Bendable extension pipe for vacuum cleaner

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.

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.