U.S. patent application number 15/218944 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-26 for reel system with supplemental features.
The applicant listed for this patent is Karcher North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gerardo Angel Gonzalez Chapa, Alberto Azael Espinoza Trevino, Shawn Wright.
Application Number | 20170022026 15/218944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57836562 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170022026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chapa; Gerardo Angel Gonzalez ;
et al. |
January 26, 2017 |
REEL SYSTEM WITH SUPPLEMENTAL FEATURES
Abstract
A hose reel device is provided with features for enhancing the
functionality and ease of use of the device. The device comprises a
drum provided with a frame member and at least one extension
adapted for cleaning, winding, guiding, or elevating an elongate
flexible hose that may be provided in combination with the device.
The device also comprises various modular features such that the
device may be modified for particular applications and based on the
preferences of the end user.
Inventors: |
Chapa; Gerardo Angel Gonzalez;
(Camas, WA) ; Trevino; Alberto Azael Espinoza;
(San Nicolas de Los Garza, MX) ; Wright; Shawn;
(Sparta, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karcher North America, Inc. |
Denver |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57836562 |
Appl. No.: |
15/218944 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62196466 |
Jul 24, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/4492 20130101;
B65H 2701/34 20130101; B65H 2701/33 20130101; B65H 75/403 20130101;
B65H 75/4478 20130101; B65H 2701/35 20130101; B65H 75/4468
20130101; B65H 75/4402 20130101; B65H 75/4407 20130101; B65H 75/441
20130101; B65H 2701/534 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/44 20060101
B65H075/44; B65H 75/40 20060101 B65H075/40; B65H 75/14 20060101
B65H075/14 |
Claims
1. A winding apparatus comprising: a drum having a hub defining an
axis of rotation and a pair of flanges at opposing ends of the
drum; a frame at least partially surrounding the drum, the drum
being rotatably mounted to the frame; a pair of rotatable arms
extending from the frame; at least one elongate rail member
extending between the pair of rotatable arms; a guide member
provided on the at least one elongate rail member; the guide member
being translatable with respect to the at least one elongate rail
member, and the guide member comprises an aperture for receiving a
flexible elongate member; and wherein the pair of rotatable arms
are rotatable about an axis generally corresponding to the axis of
rotation of the drum such that the guide member may be provided in
a plurality of radial positions with respect to the drum.
2. The winding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a
pair of lower frame members and a pair of upper frame members, and
wherein the apparatus is stackable with an additional apparatus of
substantially the same construction.
3. The winding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide member
comprises an elongate member cleaning device having a plurality of
bristles adapted to contact an outer surface of the flexible
elongate member and remove debris therefrom.
4. The winding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
elongate rail member comprises a self-reversing screw to provide a
reciprocating motion to the guide member and to wind or coil the
flexible elongate member about the drum.
5. The winding apparatus of claim 4, wherein the self-reversing
screw comprises a left-handed helical groove and a right-handed
helical groove that overlap each other, and the guide member
includes a portion that is operatively interconnected to the
helical grooves to provide the reciprocating motion of the guide
member.
6. The winding apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an
extending guide provided on the frame, wherein an apertured member
is positioned on a distal end of the extending guide and construed
to receive the flexible elongate member.
7. The winding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the extending guide
comprises a plurality of telescoping, concentric frame elements
that allow the extending guide to selectively extend above the
frame.
8. A hose winding apparatus for use with an associated flexible
hose comprising: a drum having a hub defining an axis of rotation;
a frame at least partially surrounding the drum, the drum being
rotatably mounted to the frame; a first bracket member having a
portion that forms a recess with a first opening, the recess of the
first bracket being configured to selectively receive a first
portion of the frame; a second bracket member having a portion that
forms a recess with a second opening, the recess of the second
bracket being configured to selectively receive a second portion of
the frame; at least one rail member extending between the first and
second bracket members; and a hose guide member comprising an
aperture for receiving a flexible hose and provided on the at least
one rail member.
9. The hose winding apparatus of claim 8, wherein the portions of
the first and second bracket members are deflectable to form
interference fits with the frame.
10. The hose winding apparatus of claim 8, wherein the hose guide
member comprises a handle portion for manually moving the hose
guide member along the at least one rail member.
11. The hose winding apparatus of claim 8, wherein the hose guide
member comprises a hose cleaning device having a plurality of
bristles adapted to contact the outer surface of the flexible hose
and to remove debris from the flexible hose.
