U.S. patent application number 11/638816 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for swiveling hose reel.
Invention is credited to Stephen Hatcher, Joshua O. Mullen, Theresa M. Shoemaker.
Application Number | 20070144584 11/638816 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38228921 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hatcher; Stephen ; et
al. |
June 28, 2007 |
Swiveling hose reel
Abstract
A hose reel assembly that includes a hose support assembly and a
pivot assembly. The pivot assembly has a first component and a
second component. The first component and the second component
structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally
vertical axis of rotation. The pivot assembly first component is
disposed on the hose support assembly and the pivot assembly second
component is disposed on the base assembly. Thus, the hose support
assembly is rotatably coupled to the base assembly and structured
to rotate about a vertical axis.
Inventors: |
Hatcher; Stephen; (Camp
Hill, PA) ; Mullen; Joshua O.; (Duncannon, PA)
; Shoemaker; Theresa M.; (Chambersburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT
600 GRANT STREET
44TH FLOOR
PITTSBURGH
PA
15219
US
|
Family ID: |
38228921 |
Appl. No.: |
11/638816 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60750244 |
Dec 14, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/355.26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/33 20130101;
B65H 75/4402 20130101; B65H 75/4463 20130101; Y10T 137/6954
20150401; B65H 2407/40 20130101; B65H 75/4471 20130101; B65H 75/40
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/355.26 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/34 20060101
B65H075/34 |
Claims
1. A hose reel assembly comprising: a hose support assembly
structured to support a hose; a pivot assembly having a bottom
plate with a first component and a base assembly with a second
component; said pivot assembly bottom plate coupled to said hose
support assembly; said pivot assembly first component and said
pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled
together with a generally vertical axis of rotation; and whereby
said hose support assembly is rotatably coupled to said base
assembly and structured to rotate about a vertical axis.
2. The hose reel assembly of claim 1, wherein: said bottom plate
has an upper side and a lower side; said pivot assembly first
component is disposed on said bottom plate lower side and is a
generally torus-shaped race having a width; said base assembly
includes a base plate having an upper surface; said pivot assembly
second component is disposed on said base plate upper surface and
is a torus-shaped track extending from said base plate upper
surface, said track having a width; and said track sized to have a
width that is smaller than said race width whereby said track is
disposed within said race.
3. The hose reel assembly of claim 2, wherein said pivot assembly
includes a friction reduction device structured to reduce the
friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot
assembly second component.
4. The hose reel assembly of claim 3, wherein: said track includes
an outer surface; said race includes an inner surface; said
friction reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings
extending upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed
bearings each having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner
surface engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces.
5. The hose reel assembly of claim 4, wherein: said friction
reduction device further includes grease disposed on said track
outer surface; and wherein said fixed bearings act as a grease
trap.
6. The hose reel assembly of claim 5, wherein said fixed bearings
are radial ribs having a length that is less than the width of the
track outer surface.
7. The hose reel assembly of claim 6, wherein: said track includes
a pair of sides extending generally perpendicular to and downwardly
from said track outer surface; and said ribs extend alternately
from opposing track sides toward the center of said track outer
surface.
8. The hose reel assembly of claim 7, wherein: said hose support
assembly includes a housing assembly and a basket assembly; said
basket assembly having a generally cylindrical, elongated barrel;
and said basket assembly barrel is coupled to said housing assembly
with the barrel axis of rotation extending generally perpendicular
to said hose support assembly axis of rotation.
9. A hose reel assembly comprising: a hose support assembly
structured to support a hose; a pivot assembly having a bottom
plate, a first component, a base assembly and a second component;
said pivot assembly bottom plate coupled to said hose support
assembly and having a lower side; said base assembly having a base
plate with an upper surface; said first component being a
torus-shaped race disposed on said bottom plate lower side; said
second component being a torus-shaped track disposed on, and
extending upwardly from, said base plate upper surface; said track
structured to be disposed within said race; and said pivot assembly
first component and said pivot assembly second component structured
to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of
rotation.
10. The hose reel assembly of claim 9, wherein said pivot assembly
includes a friction reduction device structured to reduce the
friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot
assembly second component.
11. The hose reel assembly of claim 10, wherein: said track
includes an outer surface; said race includes an inner surface;
said friction reduction device includes a plurality of fixed
bearings extending upwardly from said track outer surface, said
fixed bearings each having a contact surface; and wherein said race
inner surface engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces.
