U.S. patent application number 12/792345 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for reel assembly support with variable orientation.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELEY Corporation. Invention is credited to Craig D. Eley, Darin Schollmeyer.
Application Number | 20110297779 12/792345 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45063740 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110297779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eley; Craig D. ; et
al. |
December 8, 2011 |
REEL ASSEMBLY SUPPORT WITH VARIABLE ORIENTATION
Abstract
A reel assembly is provided to support lengths of fluid delivery
line. A support arm is secured at one end with the reel assembly
and shaped at the opposite end to engage a support structure. The
support arm includes separate arm sections; each having mating end
portions that are shaped to be releasably, coaxially securable with
one another to resist rotation with respect to one another. The arm
sections may be provided in various shapes, including straight and
angled, to provide a variable geometry. A pivot joint may be formed
within the support arm to allow a portion of the support arm and
the reel assembly to pivot with respect to the support
structure.
Inventors: |
Eley; Craig D.; (Lincoln,
NE) ; Schollmeyer; Darin; (Lincoln, NE) |
Assignee: |
ELEY Corporation
Lincoln
NE
|
Family ID: |
45063740 |
Appl. No.: |
12/792345 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/398 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/446 20130101;
B65H 75/4402 20130101; B65H 75/4463 20130101; B65H 75/4478
20130101; B65H 2701/33 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/398 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/44 20060101
B65H075/44 |
Claims
1. A system for supporting lengths of one or more fluid delivery
lines, the system comprising: a reel assembly having opposite end
portions and a line support section located between the opposite
end portions that is oriented to support the lengths of one or more
fluid delivery lines; and a support arm having a first end portion
and a second end portion; the support arm having at least a first
arm section, associated with the first end portion, and a second
arm section, associated with the second end portion; the first arm
section and second arm section including mating end portions that
are releasably, coaxially securable with one another; the mating
end portions of the first arm section and second arm section being
shaped to engage one another in a manner that resists rotation of
the mating end portions of the first arm section and second arm
section with respect to one another; at least one end portion of
the reel assembly being operatively coupled with a mounting end
portion of the first arm section; a mounting end portion of the
second arm section being shaped to securably engage a support
structure.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the mating end portions of the
first arm section and second arm section are shaped to have a
plurality of spaced-apart teeth that are shaped to permit teeth
from the mating end portion of the first arm section to intermesh
with the teeth from the mating end portion of the second arm
section.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the mating end portions of the
first arm section and second arm section arc shaped to: (i) engage
one another in a first secure position with respect to one another;
(ii) separate from one another, (iii) rotate axially with respect
to one another, and (iv) be secured with one another in a second
secure position.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the mating end portion of the
first arm section and the mating end portion of the second arm
section are secured with one another with a threaded fastener that
passes, coaxially, at least partially through the second arm
section and is received, coaxially, by mating threads associated
with the mating end portion of the first arm section.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting end portion of the
first arm section is coupled with an axle on which the reel
assembly rotates; the first arm section extending outwardly from
the axle at an angle.
6. The system of claim 5 further comprising a third arm section,
associated with the support arm; the third arm section having first
and second opposite mating end portions that are shaped to engage
the mating end portions of the first and second arm sections in a
manner that resists rotation of the mating end portions of the
third arm section with the mating end portions of the first arm
section and second arm, section.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein a long axis that extends through
the third arm section is bent to at least approximate a right
angle; the mating end portion of the first arm section is secured
with the first mating end portion of the third arm section; the
second mating end portion of the third arm section being secured
with the mating end portion of the second arm section.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a fourth arm section,
associated with the support arm; the fourth arm section having
first and second opposite mating end portions that are shaped to
engage the mating end portions of any of the first, second, and
third arm sections in a manner that resists rotation of the mating
end portions of the fourth arm section with the mating end portions
of any of the first arm section, second arm section, and third arm
section.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein a long axis that extends through
the fourth arm section is straight; the mating end portion of the
first arm section being secured with the first mating end portion
of the fourth arm section; the second mating end portion of the
fourth arm section being secured with the first mating end portion
of the third arm section; the second mating end portion of the
third arm section being secured with the mating end portion of the
second arm section.
10. The system of claim 5 wherein the mounting end portion of the
first arm section is provided with a mounting receiver having a
recess that is shaped to receive a length of the axle adjacent an
end portion of the reel assembly; a mounting cap being provided
with a recess to receive a length of the axle and shaped to couple
with the mounting receiver, whereby a length of the axle is
positioned between the mounting receiver and mounting cap, securing
the axle with the first arm section.
