 136. This provides an airtight seal when the cylindrical member is compressed against the compression ring.

The illustrated embodiment of the compression ring 130 include an outer body 131 and a central opening 133, along with an upper circular edge 132 and annular flange 136 for receiving the lower edge 125 of the deformable cylindrical member, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 19. The central opening 133 of the compression ring may also include a plurality of tapered ridges 135 which are operable to guide a vacuum hose into and through the center of compression ring 130 so that it is surrounded by cylindrical member 120. At least one elongated longitudinal slot 139 may be provided on outer body 131 of compression ring 130 for slidable engagement with at least one corresponding tab 171 on the interior surface of the input receptacle 12a (See FIG. 17). The engagement of tab(s) 171 with slot(s) 139 restricts compression ring to vertical sliding motion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer body 131 of the compression ring 130 may include a pair of tabs 134a, 134b on opposite sides of the outer body 131. See FIG. 19. Tabs 134a, 134b may be operable to engage channels 143a, 143b on upper edges of pull bar arms 142a, 142b. In embodiments of the invention, compression ring 130 may be operably in communication with a pull bar 140. Pull bar 140 may include a handle 146 having two parallel arms 142a, 142b extending orthogonally from ends thereof defining an opening 145 between them. See FIGS. 20-22. Each arm 142a, 142b includes a respective angled channel 143a, 143b on an upper surface thereof, operable to receive one of tabs 134a, 134b on the outer body 131 of compression ring 130. In some embodiments, opening 145 may be operable to concentrically align with the outer body 131 of the compression ring. Therefore, the compression ring 130 may be operable to travel vertically as channels 143a, 143b move tabs 134a, 134b upward. Channels 143a, 143b may feature a varying depth along the inner surface of arms 142a, 142b between the handle 146 and distal ends 144a, 144b. The depth of channels 143a, 143b may increase gradually from the distal ends 144a, 144b to handle 146.

In some embodiments, the pull bar 140 may be operable to transition the casing assembly 10 between two modes: an unsealed mode (FIG. 3) and a sealed mode (FIG. 4). The pull bar 140 may initially be in the unsealed mode, where the tabs 134 of the compression ring 130 are engaged at the lowest depth of the channels 143, and deformable member 120 is in a relaxed state. Pulling the handle of pull bar 140 away from the valve assembly causes tabs 134 to move upward as they slide along channels 143. This moves compression ring vertically upward, with channels 139 following tabs 171. This compresses deformable member 120 such that the internal waist 121 extends radially inwardly, sealing against a vacuum hose in opening 133. In the sealed mode, the highest portions of channels 143 on the pull bar 140 align with the tabs 134 on the compression ring 130. The tabs are securely lodged, providing maximum compression and ensuring the integrity of the seal. In such embodiments, mechanism 100 prevents any air leakage and maintains the efficiency of the central vacuum system (not shown). The central vacuum system, and the vacuum hose, may be sealed during the sealed mode to prevent air leakage and maintain vacuum pressure.

Transitioning to the unsealed mode involves manipulating the pull bar 140 to disengage the tabs 134 from the highest points of channels 143. By sliding the pull bar 140 into the casing assembly 10, tabs 134 gradually slide along the channel 143 towards the lower regions of the channels, reducing the compression force applied by the compression ring 130. As the pull bar 140 moves in, the compression ring 130 loosens, allowing the cylindrical member 120 to return to its pre-compressed state and break the airtight seal.

In some embodiments, a lock cage 150 may be securely attached within the casing assembly 10 to hold pull bar 140 and locking ring 130 in place. As shown in FIGS. 8, 13, 23 and 24, embodiments of the lock cage 150 may include a frame 151 having a central opening 153 for receiving a vacuum hose, a distal end 155 for engagement with the back inside surface 11 of casing assembly 10 above primary tab 14, and two side surfaces 154a, 154b with two side slots 157a, 157b for engagement with secondary side tabs 13a, 13b of casing assembly 10. A plurality of lower tabs 138 located on the outer surface of the locking ring prevent the locking ring from dropping through opening 153 of the lock cage. It is to be appreciated that lock cage 150 may be inserted by hand into casing assembly 10 such that the distal end is engaged above primary tab 14, and side slots 157a, 157b engage with secondary side tabs 13a, 13b of casing assembly 10. This is more easily accomplished by hand when the pull bar 140 is pulled out (sealed mode). Once inserted, lock cage 150 holds pull bar 140 in place, allowing pull bar 140 to slide in and out, but not in any other direction.