12. The hose reel assembly of claim 11, wherein: said friction
reduction device further includes grease disposed on said track
outer surface; and wherein said fixed bearings act as a grease
trap.
13. The hose reel assembly of claim 12, wherein said fixed bearings
are radial ribs having a length that is less than the width of the
track outer surface.
14. The hose reel assembly of claim 13, wherein: said track
includes a pair of sides extending generally perpendicular to and
downwardly from said track outer surface; and said ribs extend
alternately from opposing track sides toward the center of said
track outer surface.
15. The hose reel assembly of claim 14, wherein: said pivot
assembly includes a linking device; said linking device having a
first component disposed on said hose support assembly and a second
component disposed on said the base assembly; and said linking
device structured to maintain said pivot assembly first component
and said pivot assembly second component in a rotational
relationship.
16. The hose reel assembly of claim 17, wherein: said linking
device first component includes a plurality of flexible tabs each
said tab having a generally perpendicular latch, said latches
extending generally perpendicular to said axis of rotation; said
linking device second component includes a latch surface extending
generally perpendicular to said axis of rotation; wherein, when
said hose support assembly is disposed on said base assembly, each
said latch is structured to extend over said latch surface; and
wherein when said hose support assembly is lifted from said base
assembly, each said latch engages said latch surface.
17. A hose reel assembly comprising: a hose support assembly
structured to support a hose; a pivot assembly having a bottom
plate, a first component, a base assembly and a second component;
said pivot assembly bottom plate coupled to said hose support
assembly and having a lower side; said base assembly having a base
plate with an upper surface; said first component being a
torus-shaped race disposed on said bottom plate lower side; said
second component being a torus-shaped track disposed on, and
extending upwardly from, said base plate upper surface; said track
structured to be disposed within said race; said pivot assembly
first component and said pivot assembly second component structured
to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of
rotation; said race having an inner surface; said track having an
outer surface; said pivot assembly having a friction reduction
device structured to reduce the friction between said pivot
assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component;
and said friction reduction device including a grease trap.
18. The hose reel assembly of claim 19, wherein: said friction
reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings extending
upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed bearings each
having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner surface
engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces and wherein said
bearings are to resist, but not prevent, the rotational movement of
said grease around said track.
19. A pivot assembly structured to allow for the rotational
movement of a hose support assembly, said pivot assembly
comprising: a bottom plate with a first component and a base
assembly with a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate
structured to be removably fixedly coupled to the hose support
assembly; and said pivot assembly first component and said pivot
assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled
together with a generally vertical axis of rotation.
20. The pivot assembly of claim 21, wherein: said bottom plate has
an upper side and a lower side; said pivot assembly first component
is disposed on said bottom plate lower side and is a generally
torus-shaped race having a width; said base assembly includes a
base plate having an upper surface; said pivot assembly second
component is disposed on said base plate upper surface and is a
torus-shaped track extending from said base plate upper surface,
said track having a width; and said track sized to have a width
that is smaller than said race width whereby said track is disposed
within said race.
21. The pivot assembly of claim 22, wherein said pivot assembly
includes a friction reduction device structured to reduce the
friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot
assembly second component.
22. The pivot assembly of claim 23, wherein: said track includes an
outer surface; said race includes an inner surface; said friction
reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings extending
upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed bearings each
having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner surface
engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces.
23. The pivot assembly of claim 24, wherein: said friction
reduction device further includes grease disposed on said track
outer surface; and wherein said fixed bearings act as a grease
trap.
24. The pivot assembly of claim 25, wherein said fixed bearings are
radial ribs having a length that is less than the width of the
track outer surface.
25. The pivot assembly of claim 26, wherein: said track includes a
pair of sides extending generally perpendicular to and downwardly
from said track outer surface; and said ribs extend alternately
from opposing track sides toward the center of said track outer
surface.
26. The pivot assembly of claim 21 wherein: said pivot assembly
bottom plate is a generally planar member having an upper side and
a lower side; and said bottom plate planar member having a coupling
device structured to removably fixedly couple said bottom plate to
said hose support assembly.
27. The pivot assembly of claim 28 wherein said hose support
assembly has a housing assembly, said housing assembly having a
plurality of feet, at least one foot having a first horizontal
surface and another foot having a second horizontal surface, said
pivot assembly further comprising: said bottom plate planar member
coupling device includes at least one horizontal tab extending from
one side of said planar member in a plane generally parallel to
said bottom plate planar member upper side and includes at one
resilient locking tab; said horizontal tab structured to engage
said first horizontal surface; and said at one resilient locking
tab structured to engage said second horizontal surface.
