Abstract
A pull string management system. The Pull String Vacuum Assembly that includes a cover plate which encompasses a junction box and a port which coincides with a standard shop vac hose is provided. The cover plate is constructed in such a way as to fit over a junction box and utilizes a seal to create a vacuum over the entirety of a junction box for the purpose of moving pull string or wire through new or existing conduit. The port is constructed in such a way as to coincide with a standard shop vacuum hose and requires no additional attachments or modifications.
Claims
1. A Pull String Vacuum Assembly, comprising: a cover plate; a flange; a tubular rubber gasket; an adhesive; and a flanged adapter.
2. The cover plate of claim 1, wherein is composed of pvc or other plastic, rectangular or square in shape, and wherein is a circular opening in the center of the cover plate.
3. The flange of claim 1, wherein is composed of pvc or other plastic, round in circumference and attached to the face of the cover plate of claim 1 as a solid piece, and which encompasses the opening in the center of the cover plate of claim 2.
4. The tubular rubber gasket of claim 1 wherein is made of rubber, silicone, or vinyl, round or rectangular in shape, and which is affixed to the inner portion of the cover plate of claim 1.
5. The adhesive of claim 1, wherein is made of industrial strength glue in use in the industry to attach the tubular rubber gasket of claim 4 to the cover plate of claim 1.
6. The flanged adapter of claim 1, wherein is made of clear pvc or other plastic, round in circumference, and wherein is a series of stepped flanges ranging in size to accommodate the variety of shop vacuum hoses in use in the industry and wherein is designed to attach to the cover plate of claim 1 using the flange of claim 3.
7. The flanged adapter of claim 1, wherein is made of clear pvc or other plastic, round in circumference, and wherein on the inner portion of the flanged attachment is a series of stepped openings ranging in size to accommodate the variety of conduit in use in the industry.
8. An oversized cover plate, comprising: a cover plate; a flange; a tubular rubber gasket; and an adhesive.
9. The oversized cover plate of claim 8, wherein is composed of pvc or other plastic, rectangular or square in shape, and wherein is a circular opening in the center of the cover plate for use with oversized or floor junction boxes.
10. The flange of claim 8, wherein is composed of pvc or other plastic, round in circumference and attached to the face of the oversized cover plate of claim 8 as a solid piece, and which encompasses the opening in the center of the cover plate of claim 9. The flange is designed to accommodate the flanged attachment of claim 6.
11. The tubular rubber gasket of claim 8 wherein is made of rubber, silicone, or vinyl, round or rectangular in shape, and which is affixed to the inner portion of the oversized cover plate of claim 8.
12. The adhesive of claim 8, wherein is made of industrial strength glue in use in the industry to attach the tubular rubber gasket of claim 11 to the oversized cover plate of claim 8.
13. A flexible conduit adapter, comprising: clear pvc or other plastic tubing; flexible corrugated tubing; and stepped or flanged sections.
14. The clear pvc or other plastic tubing of claim 13, round in circumference, and designed to fit into the inner portion of the flanged adapter of claim 6.
15. The flexible corrugated tubing of claim 13, round in circumference, containing thin flexible steel and with a range of flexibility of 180 degrees.
16. The stepped or flanged sections of claim 13, round in circumference, and of varying sizes to accommodate a variety of conduit in use the industry.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The object, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front orthogonal view of the cover plate of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear orthogonal view of the cover plate of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a right side orthogonal view of the cover plate of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a right side orthogonal view of the flanged adapter of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4A illustrates a front orthogonal view of the flanged adapter of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4B illustrates a rear orthogonal view of the flanged adapter of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates a right side exploded view of the cover plate and flanged adapter of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates a right side orthogonal view of the completed assembly of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6A illustrates a right side exploded view of the cover plate and flanged adapter of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly, shop vacuum hose, junction box and conduit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6B illustrates a right side orthogonal view of the completed assembly of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly, shop vacuum hose, junction box and conduit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a front orthogonal view of the oversized cover plate of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear orthogonal view of the oversized cover plate of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 illustrates a side orthogonal view of the flexible conduit adapter of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. The exemplification set of characters herein is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the different views. It is to be understood that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, any details set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and instead simply set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the invention as claimed.
