Vacuum pump and valve system for use with vacuum-retention system
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.
1 . 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.
2 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the top overmold component and/or the bottom overmold component include one or more claws sized and shaped to hold a valve connection tube.
3 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the attachment opening is configured to matingly connect to a valve assembly of the vacuum retention system.
4 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality air pores are sized smaller than microbeads within the vacuum retention system.
5 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the handle is connected to a handle base having approximately the same size and shape as an upper surface of the top overmold component.
6 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the top overmold and/or the bottom overmold have octagonal cross-sections.
7 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the internal filter includes a central opening through which the handle is able to move.
8 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tabs includes eight tabs.
9 . 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.
10 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 9 , wherein the top overmold component and/or the bottom overmold component include one or more claws sized and shaped to hold a valve connection tube.
11 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 9 , wherein the at least one sealing element includes at least one O-ring.
12 . The vacuum pump assembly of claim 9 , wherein a bottom surface defining the upper recess of the valve body includes a pore into which a needle of the diaphragm is inserted.