Abstract:
The present invention provides a holder for storing accessories on a wet/dry vacuum. The holder securely attaches to the vacuum and readily detaches therefrom. The detachable holder may be detached with the accessories. While an operator dumps debris out of the drum of the vacuum, detaching the holder prevents the accessories from being inadvertently spilled out of or discarded from the holder. The detachable accessory holder fully secures to a bracket attached to the vacuum. The secure attachment prevents the holder from falling off or tipping on the vacuum. To attach the holder to the bracket and vacuum, grooves on the holder are set on to an axle of the vacuum. As the holder is pivoted about the axle, tabs and a latch on the holder engage slots and a step on the bracket. To remove the holder, the operator presses on the latch and lifts the holder from the bracket and the appliance.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a detachable holder for storing tools or accessories on an appliance and, more particularly to a holder storing accessories on a wet/dry vacuum and being securably attachable to and readily detachable from the vacuum.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Vacuums may include holders for storing accessories, such as brushes, crevice tools, extension wands, end fitting, etc. In some examples, the holders are permanently secured to the vacuum and cannot be readily removed. In other examples, the holders are portable and detachable members that are independent of the vacuum. Detachable holders are especially desirable, for example, when an operator empties debris from a drum of a wet/dry vacuum.  
           [0005]    Unfortunately, existing detachable holders for accessories on wet/dry vacuums have some disadvantages. Some existing detachable holders slip fit onto the vacuum and do not positively latch or attach to a feature on the vacuum. With such a slip fit, the detachable holder can work loose and possibly fall off during use or movement of the vacuum. In addition, some existing detachable holders hang on posts or tabs attached to the vacuum. These detachable holders are not fully supported by the posts or tabs and may spill the accessories or catch on stairs when the vacuum is hauled or moved.  
           [0006]    For example, a detachable holder  30  for accessories as exemplified in the prior art is illustrated in FIG. 1. The holder  30  is shown in relation to a wet/dry vacuum  10 . The vacuum  10  has a drum  12  and a handle  14 . A bracket  20  mounts to the back of the vacuum  10  adjacent the handle  14 . Two tabs  22   a  and  22   b  having a T-shape are located on the handle bracket  20 . Two slots  34   a  and  34   b  are positioned on the holder  30 . The holder  30  is placed adjacent the bracket  20 . To attach the holder  30  to the bracket  20 , the tabs  22   a  and  22   b  position through the slots  34   a  and  34   b , and the holder  30  hangs from the tabs  22   a  and  22   b . The holder  30  is designed for easy removal. Unfortunately, being held only with the tabs  22   a  and  22   b , the holder  30  may tip when the vacuum is moved. Furthermore, the holder  30  may catch on stairs when the vacuum is tilted and moved on a staircase. To permanently attach the holder  30  to the vacuum  10 , an operator may strap the bottom of the holder  30  to the vacuum  10 , which does not allow for easy detachment.  
           [0007]    The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    In one embodiment, among others, the present invention provides a holder for storing accessories on a wet/dry vacuum. The holder securely attaches to the vacuum and readily detaches therefrom. The accessory holder detachably couples to a pivot location on the vacuum and secures to the vacuum. The secure attachment prevents the holder from falling off or tipping on the vacuum. To attach the holder to the vacuum, grooves on the holder are pivotably coupled to an axle of the vacuum. The holder is then pivoted about the axle. Tabs on the holder engage slots on a bracket attached to the vacuum. A flexible latch on the holder aligns with a step on the bracket. To remove the holder, the operator presses on the latch to disengage it from the step, and the operator lifts the holder from the bracket and the vacuum.  
           [0009]    The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the invention disclosed herein, but merely to summarize some aspects of the present invention, among other aspects. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    The foregoing summary, a preferred embodiment, and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 illustrates an accessory holder according to the prior art in relation to a wet/dry vacuum.  
         [0012]    FIGS.  2 A-B illustrates a side view and a back view of a detachable accessory holder and an appliance in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0013]    FIGS.  3 A-B illustrate a frontal view and a side view of an embodiment of a detachable accessory holder in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of the detachable accessory holder in a stage of attachment to the bracket and vacuum.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 4A.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of a pivot point on the accessory holder and a pivot location on the vacuum for FIG. 4B.  
