Hand-operable Vacuum Device

Abstract

This patent relates to devices that can be manipulated by a user to expel or draw in a material. In one example, a hand-operable vacuum device can include an interface portion configured to contact a material. The hand-operable vacuum device can also include a deformable portion that extends along an axis that passes through the interface portion and wherein the deformable portion includes at least one longitudinally-oriented resilient structure that extends generally parallel to the axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the concepts conveyed in the present application. Features of the illustrated implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-most numeral of each reference number conveys the figure and associated discussion where the reference number is first introduced (where feasible).

[0002] FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 16-19, 25, 28, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, and 50 are perspective views of example hand-operable vacuum devices in accordance with some of the present concepts.

[0003] FIGS. 3-6, 8-15, and 24 are sectional views of portions of example hand-operable vacuum devices in accordance with some of the present concepts.

[0004] FIGS. 20-23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48, and 49 are elevational views of example hand-operable vacuum devices in accordance with some of the present concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

[0005] The present description relates to hand-operable vacuum devices. In some cases, hand-operable vacuum devices can be manipulated by a user to draw material (e.g., solid, liquid, gas) into the device and/or expel material from the device. In some cases, hand-operable vacuum devices can be used to create a vacuum force or suction without necessarily drawing material into the device, and/or to pressurize gases or liquids within the device. The hand-operable vacuum device can be constructed such that a user can squeeze and deform the device and then the device is resiliently biased to return to an original configuration. The construction of the hand-operable vacuum device can include generally longitudinally arranged resilient outwardly-biasing structures that bias the device back to its original configuration more effectively than existing technologies. This effective bias can create relatively strong vacuum forces for drawing material into the hand-operable vacuum device.

Examples

[0006] FIGS. 1-11 collectively show an example of a hand-operable vacuum device 100. FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 show the hand-operable vacuum device 100 in a first configuration. FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 show the hand-operable vacuum device 100 manipulated into a second configuration by a human user. FIGS. 7-11 collectively show how the construction of the hand-operable vacuum device 100 promotes returning to the first configuration of FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 when the user stops manipulating the device. Briefly, the hand-operable vacuum device 100 can be resiliently biased to assume and/or return to the first configuration after user manipulation.

[0007] FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of the hand-operable vacuum device. FIGS. 3-4 show sectional views of the hand-operable vacuum device taken along section AA indicated in FIG. 1. Section AA is transverse to the x-reference axis and parallel to the yz-reference plane. FIGS. 5-6 show a component of the hand-operable vacuum device taken parallel to the xz-reference plane as indicated along section BB.

[0008] In some cases, the hand-operable vacuum device 100 can be thought of as having a deformable portion 102 and an interface portion 104 that can include a nozzle 105. The deformable portion 102 can extend along a long axis that runs parallel to the x-reference axis. The deformable portion can be generally elongated, spherical, or other shape. The deformable portion can include one or more resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106. In some implementations the resilient outwardly-biasing structures can be longitudinally oriented (i.e., parallel to the long axis). In this case, the hand-operable vacuum device includes a pair of resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2).

[0009] The deformable portion 102 can be manipulated or squeezed by a user as indicated by arrows 402 and 404 to deform or squish the deformable portion. The squishing can bend the resilient outwardly-biasing structures as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 5 and 6 which show resilient outwardly-biasing structure 106(1). FIG. 5 shows the resilient outwardly-biasing structure in a resting or biased configuration. FIG. 6 shows a bowed configuration of the resilient outwardly-biasing structure produced by user manipulation.

[0010] FIGS. 7-11 show how the resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2) can return the deformable portion 102 to the resting configuration when the user stops applying pressure. Specifically, upward arrows 702(1) and 702(2) indicate the outward bias exerted by resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2), respectively. The outward bias returns the resilient outwardly-biasing structures from the bowed configuration of FIG. 8 to the more linear configuration of FIG. 9. (In another implementation, the resilient outwardly-biasing structures could be outwardly bowed at rest such that user manipulation causes them to be less bowed.) The outward bias exerted by resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2) facilitates returning the deformable portion from the manipulated configuration of FIG. 10 to the resting configuration of FIG. 11. Returning the deformable portion to the resting configuration can increase the volume thereof and can thereby create a very strong vacuum that can be utilized to draw material into the interface portion 104 via nozzle 105.