A pair of interior tabs 152a, 152b are provided on the underside of lock cage 150, and a pair of side slots 159a, 159b are provided on sides 154a, 154b to supporting a lock plate 160. See FIG. 24. A pair of ridges 158a, 158b are provided on the upper surface of lock gate to guide arms 142a, 142b of pull bar 140. Lock plate 160 has a generally U-shaped configuration, and is sized and shaped to correspond to and engage with lock cage 150. Embodiments of lock plate 160 may include a frame 161, securing tabs 162 (162a, 162b), opening 163, and a distal edge 164. See FIGS. 25-26. Once lock cage is 150 in place, lock plate 160 may be inserted by hand underneath lock cage by inserting its distal edge 164 above tabs 152a, 152b, and engaging side tabs 162a, 162b with side slots 159a, 159b. This is more easily accomplished by hand when the pull bar 140 is pulled out (sealed mode). Once engaged, lock plate prevents lock cage from becoming dislodged buy the in-and-out movement of pull bar 140. When engaging with lock plate 150, the central opening 163 of the lock plate 160 may be concentrically aligned with opening 153.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly module 100 may be offered as a kit to users of the outlet box. The kit may include a casing assembly 10, a deformable cylindrical member 120, a compression ring 130, a pull bar 140, a lock cage 150, and a lock plate 160. Users may be operable to assemble valve assembly module 100 inside casing assembly 10 by using elements from the kit, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of module 100 without the use of hand tools or fasteners. It is to be appreciated that components of the kit may be used to replace broken or damaged parts of an existing installation without the use of hand tools or fasteners.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly module 100 may be assembled within casing assembly 10. First, the upper edge of 124 of the deformable cylindrical member 120 is inserted into an annular opening in the input receptacle 12a. Compression ring 130 is then inserted into input receptacle 12a by guiding the slots 139 of outer body 131 into corresponding tabs 171 on the input receptacle. In this process, the lower edge 125 of the deformable cylindrical member engages with the circular surface 132 of compression ring 130, inside annular flange 136.

Next, a pull bar 140 may be guided into casing assembly 10 by aligning channels 143 along tabs 134 of compression ring 130. In such embodiments, opening 145 on the pull bar 140 may be concentrically aligned with the outer body of the compression ring 130. Pull bar 140 is then moved to the sealed position to provide room for insertion of lock cage 150 and lock plate 160. Lock cage 150 may then be inserted into casing assembly 10 underneath pull bar 140 by sliding the distal edge 155 of the lock cage above primary tab 14 of the casing assembly 10, and engaging side slots 157 with secondary side tabs 13 of the casing assembly. Finally, the lock plate 160 is inserted until its distal end is engaged above securing tabs 152 of the lock cage, and its side tabs 162 are engaged with side slots 159 of the lock cage. At this point, the pull bar 140 may be inserted to the unsealed position.

In operation, door 8 is opened, and a vacuum hose is inserted into casing assembly 10 such that an end of the hose extends through compression ring 130 and is adjacent to deformable member 120. Pull bar 140 is then pulled out, causing arms 142 and slots 143 to move tabs 134 upward, moving compression ring 120 upward. This causes the interior waist portion 121 of the deformable cylindrical member to extend radially inwardly around the end of the vacuum hose, providing an airtight seal. The user may then operate the central vacuum system using the engaged hose. When finished, pull bar 140 may be pushed back into the casing assembly, releasing compression on the deformable member and allowing the interior waist portion 121 to relax and release the vacuum hose, which may then be removed.

It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.