US20050115018A1 - Bendable extension pipe for vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Bendable extension pipe for vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050115018A1 US20050115018A1 US10/829,510 US82951004A US2005115018A1 US 20050115018 A1 US20050115018 A1 US 20050115018A1 US 82951004 A US82951004 A US 82951004A US 2005115018 A1 US2005115018 A1 US 2005115018A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- extension pipe
- bendable
- release handle
- pipe section
- lever
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L27/00—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement
- F16L27/08—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe
- F16L27/0849—Adjustable joints, Joints allowing movement allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe the fluid being turned through an angle when passing from one joint element to another
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/24—Hoses or pipes; Hose or pipe couplings
- A47L9/242—Hose or pipe couplings
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a vacuum cleaner and in particular to a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, the bendable extension pipe having a joint foldably connected to the vacuum cleaner, thereby permitting convenient cleaning of spaces under pieces of furniture, such as bed or sofa.
- a vacuum cleaner draws in contaminants on a surface to be cleaned which are entrained in air drawn in to the vacuum cleaner with the aid of a vacuum suction force generated by a vacuum suction motor provided in a cleaner body.
- a flow passage is formed so as to connect the cleaner body and a suction brush used for performing the cleaning operation in and airtight connection.
- Such a flow passage may be variously provided depending on the types of vacuum cleaners being used.
- a canister vacuum cleaner is provided with a flexible hose connecting a cleaner body and a manipulation handle, and an extension pipe is provided for connecting the manipulation handle and the suction brush.
- Such an extension pipe may be provided as an extendible type that can be adjusted in length, as required, or as a combination type that comprises a plurality of segmented extension tubes capable of being individually disassembled or assembled for use depending on the desired length of the pipe.
- an aspect of the present invention is to provide a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner having an improved construction that permits a user to conveniently perform cleaning operations by simple manipulation of a button without needing to bend the body or lower his or her posture.
- a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprises first and second extension pipe sections connected so that they can be selectively bent with respect to one another in a bent configuration, and a release handle that releases the bent configuration of the first and second extension pipe sections when a user depresses the release handle.
- the connection joint between the first and second extension pipe sections is enclosed by an articulated cover, and a resilient member is provided within the articulated cover to resiliently support the release handle.
- the first extension pipe section comprises: a tubular body, a cylindrical joint formed at an end of the tubular body and connected to the second extension pipe section to thereby form the joint connection, and hinge projections formed on the body to project outwardly from a surface thereof so provide a mount for the release handle.
- the cylindrical joint may have an axis of rotation intersecting a virtual axis of the flow passage formed in the tubular body in a perpendicular orientation.
- the hinge projections preferably comprise a pair of cylindrical projections formed on opposite sides of the tubular body to project coaxially outwardly from the surface of the tubular body, and the release handle preferably comprises hinge slots providing for a sliding interference fit onto one of the cylindrical hinge projections so that the release handle covers at least a part of the circumference of the first extension pipe section, wherein each hinge slot comprises a slot opening end that opens outwardly from the release handle and a closed end.
- the closed end is preferably formed to correspond to the diameter of the corresponding hinge projection, and a bottleneck is preferably formed between the opening end and the closed end so as to prevent the hinge projections from breaking away from the hinge slots.
- the lever may be formed integral with the release handle.
- the articulated cover may comprise one or more seat projections on which an elastic member is seated, and a guide ridge having a stepped part, the tip end of the lever being engaged with the stepped part, in which the tip end of the lever is supported by any of the seat projections, thereby restraining the folding angle between the first and second extension pipe sections.
- the guide ridge is projectedly formed on the inner surface of the articulated cover in a form of spiral track and the elastic member is formed from a leaf spring.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a detailed, perspective view showing the bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention with a closure cover removed;
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are partially cut-away side views showing the initial state and the folded state, respectively, of the bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.
- a bendable extension pipe 100 comprises a first extension pipe section 110 , a second extension pipe section 120 , a release handle 130 , and an articulated cover 140 .