11. The system of claim 10 further comprising at least one
mechanical fastener that removably engages the mounting receiver
with the mounting cap in a secure position.
12. The system of claim 5 further comprising a pin member having a
long axis and operatively coupled with the mounting end portion of
the first arm section; the pin member being selectively movable
along the long axis between locked and unlocked positions; a
plurality of recesses formed within an end portion of the reel
assembly, adjacent the mounting end portion of the first arm
section; the recesses being shaped to receive a length of the pin
member in the locked position, whereby rotational movement of the
reel assembly is substantially prevented.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the plurality of recesses are
positioned in a circular pattern about an opening in the reel
assembly that receives the axle.
14. The system of claim 12 further comprising a spring member
associated with the mounting end portion of the first arm section
and the pin member in a manner that biases the pin member toward
the locked position; the mounting end portion of the first arm
section including a slot that is shaped to slidably receive a
handle member, associated with an end portion of the pin member,
when the pin member is in the locked position; the pin member being
rotatably coupled with the mounting end portion of the first arm
section such that the pin member may be moved to the unlocked
position by sliding the handle member from within the slot; the pin
member being retained in the unlocked position by rotating the pin
member until the handle member is prevented from entering the
slot.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting end portion of the
second arm section is shaped to have an elongated mounting post;
the support structure including a receiving socket that is shaped
to releasably and securably receive the mounting post.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting end portion of the
second arm section is shaped to define a mounting plate having a
mounting surface that is shaped to securably engage a generally
planar portion of the support structure.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the mounting surface of the
mounting plate is shaped to define a recess that extends into the
mounting end portion of the second arm section, adjacent the mating
end portion of the second arm section; the recess being shaped to
permit a mechanical fastener to be placed in the recess and
removably passed at least partially through the mating end portion
of the second arm section.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein the support arm includes a pivot
joint between the first and second end portions of the support arm,
whereby a length of the support arm that is coupled with the reel
assembly may be selectively pivoted with respect to the second end
portion of the support arm.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the pivot joint is disposed
within the first arm section between the mounting end portion and
mating end portion of the first arm section, whereby the mounting
end portion pivots on an a pivot axis with respect to the mating
end portion.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein an engagement face of the mating
end portion of the first arm section is oriented to face
perpendicularly from the pivot axis.
21. The system of claim 19 further comprising a pin member having a
long axis and operatively coupled with the mating end portion of
the first arm section; the pin member being selectively movable
along the long axis between locked and unlocked positions; a
plurality of recesses formed within the first arm section, adjacent
the mating end portion; the recesses being shaped to receive a
length of the pin member in the locked position, whereby pivoting
movement of the mounting end portion of the first arm section, with
respect to the mating end portion, is substantially prevented.
22. The system of claim 21 wherein the plurality of recesses are
positioned in a circular pattern that encircles the pivot axis.
23. The system of claim 22 further comprising a spring member
associated with the mating end portion of the first arm section and
the pin member in a manner that biases the pin member toward the
locked position; the mating end portion of the first arm section
including a slot that is shaped to slidably receive a handle
member, associated with an end portion of the pin member, when the
pin member is in the locked position; the pin member being
rotatably coupled with the mating end portion of the first arm
section such that the pin member may be moved to the unlocked
position by sliding the handle member from within the slot; the pin
member being retained in the unlocked position by rotating the pin
member until the handle member is prevented from entering the
slot.
24. The system of claim 19 further comprising an axle support
member, having first and second end portions; a length of the first
end portion defining an axle on which the reel assembly rotates;
the second end portion defining a pivot support, whereby a length
of the second end portion extends into a socket in the mating end
portion of the first arm section to pivotably support the reel
assembly.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein a length of the axle support
member extends coaxially through the mounting end portion of the
first arm section.
26. The system of claim 24 wherein a length of the pivot support is
oriented perpendicularly in relation to the axle.
27. The system of claim 24 further comprising a swivel coupling
coupled with the second end portion of the axle support member,
whereby a fluid delivery line may be operatively, pivotably coupled
with the axle support line.
28. The system of claim 27 further comprising a second swivel
coupling coupled with the first end portion of the axle support
member, whereby a second fluid delivery line may be operatively,
pivotably coupled with the axle support line while the fluid
delivery line is supported on the reel assembly.
29. The system of claim 19 further comprising: a third arm section,
associated with the support arm; the third arm section having first
and second opposite mating end portions and a long axis extending
through the third arm section that is straight; the mating end
portion of the first arm section being secured with the first
mating end portion of the third arm section; the second mating end
portion of the third arm section being secured with the first
mating end portion of the second arm section.
