Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HOSE HANGER
FIELD
[0001] The specification relates to an adjustable hose hanger.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A central vacuum cleaner unit contains a vacuum motor unit and a
number of parts and accessories, such as, a flexible hose, power nozzle,
telescopic
extension wand, floor brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush and
adapters. The parts and accessories can be assembled as desired for vacuuming.
Typically, the telescoping wand is connected to a floor brush at one end, and
at the
other end the telescoping wand is connected to a flexible hose. The opposing
end
of the flexible hose can be connected to a wall mounted vacuum outlet, which
draws a vacuum upon connection through the flexible hose, so that an area can
be
vacuumed, when needed.
[0003] After vacuuming, the different parts and accessories can be
disassembled and stored. Typically, the different parts and/or accessories are
stored in a cupboard on the floor, until subsequently needed; or the flexible
hose
can be placed on a hose hanger. Storage in a cupboard of the different parts
and
accessories can lead to clutter and accidental breakage of the parts or
accessories.
In addition, the parts or accessories can get misplaced. While storing the
flexible
hose on a typical hose hanger can be problematic, as the flexible hose can
slip and
unwind. This can be due to the size of the flexible hose, the manner of
winding the
hose and different sizes of the loops formed, and how the weight is balanced
on the
hose hanger.
[0004] This problem of hose management is not limited to central vacuum
hoses and accessories, but can be encountered in other areas where hoses and
accessories are used, such as, for example and without limitation, a pool
hose.
[0005] In view of the above, there is a need in the art for a hose hanger
assemblage that can be used to store a flexible hose. Further, there is a need
in
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the art for a hose hanger assemblage that can be used to store a flexible hose
and
can resist slippage of the flexible hose from the hose hanger. In addition,
there is a
need in the art for a hose hanger assemblage that can take into account the
different hose lengths and resist slippage of the stored flexible hose.
Moreover,
there is a need in the art for a hose hanger that can be used to store a
flexible hose
and its other related parts and accessories. Also, there is a need in the art
for a
hose hanger that includes a mountable member and a base member, which allows
adjustment and easy coiling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying
drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in
which:
[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with
one aspect of the specification;
[0008] Figure 2 is a front elevational view of an embodiment in accordance
with one aspect of the specification;
[0009] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment in accordance
with one aspect of the specification;
[0010] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment in
accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a base member of the hose hanger
assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a mountable member of the hose
hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0013] Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a hose attachment means used
with the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the
specification;
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[0014] Figure 8 is a plan view of an insert rod used as part of the spacer in
the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0015] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a casing used as part of the spacer
in
the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0016] Figure 10 is front elevational view of accessory attachment means
used with the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the
specification;
[0017] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a U-shaped member as part of the
hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0018] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an inverted U-shaped member as
part of the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the
specification;
[0019] Figure 13 is a plan view of a panel used with the hose hanger
assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;
[0020] Figure 14 is a photograph of a vacuum hose and accessories secured
to a hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the
specification.
[0021] Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to
denote similar components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In one aspect, the specification relates to a hose hanger assemblage,
containing:
- a base member having a base member shoulder coupling a base member
arm to a base member neck;
- a mountable member having a mountable member shoulder coupling a
mountable member arm to a mountable member neck; the mountable member arm
detachably coupled to the base member arm;
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a hose attachment means coupled to the base member for detachably
attaching a hose to the base member; and
- mounting means coupled to the base member permitting the base member
to be affixed to a surface.
[0023] In another aspect, the specification relates to a kit containing a hose
hanger assemblage as described herein, and instructions for assembling the
hose
hanger assemblage.
DESCRIPTION
[0024] As disclosed above, the specification relates to a hose hanger
assemblage (2), containing
- a base member (4) having a base member shoulder (6) coupling a base
member arm (8) to a base member neck (10);
- a mountable member (12) having a mountable member shoulder (14)
coupling a mountable member arm (16) to a mountable member neck (18); the
mountable member arm (16) detachably coupled to the base member arm (8);
- a hose attachment means (20) coupled to the base member (4) for
detachably attaching a hose (22) to the base member (4); and
- mounting means (24) coupled to the base member (4) permitting the base
member (4) to be affixed to a surface (26).
