CA2088035A1 - Safety switch integral with a wall receptacle operable via a central vacuum system hose - Google Patents
Safety switch integral with a wall receptacle operable via a central vacuum system hoseInfo
- Publication number
- CA2088035A1 CA2088035A1 CA 2088035 CA2088035A CA2088035A1 CA 2088035 A1 CA2088035 A1 CA 2088035A1 CA 2088035 CA2088035 CA 2088035 CA 2088035 A CA2088035 A CA 2088035A CA 2088035 A1 CA2088035 A1 CA 2088035A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- hose
- switching means
- wall
- vacuum
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 235000014676 Phragmites communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010014357 Electric shock Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/38—Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
- H01H36/0006—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
- H01H36/0006—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches
- H01H36/0066—Permanent magnet actuating reed switches magnet being removable, e.g. part of key pencil
Landscapes
- Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A receptacle for a central vacuum system, said receptacle including a housing having disposed therein a vacuum inlet, the housing also having disposed therewith a non-contact switch being switched by an activating device disposed proximate the free end of a vacuum hose which closes the circuit within which the non-contact switch is disposed when the free end of the hose is inserted within the vacuum inlet means.
A receptacle for a central vacuum system, said receptacle including a housing having disposed therein a vacuum inlet, the housing also having disposed therewith a non-contact switch being switched by an activating device disposed proximate the free end of a vacuum hose which closes the circuit within which the non-contact switch is disposed when the free end of the hose is inserted within the vacuum inlet means.
Description
2 ~ 3 ~
TITLE OF INVENTION
Safety Switch Integral with a Wall Receptacle operable via a Central Vacuum System Hose.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the non-contact switching of an electrical system and specifically central vacuum systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Central vacuum systems are well known in the art. Applicant in its prior patents United States Patent 5,075,920 and United States Patent 4,951,346 describes the use of his newly developed power head and wall receptacle with a central vacuum unit. Specifically the wall receptacle is used as a source of vacuum for the power head in United States Patent No.
5,075,920 and also a source of water.
When a house holder wishes to turn on the central vacuum unit, which may be located in a remote portion of the home, for example the garage or the basement, he or she place the hose end into the tubular opening of the receptacle. Within the tubular opening are disposed two contacts, as best seen in figure 2. The metal end of the hose connects the contacts, closes the circuit, and the central vacuum blower starts. The householder then continues the vacuuming of the local area and when complete removes the end of the hose frorll the receptacle to open the circuit and shut off the central vacuum unit.
Such a circuit is well known in the art and the low voltage requirements of the starting circuit is quite common to most, if not all of the products marketed today. The only variation being the location of the contacts and the size of hose end. Most manufactures have their own unique setup and therefore it is found that a hose from one manufacture will not necessary fit in the receptacle of another manufacturer.
The receptacles therefore in the prior art include such contact pins which allows for a child to stick their finger into the receptacle and touch ` - - 2 - 2~88~3~
live electrical components of the electrical circuitry. Further if water were introduced into the system in a manner as taught in United States Patent No.
4,951,346 or United States Patent No. 5,075,920, the risk occurs of getting water in contact with the electrical contact pins of Figure 2 and thereby 5 shorting out the entire circuit.
There therefore exists a need to improve the safety of ~he switching of central vacuum systems to avoid the risk of a child receiving an electrical shock or the risk of water shorting out the starting circuit of a central vacuum unit. Further dus~ may collect on the exposed spring loaded 10 contacts of the unit illustrated in Figure 2 which contacts require frequent cleaning. Since the contacts are very fragile it is possible to break them easily requiring the replacement of the entire receptacle and lose of vacuuming in that area of the home until such repairs are completed.
Nowhere within the prior art is there found a wall valve for a 1~ central vacuum system which includes non-contact switching means which is activated by non-contact means when the free end of a central vacuum hose is inserted into the receptacle. In providing such a system of switching the central vacuum system on and off the need to provide metal ends to the central vacuum hoses becomes unnecessary. In the prior art it is necessary in order ao for the switching to take place.