30. The system of claim 29 wherein the mounting end portion of the
second arm section is shaped to have an elongated mounting post;
the support structure including a receiving socket that is shaped
to releasably and securably receive the mounting post.
31. The system of claim 29 wherein the mounting end portion of the
second arm section is shaped to define a mounting plate having a
mounting surface that is shaped to securably engage a generally
planar portion of the support structure.
32. The system of claim 19 further comprising: a third arm section,
associated with the support arm; the third arm section having first
and second opposite mating end portions and a long axis that
extends through the third arm section that is bent to at least
approximate a right angle; a fourth arm section, associated with
the support arm; the fourth arm section having first and second
opposite mating end portions and a long axis extending through the
fourth arm section that is bent to at least approximate a right
angle; the mating end portion of the first arm section being
secured with the first mating end portion of the fourth arm
section; the second mating end portion of the fourth arm section
being secured with the first mating end portion of the third arm
section; the second mating end portion of the third arm section
being secured with the mating end portion of the second arm
section.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Reel assemblies have been used in a variety of different
environments, for different purposes, for many years. To be sure,
reels are frequently mounted to permanent structures, such as the
interior or exterior walls of buildings, to deliver various fluids
such as water and air. Other reel assemblies are secured with
portable frames that may be wheeled or carried from one location to
another in a convenient fashion. Irrespective of the portable or
stationary manner, most reel assemblies commonly require a support
arm to secure the reel assembly with an operating structure.
[0002] Oftentimes support structures for reel assemblies are no
more than an arm that is secured to a support frame or wall at one
end and to a non-rotating portion of the reel assembly at an
opposite end. Such support arms may be provided in a number of
different shapes and configurations in order to dispose the reel
assembly at a favorable orientation with respect to the support
structure. In this manner, a user may conveniently deploy and
rewind lengths of hose supported on the reel assembly. However, due
to the fact that many different use environments require different
support configurations, many users have had to custom fabricate
support arms so that the reel assembly is disposed at the correct
location and orientation. Such custom fabrication is time consuming
and impractical for most users, whether in a commercial or
residential setting. Accordingly, some users are forced to buy
support arms having particular lengths and configurations that
orient the reel assemblies in a manner that is oftentimes less than
satisfactory. For example, some arms may engage a wall or other
support structure in a manner that disposes the reel assembly at an
awkward angle. Other support arms may position the reel assembly
too close or too far away from the support structure. Other support
arms are satisfactory in their geometry but are provided in a less
than durable state that is prone to bending and breaking in various
heavy duty applications.
[0003] Various attempts have been made to provide a support arm
that is selectively movable between various positions with respect
to the support structure to which it is secured. However, such
designs tend to be over complex and suffer from movable joints that
are prone to frequent misalignment or breakage. Moreover, such
designs typically only allow the user to move or re-orient the reel
assembly in a single direction or axis with respect to the support
structure. Finally, it is difficult to develop a single design for
a reel assembly support arm that permits multiple configurations
for various users and different applications. Oftentimes a
plurality of different embodiments is required to satisfy a handful
of different applications. As such, complexity and cost of
manufacture increases needlessly.
SUMMARY
[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing
Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential
aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is
not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the
claimed subject matter.
[0005] A support system is provided to selectively orient a reel
assembly in a wide array of different use positions. The reel
assembly includes opposite end portions and a line support section
that is oriented to support the lengths of one or more fluid
delivery lines. The support arm includes a plurality of individual
arm sections that have one or more mating end portions. The mating
end portions are shaped to releasably, coaxially secure with one
another in a manner that resists rotation of the mating end
portions with respect to one another. One end portion of the reel
assembly is rotatably coupled with a mounting end portion of the
support arm. An opposite, end portion of the support arm is shaped
to securably engage a support structure, such as a wall, mobile or
stationary support frame, and the like.
[0006] In some embodiments, the mating end portions of the arm
sections are shaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeth that
are shaped to permit teeth from the mating end portion of the first
arm section to intermesh with the teeth from the mating end portion
of the second arm section. Accordingly, the arm sections may be
secured with one another in one orientation, separated from one
another, rotated axially with respect to one another, and secured
with one another in a second secure position. In some embodiments,
each arm section may be provided in a variety of shapes, wherein
the arm sections have long axes that are straight, angled, curved
and the like.
[0007] In some embodiments, a pin member having a long axis is
associated with a mounting end portion of the support arm and is
movable along the long axis between locked and unlocked positions
with respect to a plurality of recesses formed within an end
portion of the reel assembly. The recesses are shaped to receive a
length of the pin member in the locked position, whereby rotational
movement of the reel assembly is substantially prevented.
