WO2015124893A1

WO2015124893A1 - Appliance storage device

Info

Publication number: WO2015124893A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/053241
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Audsley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-18
Filing date: 2014-10-31
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2016-08-18
Also published as: GB2523218A; GB201419426D0; GB201402876D0

Abstract

A device for holding an appliance, in particular a heated appliance, such as a hair iron or hair drier, in use, comprises a mounting member (112) in the form of a bracket, a support member, or chassis, (114) and a pair of silicone retaining members 116 for holding heated appliances in use. The mounting member (112) comprises a substantially U-shaped aluminium extrusion and has a pair of mounting posts (112a) on each of two surfaces that are offset by 90 degrees. One pair of the posts (112a) engages with key-hole openings (126). The mounting posts (112a) each comprise a torgue screw and a threaded rivet and sit proud of the mounting member with heads that are received in the key-hole openings 126. To engage the openings (126) with the posts (112) a the posts are firstly inserted into a large diameter portion of the opening (126) and the mounting member is then slid upwards to engage with a slot portion of the opening (126). The mounting member can be mounted to either a substantially vertical fixture or else to a substantially horizontal fixture, using clamps (120), depending upon which of the sets of posts (112a) are used.

Description

Appliance Storage Device

The present invention relates to a device for storing a heated appliance, and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with a device for storing a heated hair appliance .

In recent times the use of hair irons, for example straightening irons or curling irons or tongs, has become much more widespread. These appliances are electrically heated, usually by plugging them into a mains electricity supply, and reach temperatures of over 150 Celsius. There have been many reported instances of damage to soft furnishings and articles of furniture caused by careless placement of hot hair appliances. Unfortunately there have also been a number of instances of users or their children accidentally touching the hot part of the appliance and burning themselves as a result. Various attempts have been made to provide storage for hot hair appliances, including sleeves and holsters of one kind or another. However, the previously considered apparatus usually has one or more disadvantages. For example, some are difficult to mount, or lack versatility in where they can be mounted. Also, whilst some designs conveniently provide storage away from soft furnishings, many offer little or no protection from the heat when they are touched. Still fewer are able to accommodate appliances of different sizes.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a device for storing a heated appliance which addresses the shortcomings of the previously considered designs .

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an appliance storage device for storing a heated appliance, the device comprising at least one retaining member for retaining at least a portion of a heated appliance, a support member for supporting the at least one retaining member and a mounting member for mounting the support member to a fixture.

Preferably the retaining member is arranged to be removably supported by the support member. In a preferred arrangement the mounting member is arranged to releasably engage a substantially upright fixture or a substantially horizontal fixture. The mounting member is preferably configurable in at least two positions, and in either position the support member may be mounted substantially horizontally.

Alternatively, or in addition, the mounting member may be integrally formed with the support member, and/or may comprise a portion of the support member.

The retaining member may comprise at least one gripping portion for gripping a heated appliance. The gripping portion may be formed on an internal wall of the retaining member. The gripping portion may comprise a rib or vane. In a preferred arrangement the retaining member is provided with a plurality of gripping portions.

The retaining member may have at least one cooling portion arranged in use to promote the cooling of a heated appliance. The cooling portion may comprise a profile of the retaining member such as, but not limited to, one or more of a groove, channel, recess or aperture. In a particularly preferred arrangement the gripping portion is formed by the cooling portion.

The retaining member may comprise a flange portion for releasably engaging the support member. The flange portion may comprise a resiliently deformable lip or channel for engaging the support member. The retaining member may be generally cup-shaped and the flange portion may comprise a lip or pair of lips at an upper region of the retaining member, which may be arranged to engage an aperture of the support member.

In a preferred arrangement the support member comprises a support plate having one or more apertures for receiving one or more retaining members .

The support member may comprise one or more connecting portions for connecting with the mounting member. The connecting portion may comprise a profile portion shaped for engagement in use with a corresponding portion of the mounting member. The support member may also comprise at least one plug and/or cable retention portion for retaining a plug and/or cable of an appliance. The plug and/or cable retention portion may comprise a profile, such as a slot or aperture for receiving a portion of a cable or electrical plug of an appliance in use.

