U.S. patent application number 10/849103 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for garden hose and cord guide.
Invention is credited to Ferris, Mitch.
Application Number | 20040232276 10/849103 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33457282 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040232276 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferris, Mitch |
November 25, 2004 |
Garden hose and cord guide
Abstract
A garden hose and cord guide has been developed which can be
inserted into the ground and keeps the hose or cord from damaging
the garden environment. The garden hose and cord guide has the
advantages of being easy to use, height adjustable, and allows for
free and natural movement of the cord or hose if needed.
Inventors: |
Ferris, Mitch; (Oakland,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
33457282 |
Appl. No.: |
10/849103 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60471891 |
May 19, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/615.1 ;
242/615.2; 242/615.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 57/26 20130101;
B65H 2701/34 20130101; B65H 57/06 20130101; B65H 57/14 20130101;
B65H 2701/33 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/615.1 ;
242/615.2; 242/615.3 |
International
Class: |
B65H 057/06; B65H
057/26 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A garden hose and/or cord guide, comprising a head comprising a
channel guide; and a body attached to the head.
2. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising
a foot bar.
3. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising
an end spike.
4. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said
channel guide further comprises at least one roller.
5. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said
channel guide further comprises an open channel.
6. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising
a handle attached to the head.
7. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said body
is height adjustable.
8. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said head
and/or body is swivelable.
9. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising
additional stabilizers.
10. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 6, wherein the
handle is part of the head.
11. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further
comprising an opening for insertion and removal of the hose and/or
cord.
12. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 8, wherein said head
is swivelable by the use of threads.
13. A garden hose and/or cord guide, comprising a head comprising a
channel guide; a body attached to the head; a handle attached
beneath the head; a foot bar attached near the bottom of the body;
and wherein said head is swivelable and comprises rollers for
movement of the garden hose and/or cord through the channel guide.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
application 60/471,891, filed May 19, 2003, which is incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to a garden hose and cord
guide which positions a hose or cord. For example, the guide may
position a hose or cord away from plants to reduce damage to the
garden environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Damage can easily occur to plants, soil, and even garden
equipment, when garden hoses and equipment containing cords are
used in the garden environment. For example, as plants grow in a
yard, they need to be trimmed and watered. This normally involves
dragging a garden hose or carrying a weed trimmer cord through the
yard. When this is done it is very easy to damage delicate plants.
In a matter of seconds, very expensive plants can be easily bent
over and severely damaged by hoses and cords. As watering or weed
trimming progresses, there is usually a need to pull more hose or
cord in order to reach the entire distance of the yard. The hose
and cord are jerked and pulled in order to extend them to the
proper length. The jerking and pulling can further damage plants.
Previous equipment and methods to reduce this type of damage suffer
from one or more of the following problems and inconveniences; they
are hard to remove once inserted into the ground, they are low to
the ground; they require extra help and concentration to guide the
hose between rocks, plants, etc.; they are hard to spot and can be
easily tripped over; they come out of the ground easily; and the
hose or cord can easily become disengaged from the equipment. Thus,
a better method for protecting the garden from damage is
needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One embodiment is a garden hose and/or cord guide, which has
a head with a channel guide and a body attached to the head. In a
further embodiment, the garden hose and/or cord guide may also have
a foot bar. In a further embodiment, the garden hose and/or cord
guide may also have an end spike, wherein the end spike allows
insertion and removal of the garden hose and or cord guide into a
material so as to stabilize it. In a further embodiment, the
channel guide may also have at least one roller. In a further
embodiment, the channel guide may also have an open channel.
Further embodiment of the garden hose and/or cord guide may also
have a handle attached to the head. Further, in some preferred
embodiments, the body may be height adjustable. The head and/or
body may be swivelable.
