HOSE HANGER

Abstract

A hose hanger assemblage, containing a base member, a mountable member, a hose attachment means and a mounting means. The base member has a base member shoulder coupling a base member arm to a base member neck. The mountable member has a mountable member shoulder coupling a mountable member arm to a mountable member neck. The mountable member arm is detachably coupled to the base member arm. The hose attachment means is coupled to the base member for detachably attaching a hose to the base member. And, the mounting means is coupled to the base member permitting the base member to be affixed to a surface.

Description

This application claims priority to Provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/501,826, filed Jun. 28, 2011.

FIELD

The specification relates to an adjustable hose hanger.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an embodiment in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an embodiment in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base member of the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mountable member of the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 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;

FIG. 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;

FIG. 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;

FIG. 10 is front elevational view of accessory attachment means used with the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 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;

FIG. 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;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a panel used with the hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification;

FIG. 14 is a photograph of a vacuum hose and accessories secured to a hose hanger assemblage in accordance with one aspect of the specification.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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;
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.

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

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).

The hose hanger assemblage (2) disclosed herein will now be discussed with reference to the figures. FIGS. 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 distance between the base member shoulder (6) and the mountable member shoulder (14).

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).

FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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.

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).

The spacer (28), disclosed in FIGS. 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.

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 example, by providing a blockage in the hollow tubes (54, 56) or presence of projections on the arms (34, 36).

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).

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).

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 FIGS. 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 FIGS. 1-3 and 7, is a dovetailed projection (90), so that it can be inserted into an end (92) of the hose (22) (FIG. 14) for frictionally attaching the end (92) of the hose (22). FIG. 7 discloses that the dovetailed projection (92) is set an angle, which can assist in insertion into the end (92) of the hose (22).

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).

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) (FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 10). In one embodiment, for example and without limitation, the first and second hollow tubes (54, 56) (FIG. 8) can be coupled to a casing (82) (FIGS. 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.

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) (FIG. 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) (FIG. 12).

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 example, the mounting means (24) is a panel (100) having an aperture (102) (FIGS. 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 FIG. 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).

Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A hose hanger assemblage, comprising:

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;

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.

2. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer detachably coupling the base member arm to the mountable member arm, for adjusting the distance between the base member shoulder and the mountable member shoulder.

3. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, wherein

the base member shoulder comprises a base member first shoulder and a base member second shoulder; the base member arm comprises a base member first arm and a base member second arm; the base member neck comprises a base member first neck and a base member second neck;

the mountable member shoulder comprises a mountable member first shoulder and a mountable member second shoulder; the mountable member arm comprises a mountable member first arm and a mountable member second arm; the mountable member neck comprises a mountable member first neck and a mountable member second neck; and

the base member first arm is detachably coupled to the mountable member first arm, and the base member second arm is detachably coupled to the mountable member second arm.

4. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 3 when dependent upon claim 2, wherein the spacer comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth hollow tubes and a first and second insert rods; the first hollow tube adapted to receive the base member first arm at a first hollow tube base member first arm end and one end of the first insert rod at a first hollow tube first insert rod end, and the third hollow tube adapted to receive the mountable member first arm at a third hollow tube mountable member first arm end and an opposing end of the first insert rod at a third hollow tube first insert rod end; and the second hollow tube adapted to receive the base member second arm at a second hollow tube base member second arm end and one end of the second insert rod at a second hollow tube second insert rod end, and the fourth hollow tube adapted to receive the mountable member second arm at a fourth hollow tube mountable member second arm end and an opposing end of the second insert rod at a fourth hollow tube second insert rod end.

5. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 4, wherein the first and the second hollow tubes are coupled to a casing for storing accessories.

6. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 5, wherein the casing comprises a clamping means for detachably attaching an extendable wand of a vacuum cleaner.

7. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, wherein the hose attachment means is coupled to the base member shoulder.

8. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 3, wherein the hose attachment means is coupled to the base member first shoulder and the base member second shoulder.

9. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, wherein the hose attachment means comprises a dovetailed projection insertable into an end of the hose for frictionally attaching the hose.

10. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, further comprising additional dovetailed projections for detachably attaching accessories.

11. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 10, wherein the additional dovetailed projections are coupled to the mountable member first arm, mountable member second arm or both the mountable member first and second arms.

12. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, wherein the base member first neck and the base member second neck are coupled to form a U-shaped member, and the mountable member first neck and the mountable member second neck are coupled to form an inverted U-shaped member.

13. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means comprises a panel coupled to the base member shoulder or the base member first shoulder and the base member second shoulder; the panel having an aperture adapted for receiving a fastener.

14. The hose hanger assemblage according to claim 1, further comprising accessory attachment means coupled to the mountable member.

15. A kit comprising the hose hanger assemblage as defined in claim 1, and instructions for assembling the hose hanger assemblage.