Vacuum Holster

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The vacuum holster, vacuum nozzle, and other components will now be described with reference to. As shown in, the vacuum holstercan include a mounting flange. This mounting flangecan define one or more fastener holes. Respective fastenersF can be placed through the respective fastener holesto secure the mounting flangeand thus mount and support the vacuum holsterto and relative to the support structure. Optionally, in other applications, the mounting flangecan be adhered, cemented, clipped or otherwise secured to a support structure and might not include the fastener holes. In yet other constructions, the mounting flangemay be absent from the vacuum holster.

The mounting flangecan extend outwardly from the tubular structurewhich can comprise multiple walls as described below. The mounting flangecan completely surround an insertion openingwhich is in communication with and extends downward to a nesting recess opening. The insertion openingand nesting recess openingcan cooperatively form a proximal openingof the mounting holster. This proximal openingcan be located on the exterior part of the tubular structure. Opposite the proximal opening, the tubular structurecan include a distal opening, which as described below can be closed off by a backer plateand/or a flexible flap. The tubular structureoptionally can entirely surround and encapsulate a storage voiddefined within the tubular structurebetween the proximal opening and the distal opening. For the optionally, there are no openings, apertures or other holes through the tubular structure between the proximal opening and the distal opening.

As mentioned above and shown in, the proximal openingcan comprise the insertion openingand the nesting recess opening. These openings open to and are in communication with the void. These openings also can be bounded by the mounting flange. The tubular structurecan include a first upper sidewallU and an opposing second upper sidewallU. The first upper sidewallU and the second upper sidewallU can be joined with and integrally formed with an upper wallU. The first upper sidewall, the second upper sidewall and the upper wall can extend rearward from the mounting flangeand away from the proximal opening toward the distal opening. Optionally, the first upper sidewall, the second upper sidewall and the upper wall can bound the insertion openingwhich also optionally can extend rearward from the mounting flange and be bounded by it. Further optionally as shown, each of the upper side walls and the upper wall can transition at a rounded, angled, radiused, or other transition cornerto the mounting flange. With this rounded or angled corner, the nozzlecan be easily guided into and enter the voidthrough the proximal opening.

The first upper sidewallU and the second upper sidewallU can be separated by a first lateral width W. This first lateral width Wcan be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA of the vacuum holsterabout which the tubular structure is formed. This first lateral width Walso can be generally parallel to a horizontal plane HP when the vacuum holster is installed relative to structure. The lateral width optionally can be 3 inches to 6 inches in width, 3 inches to 5 inches in width, about 4 inches in width, about 4½ inches in width or other widths depending on the application and size of the vacuum nozzleand its tip. This first lateral width also can be the width Wof the insertion openingwhere the upper sidewallsU andU are substantially parallel. The width Wcan be the width of the void between those sidewalls from the proximal openingall the way to the distal opening.

The vacuum nozzleas shown incan include a widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle. This widest dimension WD can be disposed at a distance, vacuum nozzle and. This widest dimension also can correspond to an opening or mouthof the vacuum nozzlethrough which a suction force SF is applied through the vacuum nozzle tip. The mouth or tipcan be the widest portion of the vacuum nozzle when taking laterally, generally parallel to a horizontal plane HP. The vacuum nozzle also can include a proximal endthat is joined with the vacuum hoseT.

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

As shown in, the vacuum nozzleoptionally can flare outward or widen as the vacuum nozzle progresses from the proximal endtoward the distal end, or nearing or adjacent the nozzle tip. The flaring or widening can be more pronounced or evident in the region between the center portionand the distal end. Optionally, the nesting recess flares wider as the nesting recess extends farther from the mounting flange. The insertion opening and the insertion compartment associated with the insertion opening can remain substantially the same width, for example, the first lateral width W, as the insertion compartment extends farther from the mounting flange into the holster.

As shown in, the vacuum nozzle can have a thickness Tthat extends vertically in generally perpendicular to the widest dimension, which again can be a widest lateral dimension. The thickness Tcan be less than the height Hof the insertion openingso that the vacuum nozzle distal end or tipcan fit within the insertion opening. This thickness Tcan extend from the upper surfaceU to the lower surfaceL of the vacuum nozzle and the mouth or distal end or tipof the vacuum nozzle. Although the vacuum nozzleis described as including the various features and components above, it is noted that it may be modified structurally and have different dimensions and components, depending on the application and the vacuum holster configuration.

With reference to, the tubular structurecan comprise a first lower sidewallL and a second lower sidewallL that are joined via a lower wallL. The first lower sidewallL second lower sidewallL and lower wallL can all extend rearward from the mounting flangeand can all be joined therewith via a, transitionoptionally. The first lower sidewallL second lower sidewallL and lower wallL can all bound the nesting recess as well as the nesting recess NR that is formed within the voidbelow the insertion compartment IC which extends rearward from the insertion opening. The nesting recess NR can also extend rearward from the nesting recess opening. The nesting recess NR can be the recess within which the portion of the vacuum nozzledistal from the nozzle tip, toward the proximal endnests within, interfaces with and/or generally becomes disposed in when the vacuum nozzleis fully inserted and installed relative to the vacuum holsteras described below. The nesting recess NR again can be bounded by the first lower wall, the second lower wallL, and the lower wall. The nesting recess can be disposed below an internal compartment or insertion compartment IC, which is adjacent the insertion opening.