[0011] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of how the resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2) can extend from a perimeter 1202 of the deformable portion 102. In various implementations the resilient outwardly-biasing structures can extend from the perimeter at an angle .alpha. that is oblique or a right angle relative to the perimeter proximate to the outwardly-biasing structure. In some implementations, the angle .alpha. can be in a range from about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees. Other implementations may be outside this range.

[0012] The example implementations above include a pair of outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2). FIGS. 13-14 illustrate some alternative implementations of hand-operable vacuum devices.

[0013] FIG. 13 shows first and second pairs of outwardly-biasing structures 1302(1), 1302(2) and 1304(1), 1304(2) on deformable portion 1306. In this example the first and second pairs are generally opposing one another, but such need not be the case. However, the present example can be useful in facilitating the user's grip.

[0014] FIG. 14 shows an alternative implementation that includes three outwardly-biasing structures 1402(1), 1402(2), and 1402(3) on deformable portion 1404. In this case the outwardly-biasing structures extend outwardly from perimeter 1406 rather than inwardly as illustrated in the example implementations of FIGS. 1-13.

[0015] FIG. 15 offers another implementation with two outwardly-biasing structures 1502(1) and 1502(2) on deformable portion 1504. In this case, the outwardly-biasing structures are generally elliptical rather than linear when viewed in cross-section. Other shapes and/or configurations can alternatively or additionally be utilized.

[0016] FIG. 16 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1600 that can be employed as a specimen collector, among other uses.

[0017] FIG. 17 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1700 that can be employed as a throat aspirator, among other uses.

[0018] FIG. 18 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1800 that can be employed as a dental squirt pick, among others.

[0019] FIG. 19 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1900 that can be employed as a nose aspirator, among others.

[0020] FIGS. 20-21 collectively show another example of a hand-operated vacuum device 2000 that can be employed to various uses. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 includes deformable portion 2002 and interface portion 2004. The deformable portion 2002 includes resilient outwardly-biasing structures 2006(1) and 2006(2). The interface portion 2004 includes a removable cap 2008 that covers a nozzle 2010.

[0021] FIG. 20 shows the removable cap 2008 in place on the interface portion 2004. FIG. 21 shows the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 with the cap removed to expose nozzle 2010. The removable cap 2008 can be formed during manufacture of the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 and/or added to the hand-operated vacuum device. For instance, the removable cap can be formed as part of the hand-operated vacuum device to help maintain internal conditions of the hand-operated vacuum device. For instance, the removable cap could be utilized to maintain sterile conditions in the hand-operated vacuum device until the cap is removed at the time of use. The user can remove the removable cap, such as by twisting. The user can then squeeze the deformable portion and place the nozzle 2010 near a sample to be collected. The user can reduce and/or release the pressure on the deformable portion to create a vacuum that draws the sample into the hand-operated vacuum device. In some implementations, the removable cap 2008 can be re-installed to maintain the sample and avoid cross-contamination.

[0022] In other configurations, the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 can be manufactured and filled with a liquid, such as a wound cleansing antiseptic solution or a mouthwash. The removable cap can then be added to maintain the integrity of the liquid until use. A user can remove the removable cap and propel the liquid from the nozzle by squeezing the deformable portion 2002.

[0023] FIGS. 22-25 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 2200 that can be employed as a vacuum pump, among other uses. For example, hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can be employed as a penis pump and/or vacuum constriction device, such as used with respect to erectile dysfunction. In this example, the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can be employed to create relatively strong vacuum forces, but not necessarily to draw material into the hand-operable vacuum device. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 includes deformable portion 2202 and interface portion 2204. The deformable portion 2202 includes resilient outwardly-biasing structures 2206(1) and 2206(2). The hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can also include a nozzle 2210, a vent 2212, ridges 2214, and a constriction ring 2216 (not all ridges 2214 are labeled to avoid clutter on the drawing page).

[0024] FIG. 24 shows a sectional view of hand-operable vacuum device 2200 taken along section CC indicated in FIG. 22. Section CC is transverse to the x-reference axis and parallel to the yz-reference plane. At least part of the interface portion 2204 of hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 24, for example. The deformable portion 2202 of hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can have a cross-sectional shape similar to the deformable portion of hand-operated vacuum device 100 shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] In some implementations, the vent 2212 can be an alternative opening to the nozzle 2210 for air to flow in and out of the hand-operated vacuum device 2200. The vent 2212 can be ergonomically positioned on the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 such that a user can place their thumb or finger over the vent 2212. The ridges 2214 can provide friction to make the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 easier to grasp by the user. The constriction ring 2216 can be a separate part. The constriction ring can be designed with a size and shape such that the constriction ring lies flush against an outer end of the nozzle while the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 is being used. Other shapes and/or configurations of vents, ridges, and/or constriction rings can alternatively or additionally be utilized.