[0005] One embodiment is a garden hose and/or cord guide,
comprising a head comprising a channel guide; and a body attached
to the head. In one aspect of the embodiment, the garden hose
and/or cord guide can further comprise a foot bar, and/or an end
spike. In a further aspect of the embodiment, the channel guide can
further comprise at least one roller, and/or an open channel. In a
further aspect of the embodiment, the garden hose guide can further
comprise a handle attached to the head. In a further aspect of the
embodiment, the body may be height adjustable and the head and or
body may be swivelable. In a further aspect, the garden hose guide
may further comprise additional stabilizers. In a further aspect of
embodiment, the handle may be part of the head. In a further aspect
of the embodiment, the garden hose guide can further include an
opening for insertion and removal of the hose and/or cord. In one
aspect the head may be swivelable by the use of threads.
[0006] A further embodiment is a garden hose and/or cord guide,
comprising a head comprising a channel guide; a body attached to
the head; a handle attached beneath the head; a foot bar attached
near the bottom of the body; and wherein the head is swivelable and
comprises rollers for movement of the garden hose and/or cord
through the channel guide.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
garden hose guide.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the garden hose guide in accordance
with a preferred embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3A is an enlarged plan view of the head of the garden
hose guide in accordance with an embodiment containing an open
channel.
[0010] FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view of the head of the garden
hose guide in accordance with an embodiment with no channel.
[0011] FIG. 3C is an enlarged plan view of the head of the garden
hose guide in accordance with an embodiment showing one of the
possible directions of movement of several of the rollers.
[0012] FIGS. 4A-C are plan views of the garden hose guide in
accordance with a preferred embodiment showing the body
details.
[0013] FIGS. 5A-D are plan views of several different embodiments
of the foot bar for the garden hose guide.
[0014] FIGS. 6A-E are plan views of embodiments of the garden hose
guide comprising an optional swivel neck design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The garden saver, also referred to herein as a garden hose
guide, a garden cord guide, and a garden hose and cord guide,
protects the garden from being damaged by such equipment as weed
trimmers and garden hoses. This tool is used to guide garden hoses
and electrical cords up and away from plants in the yard. Although
other applications will be apparent to the user, it is portable and
can typically be easily placed in or on the ground anywhere in the
yard, and adjusted to a height such that it cradles and guides
hoses and cords in a desired direction, for example, away from
plants. When present, the optional swiveling neck moves with the
natural motion of a hose or cord, thus replacing the need for an
extra person standing and holding the swiveling hose or cord in
their hands. The vertical upright design makes it easy to find and
work with in the yard. When present, the rollers allow for easy
movement of the cord or hose through the garden hose guide.
[0016] Although discussed herein in relation to a garden hose or
electrical cord, one of skill in the art will recognize that the
garden saver may be used for any type of cordage, including, for
example and without limitations, garden hose, rope, string, twine,
electrical cord, Christmas light cord, cable, and fiber. The garden
hose guide may be made to be ornamental in addition to its utility
by adding sculptures, molding or painting and drawings. For
example, the garden hose guide can be decorated with garden motifs,
Christmas motifs, or any type of decorative motifs. The garden hose
guide may be used alone, in multiples, or in combination with other
guides.
[0017] In addition, although described with respect to its utility
in the garden, it will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the
guide may be used in many different applications and settings,
including but not limited to: golf courses, factories, landscaping,
pool areas, and restaurants.
[0018] General Description
[0019] Generally, the garden hose guide is comprised of a channel
guide and a body. The channel guide allows for the movement of the
hose or cord through the garden hose guide. The body allows for the
attachment of the garden hose guide into or on a surface in a
desired position. In addition, the garden hose guide may further
contain one or more of the following: a handle for easier insertion
and/or movement; a foot bar to allow use of the foot to insert the
garden hose guide into the ground or other surface; an end spike
for easier insertion into the ground; height adjustment; and a
swivelable head or channel guide. Further additions or alternatives
may be envisioned by one of skill in the art.
[0020] Generally, the garden hose guide 1 can be constructed from a
variety of material alone or in combinations, including, but not
limited to metal, such as aluminum, steel, iron, plastic,
fiberglass, and rubber.
[0021] Top Handle Grip and Head
[0022] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C the Top Handle
10 can be made from a metal tubing, solid steel welded together,
fiberglass, copper tube, aluminum or strong plastic. It can be a
solid or hollow rod. The top handle may also include rubber handle
grips 15. The top handle 10 can be welded or threaded to the roller
channel guide 150. The head 100 may be composed of a variety of
materials depending on the embodiment produced. The rollers 51, if
used, can be made, for example, from smooth hard plastic, or a
non-corrosive metal.