It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a wall receptacle for a central vacuum system which includes an isolated non-contact switching device which is activated by non-contact means when the free end of a central vacuum hose is inserted therein thereby starting the central vacuum 25 blower.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a non-contact switching means which enables a circuit resident in a wall receptacle when the plug end of a cord is inserted therein.
It is still yet a further object of the invention to provide a wall - 3 ~ 2 ~ ~
receptacle for a plug or a central vacuum system which remains disengaged until such time as the plug end or hose end is inserted into the receptacle thusallowing a non-contact switch to be closed as a result as such action.
It is s~ill yet a further objec~ of the invention to provide non-5 contact means for closing a switch to allow the functioning of a circuit.
Further and other obJects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein.
According to one aspect of ihe invention there is provided a receptacle for a central vacuum system said receptacle extending through a wall in a preferred embodiment and comprising a housing for fastening to said wall, the housing having disposed therein vacuum inlet means and 15 preferably fluid supply means, the housing also hav;ng disposed therewith non-contact switching means, in the preferred embodiment a reed switch closed by a magnet, the non-contact switching means being switched by means disposed proximate the free end of a vacuum hose, for example a magnet, which closes the circuit within which the non-contact switching means is ao disposed when the free end of the hose is inserted within the vacuum inlet means.
In a preferred embodiment a vacuum hose is provided which includes integral therewith means for mounting an activating member to activate the non-contact switching means disposed with the wall receptacle, 25 preferably said activating member being a magnet.
Alternatively, an infrared transmitter may be disposed with the free end of the hose and an infrared receiver may be disposed with the wall receptacle. In use therefore when the free end of the hose is inserted within the receptacle the infrared signal will be picked up by the receiver in the wall 38~3~
receptacle ~hereby completing a circuit and thereby starting up the central vacuum unit. Alternatively, any optical system providing a transmitter and receiver may be used equally well. The import aspect of the non-contact means is to provide the closing of a circuit when the free end of a hose is 5 inserted wi~hin the wall receptacle.
Of course the invention finds application within standard household wall plug receptacles and plugs for electrical devices. For example wall receptacle are normally closed. That is to say there is power to the receptacle at all times and one is merely required to insert a plug of an 10 appliance such as radio or the like into the wall receptacle to obtain power. It is well known in the art that children insert metal objects within wall receptacles and may suffer from electric shock. The prior art teaches the use of blanks inserted in wall receptacles to prevent young children from accessing the plugs. Further covers are provided within the prior art.
The present invention finds usefulness in essentially the same manner as provide with central vacuum systems in that the wall receptacle has disposed proximate the source of current a non-contact switching means which disenables the source of current until such time as the plug end of a cord containing a non-contact activating means to activate or close, in this example, the switching means which controls power to receptacle. In this way all receptacles are normally open and no power is available to them until such time as plug is inserted into the receptacle. If a plug is inserted into a receptacle a child cannot access that circuit. If the plug is removed, the circuit goes back to being open and children can not hurt themselves accordingly.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided an electrical wall receptacle which includes a non-contact switch means which controls the availability of power to the wall receptacle until such time as a plug end of a cord is inserted into the receptacle, said plug end of a cord including an non-contact switch means activating means to theleby complete -` - 5 - ~803~
the circuit of the wall receptacle and allow electricity to be supplied to said receptacle.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a plug end of a cord, said plug end of said cord including means for activating 5 a non-contact switching means within a receptacle.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a wall receptacle for a central vacuum system said wall receptacle comprising a housing for fastening to a wall, said housing including a vacuum inlet nozzle to swpply vacuum to a vacuum hose connectable thereto, preferably said 10 housing including water supply means, said housing having disposed therewith a non-contact switching means, preferably a reed switch responsive to a magnetic signal, which controls the operation of the blower of a central vacuum system, preferably said control circuit being a low voltage circuit, the non-contact switching means being closed when the free end of a vacuum hose 15 is inserted within the vacuum nozzle, said free end of said vaGuum hose having non-contact switch activating means disposed therewith and preferably a magnet, wherein when said free end of said hose is inserted in said nozzle said non-contact switch activating means is located adjacent said non-contact switching means thereby causing said non-contact switching means to be closed 20 and complete the circuit Por controlling the blower of the central vacuum system thereby turning on said blower, and when said free end of said hose is removed from said nozzle said blower circuit becomes open and the central vacuum system is shut down.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided 25 a vacuum hose for use with a central vacuum system, said vacuum hose having disposed proximate the free end thereof a non-contact switch activating means, preferably a magnet, for activating a non-contact switching means disposed with a wall receptacle.
