Connector system for exhaust extraction system

Abstract

A connector system is disclosed for connecting an exhaust extraction system to the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. The connector system comprises a first flange, which can be connected to the exhaust pipe of the engine. A second flange is connected to a conduit through which exhaust fumes are evacuated. The first and second flanges can have mating tapered surfaces, to facilitate alignment of the second flange relative to the first flange. The second flange preferably comprises magnets for providing a secure connection between the first flange and the second flange, while enabling quick release of the connection. The magnets are preferably arranged in an asymmetric configuration.

1 . A connector system for an exhaust extraction system, said connector system comprising a first flange defining a first opening, and a second flange defining a second opening, said first flange presenting a first tapered surface. 
     
     
         2 . The connector system of  claim 1  wherein the second flange presents a second tapered surface sized and configured to mate with the first tapered surface. 
     
     
         3 . The connector system of  claim 1  wherein the first flange further presents a first substantially flat surface that is substantially parallel to the plane of the first opening. 
     
     
         4 . The connector system of  claim 1  wherein the second flange presents a second substantially flat surface that is substantially parallel to the plane of the second opening. 
     
     
         5 . The connector system of  claim 3  wherein the second flange is provided with one or more magnets. 
     
     
         6 . The connector system of  claim 4  wherein the first flange comprises a ferromagnetic material. 
     
     
         7 . The connector system of  claim 4  wherein the one or more magnets are placed so as to project a magnetic field from the second substantially flat surface. 
     
     
         8 . The connector system of  claim 6  wherein the magnetic field is projected substantially perpendicularly to the second substantially flat surface. 
     
     
         9 . The connector system of  claim 6  wherein a plurality of magnets are distributed asymmetrically over the second substantially flat surface. 
     
     
         10 . The connector system of  claim 6  wherein the second flange is provided with a tubular piece for connecting an exhaust hose, said tubular piece having an elbow shape. 
     
     
         11 . The connector of  claim 9  wherein the elbow shape has an angle of between 15° and 75°. 
     
     
         12 . The connector of  claim 10  wherein a plurality of magnets are distributed asymmetrically over the second substantially flat surface such that a portion of the second substantially flat surface nearer the inside angle of the elbow contains fewer magnets than a corresponding portion of the second substantially flat surface nearer the outside angle of the elbow. 
     
     
         13 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the first flange further comprises a connection piece for connecting the first flange to an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. 
     
     
         14 . The connector of  claim 12  wherein the first tapered surface extends outward and away from the connection piece, so as to form a male connection flange piece. 
     
     
         15 . The connector of  claim 12  wherein the first tapered surface extends inward and toward the connection piece, so as to form a female connection flange piece. 
     
     
         16 . A connector system for an exhaust extraction system comprising a first flange defining a first opening, said first flange presenting a first substantially flat surface substantially parallel to the plane of the first opening; and a second flange defining a second opening, said second flange presenting a substantially flat surface substantially parallel to the plane of the second opening and sized and configured to mate with the first substantially flat surface, said second flange comprising a plurality of magnets placed asymmetrically over the second substantially flat surface. 
     
     
         17 . The connector system of  claim 15  wherein said first flange further presents a first tapered surface, and said second flange further presents a second tapered surface sized and configured to mate with the first tapered surface. 
     
     
         18 . A system for extracting exhaust fumes comprising the connector system of  claim 1  or  claim 16 , and a conduit having a first end connected to the second flange. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  further comprising a fan for transporting exhaust fumes through the conduit. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the first flange is sized and configured to be connected to an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20  wherein the conduit is connected to the exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine by mating the second flange to the first flange. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein the internal combustion engine is located in a vehicle, and the second flange automatically disconnects from the first flange as the exhaust pipe reaches a predetermined location as a result of movement of the vehicle. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22  further comprising a spring balancer comprising a spring loaded cable connected to the conduit. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23  comprising a limiter for limiting the extraction of the spring loaded cable from the spring balancer.