28. A pivot assembly structured to allow for the rotational
movement of a hose support assembly, said pivot assembly
comprising: a bottom plate with a first component and a base
assembly with a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate
structured to be removably fixedly coupled to the hose support
assembly; said pivot assembly first component and said pivot
assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled
together with a generally vertical axis of rotation; said base
assembly having a base plate with an upper surface; said first
component being a torus-shaped race disposed on said bottom plate
lower side; said second component being a torus-shaped track
disposed on, and extending upwardly from, said base plate upper
surface; said track structured to be disposed within said race;
said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second
component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a
generally vertical axis of rotation; said race having an inner
surface; said track having an outer surface; said pivot assembly
having a friction reduction device structured to reduce the
friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot
assembly second component; and said friction reduction device
including a grease trap.
Description
CROSS SECTION TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/750,244, filed Dec. 14, 2025, entitled, SWIVELING HOSE REEL.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to hose reels and, more specifically,
to a hose reel structured to swivel so that the hose reel is less
likely to topple when a user moves the extended hose.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Hose reel assemblies are devices structured to assist in
transporting and using hoses, typically garden hoses for dispensing
water. Generally, the hose reel assembly includes a hose support
assembly structured to rotatably support a reel assembly, or
"basket assembly." The basket assembly's primary components are a
barrel, around which an outlet hose is wrapped, two hubs which are
coupled to the hose support assembly side members, and guide plates
which define the usable area of the barrel. The basket assembly
also includes a crank assembly, used to turn the basket primary
components, and a water conduit having a movable outlet and a
generally stationary inlet. The stationary inlet of the conduit
extends along the axis of the barrel and is structured to be
coupled to a supply hose which is further coupled to a water
supply. The movable outlet of the conduit is disposed on the
circumference of the barrel. The outlet hose is coupled to the
movable outlet and is used to deliver water to the end use. Hose
reel assemblies also may include an autotrack device structured to
wind the outlet hose on the barrel in a controlled manner. The
autotrack device is, typically, located on one side of the hose
support assembly. In this configuration, an outlet hose may be
coupled to the movable end of the conduit and, when the barrel is
rotated, the hose is coiled, or uncoiled, about the barrel. The
hose support assembly also may include a wheel assembly that allows
a user to move the hose reel assembly from one location to another.
The wheel assembly, typically, does not support the hose reel
assembly when the hose reel assembly is stationary. In selected
embodiments, the hose support assembly may have a vertical height
of about three feet with a handle located near the upper end, the
basket assembly disposed at a medial height, and the wheel assembly
disposed at the bottom. This configuration allows the user to tilt
the hose reel assembly onto the wheel assembly when the hose reel
assembly must be moved. With the handle located near the top of the
hose reel assembly, the user is not required to bend over in order
to move the hose reel assembly. Thus, a hose may be transported
and/or stored on the hose reel assembly. In other embodiments, the
hose reel assembly does not include an elongated handle and is
generally box-like.
[0006] One disadvantage of any hose reel assembly is that the hose
support assembly may be unstable. That is, when a user moves an
extended outlet hose a force is applied to the hose support
assembly. This force is typically applied to the hose support
assembly at the autotrack device. That is, as the hose extends from
the autotrack device, the force created by a movement of the hose
is transferred to the autotrack device which is coupled to the hose
support assembly. When this force is applied in a direction that
does not pass through, or generally near, the center of gravity of
the hose support assembly, the moment arm on the hose support
assembly may cause the hose support assembly to topple. Such a
force is often created when a user moves the outlet hose laterally
relative to the hose support assembly. That is, the center of
gravity of the hose support assembly is typically located near the
physical center of the hose support assembly, whereas the autotrack
device is spaced from the center of gravity of the hose support
assembly; accordingly, when a force created by moving the outlet
hose is applied to the autotrack device, a moment arm is created
that may cause the hose support assembly to topple. The force of
the moment arm is greater when the outlet hose is moved laterally
relative to the autotrack device.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a hose reel assembly
structured to minimize the force of the moment arm applied to a
hose support assembly when the outlet hose is moved laterally.
[0008] There is a further need for a hose reel assembly structured
to resist being toppled by a lateral movement of the outlet
hose.