[0031] In one aspect, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the cover plate (1) of non-limiting material but can be made of pvc plastic with an overall dimension of at least 20.32 cm (eight inches) in height and at least 20.32 cm (eight inches) in width. The overall size is non-limiting and can be as large as any junction box used in the industry. The exterior or face of the cover plate (1) allows for a circular opening (2) of at least 10.16 cm (four inches) in diameter. The opening has a flange (3) centered over the circular opening (2) that is at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height protruding out from the cover plate (1), as one solid piece, and at least 0.3178 cm (one-eighth inch) in overall thickness and at least 10.795 cm (four and one quarter inches) in diameter and is non-limiting in size.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the inner portion of the cover plate (1) is shown in rear orthogonal view and has attached to it on the entirety of the surface, a tubular rubber gasket (4), or other non-limiting material such as vinyl or silicone, and at least 20.0025 cm (seven and seven-eighths inches) in height and at least 20.0025 cm (seven and seven-eighths inches) in width, to create a near airtight seal when placed over a junction box. The tubular rubber gasket (4) is attached to the rear portion of the cover plate (1) by industrial strength adhesive to maintain the integrity of the connection between the tubular rubber gasket (4) and cover plate (1). The tubular rubber gasket (4) can be at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in overall thickness but is non limiting in overall thickness. A near airtight seal is created as the cover plate (1) and tubular rubber gasket (4) is pressed onto the face of a junction box allowing the tubular rubber gasket (4) to compress around the sides of a junction box. The tubular rubber gasket (4) has a negative space (2) on the inner portion of the cover plate (1) within the area of the tubular rubber gasket (4) corresponding to the opening on the cover plate of at least 10.16 cm (four inches) in diameter.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the flange (3), cover plate (1) and tubular rubber gasket (4) is shown in side orthogonal view to demonstrate the overall thickness of at least 2.8575 cm (one and one-eighth inch).
[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, the flanged adapter (5) is shown in side orthogonal view to demonstrate the variety of sizes of flanges (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13) to accommodate any size of shop vacuum hose in use in the industry. Section 6 of the flanged adapter (5) is of non-limiting size and is at least 10.9537 cm (four and five-sixteenths) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and is designed to fit over the flange (3) and become flush with the cover plate (1) to create a near airtight seal. Section 7 is at least 10.0012 cm (three and fifteen-sixteenths inches) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size of at least 10.16 cm (four inches) in diameter. Section 8 is at least 7.46125 cm (two and fifteen-sixteenths inches) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size of at least 7.62 cm (three inches) in diameter. Section 9 is at least 6.19125 cm (two and seven-sixteenths inches) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size at least 6.35 cm (two and one half inches) in diameter. Section 10 is at least 4.92125 cm (one and fifteen-sixteenths inches) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size of at least 5.08 cm (two inches) in diameter. Section 11 is at least 3.65125 cm (one and seven-sixteenth inches) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size of at least 3.81 cm (one and one half inches) in diameter. Section 12 is at least 3.01625 cm (one and three-sixteenths inches) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size of at least 3.175 cm (one and one quarter inches) in diameter. Section 13 is at least 2.54 cm (one inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height and designed to accommodate a shop vacuum size of at least 2.6924 cm (one and one-sixteenth inches) in diameter. The overall length of the flanged adapter (5) with all sections combined is at least 10.16 cm (four inches) and is made of non-limiting material but could be made of clear pvc plastic as in the same material used in pneumatic tubes used in the banking industry in their drive thru services. The use of clear pvc plastic gives the advantage of allowing the user to see the pull string or wire as it reaches the shop vacuum hose to prevent pulling too much of the pull string or wire into the vacuum machine.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 4A, the flanged adapter (5) is shown in front orthogonal view to demonstrate the variety of sizes of flanges (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13) to accommodate any size of shop vacuum hose in use in the industry.