[0025] The hose hanger assemblage (2) disclosed herein will now be
discussed with reference to the figures. Figures 1-4 discloses a hose hanger
assemblage (2) that further contains a spacer (28) that detachably couples the
base member arm (8) to the mountable member arm (16), for adjusting the
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distance between the base member shoulder (6) and the mountable member
shoulder (14).
[0026] In the embodiment disclosed in the figures, the base member shoulder
(6) has a base member first shoulder (30) and a base member second shoulder
(32). The base member arm (8) has a base member first arm (34) and a base
member second arm (36). The base member neck (10) has a base member first
neck (38) and a base member second neck (40). The mountable member shoulder
(14) has a mountable member first shoulder (42) and a mountable member second
shoulder (44). The mountable member arm (16) has a mountable member first
arm (46) and a mountable member second arm (48). The mountable member neck
(18) has a mountable member first neck (50) and a mountable member second
neck (50). The base member first arm (34) is detachably coupled to the
mountable
member first arm (46), and the base member second arm (38) is detachably
coupled to the mountable member second arm (48).
[0027] Figures 1-6 disclose that the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44), arms (34, 36,
46, 48) and necks (38, 40, 50, 52) can be a rod-like material. However, other
shapes, such as, for example, a plate can be used to form the arms (34, 36,
46,
48), shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44) or necks (38, 40, 50, 52). The shoulders (30,
32,
42, 44) of each member project transversely from the arms (34, 36, 46, 48). In
the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1-6 and 14, the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44)
project perpendicular to the surface (26) to which the hose hanger assemblage
(2)
is attached, however, the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44) can project at an angle
less
than or greater than normal to the surface (26) as long as it can used to
retain the
flexible hose (22). The necks (38, 40, 50, 52) of each member also extends
transversely from the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44), and can be at any angle so
long
as it can retain the flexible hose (22). In the embodiments disclosed in
Figures 1-6
and 14, the necks (38, 40, 50, 52) are in a plane parallel to the surface (26)
to
which the hose hanger assemblage (2) is affixed.
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[0028] At one end of the hose hanger assemblage (2), the flexible hose (22)
rests on the shoulders (42, 44) of the mountable member (12); and at the other
end, the flexible hose (22) loops around the shoulders (30, 32) of the base
member
(4), so that the flexible hose (22) is wound about the shoulders (30, 32, 42,
44) of
the hose hanger assemblage (2). To prevent the flexible hose (22) from
slipping of
the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44), each member is provided with a neck (38, 40,
50,
52) coupled to the shoulder at an end that is distal from the arms (34, 36,
46, 48),
to retain the flexible hose (22). While the surface (26) to which the hose
hanger
assemblage (2) is attached, also performs a similar function as the necks (38,
40,
50, 52) to prevent the flexible hose (22) from slipping at an end proximal to
the
arms (34, 36, 46, 48).
[0029] The spacer (28), disclosed in Figures 1-4, can be made up of a first
hollow tube (54), a second hollow tube (56), a third hollow tube (58), a
fourth
hollow tube (60), a first insert rod (62) and a second insert rod (64). The
length of
the insert rods (62, 64) can vary to allow adjustment of the distance between
the
base member shoulders (30, 32) and the mountable member shoulders (42, 44).
This can be done to accommodate hoses (22) of different lengths, so that a
length
of the hose (22) is not left hanging below the base member; and also, to allow
the
hose (22) to snugly fit about the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44), which can
provide
some friction for preventing the hose (22) from becoming unwound.
[0030] To form the hose hanger assemblage (2), the base member first arm
(34) is coupled to the first hollow tube (54) at a first hollow tube base
member first
arm end (66) by sliding the first hollow tube (54) over the base member first
arm
(34). Similarly, the second hollow tube (56) is coupled to the base member
second
arm (36) by sliding it over the base member second arm (36) at a second hollow
tube base member second arm end (74). The hollow tubes (54, 56, 58, 60) are
made sufficiently long to receive a portion of the arms (34, 36, 46, 48) and
the
insert rods (62, 64). Alternatively, the extent to which the hollow tubes (54,
56)
can slide over the arms (34, 36) can be limited by other means, such as, for
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example, by providing a blockage in the hollow tubes (54, 56) or presence of
projections on the arms (34, 36).