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

With further reference to, the tapering or flaring of the nesting recess NR is shown in comparing the second lateral width Wbetween the first lower sidewallL and the second lower sidewallL to the third lateral width Wbetween those lower side walls. The third lateral width Wcan be greater than the second lateral width W. The second lateral width Wcould be slightly greater than the center lateral width CLW of the vacuum nozzle. The third lateral width Wcan be slightly larger than the second lateral width CLWof the center portionof the vacuum nozzle. Generally, the widths Wand Wof the nesting recess NR can be proportioned and correspond to the width of the vacuum nozzle along the sidewallsWandWof the center portionon the vacuum nozzleso that that center portion can nest within the nesting recess NR. Given the corresponding shape of the nesting recess NR to the vacuum nozzle in the center portion, when the nozzle extending away from the tipis pulled downward into the nesting recess, generally transitioning from the insertion compartment somewhat or fully into the nesting recess NR, sidewallsWandWmove adjacent and engage the respective lower sidewallL and second lower sidewallL of the nesting recess and/or the lower wallL of the nesting recess. In this nesting configuration, the nozzleand its sidewallsWandWalso can engage shouldersand. Upon this engagement, the shouldersandand/or lower sidewalls can secure, hold and otherwise engage nozzle or sidewallWWto impair or prevent the nozzle from being withdrawn from the vacuum holster. And in this configuration, the center portioncan be at least or fully disposed in the nesting recess NR.

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

The vacuum holstercan include the internal voidthat extends through the tubular structure. The internal void can extend to a distal opening. This distal openingcan be closed at least partially or fully by a backer plate. The backer plate can be secured to the tubular structure in any manner. As shown, however, the upper wallU and/or lower wallL can include one or more fastener bossesSBand/orSB. The bossesSBandSBcan be thickened or widened portions of the respective upper wall, lower wall or any of the sidewalls of the tubular structure. The fastener bosses optionally can include pilot holes to receive fastenersF, which can be in the form of screws, bolts or other elongated fasteners or connecting members. These fasteners can include threads that thread into the pilot holes to secure the fastenersF therein to the tubular structure. These fasteners optionally can be used to join and/or secure optional backer plateand/or flexible flapto the vacuum holster, in particular the tubular structure at the distal openingto close off at distal opening.

In, the backer plateoptionally can be in the form of a metal, composite or other rigid plate. The backer plate can define one or more holesH which can accommodate the respective fastenersF projecting through. The backer plate can be sized to cover the distal openingof the tubular structure. The backer plate can overlap the respective bossesSBandSBso that the fasteners can extend through the plate and into the bosses. The backer plate can be distal from the nesting recess, the first and second lower sidewalls, as well as the lower wall within the nesting recess NR. Optionally, the backer platecan include an upper portionU and a lower portionL with a middle portionM disposes there between. The middle portionM can be angled relative to the upper portion and the lower portion. The middle portionM can be angled so that it is parallel to the distal end or tipof the vacuum nozzle placed in the vacuum holster.

As shown in, the tubular structurecan include a distal endopposite the mounting flangeat the other end of the tubular structure. This distal endcan lay generally within a plane P. The plate and flexible flap also can lay within or generally parallel to this plane P. The mounting flangecan also be oriented and lay at least partially within a second plane P. The first plane, Pand second plane, Pcan be offset for one another an angle A. This angle optionally can be about 10° to about 90°, 20° to about 45°, about 20°, about 30° or other angles, depending on the application. In some cases, this angle allows the nozzle tipto fully engage the flexible flapand the backer plate. Where the flexible flap is not included, this angle can be selected to ensure that the nozzle tipengages the backer plate while allowing the vacuum nozzleto nest within the nesting recess NR as described below to secure and maintain the nozzle in registration with the vacuum holster.

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

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

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

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

In some cases, when the nozzleis placed into the insertion opening and insertion compartment IC and travels through the tubular structure to the rear of the holster, the suction force SF can draw the nozzle tipagainst the flexible flapand the plate to initially position the nozzle within the insertion compartment IC. When a user releases the nozzle, the force of gravity pulls downward on the nozzle and any associated nozzle hoseT. Under this weight, the nozzleenters the nesting recess NR and engages the respective retention contours, for example, the first shoulder, the second shoulder, the lower wallL and/or the lower sidewallsL,L. The center portionof the nozzle itself can engage these features and the retention contour in general. However, the widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle optionally at the nozzle tip, generally remains attached to the flexible flapunder the suction force SF. Its dimensions also are too large to enter the second lateral width Wand/or the third lateral width Wof the nesting recess NR. As a result, the wide mouth portion and the nozzle tiptypically will not enter the nesting recess. Moreover, as explained below, the retention contours, for example, the shoulders, lower wall and/or the lower side walls, impair and prevent the vacuum nozzle from exiting the nesting recess and thus the vacuum holster without tilting or moving the vacuum nozzle to an orientation, where the center portion and the majority of the nozzle are relocated out from the nesting recess, and substantially oriented relative to or disposed in the insertion compartment IC and lined up with the insertion openingfor withdrawal or removal of the vacuum nozzle from the holster.