12. The hose winding apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one
rail member comprises a self-reversing screw to provide a
reciprocating motion.
13. The hose winding apparatus of claim 12, wherein the
self-reversing screw comprises a left-handed helical groove and a
right-handed helical groove that overlap.
14. The hose winding apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: an
extending hose guide provided on the frame and having an apertured
member positioned on its distal end for receiving a flexible
hose.
15. A hose winding apparatus for use with an associated flexible
hose comprising: a drum having a hub defining an axis of rotation;
a frame at least partially surrounding the drum, the drum being
rotatably mounted to the frame; a pair of rotatable arms extending
from the frame, wherein the pair of rotatable arms are rotatable
about an axis generally corresponding to the axis of rotation of
the drum; at least one elongate rail member extending between the
pair of rotatable arms; a first guide member provided on the at
least one elongate rail member, the first guide member comprises an
aperture for receiving a flexible hose and positionable in a
plurality of radial positions with respect to the drum; and an
extending hose guide provided on the frame, wherein a second guide
member is positioned on a distal end of the extending hose guide
and includes an aperture for receiving the flexible hose.
16. The hose winding apparatus of claim 15, wherein the extending
hose guide comprises a plurality of telescoping, concentric frame
elements that allow the extending hose guide to selectively
extend.
17. The hose winding apparatus of claim 15, wherein the frame is
positioned on a platform of a wheeled cart.
18. The hose winding apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first guide
member comprises a hose cleaning device having a plurality of
bristles adapted to contact an outer surface of the flexible
hose.
19. The hose winding apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least
one elongate rail member comprises a self-reversing screw to
provide a reciprocating motion to the first guide member.
20. The hose winding apparatus of claim 19, wherein the
self-reversing screw comprises a left-handed helical groove and a
right-handed helical groove and the first guide member is
operatively interconnected to the helical grooves to provide the
reciprocating motion.
Description
[0001] This U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the
benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/196,466, filed Jul. 24, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and
devices for managing flexible elongate objects such as hoses,
wires, cables, and ropes. More specifically, the present disclosure
provides a system with a reel for storing, coiling, extending and
using a hose or similar device, and optional features for assisting
in the use of the reel and the hose or other devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Hose reels have gained wide public acceptance as a
convenient device for storing hoses and like devices. These devices
include portable hose reel carts, stationary hose reel carts, and
stationary hose reel hangers that can be mounted to a surface of a
building or vehicle. Hose reels provide for coiling of a hose,
elevating a hose above a ground surface, and enhancing the
portability of a hose at least when provided in a storage
condition.
[0004] A typical portable hose reel includes an open, rotatable
reel or spool typically provided on a support. Such devices may
include wheels to permit ready transport of the hose from one
location to another. At least one hose may be wound around the reel
for storage, and unwound or extended from the reel when use is
desired.
[0005] Hose reels may comprise a crank handle secured to a hub for
rotating a spool and winding and unwinding a hose. Alternatively,
it is known to provide a hose reel with a motor obtaining power
from a battery to provide a desired rotation. U.S. Pat. No.
6,877,687, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety, is directed to a battery powered hose reel to provide an
alternative to manual cranking of a hose reel. The battery powers a
motor typically allowing hundreds of hose retrievals before
recharging.
[0006] It is also known to provide a water powered motor that can
be used for automatic hose take-up. U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,188, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, provides a
water-driven motor having an external gear motor, a linearly
translating actuator, and a rotatable actuator. U.S. Pat. No.
6,752,342, which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety, discloses the use of a water operated motor for
conversion of linear motion to a rotational motion using pistons
linked to a hose reel spool. U.S. Publication No. 2006/0045733,
which is further hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety,
discloses the use of a water turbine for use in rotation of a hose
reel.
SUMMARY
[0007] However, even with these known devices, there is still a
need for an improved, low cost, high efficiency hose reel. Thus,
there remains a long-felt and unmet need for hose reel devices in
accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The
improved hose reels of the present disclosure include, for example,
devices and features for efficient and ergonomic winding of a hose
around a spool or drum, wherein the hose is elevated from a floor,
ground, or working surface, wherein the device is wound in a
preferred manner, and wherein cleaning of an exterior surface of a
hose is achieved during winding or unwinding of the hose.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a hose
reel device for storing, organizing, and protecting flexible
devices such as hoses, cables, wires, ropes and similar devices
(which for ease of explanation will all collectively be referred to
as "hoses") while still allowing for ease of use of the flexible
device. In various embodiments, a protective housing or cage is
provided to protect the hose reel and any associated flexible
device from various external factors. It is an object of the
present disclosure to provide hose reel devices that are durable,
neatly coil and extend a flexible device, prevent damage to the
flexible device(s), provide a compact system, allow for extension
of a flexible device at a plurality of angles, comprise stacking
abilities or features, are ergonomic and easy to handle, and that
comprise self-cleaning features. Devices and features in
furtherance of these objects are shown and described herein.