[0009] There is a further need for a pivot assembly that may be
coupled to a hose reel support assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] These needs, and others, are met by the present invention
which provides a hose reel assembly having a hose support assembly
rotatably coupled to a base assembly. The hose support assembly of
the present invention is similar to the hose reel described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/385,206, which is assigned to the
assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by
reference. The hose support assembly is coupled to the base
assembly by a pivot assembly having a first component disposed on a
bottom plate that is coupled to the hose support assembly and a
second component disposed on the base assembly. The vertical axis
of the pivot assembly extends through, or near, the center of
gravity of the hose support assembly. In this configuration, when a
user applies a lateral force to the outlet hose, the hose support
assembly will rotate on the base assembly so that the line of
action of the force passes through, or near, the center of gravity
of the hose support assembly. In this manner the moment arm created
by the force is reduced and the likelihood of the hose support
assembly toppling is also reduced. Additionally, the base assembly
may be weighted which also reduces the chance of the hose support
assembly toppling.
[0011] The pivot assembly includes a torus-shaped race and a
corresponding torus-shaped track. The bottom plate of the pivot
assembly includes a large medial opening which the race extends
about. This configuration is desirable compared to a pivot assembly
having a circular bearing as the friction between the pivoting
components is reduced and this configuration reduces costs. That
is, unlike a circular bearing wherein the entire surface area of
the bearing creates friction, a torus-shaped assembly has a limited
bearing surface. Further the track preferably includes a plurality
of protruding ribs that reduces the total contact area between the
pivoting components. Also, a torus-shaped assembly includes a large
opening thereby reducing the amount of material required to
manufacture the components. As such components are typically made
from a plastic and typically made in large numbers, the reduction
in the amount of materials required results in a significant cost
savings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the
following description of the preferred embodiments when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hose reel.
[0014] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of a hose reel.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a basket assembly.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the base plate.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate and hose
support assembly.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a detailed isometric view of the base plate and
hose support assembly.
[0020] FIG. 8 is top view of the base assembly.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] As used herein, "grease" means any non-Newtonian fluid
lubricant.
[0023] As used herein, "coupled" means a link between two or more
elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.
[0024] As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements
are directly in contact with each other.
[0025] As used herein, "fixedly coupled" means that two components
are coupled to move in a fixed relationship, i.e. to move as a
single component.
[0026] As used herein, "removably fixedly coupled" means that two
components are coupled to move in a fixed relationship, i.e. to
move as a single component, but may also be decoupled from each
other.
[0027] As used herein, directional terms, e.g., "above," "below,"
"upper," "lower," etc., are used for convenience relative to the
Figures and are not intended to limit the claims.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a hose reel assembly 10 includes
a hose support assembly 12 and a pivot assembly 16. The pivot
assembly 16 includes a bottom plate 13 and a base assembly 14. In
the preferred embodiment, the pivot assembly 16 may be decoupled
from the hose support assembly 12. That is, the bottom plate 13 is
removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly 12, as
described below. Alternately, the bottom plate 13 may be
incorporated, e.g. molded as part of, the hose support assembly 12.
In either embodiment, the bottom plate 13 moves with the hose
support assembly 12 and, as such, may also be referred to as being
part of the hose support assembly 12. That is, when the hose
support assembly 12 is said to rotate relative to the base assembly
14, it is understood that, because the bottom plate 13 is removably
fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly 12, the bottom plate
13 rotates as well. The pivot assembly 16 further includes a first
component 18 and a second component 19 (FIGS. 4 and 6). The pivot
assembly first component 18 and the pivot assembly second component
19 are structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally
vertical axis of rotation. The pivot assembly first component 18 is
disposed on the hose support assembly 12, and more specifically on
the bottom plate 13, and the pivot assembly second component 19 is
disposed on the base assembly 14, whereby the hose support assembly
12 is rotatably coupled to the base assembly 14 and structured to
rotate about a vertical axis.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hose support assembly 12
includes a housing assembly 20 and a basket assembly 40. The
housing assembly 20, preferably, includes a front side 22, a first
lateral side 24 (FIG. 1), a back side 26, a second lateral side 28
(FIG. 2), a top member 30, and an autotrack device 100 (FIG. 2).
