Abstract:
A device to prevent a sink sprayer hose from becoming caught on under sink plumbing, such as shut-off valves, is herein described. The device comprises a semi-circular shield and a hinged retaining mechanism mounted to an underside of a kitchen sink around shut-off valves and adjacent to the sink sprayer hose. It is held in place to the wall or cabinet surface via a foam adhesive tape. The sprayer hose rests against it, thus preventing it from becoming caught on the shutoff valve as it is withdrawn. This allows for full withdrawal of the hose and elimination of the aggravation that occurs when the hose becomes caught on the valve/piping that is present.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on May 19, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to spray hose retainers, and in particular, to a retention clip for a spray wand hose for use under a sink. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many kitchen sinks are equipped with a sprayer hose that pulls out from next to the faucet. It is typically used to clean off plates and cookware that are either too large or too cumbersome to clean with the water stream from the faucet. The hose for the sprayer is approximately three (3) feet long and hangs below the sink when not in use. As such, it is prone to becoming caught on objects as it is withdrawn from the sink, primarily on the handle of plumbing shut-off valves that protrudes from the wall. This forces the user to stop whatever they are doing in the sink, dry their hands, and crawl under the sink cabinet to correct the situation leading to increased frustration and aggravation. In addition to being an inconvenience, this interference and entanglement can cause damage to the plumbing fittings and to the hose if the user continues to pull on the hose without freeing it. 
     Various solutions have been presented to remedy these problems. Examples of these types of devices can be seen by reference in several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,675,847, issued in the name of Pierre, discloses an under-sink hose retainer having a “U”-shaped hose retainer with a hollow interior for storing the hose and mounted under the sink. U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,717, issued in the name of Hertz, discloses a plumbing valve cover for avoiding interference with a faucet hose having a bracket mounted under the sink to cover the plumbing valves. 
     While these devices may accomplish their specific intended purpose, each suffers from one or more disadvantage or deficiency with respect to design, function, or effectiveness. In particular, these devices do not provide an effective method of retaining the hose in a position away from the objects which interfere with the extension and return of the hose. Additionally, the sprayer hose may become caught on these devices and may get entangled with other under-sink objects. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which hoses from sink sprayers can be kept free and untangled from under-sink protrusions and objects. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device which provides a simple and effective way to prevent sink sprayer hoses from become entangled with under-sink objects. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which positions the spray hose away from under-sink plumbing or other under-sink objects that typically become snagged on the hose. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which retains the spray wand at the position away from under-sink plumbing or other under-sink objects that typically become snagged on the hose. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple to mount at a desired location on a wall or cabinet underneath a sink basin. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple and intuitive to use with little to no training. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is durable and economical to manufacture. 
     One (1) or more of these and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a retention clip device for a spray wand hose comprising a generally curved retainer for retaining the spray wand hose in a position away from under-sink plumbing to avoid entanglement with the plumbing as the spray wand hose is extended and returned and a generally curved mount secured to a vertical under-sink surface for removably attaching the retainer. The retainer includes an upper surface, a lower surface, an interior sidewall, and an exterior sidewall. The exterior sidewall provides an inwardly curved groove for receiving the spray wand hose. The mount includes a flat member having an upper surface and a lower surface. 
     In at least one embodiment these objects are achieved by providing the retainer having at least two mounting posts protruding from the lower surface and the mount having at least two (2) keyhole mounting apertures for removably receiving the mounting posts. The heads of the mounting posts are suitably sized to fit within the keyhole aperture upper sections and the shafts of the mounting posts are suitably sized to fit within the keyhole aperture lower sections. 
     The retainer also includes a latch disposed on an end portion for securing the spray wand hose to the retainer within said groove. The latch spans from the retainer upper surface to the retainer lower surface over the groove and is securable in a closed position. 
     These objects are also achieved by providing a method of retaining the spray wand hose in a position away from under-sink plumbing to avoid entanglement with the under-sink plumbing as the spray wand hose is extended and returned. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the invention may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The invention can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a retention clip for a spray wand hose  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a retainer  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an opposing perspective view of the retainer  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a front view of the retainer  20  depicting a latch  25  in a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is another front view of the retainer  20  depicting the latch  25  in an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the retainer  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mount  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an opposing perspective view of the mount  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the retention clip for a spray wand hose  10  depicting the retainer  20  and the mount  30  engaged, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10 
                   retention clip for a spray wand hose 
                 