- the first extension pipe section 110 comprises a tubular body 111 , a cylindrical joint 112 formed at one end of the body 111 , for providing a joint connection of tubular body 111 to the second extension pipe section 120 , and hinge projections 113 formed on the body 111 to project outwardly from a surface so as to provide an installation mount for the release handle.
- the cylindrical joint 112 is preferably arranged in such a way that its axis, shown as broken line A in FIG. 2 , perpendicularly intersects the virtual central axis, shown as broken line B, of a flow passage formed within the body 111 .
- Protrusions 112 a are formed substantially at the centers of the opposite lateral sides to project outwardly therefrom, so as to be in engaging contact with the inner peripheries of guide ridges 143 (see FIG. 3 ) as will be described below.
- the hinge projections 113 are formed on the opposite sides of the body 111 , preferably as a pair of coaxial cylindrical projections, to extend laterally from the surface of body 111 .
- the second extension pipe section 120 is connected at a distal end to a suction brush (not shown) that draws in dirt and dust from a surface to be cleaned, and the second pipe section 120 is pivotably joined to the first extension tube 110 at a proximal end of the second extension pipe 120 .
- a joint section 121 connected to the cylindrical joint 112 , is formed having a complementary shape to cover the circumferential surface of the cylindrical joint 112 .
- the joint section 121 allows the second extension pipe section 120 o be freely pivotable and the second extension pipe section 120 serves to prevent the loss f suction force despite folding of the joint connection between the extension pipe sections.
- the release handle 130 is attached by a hinge to the first extension pipe 110 and has a semicylindrical shape so as to enclose a part of the circumferential surface of the first extension pipe 110 .
- the release handle 130 preferably comprises projected levers 131 , which more preferably are integrally formed with the body of the release handle 130 , and hinge recesses 134 , each having a recess opening 132 provided to face outwardly along axial edges of the release handle 130 .
- Each of the recesses 132 may slidingly fit onto and around one corresponding hinge projection 113 and a closed end 133 of each recess opening end 132 being configured to engage a corresponding hinge projection 113 .
- each hinge recess 134 preferably has a bottleneck part h disposed between the recess opening 132 and the closed end 133 for providing the interference fit.
- the levers 131 are formed integrally with the release handle 130 .
- the invention is not limited to this arrangement and it is possible to form the levers as separate members and to connect them to the release handle 130 using an appropriate means.
- the articulated cover 140 serves to close a connection part J (see FIG. 2 ) formed by joining the cylindrical joint 112 and the joint section 121 and is provided with oppositely disposed left and right articulated cover parts 140 a , 140 b .
- the inner side of each articulated cover part 140 a , 140 b comprises at least one seat projection 141 on which a resilient member S is seated, and the guide ridge 143 having a discontinuous stepped part 142 , which the tip end 131 a of a corresponding one of the levers 131 engages.
- the guide ridge 143 is formed to project from the inner side of the articulated cover 140 and preferably has the form of a slightly spiral track. Therefore, it is preferable that the stepped part 142 is formed at the junction area of the starting point and ending point of the spiral track of the guide ridge 143 , as shown in FIG. 3 , and one of the end points face the tip end 131 a of the corresponding lever 131 at the basic or normal position of the corresponding lever 131 . In the basic position, the first and second extension pipe sections 110 , 120 are aligned in a straight relationship with respect to each other.
- a first extension pipe section 110 is connected to the cleaner body (not shown) and a second extension pipe section 120 is connected to a suction brush (not shown), which draws in air and entrained dirt and dust from a surface to be cleaned.
- the first and second extension pipe sections 110 , 120 are arranged to be foldable relative to a joint connecting one to the other, so a folded or bent configuration may be effected, according to user's selection, and as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the user may wish to utilize the bendable extension pipe 100 in the bent position, so that the suction brush, to which the pipe 100 is connected, can be in closest contact with a surface to be cleaned, such as when it is desired to clean a floor surface below a bed or a piece of furniture.
- the user grasps the release handle 130 that covers the first extension pipe section 110 and exerts a downward force in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4 .