As mentioned above, the vacuum holster,of the current embodiment is configured to allow a vacuum nozzlehaving a wide nozzle tipto be inserted into the vacuum holster, however, the vacuum holsteralso includes a nesting recess into which the portion of the vacuum nozzle rearward of the tipsettles to trap and secure the vacuum nozzle within the vacuum holster. This trapping or securement is accomplished via the retention contours or some other projection or element projecting into the nesting recess, interfering with the portion of the vacuum nozzle. When the force of gravity acts on the nozzle and an associated vacuum hoseT, the portion of the vacuum nozzleengages with the retention contour and prevents the vacuum nozzle from easily falling out of the vacuum holster and the voidtherein, without further input or movement or tilting action of the vacuum nozzle by a user.

To illustrate this functionality of the vacuum holster, reference is made to.illustrates the vacuum nozzlebeing initially installed and inserted into the vacuum holster. The nozzle tipand/or the widest dimension WD of the nozzleis inserted into the insertion openingof the proximal opening. The widest dimension WD and/or the nozzle tipenters the insertion compartment IC and moves within that compartment toward the backer plateand flexible flap. The nozzle tipand widest dimension WD, however, remain disposed above and out of the nesting recess NR and generally above the nesting recess opening. Indeed, the widest dimension WD cannot enter the vacuum holster through the nesting recess openingbecause the second lateral width Wthereof is too narrow to receive the widest dimension WD of the vacuum nozzle. The center portionof the nozzle and the respective side wallsWandWcan remain above the nesting recess and the lower walls, as well as the retention contours.

The user continues to insert the vacuum nozzleinto the holsteruntil the distal end or nozzle tipengages the flexible flapand/or backer plate. Where a suction force is exerted through the vacuum nozzle, that suction force SF pulls the nozzle tipagainst the flexible flapto provide some level of securement of the vacuum nozzle in the vacuum holster. In the configuration shown and, however, the center portionand respective wallsWandWstill remain primarily in the insertion compartment IC, above the nesting recess NR. These components also can remain above the retention contours,L andL. In this configuration, it will be appreciated that the user could easily withdraw the vacuum nozzle out from the holster along the straight line so that the nozzle tipand widest dimension exit out the insertion opening, without entering the nesting recess NR.

To secure the vacuum nozzlewith a retention contour in the vacuum holster, the user can tilt the proximal endin direction T, generally downward toward the ground. As the occurs, the center portion side walls in that region can enter the nesting recess NR. The lower surface of the vacuum nozzle moves toward the lower walland away from the upper wallU of the tubular structureor of the vacuum holster in general. The wallsWandWand the center portioncan engage the retention contours, for example,,,L andL when the vacuum nozzleis displaced or tilted in this downward position and enters at least partially nesting recess NR. The nozzle tipand widest dimension WD, however, optionally can remain substantially outside the nesting recess and can remain in contact with and suction to the flexible flapand the backer plate.

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

Optionally, portions of the vacuum nozzle, for example, lower portions of the sidewallWandWcould be disposed in the nesting recess NR, while other portions, for example, the upper portions of the sidewalls,WandWcan be disposed above the nesting recess, and optionally above the shoulders, and/or lower sidewalls, further optionally within the insertion compartment IC above the nesting recess NR. In other cases, the entire sidewallsWandWof the vacuum nozzlecan be disposed in the nesting recess NR. Yet further optionally, the portion of the nozzlebetween the nozzle tipand the center portioncan be disposed in varying amounts within the nesting recess and the insertion compartment above the nesting recess. For example, the distal tipcan be disposed substantially in the internal compartment IC, and then to varying degrees more and more of the vacuum nozzle can be disposed in the nesting recess toward the center portion.

As mentioned above, with the vacuum nozzledisposed in the vacuum holster, and the retention contours engaging the vacuum nozzle, that nozzle is impaired and prevented from being removed from the proximal opening. When a user desires to remove the vacuum nozzlefrom the vacuum holsterand use the same to vacuum a vehicle, the user can, as shown in, tilt with a tilting motion, the proximal endof the vacuum nozzlein direction T. As a result, the center portionof the vacuum nozzlelifts upward and out of the nesting recess NR. Generally, the center portion and/or the sidewalls,WandWdisengage the retention contour,,L,L and/orL. When this occurs, the nozzle tipand the widest dimension, WD can be withdrawn and removed from the proximal opening, the insertion openingand generally out the proximal opening. Thus, this tilting action in direction Tcan enable a user to withdraw the vacuum nozzlefrom the vacuum holster. In addition, upon the withdrawal of the vacuum nozzlefrom the holster, the user can overcome the suction force SF exerted through the vacuum nozzleon the flexible flapand/or the backer plate. After the user uses the vacuum and the vacuum nozzle, the user can replace it in the vacuum holster for securement therein once again and for future use.

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