[0023] Swivel Neck
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 6A-6E, the swivel neck 110, if used,
can be made, for example, from steel with bearings that move
freely, or any metallic joint that would allow a movement of
preferably.gtoreq.10.degree- ., more preferably.gtoreq.45.degree.,
more preferably.gtoreq.90.degree., more
preferably.gtoreq.120.degree., more preferably.gtoreq.180.degree.,
and even a free 360.degree. movement. The swivel neck 110 can lock
down or move freely. The swivel neck can include a separate locking
mechanism to prevent movement if not desired. If a heavier metal
pipe is used this neck 110 could be made from the simple joining of
two threaded pieces of pipe material. To create the swivel effect,
the threads could simply be turned counter-clockwise. The joint can
be secured with a metal pin that would keep the Roller Channel
guide 150 secured to the swivel neck 110.
[0025] Main Shaft
[0026] The design of the garden hose guide 1 preferably comprises a
main shaft. The main shaft (body 200) is preferably a cylindrical
body 200 composed of a single tube or rod or composed of two or
more tubes which fit within each other to allow for height
adjustment. The metal body 200 can have several height adjustment
holes 230 positioned thereon so it can be raised or lowered as
needed. The body 200 can be made of any material which is strong
enough for the type of hose or cord which will be held, including
but not limited to: aluminum, steel, fiberglass or plastic and can
be a solid or hollow tube. In other embodiments, the body 200 is a
tube which is rectangular, square, triangular or any shape which is
known to one of skill in the art. The body 200 can be any height
which allows it to "clear" the substance or thing to be protected.
In one embodiment, the body 200 is preferably from about 2 inches
high to about 6 feet in length in order to hold the hose or cord
above plants and at a comfortable level for the user, including but
not limited to, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7.5 inches,
10 inches, and 11 inches. In a further embodiment, the body is
preferably from about 1 foot to about 6 feet, including but not
limited to, 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, 3 feet, 3.5 feet, 4 feet,
4.5 feet, 5 feet, and 5.5 feet in length. Of course, the height of
the body 200 can vary depending upon what it is being used for and
may even be as long as about 10 feet.
[0027] Foot Bar
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the foot bar 300 can be
made of metal, fiberglass or other material that is strong enough
to support the weight and pressure of someone pushing it into the
ground with one or both feet. The foot bar can be flat with
optional foot gripping metal slits, or may simply be a tube or rod
attached or continuous with the main body 200. The foot bar can
also have small protruding mini spikes 210 that dig into the ground
to help stabilize the unit.
[0029] End Spike
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 5B and 5D, the optional end spike
400 of the garden hose guide 1 can be a solid or hollow spike that
preferably has a point on the end allowing it to be easily pushed
into the ground to keep the hose guide 1 firmly in place. This
spike 400 can be permanently attached to the body 200 (for example,
by welding) or may be removeably attached, for example, threaded
onto the foot bar 300 section.
[0031] General Construction
[0032] The garden hose guide can be made from a variety of
materials including combinations of metal, aluminum, plastic,
fiberglass, steel and rubber. Parts of the garden hose guide can be
made from different materials and attached by any method known to
one of skill in the art, including, but not limited to molding,
melting, casting, gluing, cementing, soldering, and pressure
sealing. Further, parts of the garden hose guide can be treated to
be slicker, for example the spike 400 or body 200 to allow it to
move more freely into the ground, or may be rubberized. Other parts
may be rubberized, for example, to prevent slipping, including hand
grips and foot grips. Alternatively, the entire garden hose guide
can be cast of entirely the same material. With reference to FIGS.
1, 2, 3A and 3B one embodiment of the garden hose guide 1 is
exemplified and the construction and use will be described in
relation to this embodiment. It is to be understood that different
embodiments may allow alternative construction methods known to one
of skill in the art.
