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.

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.