- a lever 131 When the user grasps and depresses the release handle 130 , a lever 131 , preferably formed integrally with the release handle 130 , is pivoted along with the release handle 130 , so that pivoting the release handle 130 about the hinge projections 113 causes the end 131 a of lever 131 to break away from engagement with the stepped part 142 formed on an inner side of an articulated cover 140 .
- the elastic member S provided in the articulated cover 140 applies resilient restoring force to the lever 131 , so that the lever 131 that has broken away from engagement with the stepped part 142 makes face-to-face contact with the guide ridge 141 and pivot along the guide ridge 141 .
- the seat projection 141 preferably comprises first to third pairs of seat projections 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, ( FIG. 3 ), within which the elastic member S is installed.
- the third seat projection 141 c is formed to be projected at a position for blocking the movement of the tip end 131 a as it slides along the guide ridge 143 , thereby restraining the further rotational movement of the lever 131 .
- the first and second extension pipe sections 110 , 120 that are initially aligned in a straight line, rotate relative to each other until the tip ends of the levers 131 come into contact with the third seat projections 141 c.
- the folding angle between the first and second extension pipe sections is retained at about 45 degrees, but an angle of between 40 and 50 degrees is considered appropriate.
- the user may grasp the first extension pipe section 110 and lift up the second extension pipe section 120 connected to the suction brush (not shown), without requiring any operation or separate instrument.
- the second extension pipe 120 is forced to pivot about the connection joint as a result of its own weight and the weight of the suction brush (not shown), which are forced downwardly by gravity.
- the lever 131 engages and becomes seated on the stepped part 142 while being compressed by the elastic member S, so that the first and second extension pipe sections return to the initial straight-line orientation and are fixed thereto by the engagement of the tip end 131 a with stepped part 142 . Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user's inconvenience of having to operate a separate button or lever so as to unbend the folded extension pipe to the original straight line orientation.
- the inventive bendable extension tube for a vacuum cleaner since the user can provide for a bend in the extension pipe with a simple operation of a lever depression, without needing to bend his or her body or become lower in posture, it is possible to conveniently clean an area below a piece of furniture, such as a bed or sofa.
- a piece of furniture such as a bed or sofa.
- the user's convenience can be enhanced.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
Abstract
A bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner that comprise at least two sections capable of being bent relative to each other according to user's selection comprising a first extension pipe section; a second extension pipe section pivotably connected to the first extension pipe section; and a release handle selectively for locking the first and second extension pipe sections in a predetermined configuration, wherein the first and second extension pipe sections are released from the locking configuration when a user depresses the release handle.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to a vacuum cleaner and in particular to a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, the bendable extension pipe having a joint foldably connected to the vacuum cleaner, thereby permitting convenient cleaning of spaces under pieces of furniture, such as bed or sofa.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- In general, a vacuum cleaner draws in contaminants on a surface to be cleaned which are entrained in air drawn in to the vacuum cleaner with the aid of a vacuum suction force generated by a vacuum suction motor provided in a cleaner body. Generally, a flow passage is formed so as to connect the cleaner body and a suction brush used for performing the cleaning operation in and airtight connection.
- Such a flow passage may be variously provided depending on the types of vacuum cleaners being used. For example, a canister vacuum cleaner is provided with a flexible hose connecting a cleaner body and a manipulation handle, and an extension pipe is provided for connecting the manipulation handle and the suction brush. Such an extension pipe may be provided as an extendible type that can be adjusted in length, as required, or as a combination type that comprises a plurality of segmented extension tubes capable of being individually disassembled or assembled for use depending on the desired length of the pipe.
- However, in the case of a suction brush connected by a conventional extension pipe, the angle between the extension tube and the suction brush is typically fixed, that is, having a straight connection between the segments of the extension pipe. Therefore, in order to clean areas under furniture, such as a bed, sofa, etc., it is necessary for a user to perform the cleaning operation while rotating the extension pipe after lowering his/her posture and orienting the suction brush so it is in close contact with the floor surface. In addition, even if the angle between the extension pipe and the suction brush is adjustable, inconvenience results in that the user must lower his/her body in order to insert the suction brush into an area under the furniture. An improved system for cleaning under furniture is demanded.