[0033] Top Handle Grip
[0034] The top of the garden hose guide can be used as a handle 10
for gripping in order to push the garden hose guide 1 into the
ground. This handle 10 can be attached to a metal neck that swivels
110. This allows the handle 10 to move with the motion of the
garden hose or electric cord.
[0035] Channel Guide
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the channel guide 150 (or
roller channel guide) can have special rollers 51 that move freely.
The rollers 51 can spin and provide a smooth gliding function as a
garden hose or electric cord passes through the roller channel
guide 150. The channel guide 150 can include a convenient opening
(see FIG. 3A, number 30 and FIG. 6D number 30) built in to allow a
garden hose or electric cord to be inserted or removed at any time
without having to completely pull the garden hose or electric cord
through the channel guide 150. The roller channel guide 150 may be
optionally constructed in a variety of ways, two examples of which
are shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A. In FIG. 1 the roller channel guide 150
is circular. A roller channel guide 150 with a circular shape can
aid in the smooth movement of a hose or cord through the roller
channel guide 150.
[0037] Swivel Neck
[0038] With reference to FIGS. 6A-6E, the swivel neck 110 below the
channel guide 150 can allow the entire top section including the
handle 10 and the channel guide 150 to move laterally up to
360.degree., including but not limited to 45.degree., 90.degree.,
120.degree., 180.degree., 240.degree. and 300.degree.. This
movement can allow the entire top of the garden hose guide 1 to
move with the natural motion and movements of a garden hose or
electric cord.
[0039] Main Shaft
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 4A-5C, the body 200 or main shaft,
can be a cylindrical rod and can optionally allow the garden hose
guide 1 to be raised or lowered as needed. For example: for garden
hose use, a shorter height works best because of the extra weight
of a water-filled garden hose. For electrical cord use, a taller
height works well because electric cords are normally lighter than
water-filled garden hoses. The body 200 can be strong but can also
be slightly flexible in order to provide stability to the garden
hose guide 1.
[0041] Foot Bar
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 4A-5D, the bottom of the garden hose
guide can be equipped with a horizontal bar used for foot placement
to push the garden hose guide 1 into the ground. The Foot bar 300
makes contact with the ground and stabilizes the garden hose guide
when the garden hose guide is pushed into the ground.
[0043] End Spike
[0044] The end spike 400 of the garden hose guide consists of a
solid or hollow metal spike that has a point on the end allowing it
to be easily pushed into the ground to keep the garden hose guide
firmly in place. It will be understood that there are a wide
variety of means for attaching the garden hose guide 1 to other
types of surfaces for which it may be placed. For example, a flat
stand or base may allow it to be more easily put on solid surfaces,
a suction cup could be used for glass surfaces, etc.
[0045] With reference now to FIGS. 1-6, preferred embodiments of
the garden hose guide 1 arranged and configured in accordance with
certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention
will be described in detail. The garden hose guide is generally
configured to contain a head 100 with a handle 10, a body 200, a
foot bar 300, and an end spike 400. Generally, when in use, one can
grasp the handle 10 and push the end spike 400 into the ground or
another soft substance. The foot bar 300 can be used to push the
end spike 400 into the ground. The garden hose guide 1 is
preferably inserted far enough into the ground or other surface so
that the foot bar 300 stabilizes the garden hose guide 1 and helps
to keep it from tipping or moving. The hose can be placed through
the channel guide 150 and optional rollers 51 can be added to allow
for smoother movement of the hose or cord through the head 100.
Further embodiments may contain an opening 30 in the channel guide
150 to allow for convenient hose or cord insertion. Further
embodiments may contain an adjustable body 200 to allow for height
adjustment (see also FIG. 4C). The embodiment of the garden hose
guide 1 shown in FIG. 4C allows for changing the height of the
garden hose guide by changing the length of the body 200. In this
embodiment, this is accomplished with the use of two discontinuous
parts 210 and 220 of the body 200 which fit together and may
include holes 230 and pegs 250 for movement of one in relation to
the other. Further embodiments may contain a swivelable head 100 or
body 200 to allow for movement with the hose. Alternatively, the
head 100 and/or body 200 may be locked in place. A number of
alternatively embodiments will now be described with reference to
the related Figures.
