The present invention relates to a holder as described in the preamble of claim 1 .

Thin flexible elongated objects such as hoses, ropes, cords, wires or cables are common tools or aids used for a variety of purposes.

For example, hoses are used for transferring fluid material in the form of liquid. A hose for use at home, a garden hose, is thus prevalently used for transfer of water for gardening or for cleaning of objects. Further, hoses are very commonly used in the industry.

When using a hose it can be a challenge to unroll the hose without creating tangles which may prevent a free flow of fluid.

Another challenge is storage of the garden hose when this is not being used.

This problem has by the creative person been attempted solved by hanging a rolled-up hose on, for example, a discarded wheel rim. Thus, the garden hose is nicely organized and retained. Several variants have been developed, both as injection molded plastic components for wall-mounting or as mobile hose holders, where the hose is rolled up onto a reel.

A more sophisticated solution is shown in US 4,765,584, which discloses an arrangement for attaching a hose to the pipework of a water pump. The hose is arranged on a holder shaped like two opposing forks with three teeth.

Other arrangements are made of wire products, in which several pieces of wire are combined to form a holder. Such solutions are for that matter excellent in terms of the function, to arrange an unused garden hose, but have other disadvantages. A number of pieces of wire combined to form the product must necessarily be glued or welded together. The welded joints on the product are more exposed to corrosion. Welding is also a more time- consuming and thus costly process, particularly if a large number of weldings are required.

Based on the outlined disadvantages there is a need for an improvement.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a simpler but improved version of a holder for flexible elongated objects, which solves the outlined disadvantages of the prior art.

This is according to the invention achieved by designing the holder as stated in claim 1 , in that the holder is constituted by a continuous wire bent in a pattern in such a way that the holder appears with a surface.

In more detail, the invention discloses a holder for rolled-up hoses, wires, cords, ropes or similar flexible elongated objects, said holder is adapted for mounting on a wall, post or the like, where the holder is constituted by a continuous wire bent in a pattern so that the holder appears with a surface. It is on the surface of the holder that the flexible elongate objects can be arranged.

The surface of the holder is according to the invention achieved in that the pattern, in which the continuous wire is bent, has a wave-shaped or labyrinth-shaped section or course.

In an embodiment, the surface of the holder is designed such that an arched or concave shape is formed, which can make it easier to place the flexible elongate object on the holder. This refers to the longitudinal direction of the holder.

Furthermore, a part of the surface of the holder is bent to form a first wall. This is expediently accomplished in that an area in which the wave-shape occurs is isolated from the surface by a bend. In other words, one end of the wave-shaped section is bent to form a first wall. The angling of the first wall relative to the surface may advantageously be 90 degrees but is not limited thereto, so that the first wall can be used for mounting the holder on a house wall or a post.

In an embodiment, the first wall is angled between 45 and 135 degrees with respect to the surface, by which the flexible elongated object to be placed on the holder can be rolled up tightly.

In another embodiment, the other end of the wave-shaped section is bent to form a second wall. In this way, the surface is bent with two side walls, which form a stop for the elongated object when it is rolled up on the holder in order to not easily fall off the holder. The side wall may be bent at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the surface without this being considered limiting for the invention.

In an embodiment, the second wall is angled between 45 and 135 degrees with respect to the surface. Such an angle has the advantage that the elongated object is held in position on the holder and can easily be released over the edge of the holder.

In yet another embodiment, the holder surface is shaped in a pattern. The actual holder surface, between the bent wall or walls which is/are adapted to hold the elongated object, can assume any shape that supports the elongated object when this is rolled up. If a shape is desired, for example, with edges, this can freely be formed by appropriate bends. In a particularly appreciated embodiment, the extent of the holder surface is arched.

One issue is the extent of the holder surface. Another issue is the extent of the wave-shaped section. In an embodiment, at least one of the waves of the wave-shaped section has a shape, which can be anything from a perfect circular over an elliptical to a polygonal and further to a pointed shape. Although a wave-shaped circular shape is an appreciated shape, it is thus possible to freely design the wave in any desirable shape, including an angular shape, a star shape, as a symbol drawn by the wire or as a pointed shape. In an embodiment at least one of the waves of the wave-shaped section is designed in an angular shape, star shape or draws a symbol or sign.

In yet another appreciated embodiment, at least a section of the continuous wire forms an eye adapted for use as an anchorage for mounting of the holder on a wall, post or the like.

In one embodiment, the wave height is configured in a uniform format. In another embodiment, the waves have varying heights.

In yet another embodiment, the shape of at least one of the waves of the surface is different from another wave of the surface.

In an embodiment the wave length of at least one of the waves of the surface is different from the wave length of another wave of the surface.

A holder according to the invention is in an embodiment characterized in that it is made from a wire, which at least contains metal. A non-limiting list of metals which could be part of the wire could be iron, aluminum, copper, zinc, where the metal can be included alone or combined in an alloy. In one embodiment, the wire is an alloyed wire in the form of a stainless steel wire. In another embodiment, the wire is a copper wire or a bronze wire.