- Accordingly, the present invention has been conceived to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the conventional vacuum cleaners, and an aspect of the present invention is to provide a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner having an improved construction that permits a user to conveniently perform cleaning operations by simple manipulation of a button without needing to bend the body or lower his or her posture.
- In order to achieve the above aspect according to the present invention, a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner comprises first and second extension pipe sections connected so that they can be selectively bent with respect to one another in a bent configuration, and a release handle that releases the bent configuration of the first and second extension pipe sections when a user depresses the release handle. For smoother operation, it is preferable that the connection joint between the first and second extension pipe sections is enclosed by an articulated cover, and a resilient member is provided within the articulated cover to resiliently support the release handle.
- According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the first extension pipe section comprises: a tubular body, a cylindrical joint formed at an end of the tubular body and connected to the second extension pipe section to thereby form the joint connection, and hinge projections formed on the body to project outwardly from a surface thereof so provide a mount for the release handle.
- The cylindrical joint may have an axis of rotation intersecting a virtual axis of the flow passage formed in the tubular body in a perpendicular orientation.
- The hinge projections preferably comprise a pair of cylindrical projections formed on opposite sides of the tubular body to project coaxially outwardly from the surface of the tubular body, and the release handle preferably comprises hinge slots providing for a sliding interference fit onto one of the cylindrical hinge projections so that the release handle covers at least a part of the circumference of the first extension pipe section, wherein each hinge slot comprises a slot opening end that opens outwardly from the release handle and a closed end. The closed end is preferably formed to correspond to the diameter of the corresponding hinge projection, and a bottleneck is preferably formed between the opening end and the closed end so as to prevent the hinge projections from breaking away from the hinge slots.
- The lever may be formed integral with the release handle.
- The articulated cover may comprise one or more seat projections on which an elastic member is seated, and a guide ridge having a stepped part, the tip end of the lever being engaged with the stepped part, in which the tip end of the lever is supported by any of the seat projections, thereby restraining the folding angle between the first and second extension pipe sections. In addition, it is also preferable that the guide ridge is projectedly formed on the inner surface of the articulated cover in a form of spiral track and the elastic member is formed from a leaf spring.
- The above described and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from an understanding of the following detailed description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a detailed, perspective view showing the bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention with a closure cover removed; and -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are partially cut-away side views showing the initial state and the folded state, respectively, of the bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. - Hereinbelow, a bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , abendable extension pipe 100 comprises a firstextension pipe section 110, a secondextension pipe section 120, arelease handle 130, and an articulatedcover 140. - The first
extension pipe section 110 comprises atubular body 111, acylindrical joint 112 formed at one end of thebody 111, for providing a joint connection oftubular body 111 to the secondextension pipe section 120, andhinge projections 113 formed on thebody 111 to project outwardly from a surface so as to provide an installation mount for the release handle. - The
cylindrical joint 112 is preferably arranged in such a way that its axis, shown as broken line A inFIG. 2 , perpendicularly intersects the virtual central axis, shown as broken line B, of a flow passage formed within thebody 111.Protrusions 112 a are formed substantially at the centers of the opposite lateral sides to project outwardly therefrom, so as to be in engaging contact with the inner peripheries of guide ridges 143 (seeFIG. 3 ) as will be described below. - The
hinge projections 113 are formed on the opposite sides of thebody 111, preferably as a pair of coaxial cylindrical projections, to extend laterally from the surface ofbody 111. - The second
extension pipe section 120 is connected at a distal end to a suction brush (not shown) that draws in dirt and dust from a surface to be cleaned, and thesecond pipe section 120 is pivotably joined to thefirst extension tube 110 at a proximal end of thesecond extension pipe 120. Ajoint section 121, connected to thecylindrical joint 112, is formed having a complementary shape to cover the circumferential surface of thecylindrical joint 112. Thejoint section 121 allows the second extension pipe section 120 o be freely pivotable and the secondextension pipe section 120 serves to prevent the loss f suction force despite folding of the joint connection between the extension pipe sections. - The