[0046] FIG. 1 provides one preferred embodiment of the garden hose
guide 1. FIG. 1 presents an embodiment providing a rigid body 200,
a foot bar 300 containing spikes 210 (see also FIG. 5B) to allow
for more stable attachment, a handle 10 with grips. In this
embodiment, the handle 10 is positioned below the swivel head 100
to the ground. Further the channel guide 150 is circular and
contains an opening 31. This embodiment could be advantageously
constructed of solid materials allowing for a thinner body 200. The
channel guide 150 also contains rollers 51 to allow for easier
movement of the hose or cord through the channel guide 150. It is
envisioned that the rollers may be of any configuration which would
allow easier movement without catching the hose or cord. For
example, a series of rollers may be used as shown in the figure or
alternatively a single roller which extends substantially the
length of the channel guide 150 could be used. For example,
depending on the length of the roller 51, between 1 and 30 rollers
could be used, including but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 25, 28, and 30. The rollers 51 may actually
roll with the movement of the hose or cord, or alternatively, they
may just provide reduced friction. In a further embodiment, the
channel guide 150 can also include rubber spacers 31 or other
stopping mechanisms at either side of the channel 30. These can be
removable or permanent to keep the hose or cord from exiting the
channel 30. Alternatively, the rubber stoppers 31 may be flexible
to open the channel 30 as the hose is inserted and then spring back
to close it after insertion.
[0047] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the head 100 comprises
the handle 10, the neck 110, and the channel guide 150. In FIG. 3A,
the channel guide 150 contains an opening 30. The opening 30 allows
one to insert or remove the hose or cord more easily than having to
snake the hose or cord through the space 20 in the center of the
head 100. The handle 10 may be configured in any shape which allows
for easy and comfortable grasping. In one embodiment the handle 10
is a bar that is straight. However, other embodiments may be, for
example, curved, circular, oval and may also contain grips or
handles which are ergonomically shaped. The handle 10 can be thick
for easier grasping or can be thinner. In some embodiments the
handle 10 is a continuous unbroken bar from one end to the other.
However, it can alternatively have spaces or discontinuities. The
handle 10 can also be continuous with either side 25 of the channel
guide 150. In FIG. 3B, the channel guide 150 is continuous and has
no openings 30. However, when the opening 30 is present as in FIG.
3A, it can be envisioned that the opening 30 may be of a wide
variety of sizes depending on the use. It can be made large enough
to insert a cord but small enough to keep the cord from easily
coming out of the channel guide 150. Alternatively, the opening 30
may be made of a size large enough to insert a hose, but small
enough that the hose will not easily come out of the channel guide
150. The opening 30 may further comprise a retractable lever, such
as that seen in carabiners for the insertion of ropes. The channel
guide 150 may be any shape which allows for the insertion of a hose
or cord, including but not limited to square, circular,
rectangular, triangular, and oval. The channel guide 150 shown in
FIG. 3B is of a square or rectangular shape and comprises four bar
25, however one of skill in the art can envision a variety of sizes
and shapes for the channel guide 150 which may vary depending on
the type of cord or hose and the use. Other embodiments can be seen
in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 the roller channel guide 150 is circular which
can aid in the smooth movement of a hose or cord through the roller
channel guide 150.
[0048] In FIGS. 3A, 3C and 6A one advantageous aspect of a
preferred embodiment of the channel guide 150 may be seen. Although
not necessary for working of the garden hose guide 1, the addition
of one or more rollers 51 to the channel guide 150 may be
particularly advantageous. It can be envisioned that as the hose is
moved through the channel guide 150 for example, toward or away
from the garden hose guide 1, one or more rollers 51 can aid in the
smooth movement of the hose. Alternatively, a slick material may be
used to make or coat the channel guide 150 to allow for a smoother
movement of the hose or cord. When rollers 51 are included on the
side of the channel guide 150 closest to the handle 10, it may be
advantageous to include a gap 21 between the roller and the handle
10. In other embodiments one handle serves as the top to the
channel guide 150 and the roller 51 may be attached thereto. The
gap allows for unrestricted movement of the roller 51. Further if a
roller 51 is included between the body 200 and the channel 20, a
gap 22 may be included to allow unrestricted movement of the
rollers 51. In either case, the gap (22 or 21) can be produced by
continuing the bars 25 making up the channel guide 150 vertically
or alternatively, separate bars 25 may be introduced.
[0049] With reference now to FIGS. 1, and 4A-4C, the body 200 of
the garden hose and cord guide 1 can be a wide variety of lengths
from about 2 inches to about 6 feet depending on the particular
application, including the type of hose or cord it will be used
for. In a further embodiment, the body 200 is from about 6 inches
to about 4 feet, including but not limited to 8 inches, 10 inches,
a foot, 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, 3 feet, and 3.5 feet. However,
it should be clear to one of skill in the art that the length can
be varied almost infinitely depending on the use and/or the size of
the hose or cord. Further, the body 200 may be constructed of any
material which is strong enough to resist bending, breaking or
falling out under the weight of the cord or hose and may vary
depending on the size and type of cord or hose. With reference to
FIG. 4A, the body 200 may be a hollow tube and may be constructed
of a material which allows enough strength that it will not bend
under stress. In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the body
200 is solid. Materials which my be used for the body 200 include,
but are not limited to aluminum, wood, steel, plastic, metal,
fiberglass and various metal and plastic mixtures. In one
embodiment, the body 200 and head 100 are made of the same
materials and may be continuous. In a further embodiment, different
parts of the hose guide 1 are made of different materials. In a
further embodiment, the body 200 may be configured such that the
length can be changed and may further comprise a method and
configuration for changing the length. In one embodiment, the
length may be changed by having two discontinuous parts 210 and 220
of the body 200 which fit together and may include holes 230 and
pegs 250 for stabilizing the outer part in relation to the inner
part of the body 200 for movement of one in relation to the other.
Alternatively, any method known to one of skill in the art which
allows movement of one section to a desired height and then locking
or fixing at that height may be used.
[0050] With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5D the optional foot bar 300
is illustrated. The foot bar 300 can increase stability and ease of
use. The foot bar 300 may be configured to be of a length suitable
for its intended use. It is envisioned that in most instances, the
length of the foot bar 300 not be more than about twice the length
of the body 200, including, but not limited to about, 11.5X and 1X.
The foot bar 300 may be constructed of the same material as the
body 200 or of a different material. The foot bar 300 may be flat
or rounded and may be patterned for better friction. With reference
to FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, the foot bar 300 contains at least
one spike 210 to allow for better attachment to the soil, grass,
gravel or other substance that the end spike 400 is inserted into.
With reference to FIG. 5C, in a further embodiment, the foot bar
300 is constructed to be of a length to increase stability. With
reference to FIG. 5B, the foot bar 300 may further comprise a
rubberized material which is patterned or smooth to allow for a
better grip of the foot or shoe on the foot bar 300. With reference
to FIG. 5D, the foot bar 300 may optionally contain more than two
stability bars 310 extending horizontally from the body 200,
including but not limited to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 stability bars
310. In some embodiments, the bar may extend at a 90.degree. angle
from the body 200 or can be slightly angled toward the spike
400.
[0051] With reference now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6A-6E the garden
hose guide can optionally include a swivel head 100. The swivel
head 100 can allow the hose guide to swivel with the movements of
the hose from side to side or right to left in relation to the hose
guide 1. The guide may swivel to any extent, from as little as 0
degrees to as far as 360 degrees, including, but not limited to, 15
degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees 90 degrees,
180 degrees, and 240 degrees or any angles between. The part of the
hose guide 1 which can swivel may be restricted to the head 100 or
may include a part or all of the body 200. In one embodiment, the
head 100 alone swivels. In a further embodiment, the whole body 200
swivels from the foot bar 300 to the top of the guide. In a further
embodiment, only a part of the body 200 swivels. The method of
swiveling may be any method known to one of skill in the art,
including, but not limited to: metal bonding, metal bearings,
pressed metal, welding, pipe threading, and plastic molding and
plastic joints. Smooth, hollow metal tubing can be riveted or
welded to a small round piece of metal containing bearings which
allow free movement (for example 360 degree movement). This is
similar to the action of a bicycle pedal which spins freely. This
method is also similar to a traditional "lazy Susan" which can be
placed between two objects to allow free movement. Another method
to allow swiveling would be to use a pipe threaded joint between
the body 200 and swivel neck 110. The swivel action, allowing up to
360 degree or more movement could be achieved by turning the head
100 or the body 200 clockwise or counter-clockwise. The threaded
joint would allow the parts connected to it free movement.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 6A, the swiveling head 100 may
further include a lock 115 which allows for locking or fixing the
head 100 at a certain angle. The locking method may include any
method know to one of skill in the art including, but not limited
to: fastening hardware, locks, bolts, and plastic molding. If a
button is used for example, to lock the head 100, it may be a metal
spring-loaded button similar to a screen door fastening lock and
hardware. The locking method may alternatively be achieved using a
metal pin that can be inserted and removed to lock and unlock the
swivel head 100 as needed.
[0053] FIGS. 1, and 6C-6E present alternate embodiments of the
swivel head 100 and channel guide 150. In these embodiments, the
channel guide 150 is rounded and contains an opening 30 for
inserting the hose or cord. The channel guide 150 may also include
at least one stopper 31 to close or reduce the size of the channel
after insertion of the hose or cord. In one embodiment, the
stoppers are rubber and may be permanent or removable. FIGS. 6C-6E
show various embodiments of the swivel head 100. In FIG. 6C, the
head 100 is allowed to swivel because of a swivel neck 110 composed
of a cylindrical base 90 attached to the body 200 and an insertion
cylinder 80 which are constructed to allow for a swiveling motion.
They may, for example contain cylindrical or ball bearings which
allow movement. The cylindrical base 90 and insertion cylinder 80
may contain at least one pin enclosure 86 which is constructed to
allow the insertion of a pin 85 to "lock down" the head 100 at a
certain position. Alternatively, the neck 110 may contain more than
one pin enclosure 86 to allow the lock to be locked in a variety of
positions for the head 100. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6D
comprises a cylindrical base 90 and an insertion cylinder 80. In
this illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical base 90 and the
insertion cylinder 80 contain threads 87. The threads 87 are
positioned such that the head 100 can be swiveled up or down to a
variety of positions and secured using the threads 87. FIG. 6E
shows an alternate embodiment in which a metal clip 88 can be
inserted into the insertion cylinder 80 at a position 89 such that
the clip 88 will secure the neck 110 as well as allowing it to
swivel. Although these embodiments provide advantageous examples of
a swivel head 100 and methods for allowing the head 100 to swivel
and to be secured, many alternative methods are known in the art to
allow for the same general role and may be used in the hose guide
as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan.
[0054] With further reference to FIGS. 4A-C, variations of an end
spike 400 may be seen. The end spike 400 allows for the insertion
of a part of the garden hose guide into a soft or movable material
so that the garden hose guide 1 is stabley upright and stays in the
same location. It can be envisioned that the further the hose guide
1 is inserted into the movable material, the more stable it will
be. Thus, the length of the end spike 400 may vary considerably
depending on the material it is to be used in and the amount of
stability which is desired. The soft or movable material may be any
material known to one of skill in the art and may include clay,
soil, bark, gravel, sand, and grass. In one embodiment, the end
spike 400 is tapered or pointed at the end to allow for easier
insertion and removal. It is to be understood that other things can
be attached to the body 200 to stabilize on other surfaces,
including but not limited to a tripod, a weight, a flat base, a
suction cup and Velcro.
[0055] The various methods and techniques described above provide a
number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages
described may be achieved in accordance with any particular
embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the methods may be performed in a
manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other
objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0056] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the
interchangeability of various features from different embodiments.
Similarly, the various features and steps discussed above, as well
as other known equivalents for each such feature or step, can be
mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform
methods in accordance with principles described herein.
[0057] Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the
specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, but instead
by reference to claims attached herein.
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