The front side 22 and the back side 26 are each coupled to the
first and second lateral sides 24, 28 and disposed in a spaced,
generally parallel configuration. The first and second lateral
sides 24, 28 are also disposed in a spaced, generally parallel
configuration. Thus, the housing assembly 20 is generally a
rectangular shape. A foot 31 is located at each corner of the
housing assembly 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front side 22,
first lateral side 24, back side 26, and second lateral side 28 may
include a decorative pattern. The autotrack device 100 is disposed
adjacent to the back side 26.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the basket assembly 40 includes an
elongated barrel 42 with two axial hubs 44, a crank assembly 50
(FIG. 1), and a water supply assembly 60. The basket assembly 40
may also include two guide plates 46, 48. One guide plate 46, 48 is
disposed adjacent to each end of the barrel 42. The hubs 44 are
rotatably coupled to the housing assembly 20, preferably to the
first and second lateral sides 24, 28. In this configuration, the
barrel 42 may be rotated about its longitudinal, generally
horizontal axis while disposed within the housing assembly 20. The
crank assembly 50 is coupled to the barrel 42 either directly or
via one or more gears and is structured to rotate the barrel 42
within the housing assembly 20. As is known in the art, a water
supply assembly 60 includes a conduit 62 extending generally
axially through the barrel 42. A first conduit end 64 is disposed
along the axis and is coupled to a supply hose. A conduit second
end (not shown) extends radially over the outer surface 66 of the
barrel 42. A use hose (not shown) is coupled to the conduit second
end and wrapped about the barrel 42. The use hose extends through
the autotrack device 100 and is used to provide water for lawns,
gardens and other uses.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pivot assembly bottom plate
13 is a generally planar member 150 having an upper side 152 and a
lower side 154. The planar member 150 is generally rectangular
having sides of about sixteen inches and fourteen inches. The
bottom plate planar member 150 further includes a large medial
opening 156 having a diameter of about ten inches. As set forth in
detail below, the pivot assembly first component 18 is disposed on
the bottom plate planar member lower side 154.
[0032] The bottom plate planar member 150 also includes a coupling
device 160 structured to removably fixedly couple the bottom plate
13 to the hose support assembly 12. Preferably, the bottom plate
coupling device 160 includes at least one horizontal tab 162
extending from one side of the planar member 150 in a plane
generally parallel to the upper side 152. The bottom plate
horizontal tab 162 is structured to be disposed over a first
horizontal surface 164 (FIG. 6) on the lower portion of the hose
support assembly 12. The hose support assembly first horizontal
surface 164 is incorporated into at least one foot 31, however, the
hose support assembly first horizontal surface 164 may also be
disposed on any of the hose support assembly front side 22, first
lateral side 24 (FIG. 1), back side 26, second lateral side 28. The
bottom plate coupling device 160 also includes at least one, and
preferably two, resilient locking tabs 166, 168. Each bottom plate
locking tab 166, 168 includes a flexible body 170 (FIG. 7), 172 and
a generally horizontal latch 174, 176. Each bottom plate locking
tab flexible body 170, 172 extends generally perpendicular to the
bottom plate planar member upper side 152. Each bottom plate
locking tab horizontal latch 174, 176 preferably has an angled
upper surface 178. As shown in FIG. 7, each bottom plate locking
tab horizontal latch 174, 176 is structured to engage a second
horizontal surface 177 on the lower portion of the hose support
assembly 12. As shown, the hose support assembly second horizontal
surface 178 is incorporated into at least one foot 31, however, the
hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178 may also be
disposed on any of the hose support assembly front side 22, first
lateral side 24 (FIG. 1), back side 26, second lateral side 28.
[0033] In this configuration, the bottom plate planar member 150,
and therefore the pivot assembly 16, may be removably fixedly
couple to the hose support assembly 12. That is, the bottom plate
horizontal tab 162 is moved generally horizontally, but also at a
slightly upwards angle, over the hose support assembly first
horizontal surface 164. Once the bottom plate horizontal tab 162 is
disposed over the hose support assembly first horizontal surface
164, the bottom plate locking tabs 166, 168 are moved upwardly to
engage the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178. As
each bottom plate locking tab latch angled upper surface 177
engages the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178,
the bottom plate locking tab flexible body 170, 172 moves inwardly
thereby allowing the bottom plate locking tab latches 174, 176 to
move over the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178.
Once the bottom plate locking tab latches 174, 176 are over the
hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178, each bottom
plate locking tab flexible body 170, 172 returns to the generally
perpendicular configuration and the bottom plate locking tab
latches 174, 176 engage the hose support assembly second horizontal
surface 178.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 8 And 9, the base assembly 14 includes a
generally planar base plate 190 having an upper surface 192. The
base plate 190, preferably, has a weight that is heavy relative the
hose support assembly 12. That is, the base plate 190 is preferably
made from metal, or a plastic shell filled with a granular
material, such as, but not limited to, sand.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the pivot assembly first component 18
and second component 19 are, preferably, a torus-shaped race 200
and a corresponding torus-shaped track 202. The track 202 extends
outwardly from an associated surface which, as shown in the base
plate upper surface 192. That is, the track 202 extends upwardly
from the base plate upper surface 192. The track 202 has two
generally parallel sides 206, 208 and an outer surface 210. The
track 202 width is defined by the radial distance between the track
sides 206, 208. The track outer surface 210 extends between, and
generally perpendicular to, the track sides 206, 208.
[0036] The race 200 is disposed on the bottom plate planar member
lower side 154. The race 200 is, preferably, a channel having two
generally parallel sides 214, 216 and an inner surface 218. The
race inner surface 218 extends between, and is generally
perpendicular to, the race sides 214, 216. The race 200 width is
defined by the radial distance between the race sides 214, 216. The
race 200 width is slightly wider than the track outer surface 210
and, as such, there are gaps (not shown) between the race sides
214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208. Preferably, the combined
width of the gaps is about 0.025 to 0.1 inch, and more preferably
about 0.05 inch. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and the
hose support assembly 12 shifting on the base assembly 14, the race
sides 214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208 may contact each other
at times. Further, as set forth below, the track outer surface 210
and the race inner surface 218 are not in contact over their entire
surfaces.
[0037] The pivot assembly 16, preferably, includes a linking device
230 structured to maintain the pivot assembly first component 18
and second component 19 in a rotational relationship. The linking
device 230 also includes a first component 232 disposed on the hose
support assembly 12 and a second component 234 disposed on the base
assembly 14. As shown, the linking device first component 232 is a
plurality of flexible tabs 238 each having a generally
perpendicular latch 240. Each latch 240 has an angled distal
surface 241. The tabs 238 extend generally parallel to the axis of
rotation of the pivot assembly 16. The linking device second
component 234 is a torus-shaped latch surface 242 that extends
generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pivot
assembly 16 and adjacent to the track 202. As shown, the latch
surface 242 extends generally inwardly from the track 202 and tabs
238 are disposed within the perimeter of the latch surface 242 with
the latches 240 extending generally outwardly from the tabs 238,
however, these elements may be configured in other orientations.
For example, the latch surface 242 could extend radially outwardly
from the track 202 and tabs 238 could be disposed in a wider radius
than the latch surface 242 with the latches 240 extending generally
inwardly from the tabs 238 (not shown).
[0038] The pivot assembly 16 also includes a friction reduction
device 250 structured to reduce the friction between the track
outer surface 210 and the race inner surface 218. The friction
reduction device 250 includes either, and preferably both, a
plurality of fixed bearings 252 and/or "grease" 254 as defined
above. The fixed bearings 252 are raised portions on the track
outer surface 210, or the race inner surface 218, having an outer
contact surface 256. By having the fixed bearings 252 extend above
the generally flat portion of the track outer surface 210, the
total area of contact between the track 202 and the race 200, that
is, the sum of all fixed bearing contact surfaces 256, is reduced
thereby reducing the amount of friction therebetween.
[0039] If the friction reduction device 250 does not include grease
252, the sum of the fixed bearing contact surfaces 256 is
preferably 3% to 15%, and more preferably 6% of the total race
inner surface 218 area. The fixed bearings 252 are preferably
raised hemispheres or, as shown, elongated radial ribs 260.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the friction reduction device
250 includes both fixed bearings 252 and a grease 254. In this
embodiment, the fixed bearings 252 are preferably raised elongated
radial ribs 260 having a length that is less than the width of the
track outer surface 210. In this configuration, the fixed bearings
252 act as grease traps 270. A grease trap 270 is structured to
resist, but does not prevent, the rotational movement of the grease
254 around the track 202. That is, the grease 254 may still flow
around the rib 260 as the rib 260 does not extend completely across
the track 202. In operation, as described below, the grease 254
tends to be moved against a rib 260 and, as the grease 254
accumulates, small quantities of grease 254 will flow over the rib
260 and onto the contact surface 256. In this manner, the grease
trap 270 maintains a quantity of grease 254 adjacent to each rib
260 and provides lubrication for each rib 260. Thus, the chance of
the contact surfaces 256 being non-lubricated is reduced.