[0008] Embodiments of the system will include a mounting end
portion of the support arm that is shaped to have an elongated
mounting post. Reciprocally, the support structure may include a
receiving socket that is shaped to releasably and securably receive
the mounting post to mount the system. In other embodiments, the
mounting end portion of the support arm is provided with a mounting
plate securably engaged to a generally planar portion of the
support structure.
[0009] Various embodiments of the system will include a pivot joint
between the first and second end portions of the support arm,
whereby a length of the support arm that is coupled with the reel
assembly may be selectively pivoted with respect to the other end
of the support arm. In some embodiments, the pivot joint is
disposed within an arm section between a mounting end portion that
engages the reel assembly and a mating end portion of the arm
section, whereby the reel assembly and a portion of the arm section
pivots on an a pivot axis with respect to the mating end portion
and the remainder of the support arm. A locking pin may be
associated with the pivot joint that is selectively movable between
locked and unlocked positions, whereby pivoting movement of the
mounting end portion of the arm section, with respect to the mating
end portion, is substantially prevented.
[0010] These and other aspects of the present system and method
will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description
and Figures herein.
DRAWINGS
[0011] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with
reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals
refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise
specified.
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a partially exploded, isometric view of one
embodiment and orientation of the support arm and demonstrates one
manner in which it may be coupled with a reel assembly.
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation, cutaway view of the support
arm and reel assembly depicted in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric, partially exploded view of
another embodiment of the support system as the same may be used to
support a reel assembly.
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a partially exploded isometric view of still
another embodiment of the support system as the same could be used
to support a reel assembly.
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts yet another partially exploded isometric view
of the support system as the same could be used to support a reel
assembly.
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts still another embodiment of the support
system as the same could be used to support a reel assembly.
[0018] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of the support system as
the same may provide pivotable support to a reel assembly.
[0019] FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the support system
as the same could provide pivotable support to a reel assembly.
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway, side elevation view of another
embodiment of the support system as the same could provide
pivotable support to a reel assembly.
[0021] FIG. 10 depicts yet another embodiment of the support system
as the same could provide pivotable support to a reel assembly.
[0022] FIG. 11 depicts still another embodiment of the support
system as the same could be used to provide pivotable support to a
reel assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to
the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way
of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments
are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be
implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as
being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense.
[0024] Support systems of the present technology are generally
provided to support at least one reel assembly in one of various
use positions with respect to a base support structure. It is
contemplated that the support systems may be used with reel
assemblies of a nearly endless number of different designs.
Commonly, however, a reel assembly 10 used with the support systems
disclosed herein will be configured to support one or more lengths
of generally flexible fluid delivery lines 12. Some examples of
such fluid delivery lines 12 include hoses designed for the
delivery of various gases, such as compressed air, and liquids,
such as water and other chemical compositions. Accordingly,
irrespective of the specific design of the reel assembly 10, it is
contemplated that the reel assembly 10 will include a line support
section or hub 14 that extends between opposite end portions 16 and
18 of the reel assembly 10. The hub 14 may be shaped as a drum with
a partially open or continuous exterior surface 20, which is
adapted for supporting a length of the hose 12. Other designs of
hubs 14 may be used, such as those including individual, elongated
support members circumferentially spaced about an axis of rotation.
Some reel assemblies may include a pair of opposing flanges 22 and
24 that project outwardly from the opposing end portions 16 and 18
of the reel assembly 10, to form an annular channel for receiving a
length of the fluid delivery line 12. The reel assembly 10 will
commonly include an axle 26, having a first end portion 28 and a
second end portion 30, that is provided to extend coaxially with
the hub 14 and be operatively coupled with the hub 14 in a manner
that permits selective rotation of the hub 14 about the axle 26. In
some embodiments, a handle 32 is secured with one of the opposing
flanges 22 or 24 to permit manual rotation of the reel assembly 10.
Components of applicant's reel assembly described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,389,790, issued on Jun. 24, 2008, may provide an exemplary
embodiment of a reel assembly 10 that may be used with the support
systems of the present technology.
[0025] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a modular support arm 100,
having a first end portion 102 and a second end portion 104, may be
provided to support the reel assembly 10 in one of various
positions. In many embodiments, the support arm 100 will have at
least a first arm section 106, associated with the first end
portion 102, and a second arm section 108, associated with the
second end portion 104. The first arm section 106 and second arm
section 108 are provided as separate structures that each include
mating end portions 110 and 112 that are releasably, coaxially
securable with one another. Specifically, the mating end portion
110 and mating end portion 112 are shaped to engage one another in
a manner that resists rotation of the mating end portions 110 and
112 with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the mating
end portions 110 and 112 are shaped to have a plurality of
spaced-apart teeth 114 that are shaped to intermesh with one
another in a first secure position as depicted in FIG. 2. The first
arm section 106 and second arm section 108 may then be separated
from one another, rotated axially with respect to one another, and
re-secured with one another in a second secure position that
changes the orientation of the support arm 100. In this manner, the
mating end portions, with their spaced-apart teeth 114, serve as
indexing cogs. The mating end portion 110 and mating end portion
112 may be secured with one another using various mechanical
fasteners such as the threaded fastener 116 that passes coaxially
at least partially through the second arm section of the 108 and is
received, coaxially, by mating threads 118 associated with the
mating end portion 110 of the first arm section 106.
[0026] At least one end portion of the reel assembly 10 is
operatively coupled with a mounting end portion 120 of the first
arm section 106. In some embodiments, the mounting end portion 120
of the first arm section 106 is coupled with the axle 26 on which
the reel assembly 10 rotates. Depending upon the orientation of the
opposing flanges 22 and 24 of the reel assembly 10, it is
contemplated that the first arm section 106 may extend outwardly
from the axle at an angle, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5. This angle may
approximate 45 degrees or other angle that best suits the design of
the reel assembly 10 and its intended use. In various embodiments,
the mounting end portion 120 is provided with a mounting receiver
122, which is provided with a recess that is shaped to receive a
length of the axle 26 adjacent an end portion of the reel assembly
10. A mounting cap 124 is likewise provided, with a recess that is
shaped to receive a length of the axle 26, whereby the mounting cap
124 may be coupled with the mounting receiver 122 in a manner that
disposes a length of the axle 26 between the mounting receiver 122
and mounting cap 124, securing the axle with the first arm section
106. One or more mechanical fasteners 126 may be provided to
removably engage the mounting receiver 122 and the mounting cap 124
in a secure position. In particular, the mechanical fasteners 126
may help provide a compressive force that secures the axle 26 with
respect to the first arm section 106. In this orientation, the axle
26 and first arm section 106 may be provided in a static position
with respect to the rotatably mounted reel assembly 10.
[0027] In various contemplated uses, it may be desirable to secure
the reel assembly 10 in a non-rotating position with respect to the
axle 26 and the support arm 100. In some embodiments, an elongated
pin member 128 may be coupled with the mounting end portion 120 of
the first arm section 106 so that the pin member 128 is selectively
movable along its long axis between locked and unlocked positions
with respect to the reel assembly 10. A plurality of recesses 130
may be formed within an end portion of the reel assembly 10,
adjacent the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106.
The recesses 130 will be shaped to receive a length of the pin
member 128 in the locked position, whereby rotational movement of
the reel assembly 10 is substantially prevented with respect to the
first arm section 108. A plurality of recesses 130 may be
positioned in a circular pattern about a central opening in the
reel assembly 10 that receives the axle 26. In this manner, the
reel assembly 10 may be locked, incrementally, in various positions
throughout its rotational cycle. In some embodiments, a spring
member 132 may be associated with the mounting end portion 120 of
the first arm section 106 and the pin member 128 in a manner that
biases the pin member toward the locked position. In particular,
the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 may be
formed to include a slot 134 that is shaped to slidably receive a
handle member 136, associated, with an end portion of the pin
member 128, when the pin member 128 is in the locked position. The
pin member 128 may be rotatably coupled with the mounting end
portion 120 of the first arm section 106 such that the pin member
128 may be moved into the unlocked position by sliding the handle
member from within the slot 134 with the pin member 128 withdrawn
from the recess 130 such that the handle member 136 is clear of the
slot 134. The pin member 128 may be retained in the unlocked
position by rotating the pin member 128 until the handle member 136
is prevented from re-entering the slot 134.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the support arm 100 may be
provided with a third arm section 138 having a first mating end
portion 140 and second mating end portion 142 that are shaped to
engage the mating end portions 110 and 112 of the first arm section
106 and second arm section 108 in a manner that resists rotation of