         [0017]    FIGS.  5 A-B illustrate a top view and frontal view of an embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the detachable accessory holder in another stage of attachment to the bracket and vacuum.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the detachable accessory holder in yet another stage of attachment to the bracket and vacuum.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the detachable accessory holder completely attached to the bracket and vacuum. 
     
    
       [0021]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives failing within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]    Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers″ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.  
         [0023]    Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an embodiment of an accessory holder  50  for holding accessories is illustrated attached to an appliance  100  in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 2A, the accessory holder  50  and appliance  100  are illustrated in a side view. In FIG. 2B, the accessory holder  50  and appliance  100  are illustrated in a back view.  
         [0024]    In the present embodiment of the invention, the appliance  100  for use with the accessory holder  50  is a wet/dry vacuum. The vacuum includes a drum  112 , a handle  114 , wheels  116   a  and  116   b , and an axle  118 . For convenience, the motor portion of the vacuum  100  is not shown. Although the present embodiment of the accessory holder  50  is illustrated for use with the wet/dry vacuum  100 , it is understood that the present invention is applicable to, but not limited to, standard vacuums, carpet cleaning machines, or other appliances having accessories. Having a detachable accessory holder  50  for such appliances may be beneficial when they require movement, maintenance, cleaning, or storage.  
         [0025]    The accessory holder  50  stores accessories or tools (not shown) for use with the vacuum  100 . The holder  50  may be composed of a lightweight and sturdy material, such as polypropylene. The accessory holder  50  includes a compartment  52  for storing accessories (not shown). The holder  50  securely attaches to the appliance  100  and easily detaches therefrom.  
         [0026]    To attach the holder  50  to the vacuum  100 , a pivot portion  57  situated at a lower end of the holder  50  removably and rotatably couples to a pivot portion  107  on the vacuum  100 . In the present embodiment, the pivot location  107  is the axle  118  of the vacuum  100 . It is understood, however, that the pivot location  107  can include any fixed location on the vacuum  100  allowing for the holder  50  to pivot thereon. In one example, the pivot location  107  can be one or more pegs (not shown) extending from the drum  112  of the vacuum  100 .  
         [0027]    Once coupled to the axle  118 , the holder  50  is rotated on the axle  118  towards the vacuum  100 . A connection portion  53  situated at an upper end of the holder  50  is positioned adjacent the vacuum  100  and is positively coupled to a connection portion  103  of the vacuum  100 . The positive coupling of the holder  50  at least restricts the holder  50  from being pivoted away from the vacuum  100 . The holder  50  is held onto the vacuum  100  by the coupling of the pivot portion  57  with the axle  118  and the coupling of the connection portion  53  with the connection portion  103  of the vacuum  100 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holder  50  is restricted from being moved away from the vacuum  100  in at least two directions. Preferably, the holder  50  is restricted from being pivoted or rotated away from the vacuum  100  in a first or rotational direction P and from being lifted off the vacuum  100  in a second or radial direction L.  
         [0028]    Referring to FIGS.  3 A-B, an embodiment of the accessory holder  50  is illustrated in front and side views. The accessory holder  50  includes a sidewall  51 , which defines a compartment  52  for holding or storing the accessories. Although the present embodiment of the holder  50  includes the compartment  52  for storing the accessories, it is understood that other arrangements for holding accessories known in the art are also applicable to the present invention. For example, the holder  50  can include a system of racks (not shown) to which the accessories mount.  
         [0029]    For the pivot portion  57  situated at the lower end of the holder  50 , the holder  50  includes one or more pivot points or grooves  58   a  and  58   b . In the present embodiment, the compartment  52  does not fully extend along the entire backside of the vacuum  100  so that the holder  50  includes extensions or legs  56   a  and  56   b . Each leg  56   a  and  56   b  includes one of the pivot points or grooves  58   a  and  58   b  on its distal end. The pivot points or grooves  58   a  and  58   b  detachably couple with the pivot location or axle of the vacuum, as best shown and described below with reference to FIGS.  4 - 8 . Preferably, the holder  50  includes two pivot points or grooves  58   a  and  58   b  distanced to extreme sides of the compartment  52  for better stability when the holder  50  is coupled to the axle and pivoted thereabout as described below.  
         [0030]    For the connection portion  53  situated at the upper end of the holder  50 , the holder  50  includes one or more first or male members  54   a  and  54   b  projecting from the side of the holder  50 . The first members  54   a  and  54   b  include tabs  55   a  and  55   b  having ends facing towards the pivot points or grooves  58   a  and  58   b . The first or male members  54   a  and  54   b  positively couple to the vacuum  100 , as described below. When positively coupled, the first members  54   a  and  54   b  restrict the holder  50  from being detached from the vacuum in at least one direction, i.e., pivoted away from the vacuum. Preferably, the holder includes two members  54   a  and  54   b  distanced to extreme sides of the compartment  52  for better stability when the holder  50  is attached to the vacuum  100  as described below.  
         [0031]    The accessory holder  50  also includes a movable or retractable member  60  disposed on the holder  50 . The movable or retractable member  60  is a latch flexibly attached to the side of holder  50 . The latch  60  is preferably positioned between the members  54   a  and  54   b . In this way, the latch  60  is accessible by an operator from the upper end  53  of the holder  50 .  
         [0032]    The latch  60  includes the first positive stopping surface or shoulder  62 , an operator surface  64 , and a flexible portion  66 . The first positive stopping surface or shoulder  62  faces away from the pivot or grooves  58   a  and  58   b  and engages another stopping surface on the vacuum, as described below. Once engaged with the vacuum, the latch  60  selectively permits or restricts detachment of the holder  50  from the vacuum in the second or radial direction away from the pivot location or axle, as described below. The operator surface  64  may be corrugated, permitting easy recognition and use of the latch  60  by the operator. The flexible portion  66  enables the latch  60  to be selectively engaged or disengaged as described below.  
         [0033]    The secure attachment and easy detachment of the preferred embodiment of the accessory holder  50  will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.  4 - 8 . Referring to FIGS.  4 A-B, the accessory holder  50  is shown in a first stage of attachment to the vacuum  100 . In FIG. 4A, the accessory holder  50  and the vacuum  100  are illustrated in a top view. In FIG. 4B, the accessory holder  50  and the vacuum  100  are illustrated in cross-section. For convenience, the accessory holder  50  in FIG. 4B is illustrated in an uneven cross-section A-A shown in FIG. 3. The uneven cross-section A-A permits a view of tab  54   a  and latch  60 , which are not axially aligned on the holder  50 .  
         [0034]    The accessory holder  50  mounts to the vacuum  100  by first positioning or detachably connecting the grooves, such as the groove  58   a  shown, on the pivot location or axle  118  of the vacuum  100 . The holder  50  is rotatable relative to the vacuum  100  in a first or rotational direction P about the axle  118 . In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, the pivot portion  57  at the lower end of the holder  50 , such as the leg  56   a  shown, can include a rounded protrusion or knuckle  59   a . In this instance, the pivot portion or pivot location on the vacuum  100  is a rounded indentation or notch  117  attached to the drum  112 . This reversed pivot configuration works similarly to the groove and axle configuration discussed herein. Accordingly, a number of detachably coupling and rotatable configurations known in the art are applicable to the present invention. For example, the configuration can include a ball and socket or other configuration allowing for a detachable and rotatable coupling or joint.  
         [0035]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum  100  includes a bracket  80  for the connection portion of the appliance. The bracket  80  is attached to an upper portion of the appliance  100  for positively coupling with the connection portion  53  at the upper end of the accessory holder  50 . As best shown in FIG. 4A, the bracket  80  is attached to the back of the vacuum  100  adjacent the handle  114 . For convenience, the bracket  80  in FIG. 4B is illustrated in an uneven cross-section B-B shown in FIG. 5B. The uneven cross-section B-B permits a view of components, which are not axially aligned on the bracket  80 .  
         [0036]    Although the embodiment disclosed herein includes the bracket  80  attached to the vacuum  100 , it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that having the bracket  80  as a separately attached component to the vacuum  100  facilitates manufacture of the vacuum  100 . Therefore, it is understood that elements and features of the bracket  80  may be integral to the vacuum  100  in other embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0037]    Referring to FIGS.  5 A-B, the bracket  80  is illustrated in an isolated top view and a frontal view. The bracket  80  may be composed of a lightweight and sturdy material, such as polypropylene. In an upper surface  81 , the bracket  80  defines openings  82 a and  82   b  for the handle. The bracket  80  includes one or more second or female members  84   a  and  84   b , which are slots in the present embodiment. The slots  84   a  and  84   b  are defined in the upper surface  81  at opposite ends of the bracket  80 . The slots  84   a  and  84   b  are distanced equivalent to the first members  54   a  and  54   b  on the holder  50  to which they positively couple (See FIG. 4A).  
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket  80  also includes inclined structures or ramps  86   a  and  86   b  facilitating the attachment of the holder to the bracket  80 . The ramps  86   a  and  86   b  are disposed adjacent the slots  84   a  and  84   b . As best shown in FIG. 5B, the ramps  86   a  and  86   b  extend from an edge  83  of the bracket  80  and incline towards the slots  84   a  and  84   b.    
         [0039]    As will be discussed in more detail below, the ramps  86   a  and  86   b  engage or interact with the first members  54   a  and  54   b  of the holder  50  when attaching to the bracket  80 . Advantageously, the ramps  86   a  and  86   b  allow the operator to attach or secure the holder  50  to the bracket  80  in a single pivoting motion. In addition, the ramps  86   a  and  86   b  may further include guides  87  to direct the first members  54   a  and  54   b  to the slots  84   a  and  84   b.    
         [0040]    The bracket  80  also includes a second positive stopping surface or retaining step  90 . The second positive stopping surface  90  is intended to engage or align with the first positive stopping surface  62  of the latch  60 , as best shown and described below. The first and second positive stopping surfaces  62  and  90  at least restricts the holder  50  from being lifted off the vacuum.  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 6, the accessory holder  50  is illustrated in a further stage of attachment to the vacuum  100 . The accessory holder  50  is further rotated about the axle  118  towards the vacuum  100  in the first or rotational direction P. The two first members  54   a  and  54   b  of the accessory holder  50  engage the ramps  86   a  and  86   b  of the bracket  80 . The first members  54   a  and  54   b  are moved towards the adjacent slots  84   a  and  84   b  defined in the bracket  80 .  
         [0042]    As the first members  54   a  and  54   b  ride on the ramps  86   a  and  86   b , the accessory holder  50  is raised upward or displaced in a second or radial direction L away from the axle  118 . The displacement of the holder  50  eventually allows the first members  54   a  and  54   b  to insert into the slots  84   a  and  84   b , as detailed below. The grooves  58   a  and  58   b  slightly separate from or rise off the axle  118 , as the holder  50  is moved in the second or radial direction L. Therefore, the grooves  58   a  and  58   b  are preferably deep enough to remain coupled to the axle  118 .  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIG. 7, the accessory holder  50  is illustrated in yet a further stage of attachment to the vacuum  100 . As pivoting of the holder  50  is continued in the first or rotational direction P, the first members  54   a  and  54   b  position to a point of nearly inserting or dropping into the slots  84   a  and  84   b . The latch  60  of the holder  50  contacts the retaining step  90  of the bracket  80  and flexes at the flexible portion  66 .  
         [0044]    Referring to FIG. 8, the accessory holder  50  is shown in a completed stage of attachment to the vacuum  100 . With the continued pivot of the holder  50  in the first or rotational direction P from that illustrated in FIG. 7, the first members  54   a  and  54   b  position over the slots  84   a  and  84   b . The slots  84   a  and  84   b  receive the first members  54   a  and  54   b  therein, as the holder  50  moves in the second or radial direction L towards the axle  118 . With the tabs  55   a  and  55   b  disposed in the slots  84   a  and  84   b , detachment of the holder  50  is restricted from the bracket  80  in the first direction P.  
         [0045]    As the holder  50  drops or moves towards the axle  118 , the shoulder  62  of the latch  60  surpasses or moves past the retaining step  90  of the bracket  80 . The latch  60  flexes back to its equilibrium position, and the shoulder  62  and step  90  align or engage with one another, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The alignment or engagement of the shoulder  62  with the step  90  restricts detachment of the holder  50  from the bracket  80  in the second or radial direction L away from the axle  118 . Thus, the shoulder  62  and step  90  prevent the holder  50  from inadvertently being lifted up and off its mounted or attached position.  
         [0046]    Continuous engagement or contact between the shoulder  62  and the step  90  is not necessary to prevent detachment or removal of the holder  50 . In general, the holder  50  is constrained from moving in the second direction L by the force of gravity. Accordingly, the shoulder  62  and step  90  need only be aligned for potential engagement with one another if the vacuum  100  is tilted or moved. Overall, the holder  50  is constrained by the engagement or coupling of the grooves  58   a  and  58   b  with the axle  118 , by the engagement or coupling of the first members  54   a  and  54   b  with the slots  84   a  and  84   b , and by the alignment or engagement of the shoulder  62  with the step  90 .  
         [0047]    To remove the accessory holder  50 , the shoulder  62  of the latch  60  can be selectively disengaged from or unaligned with the step  90  on the bracket  80 . The latch  60  is simply pressed or flexed back by the operator until the shoulder  62  clears the step  90 . The accessory holder  50  is then unrestricted and is permitted to move in the second or radial direction L. The holder  50  can be lifted, removing the first members  54   a  and  54   b  from the slots  84   a  and  84   b  and uncoupling the grooves  58   a  and  58   b  from the axle  118 . The holder  50  is then free of the bracket  80  and the vacuum  100 .  
         [0048]    As evidenced above in the preferred embodiment, the first members  54   a  and  54   b  and the slots  84   a  and  84   b  act together to restrict detachment of the holder  50  from the bracket  80  in the first or rotational direction P. It is considered an equivalent structure if the connection portion of the holder  50  includes female members, such as slots defined in the holder  50 , and if the connection portion of the appliance  100  includes male members, such as tabs disposed on the bracket  80  or upper end of the appliance  100 . For example, such tabs may project from the bracket  80  and may have ends pointing upwards. The slots defined in the holder  50  may face down and lift over and onto the up-turned tabs during the pivoting action.  
         [0049]    Furthermore, ramps on the connection portion of the holder  50  may be disposed adjacent slots defined in the holder  50 . These ramps may have an inverted inclination so that they lift the holder  50  or move the holder  50  away from axle  118  when engaging the up-turned tabs on the bracket  80 . This opposite tab/slot arrangement performs the same functions as other embodiments described herein. For brevity, this alternative embodiment of the present invention is not illustrated, as one of ordinary skilled in the art may readily make and use the opposite tab/slot arrangement with the benefit of the present disclosure.  
         [0050]    The first members  54   a  and  54   b  and slots  84   a  and  84   b  in the embodiment illustrated in the FIGS.  5 - 8  offer one structure to restrict movement of the holder  50  in the first or rotational direction P. Other equivalent structures for restricting movement of the holder  50  in the first or rotational direction P can include, but are not limited to, other suitable male and female members, such as hooks and slots, T-shaped structures and respective apertures, or catches and nooks. The design and implementation of such equivalent structures for restricting movement of the holder  50  in the first or rotational direction P fall within the ordinary skill of one in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure.  
         [0051]    As also evidenced above in the preferred embodiment, the shoulder  62  and the step  90  act together to restrict detachment of the holder  50  from the bracket  80  in the second or radial direction L away from the axle  118 . It is considered an equivalent structure if a latch having a shoulder is flexibly attached on the bracket  80  and a retaining step disposed on the holder  50 . The shoulder on the latch may face downward or towards the pivot location  118 , and the step on the holder  50  may face upwards or away from the pivot points  58   a  and  58   b  on the holder  50 . This reversed shoulder/step arrangement performs the same functions as other embodiments described herein. For brevity, this alternative embodiment of the present invention is not illustrated, as one of ordinary skilled in the art may readily make and use this reversed shoulder/step arrangement with the benefit of the present disclosure.  
         [0052]    As evidenced above in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the ramps  86   a  and  86   b  advantageously allow the operator to attach or secure the holder  50  to the bracket  80  in a single pivoting motion. Although not preferred, the bracket  80  may not include these ramps  86   a  and  86   b , thereby requiring the operator to slightly lift the holder  50  to insert the first members  54   a  and  54   b  into the slots  84   a  and  84   b . Alternatively, the first members  54   a  and  54   b  on the holder  50  can themselves include an inclined structure on the end to contact the edge  83  of the bracket  80  and displace the holder  50  in the second or radial direction L.  
         [0053]    Moreover, to displace the holder  50  in the second direction L during pivoting in the first direction P, an inclined structure or ramp can be disposed on the holder  50  or bracket  80  independently located from the tabs  55   a ,  55   b  and slots  84   a ,  84   b . Such an independent structure can be used to displace the holder  50  and mate the tabs  55   a  and  55   b  and slots  84   a  and  84   b  in the second or radial direction L. Such alternative inclined structures for displacing the holder  50  in the second or radial direction L fall within the ordinary skill of one in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure.  
         [0054]    While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, obvious modifications and alterations are possible by those skilled in the related art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention include all such modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.