release handle 130 is attached by a hinge to thefirst extension pipe 110 and has a semicylindrical shape so as to enclose a part of the circumferential surface of thefirst extension pipe 110. In addition, as shown inFIG. 2 , therelease handle 130 preferably comprises projectedlevers 131, which more preferably are integrally formed with the body of therelease handle 130, andhinge recesses 134, each having a recess opening 132 provided to face outwardly along axial edges of therelease handle 130. Each of therecesses 132 may slidingly fit onto and around onecorresponding hinge projection 113 and a closedend 133 of eachrecess opening end 132 being configured to engage acorresponding hinge projection 113. The closedend 133 is formed in such a way that its inner periphery corresponds to the diameter of thecorresponding hinge projection 113, thereby providing an interference fit therebetween. Meanwhile, each hinge recess 134 preferably has a bottleneck part h disposed between the recess opening 132 and the closedend 133 for providing the interference fit. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thelevers 131 are formed integrally with therelease handle 130. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement and it is possible to form the levers as separate members and to connect them to therelease handle 130 using an appropriate means. However, in order to reduce the processing steps during manufacturing and to easily manufacture the levers, it is preferable that they are produced in an integrally formed mold together with therelease handle 130, as shown. - The articulated
cover 140 serves to close a connection part J (seeFIG. 2 ) formed by joining thecylindrical joint 112 and thejoint section 121 and is provided with oppositely disposed left and right articulatedcover parts FIG. 3 , the inner side of each articulatedcover part seat projection 141 on which a resilient member S is seated, and theguide ridge 143 having a discontinuous steppedpart 142, which thetip end 131 a of a corresponding one of thelevers 131 engages. - The
guide ridge 143 is formed to project from the inner side of the articulatedcover 140 and preferably has the form of a slightly spiral track. Therefore, it is preferable that thestepped part 142 is formed at the junction area of the starting point and ending point of the spiral track of theguide ridge 143, as shown inFIG. 3 , and one of the end points face thetip end 131 a of thecorresponding lever 131 at the basic or normal position of thecorresponding lever 131. In the basic position, the first and secondextension pipe sections - Hereinbelow, operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to
FIGS. 4 and 5 . - As shown in the drawings, in a
bendable extension pipe 100 for a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention, a firstextension pipe section 110 is connected to the cleaner body (not shown) and a secondextension pipe section 120 is connected to a suction brush (not shown), which draws in air and entrained dirt and dust from a surface to be cleaned. The first and secondextension pipe sections FIG. 5 . - That is, the user may wish to utilize the
bendable extension pipe 100 in the bent position, so that the suction brush, to which thepipe 100 is connected, can be in closest contact with a surface to be cleaned, such as when it is desired to clean a floor surface below a bed or a piece of furniture. The user then grasps therelease handle 130 that covers the firstextension pipe section 110 and exerts a downward force in the direction indicated by the arrow inFIG. 4 . - When the user grasps and depresses the
release handle 130, alever 131, preferably formed integrally with therelease handle 130, is pivoted along with therelease handle 130, so that pivoting therelease handle 130 about thehinge projections 113 causes theend 131 a oflever 131 to break away from engagement with thestepped part 142 formed on an inner side of an articulatedcover 140. At that time, the elastic member S provided in the articulatedcover 140 applies resilient restoring force to thelever 131, so that thelever 131 that has broken away from engagement with thestepped part 142 makes face-to-face contact with theguide ridge 141 and pivot along theguide ridge 141. - The
seat projection 141 preferably comprises first to third pairs ofseat projections FIG. 3 ), within which the elastic member S is installed. Thethird seat projection 141 c is formed to be projected at a position for blocking the movement of thetip end 131 a as it slides along theguide ridge 143, thereby restraining the further rotational movement of thelever 131. Accordingly, when the user grasps and depresses the release handle, the first and secondextension pipe sections levers 131 come into contact with thethird seat projections 141 c. Preferably, the folding angle between the first and second extension pipe sections is retained at about 45 degrees, but an angle of between 40 and 50 degrees is considered appropriate. - In order to return the first and second extension pipe sections to their initial position of being aligned in a straight line, where the folding angle between the extension pipe sections is zero degrees, the user may grasp the first
extension pipe section 110 and lift up the secondextension pipe section 120 connected to the suction brush (not shown), without requiring any operation or separate instrument. Thesecond extension pipe 120 is forced to pivot about the connection joint as a result of its own weight and the weight of the suction brush (not shown), which are forced downwardly by gravity. As the relationship between the extension pipe sections reach a straight line orientation, thelever 131 engages and becomes seated on the steppedpart 142 while being compressed by the elastic member S, so that the first and second extension pipe sections return to the initial straight-line orientation and are fixed thereto by the engagement of the tip end 131 a with steppedpart 142. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the user's inconvenience of having to operate a separate button or lever so as to unbend the folded extension pipe to the original straight line orientation. - As described above, according to the inventive bendable extension tube for a vacuum cleaner, since the user can provide for a bend in the extension pipe with a simple operation of a lever depression, without needing to bend his or her body or become lower in posture, it is possible to conveniently clean an area below a piece of furniture, such as a bed or sofa. In addition, since it is possible to return the extension pipe from the bent orientation to its initial straight line orientation merely by lifting the extension pipe, the user's convenience can be enhanced.