the mating end portions 140 and 142 of the third arm section 138
with the mating, end portions 110 and 112 of the first arm section
106 and second arm section 108. In some embodiments, the first
mating end portion 140 and second mating end portion 142 may be
shaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeth 114, such as
described previously with respect to the first arm section 106 and
second arm section 108. In some embodiments, such as depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the long axis that extends through the third arm
section 138 may be bent to at least approximate a right angle. In
this manner, the third arm section 138 may provide an "elbow
section" for orienting the first arm section 106 with respect to
the second arm section 108. Accordingly, the approximate right
angle of the long axis that extends through the third arm section
138 may be at 90 degrees or may be provided to have an angle that
is less than or greater than 90 degrees according to the desired
design parameters. With the first mating end portion 140 of the
third arm section 138 positioned against the mating end portion 110
of the first arm section 106, a mechanical fastener, such as the
threaded fastener 116, may be passed through the first mating end
portion 140 and received by mating threads 118 formed within the
mating end portion 110 of the first arm section 106. Similarly, the
second mating end portion 142 may be secured with the mating end
portion 112 of the second arm section 108 by passing a mechanical
fastener, such as the threaded fastener 116, through mating threads
118 formed within the second mating end portion 142 of the third
arm section 138. However, it is contemplated that reversal of parts
by passing the mechanical fasteners through one arm section and
providing mating threads within an opposite arm section is
contemplated.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 3, a fourth arm section 144 may be
associated with the support arm 100. The fourth arm section 144
will be shaped to have a first mating end portion 146 and a second
mating end portion 148 at opposite ends of the fourth arm section
144. The first mating end portion 146 and second mating end portion
148 will be shaped to engage the mating end portions of any of the
first arm section 106, second arm section 108 or third arm section
138 in a manner that resists rotation of the mating end portions of
the fourth arm section 144 with the mating end portions of any of
the first arm section 106, second arm section 108, and third arm
section 138. In some embodiments, a long axis that extends through
the fourth arm section 144 may be straight. In this manner, the
fourth arm section 144 may serve as an extension for disposing the
reel assembly 10 at a further distance away from the second arm
section 108. An exemplary orientation is shown in FIG. 3, whereby
the mating end portion 110 of the first arm section 106 is secured
with the first mating end portion 146 of the fourth arm section
144. The second mating end portion 148 of the fourth arm section
144 is secured with the first mating end portion 140 of the third
arm section 138. The second mating end portion 142 of the third arm
section 138 may then be secured with the mating end portion 112 of
the second arm section 108. As described previously with respect to
the joinder of the first arm section 106, second arm section 108,
and third arm section 138 with respect to one another, the fourth
arm section 144 may be secured to adjoining arm sections through
the use of one or more mechanical fasteners, such as the elongated
threaded fastener 150, with mating threads 118 disposed within one
mating end portion of an adjoining arm section.
[0030] A mounting end portion 152 of the second arm section 108
will be shaped to be securely engaged with a support structure,
such as a wall, support frame, or the like, whether or not the
support structure is statically positioned or mobile. With
reference to at least FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the mounting end portion
152 of the second arm section 108 is shaped, in some embodiments,
to define a mounting plate. 154 having a mounting surface 156 that
is shaped to securably engage a generally planar portion of the
support structure. While it is contemplated that the mounting
surface 156 will be formed to be generally planar in nature, other
configurations are contemplated depending upon the environment in
which the reel assembly 10 will be used. Moreover, it is
contemplated that the mounting surface 156 may be formed in a
contiguous nature or in a plurality of spaced-apart planar
structures. In some embodiments, the mounting surface 156 is shaped
to define a recess 158 that extends into the mounting end portion
152 of the second arm section 108, adjacent the mating end portion
112 of the second arm section 108. While the recess may prove to
reduce the weight of the second arm section 108 and reduce the
amount of materials used to fabricate the same, it further provides
an area that permits a mechanical fastener, such as the threaded
fastener 116, to be placed in the recess 158 and removably passed,
at least partially, through the mating end portion 112 of the
second arm section 108. It is contemplated, therefore, that the
recess 158 will be shaped to not only receive the mechanical
fastener, but also provide access to the mechanical fastener with
one of various types of tools for securing and removing the
mechanical fastener.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments of the
mounting end portion 152 of the second arm section 108 may be
shaped to have an elongated mounting post 160. While it is
contemplated that the elongated mounting post 160 could be secured
to, or received within, nearly any structure, many embodiments will
provide a collar or sleeve element (not depicted) that will
securely receive the elongated mounting post 160. In some
embodiments, the elongated mounting post 160 will have a
cross-sectional shape that is polygonal. Where the receiving sleeve
is similarly shaped, rotation of the elongated mounting post 160
about its long axis will be substantially prevented. One or more
fasteners may be passed through both the mounting sleeve and the
elongated mounting post 160 to secure their position with respect
to one another. However, it is contemplated that the weight of the
support arm 100 and reel assembly 10 will generally keep the
elongated mounting post 160 in its secure position with respect to
a static or mobile structure.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 6, it is contemplated that the
support arm 100 may be provided in a form that includes a shortened
or abbreviated first arm section 106 and second arm section 108. In
the exemplary embodiment depicted, the first arm section 106 is
reduced to a form that includes, primarily, a mounting end portion
120 with the aforedescribed mounting receiver 122 and mounting cap
124. This mounting end portion may be removably or permanently
secured with the axle 26 as described previously. The second arm
section 108, in this particular embodiment, may consist primarily
of a mounting end portion 152 and a mounting plate 154. Such
embodiments will be desirable where it is not necessary to extend
the reel assembly 10 away from a static or mobile mounting
structure. In some instance, the mounting structure will include
its own projection or aperture to which the support arm 100 will be
secured.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 7-11, some embodiments of the
support arm 100 may replace the previously described first arm
section 106 with a first arm section 162 that includes a pivot
joint 164 between the mounting end portion 166 and the mating end
portion 168 of the first arm section 162. While the pivot joint 164
is depicted and described as being disposed within the first arm
section 162, it is contemplated that nearly any of the arm sections
described herein may include a pivot joint similar to the pivot
joint 164. To that end, it is further contemplated that multiple
pivot joints may be associated with one or more of the arm sections
of the support arm 100. Where the pivot joint 164 is disposed
within the first arm section 162 between the mounting end portion
166 and the mating end portion 168, the mounting end portion 166
will pivot on a pivot axis with respect to the mating end portion
168.
[0034] In some regards, the first arm section 162 may be formed
similarly to the first arm section 106. For example, the mounting
end portion 166 of the first arm section 162 may include a mounting
receiver 122 and mounting cap 124 as described previously herein.
To that end, the mounting end portion 166 may be removably or
permanently secured with a portion of the reel assembly 10, such as
the axle 26. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that
such mounting structures will be unnecessary as the first arm
section 162 will include an axle support member 170, having a first
end portion 172 and an opposite second end portion 174 that extend
from within the first arm section 162. A length of the first end
portion 172 may be formed to define the axle 26 on which the reel
assembly 10 rotates. It is also contemplated, however, that the
first end portion 172 may simply form a mounting point for a
separate axle 26. The second end portion 174 of the axle support
member 170 may be formed to define a pivot support 176, whereby a
length of the second end portion 174 extends into a socket 178 in
the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 in order to
pivotably support a portion of the first arm section 162 and the
reel assembly 10. One or more bearings 182 of various designs known
and used in the industry may be disposed between the pivot support
176 and the socket 178 to provide a secure, rotatable coupling
between the pivot support 176 and the socket 178. In some
embodiments, a length of the pivot support 176 will be oriented
perpendicularly in relation to the axle 26 on which the reel
assembly rotates. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may be
pivoted throughout a plane on which the axle 26 lies.
[0035] In some orientations, an engagement face of the mating end
portion 168 of the first arm section 162 is oriented to face
perpendicularly from the pivot axis on which the pivot support 176
rotates. In such embodiments, the mating end portion 168 of the
first arm section 162 is shaped to have a decidedly right angle
prior to its terminal end portion. In doing so, however, the apex
of the bend at the mating end portion 168 provides an opportunity
to engage a swivel coupling 180 with the second end portion 174 of
the axle support member 170. Where the axle support member 170 is
provided as a hollow, tubular structure, and a swivel coupling 180
is secured with the second end portion 174, the swivel coupling 180
may be joined with a fluid source delivery line (not depicted) so
that the fluid may be delivered from the fluid delivery line,
through the axle support member 170 directly to the reel assembly
10 and, in some instances, a second swivel coupling 180 that is
secured with the first end portion 172 of the axle support member
170. A terminal end portion of this second swivel coupling 180 may
then be secured with the fluid delivery line 12 supported on the
reel assembly 10. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may pivot
about its axle 26 and pivot about an axis extending through a
portion of its support arm 100 while fluid is effectively delivered
from a fluid source to the fluid delivery line 12 on the reel
assembly 10.
[0036] In some embodiments, a second elongated pin member 128 may
be coupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section
162 such that it is selectively movable along its long axis between
locked and unlocked positions. A plurality of recesses 130 may be
formed within the first arm section 162, adjacent the mating end
portion 168, whereby the recesses are shaped to receive a length of
the pin member 128 in the locked position in order to substantially
restrict pivoting movement of the pivot support 176 with respect to
the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162. In some
embodiments, the pin member 128 may move along an axis that is
generally parallel with the pivot axis on which the pivot support
176 rotates. Accordingly, the plurality of recesses 130 may be
positioned in a circular pattern that encircles the pivot axis,
enabling the pivot joint 164 to be freely rotated and secured at a
plurality of positions along its rotational path. A spring member
132 may be coupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm
section 162 and the pin member 128 in a manner that biases the pin
member 128 toward the locked position. The mating end portion 168
of the first arm section 162 may be formed to include a slot 134
that is shaped to slidably receive a handle member 136 that is
associated with an end portion of the pin member 128, when the pin
member 128 is in the locked position. In some embodiments, the pin
member 128 may be rotatably coupled with the mating end portion 168
of the first arm section 162 such that the pin member 128 may be
moved to the unlocked position by sliding the handle member 136
from within the slot 134. The pin member 128 will be generally
retained in the unlocked position by rotating the pin member 128
until the handle member 136 is prevented from re-entering the slot
134.
[0037] In many embodiments, the first arm section 162 may be
provided with a shape that first extends downwardly and away from
the reel assembly 10 at an angle, such as previously described for
the first arm section 106. The first arm section 162 may then bend
beneath itself so that a length of the first arm section 162 is
positioned beneath the reel assembly 10 and in a plane that is
generally parallel with the axis on which the reel assembly 10
rotates. The first arm section 162 may then bend again so that the
second end portion 174 of the axle support member 170 is disposed
in a generally vertical fashion, beneath the reel assembly 10. In
some respects, at least a portion of the first arm section 162 will
generally resemble a question mark. It is contemplated that this
orientation will place a majority of the weight from the reel
assembly 10 directly on the pivot support 176 and retain the same
within its socket 178.
[0038] It is contemplated that the first arm section 162 and the
axle support member 170 could be formed in a uniform construction
with one another. However, it is also contemplated that the first
arm section 162 and the axle support member 170 will be separate
structures simply coupled with one another. To this end, these
structures may be formed from the same or dissimilar materials. For
example, in some embodiments, the axle support member 170 may be
formed first from a material, such as various castable or
extrudable metals, or from various polymers, depending upon the
intended use. Thereafter, the first arm section 162 may be formed
around the axle support member 170 and formed from other castable
or extrudable metals, polymers, and the like. In at least one
specific example, the first arm section 162, as well as the reel
assembly 10 and the remainder of the support arm 100, may be formed
from a lightweight, aluminum material or blend of materials that is
corrosion resistant as well as lightweight and inexpensive.
[0039] The aforedescribed modular nature of the support arm 100
with its plurality of arm sections applies irrespective of whether
or not a first arm section 162, with its pivot joint 164, is used.
With reference to FIGS. 8-11, a third arm section 138 may be
provided with a long axis extending through the third arm section
138 that is straight. In some embodiments, the mating end portion
168 of the first arm section 162 may be secured with the first
mating end portion 140 of the third arm section 138. The second
mating end portion 142 of the third arm section 138 may then be
secured with the first mating end portion of the second arm section
108. As described herein previously, the mounting end portion 152
of the second arm section 108 may be shaped to have a mounting
plate 154 or an elongated mounting post 160, as those structures
have been described previously herein.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 7, a third arm section 138 may be
provided with a long axis that extends through the arm section 138
and is bent to approximate a right angle. A fourth arm section 144
may also be provided that has a long axis extending through it that
is bent to at least approximate a right angle. In this embodiment,
the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 is secured
with the first mating end portion 140 of the third arm section 138.
The second mating end portion 142 of the third arm section 138 may
then be secured with the first mating end portion 146 of the fourth
arm section 144. Finally, the second mating end portion 148 of the
fourth arm section 144 may be secured with the mating end portion
112 of the second arm section 108. In this manner, a mounting plate
154, disposed at the mounting end portion 152 of the second arm
section 108, may be disposed directly beneath the pivot axis of the
pivot support 176 and receive a majority of the weight from the
reel assembly 10 and the support arm 100 directly.
[0041] Although the system and methods of employing the same have
been described in language that is specific to certain structures,
materials, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that
the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily
limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or steps
described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as
forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments
of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims
hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or
expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical
characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the
claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term
"approximately." At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit
the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each
numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is
modified by the term "approximately" should at least be construed
in light of the number of recited significant digits and by
applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges
disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide
support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all
individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of
1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for
claims that recite any and all subranges, or individual values that
are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the
maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a
minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or
less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values
from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).
* * * * *