[0026] The hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can be made in a variety of sizes. For example, the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 could be offered in relatively "small," "medium," and "large" sizes. The sizing of the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can correspond to a diameter of the nozzle 2210 and/or the constriction ring 2216. For instance, an outer diameter of the constriction ring can range from approximately 13/8 inches to 15/8 inches for the various sizes, while an inner diameter of the constriction ring can range from 13/16 inches to 11/8 inches. An overall length of the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can also vary accordingly. Other dimensions and/or sizing options are contemplated for the various hand-operated vacuum devices.

[0027] FIGS. 26-28 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 2600 that can be employed as a dental squirt pick, among other uses. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 2600 includes deformable portion 2602 and interface portion 2604. The hand-operated vacuum device 2600 can also include a nozzle 2610. In this example, the deformable portion 2602 can have a transition section 2618. Hand-operated vacuum device 2600 can also include and a transition interface 2620. The transition interface 2620 will be described below relative to the example implementation shown in FIG. 29.

[0028] In some implementations, when employed as a dental squirt pick intended for use by an adult, an overall length of hand-operated vacuum device 2600 can be approximately 6 inches from an end of the deformable portion 2602 to a far end of the nozzle 2610. Where the hand-operated vacuum device is intended for use a dental squirt pick by a child, the overall length could be less than that intended for use by the adult, such as eighty percent less, or approximately 5 inches. Other lengths and/or other dimensions are contemplated.

[0029] FIG. 29 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 2600(A) that includes elements that are similar to hand-operated vacuum device 2600. Hand-operated vacuum device 2600(A) can be manufactured as multiple pieces. For example, interface portion 2604(A) can be removably secured to deformable portion 2602(A) using transition interface 2620(A). In this case, the interface portion 2604(A) can include a rim 2922 and an insert portion 2924. The insert portion 2924 of the interface portion 2604(A) can slide into a top end of the transition section 2618(A) of the deformable portion 2602(A). The rim 2918 can seat against a top face of the transition section 2618(A) and thereby limit how far the interface portion 2604(A) extends into the deformable portion 2602(A). The transition interface 2620(A) can be placed down over the interface portion 2604(A). An exterior of the transition section 2618(A) can include threading (shown but not designated) that coordinates with threading on an interior of the transition interface 2620(A) to secure the interface portion 2604(A) to the deformable portion 2602(A) using the transition interface 2620(A). Other shapes and/or configurations of nozzle interfaces and/or attachment methods can alternatively or additionally be utilized.

[0030] FIGS. 30-32 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 3000 that can be employed as an extractor, among other uses. For instance, the extractor could be used to extract blackheads, pimples, ticks, and/or splinters. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 3000 includes interface portion 3004, nozzle 3010, and transition interface 3020. In this example, the interface portion 3004 is angled such that nozzle 3010 extends away from a central long axis of the hand-operated vacuum device that is parallel to the x-reference axis and passes through a center of the transition interface 3020. In this instance, the nozzle 3010 extends further from the central long axis than an outwardly-facing edge (e.g., outer circumference, outer diameter) of the transition interface 3020. Additionally, in this example, the nozzle 3010 is angled away from the x-reference axis in a direction that is parallel to the y-reference axis. Other directions that the nozzle is angled and/or other amounts that the nozzle is extended from the central long axis can alternatively be utilized.

[0031] FIGS. 33-35 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 3300 that can be employed as a cell collector, such as for Pap smears, among other uses. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 3300 includes interface portion 3304.

[0032] FIGS. 36-38 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 3600 that can be employed as a cell collector, such as for Pap smears, among other uses. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 3600 includes interface portion 3604. In this example, the interface portion 3604 is shorter than the interface portion 3304 of hand-operated vacuum device 3300 shown in FIGS. 33-35. Different lengths for interface portions of hand-operated vacuum devices are contemplated. Additionally, hand-operated vacuum devices can be offered in a variety of sizes that correspond to varying interface portion lengths. Note that in some cases, the length of the interface portion can vary amongst different size options while dimensions of other portions of the hand-operated vacuum devices remain the same.