                 
                   11 
                   faucet 
                 
                 
                   12 
                   spray wand 
                 
                 
                   13 
                   spray wand hose 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   plumbing 
                 
                 
                   15 
                   interior surface 
                 
                 
                   20 
                   retainer 
                 
                 
                   21 
                   upper surface 
                 
                 
                   22 
                   lower surface 
                 
                 
                   23 
                   first post 
                 
                 
                   24 
                   groove 
                 
                 
                   25 
                   latch 
                 
                 
                   26 
                   hinge 
                 
                 
                   27 
                   second post 
                 
                 
                   28 
                   aperture 
                 
                 
                   30 
                   mount 
                 
                 
                   31 
                   mount upper surface 
                 
                 
                   32 
                   mount lower surface 
                 
                 
                   33 
                   key hole 
                 
                 
                   34 
                   adhesive foam pad 
                 
                 
                   35 
                   protective cover 
                 
                 
                   36 
                   adhesive surface 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a retention clip for a spray wand hose (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a semi-circular shield used to prevent a spray wand hose  13  from becoming entangled with plumbing features  14 , such as shut-off valves or piping which are located in a cabinet interior surface  15  below a faucet  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. As a spray wand  12  is lifted and retracted from the faucet  11  the spray wand hose  13  has a tendency to loop around the plumbing  14  which causes a user to have to untangle the spray wand hose  13  from the plumbing  14 . The device  10  generally comprises a retainer  20  and a mount  30 . The device  10  enables the spray wand hose  13  to rest around the device  10  which prohibits the spray wand hose  13  from becoming entangled with the plumbing  14 . The device  10  is preferably fabricated from a durable plastic material, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 5 , various views of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the retainer  20 ,  FIG. 3  depicts an opposing perspective view of the retainer  20 ,  FIG. 4   a  depicts a front view of the retainer  20  further depicting the latch  25  in the closed state,  FIG. 4   b  depicts another front view of the retainer  20  further depicting the latch  25  in the open state, and  FIG. 5  depicts a rear view of the retainer  20 . The retainer  20  comprises a semi-circular form which covers approximately ninety degrees (90°) to one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°) of a circular arc. The preferred embodiment of the device  10  comprises a semi-circular form comprising a one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°) arc and for clarity of illustration will be presented as such, however, it is understood that other arc dimensions may be used without limiting the scope of the device  10 . In use, an upper surface  21  of the retainer  20  would be facing toward the user and a lower surface  22  would be facing toward a mount  30  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     The device  10  comprises a thickness defined by an interior sidewall and an exterior sidewall. The surface of the exterior sidewall comprises a curved groove  24  which extends the entire outer length of its semi-circular form. The groove  24  guides the spray wand hose  13  and enables the spray wand hose  13  to rest therein. The diameter of the groove  24  is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the spray wand hose  13 , thereby enabling the spray wand hose  13  to rest within the groove  24 . The lower surface  22  of the retainer  20  comprises a pair of posts  23  which enable the retainer  20  to engage a pair of key holes  33  on the mount  30  (see  FIG. 8 ). Each post  23  is “T”-shaped and located on a distal and a proximal end which are integrally molded into the lower surface  22  of the retainer  20 . 