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 4B, in another embodiment, the flanged adapter (5) is shown in rear orthogonal view. The design of the inner portion of the flanged adapter (5) is to accommodate various sizes of conduit in use in the industry where a junction box may not be present. Section 14 in the center of the flanged adapter (5) is at least 1.42875 cm (nine-sixteenths inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height to accommodate conduit that is 1.27 cm (one-half inch) in diameter. Section 15 of the flanged adapter (5) is at least 2.06375 cm (thirteen-sixteenths inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height to accommodate conduit that is 1.905 cm (three-fourths inch) in diameter. Section 16 of the flanged adapter (5) is at least 2.69875 cm (one and one-sixteenths inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height to accommodate conduit that is 2.54 cm (one inch) in diameter. Section 17 of the flanged adapter (5) is at least 3.96875 cm (one and nine-sixteenths inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one-half inch) in height to accommodate conduit that is 3.81 cm (one and one-half inch) in diameter. Section 18 of the flanged adapter (5) is at least 4.60375 cm (one and thirteen-sixteenths inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height to accommodate conduit that is 4.445 cm (one and three-fourths inch) in diameter. Section 19 of the flanged adapter (5) is at least 5.23875 cm (two and one-sixteenths inch) in diameter and at least 1.27 cm (one-half inch) in height to accommodate conduit that is 5.08 cm (two inches) in diameter. The inner portion of the flanged adapter (5) is made of non-limiting material but could be made of clear pvc plastic as in the same material used in pneumatic tubes used in the banking industry in their drive thru services. The use of clear pvc plastic gives the advantage of allowing the user to see the pull string or wire as it reaches the shop vacuum hose to prevent pulling too much of the pull string or wire into the vacuum machine.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 5A, the Pull String Vacuum Assembly is shown in exploded view to demonstrate the connection of the flanged adapter (5) to the cover plate (1).
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5B, the Pull String Vacuum Assembly in shown in side orthogonal view to demonstrate the completed connection between the flanged adapter (5) and the cover plate (1).
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6A, the Pull String Vacuum Assembly is shown in exploded view to demonstrate the connection of the flanged adapter (5), the cover plate (1) and tubular rubber gasket (4) to a junction box (21) with conduit (22) and the connection of a shop vacuum hose (20) to one of the sections of the flanged adapter (5).
[0040] Referring to FIG. 6B, the Pull String Vacuum Assembly is shown in side orthogonal view to demonstrate the completed connection between a shop vacuum hose (20), a section of the flanged adapter (5), the cover plate (1), tubular rubber gasket (4) and junction box (21) with conduit (22).
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7 another embodiment of the present design is shown in front orthogonal view. An oversized cover plate (23) of non-limiting material but can be made of pvc plastic, or other non-limiting material, with an overall dimension of at least 36.5252 cm (fourteen and three-eighths inches) in height and at least 36.5252 cm (fourteen and three-eighths inches) in width. The overall size is non-limiting and can be as large as any junction box used in the industry for floor installations. The exterior or face of the oversized cover plate (23) allows for a circular opening (24) of at least 10.16 cm (four inches) in diameter. The opening has a flange (25) centered over the circular opening (24) that is at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in height protruding out from the oversized cover plate (23), as one solid piece, and at least 0.3178 cm (one-eighth inch) in overall thickness and at least 10.795 cm (four and one quarter inches) in diameter and is non-limiting in size.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 8 the inner portion of the oversized cover plate (23) is shown in rear orthogonal view and has attached to it on the entirety of the surface, a tubular rubber gasket (26), or other non-limiting material such as vinyl or silicone, and at least 36 cm (fourteen and three-sixteenths inches) in height and at least 36 cm (fourteen and three-sixteenths inches) in width, to create a near airtight seal when placed over a floor junction box. The tubular rubber gasket (26) is attached to the rear portion of the oversized cover plate (23) by industrial strength adhesive to maintain the integrity of the connection between the tubular rubber gasket (26) and oversized cover plate (23). The tubular rubber gasket (26) can be at least 1.27 cm (one half inch) in overall thickness but is non limiting in overall thickness. A near airtight seal is created as the oversized cover plate (23) and tubular rubber gasket (26) is pressed onto the face of a floor junction box allowing the tubular rubber gasket (26) to compress around the sides of a floor junction box. The tubular rubber gasket (26) has a negative space (24) on the inner portion of the oversized cover plate (23) within the area of the tubular rubber gasket (26) corresponding to the opening on the oversized cover plate of at least 10.16 cm (four inches) in diameter.