[0031] One end of the first insert rod (62) is then positioned in the first
hollow
tube (54) at a first hollow tube first insert rod end (68). Similarly, one end
of the
second insert rod (64) is positioned in the second hollow tube (56) at a
second
hollow tube second insert rod end (76). The third and fourth hollow tubes (58,
60)
can be slid over the first and second insert rods (62, 64), respectively, at a
third
hollow tube first insert rod end (72) and a fourth hollow tube second insert
rod end
(80), respectively. Analogous to the base member arms (34, 36), the mountable
member first and second arms (46, 48) are slid into the third and fourth
hollow
tubes (58, 60) at a third hollow tube mountable member first arm end (70) and
a
fourth hollow tube mountable member second arm end (78), respectively, to form
the hose hanger assemblage (2).
[0032] In an embodiment in accordance with the specification, the spacer
(28) is made up of the first and second insert rods (62, 64), without the
hollow
tubes (54, 56, 58, 60) being used. In such an embodiment, the arms (34, 36,
46,
48) can be made partially hollow, therefore, also performing a similar
function as
the hollow tubes (54, 56, 58, 60) and adapted to receive the insert rods (62,
64).
[0033] To assist in obtaining a snug-fit of the flexible hose (22) about the
shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44), the base member (4) is provided with a hose
attachment means (20). In one embodiment, the hose attachment means (20) is
coupled to the base member shoulder (6). In a further embodiment, as disclosed
in
Figures 1-3, the hose attachment means (20) is coupled to both the base member
first shoulder (30) and the base member second shoulder (32). The hose
attachment means (20), as disclosed in Figures 1-3 and 7, is a dovetailed
projection (90), so that it can be inserted into an end (92) of the hose (22)
(Figure
14) for frictionally attaching the end (92) of the hose (22). Figure 7
discloses that
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the dovetailed projection (92) is set an angle, which can assist in insertion
into the
end (92) of the hose (22).
[0034] Although hose attachment means (20) is shown as dovetailed rod-like
projection (90), variations can be made to assist in attaching one end (92) of
the
hose (22). By attaching one end (92) of the flexible hose (22), the hose (22)
can
be wound around the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44) while preventing the end (92)
of
the hose (22) from slipping. In addition, by using the appropriate size of the
spacer (28), for example, insert rods (62, 64) of an appropriate length, the
distance
between the shoulders (30, 32, 42, 44) can be adjusted so that a length of the
hose (22) is not left hanging below the base member (4), while at the same
time
the hose (22) is being frictionally retained by the hose hanger assemblage
(2).
[0035] Additional accessory attachment means (104) can be provided that
can be used to attach other accessories of a vacuum cleaner. For example, the
mountable member (12) can be provided with additional dovetailed projections
(94)
(Figure 1, 2, 4 and 10). In one embodiment, for example and without
limitation,
the first and second hollow tubes (54, 56) (Figure 8) can be coupled to a
casing
(82) (Figures 1-5 and 9), where parts and/or accessories can be stored. In a
further embodiment, the casing (82) can be coupled to, for example, a clamping
means (86) to hold the telescoping wand (88) of a vacuum cleaner.
[0036] In a further embodiment in accordance with the specification and as
shown in the figures, the base member first neck (38) and the base member
second neck (40) may be attached, forming a U-shaped member (96) at one end of
the hose hanger assemblage (2) (Figure 11). At the other end of the hose
hanger
assemblage (2), the mountable member first neck (50) is coupled to the
mountable
member second neck (52) forming an inverted U-shaped member (98) (Figure 12).
[0037] The base member (4) is provided with a mounting means (24) for
affixing the hose hanger assemblage (2) to a surface (26). In one embodiment,
for
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example, the mounting means (24) is a panel (100) having an aperture (102)
(Figures 1, 2, 4 and 13), which is adapted for receiving a fastener to fasten
the
hose hanger assemblage (2) to the surface (26). In a further embodiment, as
shown in Figure 6, the mountable member (12) is also provided with a panel
(100),
so both the base member (4) and the mountable member (12) can be affixed to
the
surface (26).
[0038] Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments
can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be
illustrative and not restrictive.