In another embodiment, the wire contains a natural material, such as bamboo, willow or the like, which is machined and shaped according to the invention.

In an embodiment, the wire contains a synthetic material. In an embodiment the wire contains a plastic material. In an embodiment, the wire comprises fibers of glass, carbon, kevlar or other similar materials which form a flexible but yet strong wire.

The wire can in yet another embodiment be coated with a coating of metal or plastic. The wire can in an embodiment be coated with a protective layer in the form of paint.

As it appears, it is desirable that the holder is made from a wire which is flexible and resilient.

In an embodiment, the cross-section of the wire is circular. Other embodiments with a wire having a triangular or polygonal cross-section may, however, be anticipated for achieving greater strength, an exclusive appearance or for obtaining a greater friction on the supported object such that this does not easily slide off the holder. An arbitrary shape can be obtained by use of an extruder.

For mounting the holder according to the invention a mounting kit for the holder is presented as part of the invention, which comprises a fixation tool in the form of a template with notches for fixing the holder in a shape in which the surface of the holder is arched. The mounting kit also contains one or more circular discs for retaining the holder against the wall, and one or more screws for mounting the holder on the wall. Suitable plugs for wall mounting can also be part of the mounting kit. The mounting kit can be tailored to the individual holder by choosing screws made from the same material as the holder, for example weather-resistant stainless steel. As an added refinement, the circular mounting plates can bear the logo of the manufacturer or sales organization and be in a color which matches the holder. The circular discs can be made of metal or plastic. In an embodiment the discs contain plastic and/or metal.

For the template it applies, that it is equipped with a first notch for receiving one end of the holder and a number of notches for receiving the other end of the holder. In an embodiment one or more notches are provided with an indication of which diameter of the arched section of the holder is obtained by fixation in that particular notch. Hereby, is achieved that the holder can be formed into a desired shape prior to it being held by the template in order to mark its position on the wall and mounting.

The holder may further be described as: a holder consisting of an unbroken wire, wherein the holder is formed as a plurality of sections, where a section comprises a length in which the unbroken wire runs in a first direction over a first section of the extent; after which follows a second section which forms a path leading back in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction of the first section; and wherein the unbroken wire runs over a third section of a length corresponding to the first section; to be followed by a fourth section which forms a path leading back in a second direction which is opposite to the third length but follows the first direction; said three process steps are repeated for the number of desired sections, and wherein at least part of the length of the second and the fourth section further follows a direction which is angled with respect to the plane in which the first and the third section are extending.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent from the following embodiment of the invention, which is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, showing:

Fig. 1 , a 3D view of a holder for rolling up a flexible and elongated object formed by a bent continuous wire in a shape ready for mounting on a wall, post, etc.,

Figs. 2 - 7, a 2D drawing of an embodiment of a holder, in which the continuous wire is bent only in one plane (horizontal),

Fig. 9 -12, various cross-sectional views of a holder viewed in a second plane (vertical),

Fig. 13, a section of a holder in which a mounting disc is arranged for fixing the holder on a surface, Fig. 14, a cross-section of a mounting disc mounted on a holder and fastening means in the form of a screw, and

Fig. 15, a template for handling the holder in a bent state for mounting on a wall, post, etc.

As it appears from fig. 1 of the drawing, a holder 1 for rolling up a flexible, elongated object (not shown) is shown. The holder 1 is formed by a bent continuous wire 2 having an appropriate diameter. It is bent in a shape ready for mounting on a wall, post or the like in a position where it is convenient to store the object, which may be a hose, a wire, a cable, a cord or other flexible elongated objects, which one would want to roll up when they are not being used. As is apparent from Fig. 1 , the holder 1 is bent so that it has a surface 3 and a first side wall 4 and a second side wall 5. The side wall 4 is here provided with mounting loops 6 intended for fastening the holder to a wall, post or the like. The holder 1 will when mounted on a wall be fixed in the desired shape and is more convenient for handling and storage of the intended object.

Figs. 2-7 show a working operation of the holder 1 , wherein the side walls 4, 5 are not yet bent. During the manufacturing, the wire is guided, while it is extending in a movement from one side to the other, such that a wave-like shape is obtained. The change of direction forms a semi-circle 7 having a desired radius. The semi-circle thus forms a wave- or finger-like shape. As can be seen by comparing Figs. 2 and 3, the wire end can terminate in an anchoring eye 6 of different dimensions depending on the specific wishes for mounting the holder 1 on the supporting surface. Fig. 4 shows, in comparison with Fig. 3, that the anchoring eye 6 can be designed such that it is oriented in any direction in preparation for mounting or fixation on the supporting surface.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the holder 1 wherein the amplitude of the individual waves 8 in the holder 1 is of various sizes. In this manner the bent side walls achieve a particularly attractive or exclusive appearance, which also facilitates an easier roll up and retaining of the elongated object on the holder.

