Abstract:
The present invention is a device that permits the extension tube of a spray nozzle to be retracted by coiling.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to spray nozzles and, more particularly, to extension tubes attached thereto.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Extension tubes are widely used with spray nozzles to facilitate easier access to tight spaces and to concentrate the flow of a sprayed substance onto a small target. For example, an extension tube attached to the nozzle of a spray can containing a deicing liquid makes it easier to direct the flow into the keyhole of a frozen lock.  
         [0003]     Current extension tubes are often lost or damaged because existing designs do not offer effective means of storing them. As a result, the usefulness of the associated spray can is greatly diminished because the extension tube is no longer available.  
         [0004]     Hailey (U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,068) describes a holder for an extension tube affixed to the outside of a spray can. Such a design, though, requires that the tube is laboriously inserted into the spray nozzle before each use, and then consistently returned to the holder after each use. In addition, it exposes the tube to potential damage and clogging by environmental hazards and debris.  
         [0005]     Spurlock and Kellogg (U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,631) describe an extension tube with an articulated joint (similar to a flexible drinking straw) that permits the tube to be bent at a right angle or an obtuse angle and taped to the side of the spray can. That design also leaves the extension tube exposed when not in use, subject to potential damage and clogging.  
         [0006]     Riley and Riley (U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,657) describe what is essentially a leash for the extension tube, consisting of a ring in which the tube fits at the end of a flexible cord. This design shares Hailey&#39;s weaknesses, making unnecessary demands on the user and leaving the extension tube unprotected.  
         [0007]     Clearly, an improved design would effectively protect the extension tube and minimize demands on the user.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention is a device that permits the extension tube of a spray nozzle to be retracted by coiling.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I depicts the components of one embodiment of the present invention.  
       [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a top view of one embodiment of the present invention, with the top of the cap removed to show the extension tube coiled, in its fully retracted position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     In one embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , an extension tube  101  is attached to the nozzle  102  of a spray can  103 . The cap  104  of the spray can  103  has an opening  105  in its side through which the extension tube  101  may project when the cap  104  is attached to the top rim  106  of the spray can  103 . The cap  104  of the spray can  103  also has an opening  107  in its top through which the head piece  108  may project when the cap  104  is attached to the top rim  106  of the spray can  103 . Both the extension tube  101  and the cap  104  may be detached. The spray can  103  may always be operated by pressing downward on the head piece  108 , whether the extension tube  101  or the cap  104  is attached or detached.  
         [0011]     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , when the extension tube  201  is attached to the nozzle  202  and the cap  203  is attached to the top rim  204 , the extension tube  201  may be coiled inside the cap  203  by rotating the cap  203  in one direction. The extension tube  201  may be uncoiled by rotating the cap  203  in the opposite direction, or by detaching the cap  203  from the top rim  204 .  
         [0012]     While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.