- 6 - ~08~03a -BRIEF DE~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated with respect to the following drawin~s illustrating embodiments of the invention in which:
Figure l is a perspective view of the conventional known manner 5 of starting up the blower of the central vacuum system.
Figure 2 is a cut away perspective view of the switching apparatus of thei conventiollal system.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wall receptacle and a free end of the hose of the central vacuum unit illustrated in a preferred embodiment 10 of the invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the non-contact switching device of the wall receptacle of Figure 3.
Figures 5 is a schematic view of the off condition -for a wall receptacle illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the on condition of the wall receptacle and hence the central vacuum system illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
l~igure 7 is a perspective view of the wall receptacle including water supply and illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODTMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
.
Referring now to Figure l and 2 there is illustrated the conventional manner in starting up a central vacuum system. Therefore there 25 is provided a hose l which includes a rnetal end 2. The metal end 2 is inserted within a nozzle opening 4 of a wall receptacie 3. To insert the metal end, the lift cover 3a which is spring biased is raised. The metal end is inserted withinthe nozzle opening 4 formed by PVC conduit 4a. The entire wall receptacle is mounted to the w~lll via fastener 6. When the metal end 2 of the hose l is I
~ 7 - 2~88~
inserted within the nozzle 4 the metal end 2 closes the contacts 5c and thereby energizes the blower circuit thus providing vacuum to the householder. The contacts are formed with contact ends Sc which are spring biased by a threaded screw having a head Sa and threading Sb the end of which bears against contact Sc . Not only does the screw head contact with the circuit for energizing the central vacuum system 5e, but it is also adjus~able within the threaded opening 7 of the wall receptacle. In this manner conventional unit opera~es. However, as mentioned in the background of the invention the contact Sc are always available to be soiled by dust entering the vacuurn supply10 nozzle 4 allowing for shorting of the electrical contacts and the requirement of cleaning. Further a child may receive a shock when sticking its hand within the nozzle opening 4.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is illustrated a wall receptacle 10 installed within a wall W. The wall receptacle 10 includes a housing 13 which 15 is mounted to the wall via fastener 15. The housing 13 includes a spring biased cover plate 11 attached at the top thereof which may include a torsion spring housed with flange portioned 1 2 of cover 11 . This aspect is conventional. The nozzle inlet 14 has an opening 14a provided with a wall receptacle 10. A non-contact switching device 20 is provided beneath the ~0 plastic cover plate 13a of the housing 20. Therefore the non-contact reed switch as best seen in figure 4 is protected from moisture, dust and the prying hands of a curious child. When the free end 31 of a vacuum hose 30 is inserted within the nozzle opening 14a, a magnet 40 located within a handle portion 35 activates or closes the circuit provided in non-contact switch device25 20 of the receptacle 10. The hose 30 includes the known spiral portion 60 anda supplementary water supply S0 integral therewith for use with the power head as described in my United States Patent No. 4,951,346 and my wall receptacle of United States Patent No. S,075,920 the teachings of which in relation to the power head and the wall receptacle are hereby incorporated by ... . .. ., .. ... .. ... , ., .. .. ,.. , . .. , .. , .. ... ,.. .. , ...... .. -.. i . .