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 9 another embodiment of the present design is shown in side orthogonal view. The flexible conduit adapter (27) is made of non-limiting material but can be made of clear pvc plastic as in the same material used in pneumatic tubes used in the banking industry in drive thru services and gives the advantage of allowing the user to see the pull string or wire as it reaches the shop vacuum hose to prevent pulling too much of the pull string or wire into the vacuum machine. The flexible conduit adapter (27) has the advantage of bending at least 180 degrees at the elbow of the adapter which allows the user to manipulate the adapter to a variety of positions in order to reach conduit that is already in place without a junction box. The flexibility is enabled by use of rigid, yet flexible rings within the pvc plastic which is of non-limiting material but can be made of thin steel. The overall length of the flexible conduit adapter (27) when placed in a 180-degree position is at least 21.9075 cm (eight and five-eighths inches) in length and at least 0.3175 cm (one-eighth inch) in thickness. The proximal end, represented as section 28, is the flexible portion of the flexible conduit adapter (27) and is at least 10.4775 cm (four and one-eighth inches) in length and at least 5.08 cm (two inches) in diameter and is designed to fit into the rear side of the flanged adapter (5) to create a near air-tight seal. The distal end is at least 6.35 cm (two and one-half inches) in length and has a variety of sections which taper to progressively smaller diameters to accommodate various sizes of conduit in use the industry. Section 29 is at least 4.92125 cm (one and fifteen-sixteenths inches) in diameter and is designed to fit inside a 5.08 cm (two inch) conduit and is at least 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) in height. Section 30 is at least 4.28625 cm (one and eleven-sixteenths inches) in diameter and is designed to fit inside a 4.445 cm (one and three-fourths inch) conduit and is at least 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) in height. Section 31 is at least 3.65125 cm (one and seven-sixteenths inches) in diameter and is designed to fit inside a 3.81 cm (one and one-half inches) conduit and is at least 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) in height. Section 32 is at least 2.38125 cm (fifteen-sixteenths inch) in diameter and is designed to fit inside a 2.54 cm (one inch) conduit and is at least 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) in height. Section 33 is at least 1.74625 cm (eleven-sixteenths inch) in diameter and is designed to fit inside a 1.905 cm (three-fourths inch) conduit and is at least 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) in height. Section 34 is at least 1.11125 cm (seven-sixteenths inch) in diameter and is designed to fit inside a 1.27 cm (one-half inch) conduit and is at least 0.635 cm (one-quarter inch) in height. Each section (29,30,31,32,33,34) is designed to fit into corresponding conduit sizes to create a near air-tight seal for the purpose of pulling string or wire through the conduit when attached to the flexible adapter (5) and a shop vacuum hose.
[0044] It will be readily apparent to anyone who reads this document that at least one embodiment of the Pull String Vacuum Assembly provides the advantage of creating an airtight seal over the entirety of a junction box for the purpose of pulling string or wire through new conduit or conduit with existing wiring and is not imposed by any existing wiring within a junction box or conduit. And a further advantage of the use of a standard shop vacuum hose in use in the industry without any additional attachments necessary. Although only certain embodiments were disclosed in this document, many other variations are possible. For example, the overall size of the cover plate (1), tubular rubber gasket (4), and flange (3) can be manufactured to fit any size junction box and shop vacuum hose in use in the industry. Additionally, the preferred material of the cover plate (1) and flange (3) is pvc plastic but can also be stainless steel or any other material in use in the industry. Additionally, the preferred material of the gasket (4) is tubular rubber, but can also be vinyl or silicone. Additionally, the preferred material for the flanged adapter (5) and the flexible conduit adapter (27) is clear pvc plastic, but can also be other pvc plastic or any other material in use in the industry.
[0045] Although specific features, structures, embodiments, methods, objectives, benefits, advantages, functionalities, and applications may have been disclosed, it will be understood by those having skill in the art that changes, including but not limited to, variations, modifications, combinations, alterations, omissions, and various other applications, will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art and such changes will be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Further, it is to be understood by anyone who reads this document that the terminology and phraseology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered limiting. Even further, the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention are used for schematic representation. The actual systems, devices, and methods of the embodiments of the present invention may depart from the foregoing schematics without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention.