A special embodiment is shown in Fig. 6, wherein a single wave 8 has an amplitude that is different from the amplitude of the majority of the waves. By bending the side wall 5 it is ensured that this wave is not bent in the first sequence in which all of the other waves are bent, but bent in a second sequence exclusively intended for bending of this wave, by which is achieved that the height of the upright side wall 5 has the same length as all the waves or fingers. The wave having an amplitude which is extra high is thus protruding out from the object or having a wider surface for which reason there is a gap between the bent side wall 5 and the wave. This gap can be used for fixing the loose end of the flexible elongated object, or to hold an accessory. In a practical application, the loose end of a garden hose or possibly a nozzle or closing mechanism mounted to the end of the hose can be held in the gap. In an embodiment, multiple elongated waves can constitute a holding mechanism for an accessory. In yet another embodiment, the fingers or waves, which protrude from the side wall 5, have a different height with respect to the side wall 5. In an embodiment, the waves are shorter and in another they are longer than the side wall 5. In an embodiment, the wave turns in the part which constitutes the surface 3, such that a finger is not formed but rather a gap.

As illustrated in Fig. 7 showing yet another embodiment of the holder, the form of the waves is not limited to a semi-circle but may, due to function or for design reasons, be designed such that waves form a pointed or conical shape. It is clear that in an embodiment wherein the holder is to be used alternatively as a holder for tools, garden equipment etc., a pointed shape will be particularly suitable. It is also in the spirit of the invention that a wave or finger may be designed specifically to form a logo, a figure or a text, thereby giving distinctiveness to the invention. As shown in Fig. 8, the waves of the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 can be provided with an individual geometry. It is understood that, Figures 2-8 show a preliminary stage to the ready product in which the sidewalls 4, 5 are not yet bent. Figs. 9 to 12 show examples of the cross-section of the holder 1 wherein the side walls 4, 5 are bent. The variations shown in Figs. 1 to 12 should not be construed as exhaustive of all possibilities but only as examples. Fig. 9 thus shows an embodiment in which the side walls 4, 5 are both bent at a right angle and have a plane surface. Fig. 10 differs from Fig. 9, in that the surface 3 is not plane. A non-planar surface 3 can be attractive for an easier rolling up of the hose-shaped object, or be designed to achieve a more exclusive and attractive design. As a special variant of Figs. 9 and 10, Fig. 1 1 shows that an embodiment can have a plane side wall 4 at one side and a surface 3 which is not plane and have a side wall 5 which is not departing at a right angle. Fig. 12 differs from Fig. 1 1 in that the side wall is arched. The purpose of this can be to obtain a better rolling up of the hose-shaped object on the holder 1 or purely be for design-related reasons.

Furthermore, Fig. 13 shows a mounting disc 9 which is adapted to hold the wire 2, preferably in an eye 6 or to the end of a wave, and is further adapted to be attached to the supporting surface by means of a screw 10 or the like. Fig. 14 shows a cross section through the mounting disc 9 having a screw 10 mounted. As can be seen, the mounting disc 9 is provided with a recess 1 1 , which is adapted to grip the wire 2. The mounting disc 9 may in an embodiment be made from a plastic material. If a more exclusive look and better weather resistance is desired, the mounting disc may be made from metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, brass, copper, etc. When choosing materials it must be taken into account how the different materials work together in terms of corrosion. This applies to the interaction of the wire, mounting disc and screws. The choice can also be dependent on the design.

The invention also includes a mounting kit in the form of a template 12 which is provided with a notch 13 intended to grip the wire 2 in the holder 1 in its surface 3 of the last finger, and where a plurality of notches 14 are provided at regular intervals. Depending on the desired curvature of the surface or diameter of the holder 1 , the template 12 retains the holder 1 in a desired bent shape for mounting on the support surface. The template 12 is further adapted such that the screws 10 and mounting discs 9 can be retained by the template before mounting. It is a simple and easy solution which ensures that all parts necessary for assembly of the holder 1 against the support surface are included in the package. The complete package with the holder 1 and mounting kit in the form of the template 12, mounting discs 9 and screws 10 is flat and compact even though the holder when mounted on the support surface is arched and forms what looks like a semi-circle. This saves costs for packaging and transportation. With a display panel on the packaging the product appears attractive and exclusive.

The examples of embodiments shown are not exhaustive of the possible embodiments of the invention. For the sake of simplicity, the various cross- sections of the wire 2 are not shown, which for the sake of properties, appearance, etc. may be constructed with any cross-section. Further, the wire 2 can be coated or painted.

The wavelength is in all the embodiments shown as a firm and uniform wavelength. However, this should not be construed as limiting to the invention. Thus, it will be part of the present invention that the wavelength from wave to wave may vary such that each separate wave may draw a different radius.