- 8 - 2~8803~
reference. Therefore the receptacle 10 may be provided with a water supply, and a nozzle having a quick connect as best seen in relation to Figure 7.
Referring now Figures 4, 5 and 6 there is illustrated the non-contact switch device 20 of Figure 3 disposed behind the planer wall 13a of 5 the housing 13 of ~he wall receptacle. Two contact pins 21 and 22 are therefore provided which extend via wires 23a and 23b to the blower motor of a central vacuum system. The electrical contact pins 21 and 22 are also connec~ed via the bottom thereof to a reed switch 25 which includes a first reed portion 25a and a second reed portion 25b which are separated by a gap.
10 Therefore the switch may be said to be open and the blower inoperative. Such a condition is also observed in relation to Figure 5 wherein the free end 31 of the vacuum hose is not located within opening 14a of nozzle 14 of wall receptacle 13 and therefore the two elements 25a and 25b of reed switch 25 are not in contact and the switch is therefore open. The magnet 40 disposed 15 within handle portion 35 is not designed to activate the switch 25 until suchtime as the nozzle 31 is disposed within the nozzle 14a as best seen in relationto Figure 5. When said nozzle 31 is inserted within nozzle opening 14a the magnet 40 of the handle portion 35 of the vacuum hose causes the switching or closing of contacts 25a and 25b closing the circuit and thus feeding power to 20 the blower circuit to start the blower of the central vacuum system.
Not shown in ~igure 6 is the attachment of the water supply line 50 to the nozzle D of Figure 7 which is taught in my aforementioned United States Patents.
Referring now to Figure 7 there is provided a receptacle 30a a5 fastened to a wall, not shown, via opening ports E via fasteners not shown.
The wall receptacle 30a has a cover F which is spring biased to expose a nozzle I and a water supply D. Such a receptacle 30a is provided having a general rectangular housing A with a vacuum inlet nozzle B extending there through. Further a water supply nozzle C is incorporated in the housing - 9 ~ 3 ~
: : ' having a quick connect D and a cheek valve J embodied therein for convenience sake. The nozzle B has a front and rear, H and I respectively. H
extends to a vacuum tool and I extends to the vacuum source.
As many changes can be made to the invention without departing 5 from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained herein by interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
TITLE OF INVENTION
Safety Switch Integral with a Wall Receptacle operable via a Central Vacuum System Hose.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to the non-contact switching of an electrical system and specifically central vacuum systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Central vacuum systems are well known in the art. Applicant in its prior patents United States Patent 5,075,920 and United States Patent 4,951,346 describes the use of his newly developed power head and wall receptacle with a central vacuum unit. Specifically the wall receptacle is used as a source of vacuum for the power head in United States Patent No.
5,075,920 and also a source of water.
When a house holder wishes to turn on the central vacuum unit, which may be located in a remote portion of the home, for example the garage or the basement, he or she place the hose end into the tubular opening of the receptacle. Within the tubular opening are disposed two contacts, as best seen in figure 2. The metal end of the hose connects the contacts, closes the circuit, and the central vacuum blower starts. The householder then continues the vacuuming of the local area and when complete removes the end of the hose frorll the receptacle to open the circuit and shut off the central vacuum unit.
Such a circuit is well known in the art and the low voltage requirements of the starting circuit is quite common to most, if not all of the products marketed today. The only variation being the location of the contacts and the size of hose end. Most manufactures have their own unique setup and therefore it is found that a hose from one manufacture will not necessary fit in the receptacle of another manufacturer.
The receptacles therefore in the prior art include such contact pins which allows for a child to stick their finger into the receptacle and touch ` - - 2 - 2~88~3~
live electrical components of the electrical circuitry. Further if water were introduced into the system in a manner as taught in United States Patent No.
4,951,346 or United States Patent No. 5,075,920, the risk occurs of getting water in contact with the electrical contact pins of Figure 2 and thereby 5 shorting out the entire circuit.
There therefore exists a need to improve the safety of ~he switching of central vacuum systems to avoid the risk of a child receiving an electrical shock or the risk of water shorting out the starting circuit of a central vacuum unit. Further dus~ may collect on the exposed spring loaded 10 contacts of the unit illustrated in Figure 2 which contacts require frequent cleaning. Since the contacts are very fragile it is possible to break them easily requiring the replacement of the entire receptacle and lose of vacuuming in that area of the home until such repairs are completed.
Nowhere within the prior art is there found a wall valve for a 1~ central vacuum system which includes non-contact switching means which is activated by non-contact means when the free end of a central vacuum hose is inserted into the receptacle. In providing such a system of switching the central vacuum system on and off the need to provide metal ends to the central vacuum hoses becomes unnecessary. In the prior art it is necessary in order ao for the switching to take place.
It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a wall receptacle for a central vacuum system which includes an isolated non-contact switching device which is activated by non-contact means when the free end of a central vacuum hose is inserted therein thereby starting the central vacuum 25 blower.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a non-contact switching means which enables a circuit resident in a wall receptacle when the plug end of a cord is inserted therein.
It is still yet a further object of the invention to provide a wall - 3 ~ 2 ~ ~
receptacle for a plug or a central vacuum system which remains disengaged until such time as the plug end or hose end is inserted into the receptacle thusallowing a non-contact switch to be closed as a result as such action.
It is s~ill yet a further objec~ of the invention to provide non-5 contact means for closing a switch to allow the functioning of a circuit.
Further and other obJects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein.
According to one aspect of ihe invention there is provided a receptacle for a central vacuum system said receptacle extending through a wall in a preferred embodiment and comprising a housing for fastening to said wall, the housing having disposed therein vacuum inlet means and 15 preferably fluid supply means, the housing also hav;ng disposed therewith non-contact switching means, in the preferred embodiment a reed switch closed by a magnet, the non-contact switching means being switched by means disposed proximate the free end of a vacuum hose, for example a magnet, which closes the circuit within which the non-contact switching means is ao disposed when the free end of the hose is inserted within the vacuum inlet means.
In a preferred embodiment a vacuum hose is provided which includes integral therewith means for mounting an activating member to activate the non-contact switching means disposed with the wall receptacle, 25 preferably said activating member being a magnet.
Alternatively, an infrared transmitter may be disposed with the free end of the hose and an infrared receiver may be disposed with the wall receptacle. In use therefore when the free end of the hose is inserted within the receptacle the infrared signal will be picked up by the receiver in the wall 38~3~
receptacle ~hereby completing a circuit and thereby starting up the central vacuum unit. Alternatively, any optical system providing a transmitter and receiver may be used equally well. The import aspect of the non-contact means is to provide the closing of a circuit when the free end of a hose is 5 inserted wi~hin the wall receptacle.
Of course the invention finds application within standard household wall plug receptacles and plugs for electrical devices. For example wall receptacle are normally closed. That is to say there is power to the receptacle at all times and one is merely required to insert a plug of an 10 appliance such as radio or the like into the wall receptacle to obtain power. It is well known in the art that children insert metal objects within wall receptacles and may suffer from electric shock. The prior art teaches the use of blanks inserted in wall receptacles to prevent young children from accessing the plugs. Further covers are provided within the prior art.
The present invention finds usefulness in essentially the same manner as provide with central vacuum systems in that the wall receptacle has disposed proximate the source of current a non-contact switching means which disenables the source of current until such time as the plug end of a cord containing a non-contact activating means to activate or close, in this example, the switching means which controls power to receptacle. In this way all receptacles are normally open and no power is available to them until such time as plug is inserted into the receptacle. If a plug is inserted into a receptacle a child cannot access that circuit. If the plug is removed, the circuit goes back to being open and children can not hurt themselves accordingly.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided an electrical wall receptacle which includes a non-contact switch means which controls the availability of power to the wall receptacle until such time as a plug end of a cord is inserted into the receptacle, said plug end of a cord including an non-contact switch means activating means to theleby complete -` - 5 - ~803~
the circuit of the wall receptacle and allow electricity to be supplied to said receptacle.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a plug end of a cord, said plug end of said cord including means for activating 5 a non-contact switching means within a receptacle.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a wall receptacle for a central vacuum system said wall receptacle comprising a housing for fastening to a wall, said housing including a vacuum inlet nozzle to swpply vacuum to a vacuum hose connectable thereto, preferably said 10 housing including water supply means, said housing having disposed therewith a non-contact switching means, preferably a reed switch responsive to a magnetic signal, which controls the operation of the blower of a central vacuum system, preferably said control circuit being a low voltage circuit, the non-contact switching means being closed when the free end of a vacuum hose 15 is inserted within the vacuum nozzle, said free end of said vaGuum hose having non-contact switch activating means disposed therewith and preferably a magnet, wherein when said free end of said hose is inserted in said nozzle said non-contact switch activating means is located adjacent said non-contact switching means thereby causing said non-contact switching means to be closed 20 and complete the circuit Por controlling the blower of the central vacuum system thereby turning on said blower, and when said free end of said hose is removed from said nozzle said blower circuit becomes open and the central vacuum system is shut down.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided 25 a vacuum hose for use with a central vacuum system, said vacuum hose having disposed proximate the free end thereof a non-contact switch activating means, preferably a magnet, for activating a non-contact switching means disposed with a wall receptacle.
- 6 - ~08~03a -BRIEF DE~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated with respect to the following drawin~s illustrating embodiments of the invention in which:
Figure l is a perspective view of the conventional known manner 5 of starting up the blower of the central vacuum system.
Figure 2 is a cut away perspective view of the switching apparatus of thei conventiollal system.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wall receptacle and a free end of the hose of the central vacuum unit illustrated in a preferred embodiment 10 of the invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the non-contact switching device of the wall receptacle of Figure 3.
Figures 5 is a schematic view of the off condition -for a wall receptacle illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the on condition of the wall receptacle and hence the central vacuum system illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
l~igure 7 is a perspective view of the wall receptacle including water supply and illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODTMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
.
Referring now to Figure l and 2 there is illustrated the conventional manner in starting up a central vacuum system. Therefore there 25 is provided a hose l which includes a rnetal end 2. The metal end 2 is inserted within a nozzle opening 4 of a wall receptacie 3. To insert the metal end, the lift cover 3a which is spring biased is raised. The metal end is inserted withinthe nozzle opening 4 formed by PVC conduit 4a. The entire wall receptacle is mounted to the w~lll via fastener 6. When the metal end 2 of the hose l is I
~ 7 - 2~88~
inserted within the nozzle 4 the metal end 2 closes the contacts 5c and thereby energizes the blower circuit thus providing vacuum to the householder. The contacts are formed with contact ends Sc which are spring biased by a threaded screw having a head Sa and threading Sb the end of which bears against contact Sc . Not only does the screw head contact with the circuit for energizing the central vacuum system 5e, but it is also adjus~able within the threaded opening 7 of the wall receptacle. In this manner conventional unit opera~es. However, as mentioned in the background of the invention the contact Sc are always available to be soiled by dust entering the vacuurn supply10 nozzle 4 allowing for shorting of the electrical contacts and the requirement of cleaning. Further a child may receive a shock when sticking its hand within the nozzle opening 4.
Referring now to Figure 3 there is illustrated a wall receptacle 10 installed within a wall W. The wall receptacle 10 includes a housing 13 which 15 is mounted to the wall via fastener 15. The housing 13 includes a spring biased cover plate 11 attached at the top thereof which may include a torsion spring housed with flange portioned 1 2 of cover 11 . This aspect is conventional. The nozzle inlet 14 has an opening 14a provided with a wall receptacle 10. A non-contact switching device 20 is provided beneath the ~0 plastic cover plate 13a of the housing 20. Therefore the non-contact reed switch as best seen in figure 4 is protected from moisture, dust and the prying hands of a curious child. When the free end 31 of a vacuum hose 30 is inserted within the nozzle opening 14a, a magnet 40 located within a handle portion 35 activates or closes the circuit provided in non-contact switch device25 20 of the receptacle 10. The hose 30 includes the known spiral portion 60 anda supplementary water supply S0 integral therewith for use with the power head as described in my United States Patent No. 4,951,346 and my wall receptacle of United States Patent No. S,075,920 the teachings of which in relation to the power head and the wall receptacle are hereby incorporated by ... . .. ., .. ... .. ... , ., .. .. ,.. , . .. , .. , .. ... ,.. .. , ...... .. -.. i . .
- 8 - 2~8803~
reference. Therefore the receptacle 10 may be provided with a water supply, and a nozzle having a quick connect as best seen in relation to Figure 7.
Referring now Figures 4, 5 and 6 there is illustrated the non-contact switch device 20 of Figure 3 disposed behind the planer wall 13a of 5 the housing 13 of ~he wall receptacle. Two contact pins 21 and 22 are therefore provided which extend via wires 23a and 23b to the blower motor of a central vacuum system. The electrical contact pins 21 and 22 are also connec~ed via the bottom thereof to a reed switch 25 which includes a first reed portion 25a and a second reed portion 25b which are separated by a gap.
10 Therefore the switch may be said to be open and the blower inoperative. Such a condition is also observed in relation to Figure 5 wherein the free end 31 of the vacuum hose is not located within opening 14a of nozzle 14 of wall receptacle 13 and therefore the two elements 25a and 25b of reed switch 25 are not in contact and the switch is therefore open. The magnet 40 disposed 15 within handle portion 35 is not designed to activate the switch 25 until suchtime as the nozzle 31 is disposed within the nozzle 14a as best seen in relationto Figure 5. When said nozzle 31 is inserted within nozzle opening 14a the magnet 40 of the handle portion 35 of the vacuum hose causes the switching or closing of contacts 25a and 25b closing the circuit and thus feeding power to 20 the blower circuit to start the blower of the central vacuum system.
Not shown in ~igure 6 is the attachment of the water supply line 50 to the nozzle D of Figure 7 which is taught in my aforementioned United States Patents.
Referring now to Figure 7 there is provided a receptacle 30a a5 fastened to a wall, not shown, via opening ports E via fasteners not shown.
The wall receptacle 30a has a cover F which is spring biased to expose a nozzle I and a water supply D. Such a receptacle 30a is provided having a general rectangular housing A with a vacuum inlet nozzle B extending there through. Further a water supply nozzle C is incorporated in the housing - 9 ~ 3 ~
: : ' having a quick connect D and a cheek valve J embodied therein for convenience sake. The nozzle B has a front and rear, H and I respectively. H
extends to a vacuum tool and I extends to the vacuum source.
As many changes can be made to the invention without departing 5 from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained herein by interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (17)
1. A receptacle for a central vacuum system, said receptacle comprising a housing having disposed therein vacuum inlet means, the housing also having disposed therewith non-contact switching means, the non-contact switching means being switched by activating means disposed proximate the free end of a vacuum hose which closes the circuit within which the non contact switching means is disposed when the free end of the hose is inserted within the vacuum inlet means.
2. The wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said receptacle extends through a wall.
3. The wall receptacle of claim 1 wherein said receptacle further comprises fluid supply means.
4. The wall receptacle of claim I wherein said switching means further comprises a reed switch.
5. The wall receptacle of claim 4 wherein switch activating means is a magnet.
6. A vacuum hose comprising integral therewith means for mounting an activating member to activate non-contact switching means disposed with a wall receptacle.
7. The hose of claim 6 wherein said activating member is a magnet.
8. The receptacle of claim 1 wherein said non-contact switching means and switch activating means further comprises an infrared transmitter disposed with the free end of the hose and an infrared receiver disposed with the receptacle wherein in use therefore when the free end of the hose is inserted within the receptacle the infrared signal will be picked up by the receiver in the receptacle thereby completing a circuit and thereby starting up the central vacuum unit.
9. The receptacle of claim 1 wherein said non-contact switching means and switch activating means further comprises an optical transmitter disposed with the free end of the hose and an optical receiver disposed with the receptacle wherein in use therefore when the free end of the hose is inserted within the receptacle the optical signal will be picked up by the receiver in the receptacle thereby completing a circuit and thereby starting up the central vacuum unit.
10. A wall receptacle comprising a non-contact switching means which controls power to receptacle disposed proximate the source of current which disenables the source of current until such time as the plug end of a cord containing a non-contact switching means activating means to activate or close the switching means, wherein the receptacle is normally open and no power is available until such time ax the plug is inserted into the receptacle wherein when the plug is removed from the receptacle, the circuit goes back to being open.
11. An electrical wall receptacle comprising a non-contact switch means which controls the availability of power to the wall receptacle until such time as a plug end of a cord is inserted into the receptacle, said plug end of a cordincluding an non-contact switch means activating means to thereby complete the circuit of the wall receptacle and allow electricity to be supplied to said receptacle.
12. A plug end of a cord comprising means for activating a non-contact switching means within a wall receptacle.
13. A wall receptacle for a central vacuum system said wall receptacle comprising a housing for fastening to a wall, said housing including a vacuum inlet nozzle to supply vacuum to a vacuum hose connectable thereto, said housing having disposed therewith a non-contact switching means which controls the operation of the blower of a central vacuum system, the non-contact switching means being closed when the free end of a vacuum hose is inserted within the vacuum nozzle, said free end of said vacuum hose having non-contact switch activating means disposed therewith, wherein when said free end of said hose is inserted in said nozzle said non-contact switch activating means is located adjacent said non-contact switching means thereby causing said non-contact switching means to be closed and complete the circuit for controlling the blower of the central vacuum system thereby turning on said blower, and when said free end of said hose is removed from said nozzle said blower circuit becomes open and the central vacuum system is shut down.
14. The wall receptacle of claim 13 wherein said housing includes water supply means.
15. The wall receptacle of claim 13 wherein said switching means includes a reed switch responsive to a magnetic signal.
16. A vacuum hose for use with a central vacuum system, said vacuum hose having disposed proximate the free end thereof a non-contact switch activating means for activating a non-contact switching means disposed with a wall receptacle.
17. The vacuum hose of claim 16 wherein said non-contact switch activating means for activating a non-contact switching means is a magnet.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2088035 CA2088035A1 (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1993-01-25 | Safety switch integral with a wall receptacle operable via a central vacuum system hose |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2088035 CA2088035A1 (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1993-01-25 | Safety switch integral with a wall receptacle operable via a central vacuum system hose |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2088035A1 true CA2088035A1 (en) | 1994-07-26 |
Family
ID=4151042
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2088035 Abandoned CA2088035A1 (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1993-01-25 | Safety switch integral with a wall receptacle operable via a central vacuum system hose |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2088035A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10582824B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2020-03-10 | Cube Investments Limited | Central vacuum cleaning system control subsystems |
-
1993
- 1993-01-25 CA CA 2088035 patent/CA2088035A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10582824B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2020-03-10 | Cube Investments Limited | Central vacuum cleaning system control subsystems |
| US11503973B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2022-11-22 | Cube Investments Limited | Central vacuum cleaning system control subsystems |
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