Vacuum cleaner accessories caddy
The Vacuum Cleaner Accessories Caddy is an accessory belt which can be fitted and secured without tools around the body of a conventional barrel or tank type vacuum cleaner. The device may comprise two components: 1) a wide braided nylon band with attached Velcro™ strap and buckle or eyelet for size adjustment; and 2) a plurality of usually molded plastic holders attached thereto that are designed to secure vacuum cleaner tools and accessories.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/638,927, filed on Dec. 27, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention pertains generally to vacuum cleaners and more specifically to an adjustable caddy for holding and organizing vacuum cleaner accessories.
BACKGROUND OF THE FIELDVacuumers, both residential and commercial, need tools. The typical vacuum cleaner has a standard extension wand at the end of the hose, but the user typically needs other tools, such as a floor tool, a crevice tool, and a brush tool. It is desirable for the user to carry these tools with him so that they will be readily available for the job at hand. Many vacuum cleaners do not come with any way to carry such tools.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by providing a simple and effective way for vacuum cleaner tools and accessories to be carried on the vacuum cleaner itself. The accessories caddy comprises a usually somewhat flexible band or belt with various accessory holders arranged thereon. The accessory holders, generally molded from plastic, are configured for holding the various accessories according to the preferences of the user, and the band is fastened around the body of a vacuum cleaner (such as barrel or tank).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Front panel 18 is typically a generally flat, rectangular panel attached to the body 16 opposite the vertical slot 17. It is recommended, though not necessary for the invention, that the front panel 18 be large enough to span the width of the band 12. In the embodiment shown in
Hinged to the top edge 19a of the front panel 18, and typically of approximately the same size, is the back panel 20, such that the two panels are capable of mating upon folding or other action. In the embodiment shown, the back panel 20 is also generally flat and rectangular similar to the front panel 18 and has a mating face 21b. The back panel 20 defines several small protruding points 26 (traction cleats or barbs) on its interior mating face 21b so that when the panels are mated around the nylon band, the barbs 26 grip the band and secure the holder onto the band so that it is stationary and does not slip laterally along the band 12. In addition, the back panel may further include a spacer 23 on its exterior face 21c to hold the band and holders spaced away from the vacuum cleaner barrel or tank. In the embodiment shown, the spacer 23 takes the form of a generally rectangular block affixed to the back panel. If used, the spacer must be designed and positioned so as not to interfere with the operation of the lock clasp, discussed later.
The holder may further comprise locking means, which in the embodiment shown comprises a lock clasp 22 hingably attached to one side edge of the front panel (towards the bottom edge thereof). Such clasp element may be manufactured integrally with the panel. When the two panels are mated, the lock clasp 22 folds over the back panel 20 and snaps into place on the opposite edge of the front panel, thereby securing the two panels together. When the panels are thusly secured, the barbs of the panel mating face(s) will be driven into the material of the band and will operate to prevent lateral slippage of the holder.
The holders may thus be adjusted and arranged around the band according to the individual user of the device, but when arranged and locked into place they will not slide or come off.
The holders may thus be adjusted and arranged around the band according to the individual user of the device, but when arranged and locked into place they will not slide or come off.
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner accessory caddy comprising:
- a generally flat, generally rectangular band having a first end and a second end, and further comprising closing means to fasten the two ends; and
- at least one holder mounted on said band, said holder including locking means.
2. The caddy of claim 1 wherein the band is made of a material chosen from the group comprising nylon webbing, rubber, and other pliable band materials.
3. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said closing means of said band comprises an eyelet integral with the first end and a hook-and-loop strap fastened to the second end.
4. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said closing means of said band comprises a buckle attached to the first end and a hook-and-loop strap fastened to the second end.
5. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said holder comprises a body, said body being molded to fit any one of several vacuum cleaner accessories.
6. The caddy of claim 5 wherein said body is made from molded plastic.
7. The caddy of claim 5 wherein said body is in the shape of a generally cylindrical canister.
8. The caddy of claim 7 wherein said body further defines a vertical lengthwise slot.
9. The caddy of claim 7 wherein said canister has one closed end.
10. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said holder further comprises a front panel attached to said body and a back panel hingably attached to said front panel.
11. The caddy of claim 10 wherein said front panel is generally flat and generally rectangular.
12. The caddy of claim 10 wherein said back panel is shaped to mate with said front panel upon folding.
13. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a lock clasp hingably attached to said front panel.
14. The caddy of claim 13 wherein said back panel further includes a plurality of barbs protruding therefrom.
15. The caddy of claim 13 wherein said lock clasp is designed to fold over said back panel when mated and snap onto an opposite edge of said front panel.
16. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a lock clasp integral with said front panel.
17. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a receptacle along a bottom edge of said front panel.
18. The caddy of claim 1 wherein said locking means includes at least one knob protruding from said front panel through a corresponding hole in said back panel.
19. The caddy of claim 18 wherein said at least one knob has a flared tip so as to snap securely into place through said hole.
20. The caddy of claim 1 further comprising a spacer attached to said back panel opposite said front panel.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 21, 2005
Publication Date: Jun 29, 2006
Inventor: Mark Stefnik (Burien, WA)
Application Number: 11/314,287
International Classification: A47L 5/00 (20060101); A47L 9/00 (20060101);