- While the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof in order to exemplify the principle of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above described and illustrated embodiments. It will be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it shall be considered that such modifications, changes and equivalents thereof are all included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1. A bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, in which the extension pipe forms an enclosed flow passage between a vacuum cleaner body and a suction brush, wherein the bendable extension pipe is capable of being selectively bent, wherein the extension pipe comprises:
a first extension pipe section;
a second extension pipe section pivotably connected to the first extension pipe section; and
a release handle selectively locking the first and second extension pipe sections into a first or second orientation, wherein the locking of the first and second extension pipe sections in the first orientation is released when a user depresses the release handle.
2. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 1 , wherein the first extension pipe section further comprises:
a tubular body;
a cylindrical joint formed at one end of the tubular body and providing a connection to the second extension pipe section; and
hinge projections formed on the tubular body that project outwardly from a surface of the tubular body so as to provide a mount for the release handle.
3. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 2 , wherein the cylindrical joint as an axis of rotation that intersects a virtual axis of the flow passage formed in the tubular body in a perpendicular orientation.
4. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 2 , wherein the hinge projections further comprise a pair of cylindrical projections formed on the opposite sides of the tubular body to project coaxially outwardly from the surface of the tubular body.
5. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 2 , wherein the release handle further comprises:
hinge slots providing for a sliding interference fit onto the corresponding one of the hinge projections, so that the release handle covers at least a part of the circumference of the first extension pipe section; and
a lever for restraining the pivotal movement of the second extension pipe section.
6. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 5 , wherein each of the hinge slots further comprise
a slot opening end that opens outwardly from the release handle and a closed end formed to correspond to the diameter of a hinge projection, and
a bottleneck section formed between the opening end and the closed end.
7. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 5 , wherein the lever is formed integrally with the release handle.
8. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 5 , further comprising:
an articulated cover that covers the cylindrical joint between the first and second extension pipe sections, the lever engaging a stop for providing the capability of selectively locking the connection joint from further rotation in the second orientation as the articulated cover is pivoted along with the second extension pipe section; and
an elastic member installed in the inner periphery of the articulated cover for elastically supporting the lever.
9. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 8 , wherein the articulated cover further comprises:
at least one seat projection on which the elastic member is seated; and
a guide ridge having a stepped part, the stepped part providing the stop, so that when the tip end of the lever being engages the stepped part, the connection joint is selectively locked from further rotation in the second orientation.
10. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 9 , wherein the tip end of the lever is supported by one of the seat projections, thereby restraining the angle from further rotation between the first and second extension pipe sections.
11. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 9 , wherein the guide ridge is formed on the inner surface of the articulated cover to project inwardly from the inner surface, and having the form of spiral track, and the stepped part being formed at the junction of the starting point and the ending point of the spiral track comprising the guide ridge.