The mounting member may comprise an adjustable clamp portion for releasably engaging a fixture.

The invention also comprises a method of storing a heated appliance, the method comprising placing at least a portion of the appliance in a retaining member of a device according to any statement herein.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows, in an above perspective view, an appliance storage device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 in side view;

Figure 3 shows the device in an alternative configuration; Figure 4 shows the device during connection of a support member with a mounting member;

Figure 5 shows the device with retaining members removed;

Figure 6 shows the device in part sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows the device in front view;

Figure 8 shows the device in perspective view from below;

Figure 9 shows the device from above; Figure 10 shows the device with an appliance stored therein;

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of appliance storage device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 11 in a partly dissembled configuration;

Figure 13 shows the device of Figures 11 and 12 in part- cutaway view;

Figure 14 shows the device of Figure 13 with a protective strip partly removed; Figure 15 is a side view of the device of Figures 11 to 14; Figure 16 is a front view of the device of Figures 11 to 15;

Figure 17 is a part-sectional view of the device of Figure 16 in front view;

Figure 18 is a view from above of the device of Figures 11 to 17; and Figure 19 is a substantially exploded schematic view of the device of Figures 11 to 18.

Turning now to Figure 1, this shows, generally at 10, a device for holding an appliance, in particular a heated appliance, such as a hair iron or hair drier, in use.

The device 10 comprises three main components: Ά mounting member 12, in the form of a bracket, a support member, or chassis, 14, in the form of a shelf, and a pair of retaining members 16 for retaining a heated appliance (not shown) in use.

The mounting member 12 comprises a substantially U-shaped aluminium extrusion with T-shaped profiles 12a and 12b respectively on two sides oriented 90 degrees apart. The bracket is mountable to a fixture, such as a table top or drawer front as will be described later.

The support member comprises a substantially rectangular powder-coated aluminium plate having a return portion 14a with a T-shaped slot for engagement with either profile 12a or profile 12b of the mounting member. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the profile 12a is engaged. The support member has a pair of apertures into which are inserted the retaining members 16. Each of the retaining members comprises a slightly tapered, generally cup-shaped receptacle of moulded silicone, having an upper flange portion 16a for engaging with the aperture in the support plate, as will be described later. The retaining members also have internal gripping portions 16b, in the form of ribs or vanes for gripping a heated appliance in use, and cooling profiles 16c in the form of deep grooves on the tapered sidewalls.

In addition, a pair of key-hole slots 14c, 14d are formed at opposed edges of the support member 14, each for retaining the cable and plug of an appliance (not shown) .

Figure 2 is a side view of the device from which the engagement of the mounting member 12 with a fixture - in this case a drawer front 18 - can be seen. The mounting member 12 is located over the drawer front. A pair of clamps 20 (only one shown in this drawing) threadedly engage the mounting member and secure it to the fixture 18 by releasably tightening thumb wheels 20a. Protective rubber tips 20b are provided to increase grip and to prevent damage to the fixture 18.

Figure 3 shows the mounting member 12 in an alternative configuration, in this case attached to substantially horizontal fixture 18, comprising a table top. The support plate 14 engages the other T-shaped profile 12b. Figure 4 shows the device during set-up. In this case the mounting member is configured for mounting to a vertical fixture, as in Figure 1, The mounting member is secured to the fixture first, and then the support member is engaged and slid along the mounting member.

Figure 5 shows the retaining members 16 removed from the support member 14. These vessels are interchangeable and may be supplied separately in a plurality of different internal sizes, to accommodate differently sized appliances .

Figure 6 is s sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 1 and shows the detail of the upper flanges 16a. The flanges 16a comprise a deformable annular channel 22 which forms a tight fit with the support member 14, so that the retaining member is held securely and cannot accidentally be dislodged from the aperture. To install the retaining member 16 it is first inserted from the top into the chosen aperture in the support member. A resiliently deformable lower lip 22a of the channel 22 first contacts the edge 14e of the aperture and then becomes deflected. Finally it springs back to an equilibrium position shown in the figure and the edge 14e is held in the channel 22. The upper flange 16a is of a diameter sufficiently greater than the aperture that the vessel cannot pass through the aperture any further. Removal is done upwardly, initially causing the lower lip 22a to deflect again before the retaining member 16 can be pulled clear of its mounting.

Figure 6 also shows clearly the structure of the sidewall of the retaining member 16, including the moulded air cooling channels 16c which increase the surface area of the sidewall to assist in cooling of an appliance retained in the cup. These channels also form the gripping ribs 16b in the interior of the retaining member.

Figure 6 also shows a small aperture 24 in the support member 14. This is to receive a flush-fitting security grub screw (not shown) for securing the engagement between the support member 14 and the mounting member 12, in use. The grub screw is received in a corresponding aperture on the T-shaped profile of the mounting member. An aperture is provided on each of the two T-shaped profiles, 12a and 12b so that the mounting member can accommodate the grub screw in either orientation.

Figure 7 shows the device 10 from the front, with the retaining members in position.

Figure 8 shows the device from below. The underside of the retaining members provides a surface 16d on which a logo can be displayed. The upper flanges can also be used for this purpose.

Another feature that can be seen in this view is a pair of key-holes 26 for mounting screws (not shown) . These can be used to secure the support member 14 directly to a wall surface is this is required, as a permanent installation, for example in a salon. Figure 9 shows the device from above. The different internal sizes of the retaining members can be seen. Figure 10 shows the device with a heated appliance, in this case a hair iron 28, inserted therein. The cable 28a has been cut short in the drawing, for reasons of clarity. The device described above can be securely mounted to a plurality of different fixtures and surfaces, making it versatile enough to use in a number of settings, including the home or salon. Heated appliances of different sizes can be securely retained in the retaining members and are allowed to cool safely therein before being put away. If the retaining members are inadvertently grasped most of the heat from the appliance is kept away from the user's hand by the moulded sidewall of the retaining member which while providing air channels for cooling also grips the appliance preventing it from resting against the sidewall.

An electrical plug of the appliance can conveniently be held on the supporting member by feeding the cable into one of the specially provided slots 14c, d.

Turning to Figures 11 to 15, these show generally at 100 an alternative embodiment of the appliance holding device, in accordance with the invention. As with the embodiment above, the device comprises a mounting member 112 in the form of a bracket, a support member, or chassis, 114 and a pair of silicone retaining members 116 for holding heated appliances (not shown) in use .

The mounting member 112 again comprises a substantially U- shaped aluminium extrusion. However, the means by which the support chassis 114 engages with the mounting member 112 differs from the previously described embodiment. In particular, the mounting member 112 does not engage with the support chassis using a t-shaped profile and complementary slot. Instead the mounting member 112 has a pair of mounting posts 112a on each of two surfaces that are offset by 90 degrees. One pair of the posts 112a engages with key-hole openings 126 (shown in Figure 13) . The mounting posts 112a each comprise a torque screw and a threaded rivet and sit proud of the mounting member with heads that are received in the key-hole openings 126. To engage the openings 126 with the posts 112a the posts are firstly inserted into a large diameter portion of the opening 126 and the mounting member is then slid upwards to engage with a slot portion of the opening 126.

As with the previously described embodiment, the mounting member can be mounted to either a substantially vertical fixture 118 (Figure 15) or else to a substantially horizontal fixture, using clamps 120, depending upon which of the sets of posts 112a are used.

Whichever of the sets of posts 112a are not used for engaging with the support chassis 114 are covered by a protective strip 130, preferably of silicone material which is preferably an extrusion and has an internal profile that is shaped to engage the slots. The strip 130 can slide into and out of engagement with the posts 112a. The support chassis 114 is made of a moulded material, preferably a plastics material, in this example is of 30% glass-filled nylon. It has a more reinforced periphery 114a that is also a more rounded shape than the support member of the previously described embodiment. The chassis 114 receives the moulded silicone appliance retaining members 116 in apertures which also have a reinforced lip, and the retaining members 116 differ from those of the previous embodiment in a number of respects, as will now be described with reference to Figures 16 to 19.

Figures 16 to 19 show the retaining members 116 which keep the upper flange portions 116a for engaging with apertures in the chassis 114. In this embodiment the flange portions 116a are raised somewhat and are reinforced. The members 116 also retain the inner gripping portions 116b and the outer cooling profiles 116c. In addition they each have a raised circular base 116d and around the base 116d are drainage holes 116e, to allow the egress of any moisture that may have found its way into the vessels 116 during use . To ensure rigidity of the chassis strengthening members are employed, in the form of a pair of strengthening side ribs 132 and optionally a larger strengthening central rib 134. These are preferably moulded into the chassis 114 to extend between the portion of the chassis that engages the mounting member 112 and the generally planar portion that receives the retaining members 116.

The flanges 116a of the retaining members 116 and the protective strip 130 are raised up above the chassis 114, and this allows a heated appliance to be placed temporarily so that it lies across the chassis, resting only on the silicone parts 116 and 130 and without touching the chassis. However this is not the intended method of use and is provided only as an added safety measure.

As with the previously described embodiment, the device may be permanently attached to an upright surface by disengaging the mounting bracket 112 and using suitable fixings through the key-hole openings 126 into e.g. a wall (not shown) . Cable stowage is again provided in the form of key-hole openings in the chassis 114c and 114d.

The examples described above have two retaining members and can simultaneously hold two heated appliances. However, alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown) could provide three or more retaining members in order to hold more appliances.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

An appliance storage device for storing a heated appliance, the device comprising at least one retaining member for retaining at least a portion of a heated appliance, a support member for supporting the at least one retaining member and a mounting member for mounting the support member to a fixture.

A device according to Claim 1, wherein the retaining member is arranged to be removably supported by the support member.

A device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting member is arranged to releasably engage a substantially upright fixture or a substantially horizontal fixture.

A device according to Claim 3, wherein the mounting member is configurable in at least two positions, and in either position mounts the support member in a substantially horizontal configuration.

A device according to any of Claims 1-4, wherein the retaining member comprises at least one gripping portion for gripping a heated appliance.

A device according to Claim 5, wherein the gripping portion is formed on an internal wall of the retaining member .

7 . A device according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the gripping portion comprises a rib or vane.

8. A device according to any of Claims 5-7, wherein the retaining member is provided with a plurality of gripping portions.

9. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member has at least one cooling portion arranged in use to promote the cooling of a heated appliance.

10. A device according to Claim 9, wherein the cooling portion comprises a profile of the retaining member such as, but not limited to, one or more of a groove, channel, recess or aperture.

11. device according to Claim 9 or 10, when dependent upon any of Claims 5-8, wherein the gripping portion and the cooling portion are integrally formed.

12. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining member comprises a flange portion for releasably engaging with the support member .

13. A device according to Claim 12, wherein the retaining member is generally cup-shaped and the flange portion comprises a lip or pair of lips at an upper region of the retaining member, for engaging an aperture of the support member.

14. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member comprises a support plate having one or more apertures for receiving one or more retaining members .

15. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member comprises a connecting portion for connecting with the mounting member.

16. A device according to Claim 16, wherein the connecting portion comprises a profile portion shaped for engagement in use with a corresponding portion of the mounting member.

17. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member comprises at least one cable retention portion for retaining a cable of an appliance .

18. A device according to Claim 17, wherein the cable retention portion comprises a profile, such as a slot or aperture for receiving a portion of a cable or electrical plug of an appliance in use.

19. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting member comprises an adjustable clamp portion for releasably engaging a fixture.

20. A method of storing a heated appliance, the method comprising placing at least a portion of the appliance in a retaining member of a device according to any of Claims 1-19.