[0041] The ribs 260, preferably, extend alternately from opposing
track sidewalls 206, 208 toward the center of the track 202. In
this configuration, and in view of the closeness of the race 200,
the grease 254 is typically moved toward the center of the track
202 as the hose support assembly 12 rotates on the base assembly
14, as described below. By directing the grease 254 towards the
center of the track 202, the grease 254 is less likely to migrate
away from the contact surfaces 256. However, it is acceptable, and
even preferred, for a limited quantity of grease 254 to migrate
into the gaps 220, 222 to reduce the friction between the race
sides 214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208. Migration of the
grease 254 may further be limited by ridges 272, 274, extending
outwardly from the track sides 206, 208. The ridges 272, 274 have a
height that is less than the ribs 260 and, as such, are not contact
surfaces 256. Further, because the ridges 272, 274 are shorter than
the ribs 260, small amounts of grease 254 may still pass into the
gaps 220, 222 and reduce friction on the lateral surfaces of the
track 202 and race 200.
[0042] The friction reduction device 250 may also include at least
one closable grease port 290 structured to allow grease 254 to be
added to the track 202. The grease port 290 is a passage 292
through the track outer surface 210, or alternately the race inner
surface 218, having a removable cap 294 or similar device.
Preferably the passage 292 is disposed generally at the center of
the track outer surface 210, that is, about an equal distance from
each track side 206, 208.
[0043] The pivot assembly 16 is assembled by placing the race 200
over the track 202 so that the race inner surface 218 engages the
contact surfaces 256. As the hose support assembly 12 moves into
position, the latch distal surface 241 engages the latch surface
242 and causes the flexible tabs 238 to move inwardly thereby
allowing the latches 240 to move below the latch surface 242. Once
the latches 240 move below the latch surface 242, the tabs 238
return to the original position and the latches 240 engage the
latch surface 242. Thus, when the hose support assembly 12 is
lifted, the latches 240 engage the latch surface 242 and prevent
the separation of the hose support assembly 12 from the base
assembly 14. In this configuration, the hose support assembly 12
will rotate relative to the base assembly 14 about a vertical axis
extending, generally, through the center of the pivot assembly
16.
[0044] The hose support assembly 12 has a horizontal centerline
extending from the front side, where the autotrack device 100 is
located, to the back side. The base assembly 14 also has a
horizontal centerline extending from a front side to a back side.
When said hose support assembly 12 centerline is aligned with said
base assembly 14 centerline, the hose support assembly 12 is in a
first, neutral position, and the hose support assembly 12 is
structured to rotate about ninety degrees clockwise and ninety
degrees counter-clockwise from the neutral position. As such, when
a lateral force is applied to the hose support assembly 12, the
hose support assembly 12 will rotate relative to the base assembly
14 thereby reducing the angle at which the lateral force effects
the hose support assembly 12. Because the angle at which the
lateral force effects the hose support assembly 12 is reduced, that
is, because the force is applied through, or close to, the center
of gravity of the hose support assembly 12, the chance of the hose
support assembly 12 toppling is reduced.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 10, in an alternate embodiment, the pivot
assembly 16 first component 18 and second component 19 may be a
plurality of lugs 320 having a having an inverted T-shaped
cross-section and an arcuate channel 322 having a narrow, upper
portion 324 and a wider lower portion 326. In this embodiment, the
plurality of lugs 320 extend from the bottom side of the bottom
plate 13. The arcuate channel 322 is disposed on the base plate
upper surface 192. The lugs 320 extend into the arcuate channel 322
and the lug heads 328, that is the wide bottom portion of the lugs
320, are trapped in the wider lower portion 326.
[0046] In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the pivot
assembly 16 first component 18 and second component 19 may be an
arcuate ridge 430 having a distal perpendicular edge 432 and an
arcuate channel 434 having a lower perpendicular slot 436. As
shown, the arcuate ridge 430 extends downwardly from the bottom
side of the bottom plate 13 and the arcuate channel 434 is disposed
on the base plate upper surface 192. The arcuate ridge 430 extends
into the arcuate channel 434 and the perpendicular edge 432 is
disposed in the perpendicular slot 436.
[0047] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and alternatives to those details
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are
meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of
the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims
appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
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