Vacuum pump and valve system for use with vacuum-retention system
AssigneeGstc LLC
InventorsGideon P. Searle, Jamey Reed, Daniel Reed, Robert Fulbright
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve assembly controls the flow of air into and out of a vacuum retention system, which includes microbeads. The valve assembly is sealed and operable to tightly connect to a vacuum pump assembly. The vacuum pump assembly is able to apply negative pressure to evacuate air from the vacuum retention system through the valve assembly. The vacuum pump assembly includes a tube sealed by click connected overmolds on each end, where the overmolds include pores allowing air to push out of the system.
Claims12
A vacuum pump assembly for withdrawing air from a vacuum retention system, comprising:
- a hollow tube, wherein a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the hollow tube;
- a bottom overmold component including a first plurality of clasps each with openings configured to matingly engage with the plurality of tabs;
- a top overmold component including a second plurality of clasps each with openings configured to matingly engage with the plurality of tabs;
- an internal filter within the hollow tube including a first plurality of air pores;
- and
- a handle;
- wherein an attachment opening is defined in a bottom end of the bottom overmold component;
- wherein the attachment opening includes a hollow cylinder having a second plurality of air pores;
- wherein a central handle opening, into which the handle is inserted, is defined through a center of the top overmold component;
- and
- wherein a third plurality of air pores are defined in the top overmold component surrounding the central handle opening.
A vacuum pump assembly for withdrawing air from a vacuum retention system, comprising:
- a hollow tube, wherein a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the hollow tube;
- a bottom overmold component including a first plurality of clasps each with openings configured to matingly engage with the plurality of tabs;
- a top overmold component including a second plurality of clasps each with openings configured to matingly engage with the plurality of tabs;
- and
- a handle;
- wherein an attachment opening is defined in a bottom end of the bottom overmold component;
- wherein the attachment opening includes a hollow cylinder having a second plurality of air pores;
- wherein a central handle opening, into which the handle is inserted, is defined through a center of the top overmold component;
- and
- wherein a third plurality of air pores are defined in the top overmold component surrounding the central handle opening;
- wherein the attachment opening is configured to matingly connect to a valve assembly of the vacuum retention system;
- and
- wherein the valve assembly includes:
- a valve flange integrated with a surface of the vacuum retention system, wherein the valve flange includes a central opening connecting an external environment to an interior of the vacuum retention system;
- a valve body inserted into the central opening of the valve flange, wherein prongs extend downwardly from the valve body that are configured to clasp onto a retaining ring of the valve flange, thereby preventing the valve body from being pulled out of the valve flange;
- at least one sealing element connected to the valve body, preventing ingress of air into the interior of the vacuum retention system when the valve assembly is in a closed position;
- a diaphragm within an upper recess of the valve body, wherein the diaphragm is configured to limiting air flow through the valve assembly to a single direction;
- and
- a valve body insert within the upper recess of the valve body, above the diaphragm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.