12. The bendable extension pipe according to claim 8 , wherein the elastic member is a leaf spring.
13. A bendable extension pipe for a vacuum cleaner, in which the extension pipe forms an enclosed flow passage between a vacuum cleaner body and a suction brush and the body of the extension pipe is selectively bendable, wherein the extension pipe comprises:
a first extension pipe section;
a second extension pipe section pivotably connected to the first extension pipe section to define a joint connection therebetween; and
a release handle slidingly fitted onto a plurality of hinge projections projecting outwardly from the surface of the first extension pipe section, the release section covering at least a part of the circumference of the first extension pipe section while allowing a user to selectively depress the release handle, the release handle having at least one lever integrally formed at one end thereof;
at least one articulated cover that closes the joint connection between the first and second extension pipe sections, the lever being selectively locked as the second extension pipe section is pivoted; and
a resilient member disposed on the inner surface of the articulated cover capable of resiliently supporting the lever, and such that the locking of the first and second extension pipe sections is released when the user depresses the release handle, whereby the first and second extension pipe sections become capable of bending relative to each other.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR2003-86626 | 2003-12-02 | ||
KR1020030086626A KR20050053054A (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2003-12-02 | Extension pipe having joint for vacuum cleaner |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050115018A1 true US20050115018A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 |
Family
ID=34464792
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/829,510 Abandoned US20050115018A1 (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2004-04-22 | Bendable extension pipe for vacuum cleaner |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050115018A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1537817A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005161010A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20050053054A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1623486A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2261645C1 (en) |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090188997A1 (en) * | 2008-01-24 | 2009-07-30 | Mark Rosenzweig | Reconfigurable airflow wand |
US20100229315A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Handle for surface cleaning apparatus |
US20100229336A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2010-09-16 | G.B.D. Corp. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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JP6572426B2 (en) * | 2014-08-06 | 2019-09-11 | パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 | Suction tool and electric vacuum cleaner using the same |
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US8296901B2 (en) | 2008-01-24 | 2012-10-30 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Reconfigurable airflow wand |
US20090188997A1 (en) * | 2008-01-24 | 2009-07-30 | Mark Rosenzweig | Reconfigurable airflow wand |
US20100229315A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Handle for surface cleaning apparatus |
US9226633B2 (en) | 2009-03-13 | 2016-01-05 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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US20100229336A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2010-09-16 | G.B.D. Corp. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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US20110219557A1 (en) * | 2010-03-12 | 2011-09-15 | Euro-Pro Operating, Llc | Floor cleaning device |
US8813297B2 (en) | 2010-03-12 | 2014-08-26 | Euro-Pro Operating Llc | Floor cleaning device |
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US10299649B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2019-05-28 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US9215960B2 (en) | 2013-02-28 | 2015-12-22 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
USD810369S1 (en) * | 2015-03-26 | 2018-02-13 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaner |
US11896184B2 (en) | 2015-10-22 | 2024-02-13 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Vacuum cleaning device with foldable wand to provide storage configuration |
US10966581B2 (en) | 2015-10-22 | 2021-04-06 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Vacuum cleaning device with foldable wand to provide storage configuration |
US9962050B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2018-05-08 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US10441125B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2019-10-15 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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US10413141B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2019-09-17 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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US10441124B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2019-10-15 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
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US10729295B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2020-08-04 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US10136780B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2018-11-27 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US10136779B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2018-11-27 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
US11478117B2 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2022-10-25 | Omachron Intellectual Property Inc. | Surface cleaning apparatus |
CN114761724A (en) * | 2019-12-11 | 2022-07-15 | 阿尔弗雷德·卡赫欧洲两合公司 | Device for guiding flexible line |
US11313495B1 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-04-26 | Darryl Erickson | Rigid hose for wet/dry vacuum |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR20050053054A (en) | 2005-06-08 |
CN1623486A (en) | 2005-06-08 |
RU2261645C1 (en) | 2005-10-10 |
JP2005161010A (en) | 2005-06-23 |
EP1537817A1 (en) | 2005-06-08 |
RU2004117551A (en) | 2005-11-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAMSUNG GWANGJU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA, REPU Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JEON, KYONG-HUI;REEL/FRAME:015257/0352 Effective date: 20040420 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |