GB2401532A

GB2401532A - Vacuum hose storage bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2401532A
Application number: GB0310931A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ralph Shiell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-13
Filing date: 2003-05-13
Publication date: 2004-11-17
Also published as: GB0310931D0

Abstract

A vacuum hose storage bracket 10 comprises a 90{ structure with prongs (12 figures 3 and 4) placed to straddle a section of either a vacuum hose 3or swivel coupling 2, such that the hose and coupling cannot fall through the prongs. The bracket which may be fixed to a wall by screws 1, may be manufactured from either plastic, wood, metal or a combination of these materials. The prongs may rise in height as the distance from the wall or supporting structure increases and below which, a hook 11 may be attached from which a sack of replacement bags can be hung. The bracket may also include a hinged (lever 14 figure 4) and (catch 16 figure 4) in the form of a peg, such that the mechanism requires release before the vacuum hose may be freed.

Description

I F

240 1 532

VACUUM HOSE STORAGE BRACKET

The invention relates to an apparatus for the storage of vacuum cleaner hoses and replacement vacuum cleaner bags on a wall or other similar supporting structure.

Background of the Invention

Many portable vacuum cleaners include flexible hoses of length of approximately two metres that enable a user to reach various locations without moving the entire vacuum cleaner. A typical household cylinder vacuum cleaner includes a flexible hose attached to a swivel coupling at the vacuum cleaner that enables the hose to rotate and access various locations.

When the user has finished using the vacuum cleaner, it is usually placed in a suitable storage area, such as a storage cupboard, with the hose being haphazardly placed on top of the cleaner.

This type of arrangement has three main problems associated with it: the storage area can present an unorganised and potentially unsafe area for personnel, it represents an inefficient use of the storage area, and the hose can become damaged either through wear and tear associated with overflexing during storage or through the movement of items or personnel inside the storage area.

The swivel coupling, with hose attached, can usually be removed from the vacuum cleaner, but unless the coupling and hose are stored efficiently and safely, the disadvantages listed above remain.

Summary of the Invention

An object of this invention is to provide a bracket that allows convenient and efficient storage of a vacuum hose against a wall or similar structure.

Accordingly, this invention provides a piece or pieces of suitable material at approximately a 90-degree angle, with two prongs that are suitably placed to straddle the swivel coupling such that it cannot fall through the prongs, being prevented from doing so by a section of greater dimension.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the bracket can be affixed to the wall through screws or other suitable fixings at a height above the floor such that the hose hangs with no curvature forced on it.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the height of the prongs at the furthest point from the wall is greater than the height nearer the wall, which ensures the hose remains close to the wall.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the bracket has a hook, of length such that it does not touch the hose when hanging in its normal position, from which a sack containing replacement vacuum bags can be suspended.

Preferably the bracket is made of plastics material or metal, but it may also be made from wood, or from a combination of these materials.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE I is a view of the vacuum hose storage bracket supporting one vacuum hose and a sack containing a number of replacement vacuum bags in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a view of a portable vacuum cleaner with the vacuum hose connected to both a swivel coupling that may be removed from the main cleaner unit and vacuum tools, which may be disconnected from the hose.

FIGURE 3 is a view of a bracket, constructed according to the teachings of the invention, depicted without a hose or sack in place.

FIGURE 4 is a view of a second embodiment of a bracket constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

While the invention is susceptible to variations and alternative constructions, specific alternatives have been shown in the drawings and described below in detail. It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all variations and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed description

Referring to the drawings, the vacuum hose storage bracket is generally depicted by reference number 10. Whilst the discussion has concentrated on hoses from cylinder vacuum cleaners, it is to be understood this bracket may be suitable for other types of vacuum cleaner hoses for which there is an increase in outside dimension near one end, where the hose can be removed from the vacuum cleaner unit and where the length of the hose is less than the height that a typical person can reach whilst standing.

As shown in Figure 1, the bracket 10 supports the vacuum hose 3 through the swivel coupling 2 in a manner such that the hose lies close to the wall. The bracket is affixed to the wall or supporting structure through the use of two screws, depicted here by reference number 1. The hose hangs with the inlet 5, which is designed to mate with various vacuum tools, at its lowest point.

Referring now to Figure 2 for reference, a typical configuration of a vacuum cleaner can be seen, with vacuum cleaner unit 6 attached through swivel coupling 2 to the vacuum hose 3, with inlet 5 mated to vacuum tool 7.

The bracket in Figure 3 is shown in detail with the two prongs 12 a suitable distance apart which restricts the motion ofthe swivel coupling and hose in the vertical direction. The height of the prongs increases away from the wall or similar supporting structure to ensure the hose lies close to this structure. The two screw holes are depicted by reference number 13 and the hook 11 from which a sack containing replacement vacuum bags can be hung is shown.

Figure 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of a bracket 10, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention. The bracket is similar to the aforementioned embodiment, but additionally includes a lever arm 14 that can swing about a hinge 15 away from the wall (open) . or towards the wall (closed, shown). When closed the lever arm is kept closed using a suitable catch mechanism. One embodiment of the lever arm fixing is shown, with a semi-rigid lever ann fastened behind a short peg 16 when in the closed state.

From the forgoing, one skilled in the art will recognise that the invention provides an apparatus that enables vacuum hoses to be readily and neatly stored, with less mechanical stress placed upon them than when stored in a haphazard manner. A sack containing vacuum bags may also be hung from the bracket.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A vacuum hose storage bracket, comprising a structure at approximately a 90-degree angle, with prongs that are suitably placed to straddle a section of either vacuum cleaner hose or swivel coupling such that the hose and coupling cannot fall through the prongs.

2. A bracket as claimed in Claim I which can be affixed to a wall or similar supporting structure.
2. A bracket as claimed in Claim I where the prongs rise in height as the distance from the wall or similar supporting structure increases.
3. A bracket as claimed in Claim I where a hook is attached below the prongs from which a sack can be hung.
4. A bracket as claimed in Claim 1, further including a lever arm and catch mechanism that requires release before the vacuum hose may be freed.
5. A bracket as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made from plastics material, metal or wood, or from a combination of these materials.
6. A vacuum hose storage bracket substantially as herein described above and illustrated In the accorr^nying drawings.

6. A vacuum hose storage bracket substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A vacu' m hose storage bracket, comprising a structure at approximately a -degree angles with prongs That are suitably placed!O straddle a section of either vacuum cleaner hose or swivel coupling such that the hose and coupling cannot fall through the prongs, and a lever awn and catch mechanism that requires release before the vacuum hose may be freed.

2. A bracket as claimed in claim i which can be affixed too a wall or similar supporting structure.

3. A bracket as clad ned in Claim 1 where the prongs rise In height as the distance from the wall or similar supporting structure increases.

4 A bracket as claimed in Claim 1 where a hook is attached below the prongs from which a sack can be hung.

5. A bracket as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made frorr. plastics material, metal or wood, or from a combination of these materials.