     The device  10  further comprises at least one latch  25  on at least one terminating end side of the retainer  20 . Although illustrated having a single latch on one end of the retainer  20 , it is understood that in alternate embodiments the latch  25  may be configured in an opposing orientation to allow the device  10  to be used with various under cabinet plumbing  14  configurations. Preferably, the latch  25  is disposed at an upper most point of the curved retainer  20 . Additionally, the device  10  may comprise a pair of opposing latches  25 , having a latch  25  at each end of the curved retainer  20 . The arcuate latch  25  provides a means to guide and secure the spray wand hose  13  to the retainer  20 . The latch  25  pivotally opens and closes via a hinge  26  and encircles the hose  13  between the latch  25  and the groove  24 . The hinge  26  is attached to the lower surface  22  via fasteners or through integral molding techniques. The hinge  26  allows for the pivoting of the latch  25  to an open state such that the spray wand hose  13  may be positioned within and for the pivoting of the latch  25  to a closed state such that the spray wand hose  13  is secured between the groove  24  and latch  25 . Opposing the hinge  25  is a securing means to the latch  25  comprising a second post  27  and an aperture  28 . The second post  27  comprises a “T”-shaped member which is integrally molded and protrudes from the upper surface  21 . The aperture  28  is located on an underside surface of the latch  25  and engages the second post  27  to secure the latch  25  in the closed state using an interference fit connection. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the mount  30  and  FIG. 7 , an opposing perspective view of the mount  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The mount  30  enables the device  10  to be secured to a desired vertical interior surface  15  where the plumbing  14  is located for the faucet  11 . The mount  30  preferably comprises a semi-circular form which mirrors that of the retainer  20  and a slightly smaller width than that of the retainer  20  to provide proper engagement of the retainer  20  to the mount  30  allowing for pivoting motion of the latch  25 . The mount  30  comprises at least one pair of key hole fasteners  33  on a distal and a proximal end of the mount  30  at prescribed locations to correspond to the pair of first posts  23 . The key holes  33  receive the first post  23  which secures the retainer  20  to the mount  30 . The lower surface  22  of the retainer  20  is positioned against a mount upper surface  31  for mounting purposes. The mount  30  depicts the preferred embodiment which generally matches the outline of the retainer  20  in order to provide a minimal footprint on the interior cabinet mounting surface, however, it can be appreciated that the mount  30  may comprise various shapes which can be attached the to mounting surface and to which the retainer  20  can be connected. 
     A mount lower surface  32  comprises a plurality of adhesive foam pads  34  which are utilized for removably securing the mount  30  to the desired vertical surface. The adhesive foam pads  34  are secured to the mount lower surface  32  via integral molding or adhesive. Each adhesive foam pad  34  comprises a protective cover  35  and an adhesive surface  36 . The protective cover  35  is comprised of a non-stick substrate material such as wax paper, which allows the adhesive foam pads  34  to remain tacky before securing to the desired vertical surface  15 . The protective cover  35  is peeled away from the adhesive foam pads  34  to reveal an adhesive surface  36  which secures the mount  30  to the desired vertical interior surface  15 . Each adhesive foam pad  34  is an appropriate thickness to provide a suitable standoff as to allow the posts  23  to be inserted into each respective key hole  33  and an appropriate width to correspond to the width of the mount  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the device  10  depicting the retainer  20  and the mount  30  engaged, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed.  FIG. 8  depicts each post  23  as inserted into each key hole  33  and the protective covers  35  removed from each adhesive foam pads  34 . The mount  30  is positioned on the lower surface  22  of the retainer  20  with the securing means of the latch  25  unobstructed to enable the latch  25  to be positioned in an open or closed state as necessary. In use, the user secures the adhesive foam pads  34  to the desired vertical interior surface  15  below the faucet  11  nearest to the spray wand hose  13 . The height of the adhesive foam pads  34  enable the posts  23  to be inserted into the largest diameter of the key hole  33  and to be slid to the narrowest portion of the key hole  33  which secures the retainer  20  to the mount  30 . The retainer  20  is able to be removed from the mount  30  as necessary by disengaging the posts  23  from the key holes  33 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the device  10 ; removing the protective cover  35  from each adhesive foam pads  34  on the mount  30 , thus revealing the adhesive surface  36 ; adhering the adhesive surface  36  to a desired vertical interior surface  15  near the spray wand hose  13 , thereby suspending the mount  30 ; engaging the posts  23  with a respective key hole  33  with the latch  25  upright; disengaging the second post  27  from the aperture  28  and pivoting about the hinge  26  to open the latch  25 ; routing the spray wand hose  13  in the groove  24  of the retainer  20 ; pivoting the latch  25  about the hinge  26  and engaging the second post  27  with the aperture  18  to secure the spray wand hose  13  with the latch  15 ; utilizing the spray wand  12  as usual and enabling the spray wand hose  13  to move within the groove  24 ; and, effectively controlling sprayer wand hoses  13  under faucets  11  in a manner which is quick, easy, and effective. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.