[0033] FIGS. 39-41 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 3900 that can be employed as a nose aspirator, among other uses.

[0034] FIGS. 42-44 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 4200 that can be employed as a portable bidet, among other uses.

[0035] FIGS. 45-47 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 4500 that can be employed as a breast pump or a travel breast pump, among other uses. The hand-operated vacuum device 4500 includes a deformable portion 4502, an interface portion 4504, a vent 4512, a transition section 4518, and a transition interface 4520. In this example, the transition section 4518 and the transition interface 4520 can have threading (shown but not designated). The threading and transition interface 4520 can be used to secure the deformable portion 4502 to the interface portion 4504 similar to the example hand-operated vacuum device 2600A shown in FIG. 29.

[0036] FIGS. 48-50 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device 4800 that can be employed as a throat aspirator, among other uses. Hand-operated vacuum device 4800 can include a vent 4812. In this example, a vent cap 4814 can also be included.

[0037] Hand-operated vacuum devices can be manufactured utilizing various techniques and/or materials. For instance, in some implementations the hand-operated vacuum devices can be formed via a molding process, such as injection molding or blow molding. Various materials can be utilized including but not limited to various polymers. In some cases, a portion of a hand-operated vacuum device can be made from a different material than another portion. For instance, the interface portion can be made from a hard plastic. In another instance, referring to hand-operated vacuum device 4500 shown in FIGS. 45-47, all or part of the interface portion 4504, including the transition interface 4520, can be made from silicone, while the deformable portion, including the transition section 4518, can be made from a polymer, for example. In still another instance, referring to hand-operated vacuum device 2200 shown in FIGS. 22-25, the constriction ring 2216 can be made from rubber, for example.

[0038] In some cases the hand-operated vacuum devices can be manufactured as a single piece, yet the interface portion can be thicker than the deformable portion so that the interface portion is relatively rigid while the deformable portion is readily deformed by a user. For instance, such a configuration can be achieved by blow molding where the polymer is introduced at the interface end of the hand-operated vacuum device. In one such example, the deformable portion can have an average thickness of 0.1-0.3 millimeters while the interface portion has an average thickness of 0.3-0.6 millimeters. In other examples, the hand-operated vacuum devices can be manufactured as multiple pieces.

[0039] In summary, hand-operable vacuum devices are described that can allow great vacuum (and/or expulsion) forces to be created by a user. The hand-operable vacuum devices can be inexpensively manufactured and can be disposable and/or reusable. In some instances, the hand-operable vacuum devices can be manufactured and/or packaged so that the devices are sterile until the packaging is opened. Further, the hand-operable vacuum devices lend themselves to construction from materials that can be transparent so that the user can see the contents (if any).

Conclusion

[0040] Although specific examples of hand-operable vacuum devices are described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not intended to be limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed statutory classes of subject matter.

Claims

1. A device, comprising: an interface portion defining an opening; and, an elongate deformable portion extending along an axis, wherein the elongate deformable portion includes multiple longitudinally-oriented resilient structures that extend generally parallel to the axis, wherein a user can squeeze the elongate deformable portion into a manipulated configuration to reduce a volume of the device and the multiple longitudinally-oriented resilient structures bias the elongate deformable portion back to a resting configuration that expands the volume of the device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the interface portion measured perpendicular to the axis is greater than a cross-sectional area of the elongate deformable portion measured perpendicular to the axis.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a transition interface that secures the interface portion and the elongate deformable portion.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongate deformable portion includes a vent.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the elongate deformable portion includes a transition section and the interface portion includes an insert portion that is configured to fit inside the transition section.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a transition interface that secures the interface portion to the transition section of the elongate deformable portion.

7. A device, comprising: an deformable portion extending along an axis, the deformable portion including longitudinally-oriented resilient structures that extend generally parallel to the axis and are configured to expand a volume of the deformable portion back to a resting configuration in an instance where a user releases pressure on the deformable portion; an interface portion extending along the axis and defining an opening; and, a transition interface that secures the interface portion to the deformable portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the interface portion includes an insert portion that fits inside the deformable portion.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the interface portion includes a rim that limits how far the insert portion extends inside the deformable portion.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the transition interface fits against the rim and attaches to a transition section of the deformable portion.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein the transition interface, the deformable portion, and the interface portion are manufactured as separate pieces.

12. The device of claim 7, wherein the transition interface is manufactured from a different material than the interface portion.