[0009] It is yet another object of embodiments of the present
disclosure to provide a hose reel device that overcomes various
drawbacks associated with the prior art including, but not limited
to, issues related to coiling or storing a dirty hose, lack of
mobility, difficulty winding or coiling, interference with nearby
or adjacent components and machinery, and the ability to dispense
or uncoil a hose at multiple different angles or orientations,
etc.
[0010] In one embodiment, a hose winding apparatus for use with an
associated flexible hose is provided, the apparatus comprising a
drum having a hub defining an axis of rotation and a pair of
flanges at opposing ends of the drum. The apparatus also has a
frame that is at least partially surrounding the drum, and the drum
is rotatably mounted to the frame. Next, a pair of rotatable arms
extend from the frame, and at least one elongate rail member
extends between the pair of rotatable arms. A hose guide member is
provided on the at least one elongate rail member. The hose guide
member is translatable with respect to the at least one elongate
rail member, and the hose guide member comprises an aperture for
receiving a flexible hose or similar device. The pair of arms are
rotatable about an axis generally corresponding to the axis of
rotation of the drum such that the hose guide member may be
provided in a plurality of radial positions with respect to the
drum.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the frame comprises a pair of lower
frame members and a pair of upper frame members, and the apparatus
is stackable with an additional apparatus of the same construction.
In various embodiments, the hose guide member comprises a hose
cleaning device having a plurality of bristles adapted to contact a
flexible hose and remove debris from the flexible hose's exterior
surface. Next, the at least one elongate rail member may comprise a
self-reversing screw to provide a reciprocating motion to the hose
guide member and to wind or coil a flexible hose or similar device
about the drum in a preferred manner. In some embodiments, the
self-reversing screw comprises a left-handed helical groove and a
right-handed helical groove that overlap each other, and the hose
guide member comprises a shoe that is operatively interconnected to
the helical grooves to provide the reciprocating motion of the hose
guide member.
[0012] In various embodiments, the apparatus has an extending hose
guide that is provided on the frame. A guide member is positioned
on a distal end of the extending hose guide, and the guide member
comprises an aperture for receiving a flexible hose. Further, the
extending hose guide may comprise a plurality of telescoping,
concentric frame elements that allow the extending hose guide to
selectively extend above the frame.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, a hose winding apparatus for use
with an associated flexible hose is provided, and the apparatus has
a drum having a hub defining an axis of rotation. The apparatus
also has a frame at least partially surrounding the drum, the drum
being rotatably mounted to the frame, and the frame having a
portion that is a predetermined distance from the axis of rotation
of the drum. A pair of rotatable arms may extend from the frame,
and the pair of rotatable arms are rotatable about the axis of
rotation of the drum. Next, a rail member can extend between the
pair of rotatable arms, and the rail member is a predetermined
distance from the axis of rotation of the drum. The rail member and
the pair of rotatable arms are adapted to rotate about the axis of
rotation of the drum, and the rail member may contact the portion
of the frame to prevent rotation of the rail member and the pair of
rotating arms in one direction. The apparatus may also have a hose
guide member provided on the rail member, and the hose guide member
comprises an aperture for receiving a flexible hose.
[0014] In some embodiments, the frame comprises a second portion
that is a second predetermined distance from the axis of rotation
of the drum, and a second rail member extends between the pair of
rotatable arms, contacts the second portion of the frame to prevent
rotation of the second rail member and the pair of rotating arms in
a second direction. In various embodiments, the hose guide member
is provided on a second rail member extending between the pair of
rotatable arms, and the hose guide member is translatable with
respect to the rail members.
[0015] In another embodiment, a hose winding apparatus for use with
an associated flexible hose is provided, and the apparatus
comprises a drum having a hub defining an axis of rotation and
comprises a frame at least partially surrounding the drum, the drum
being rotatably mounted to the frame. The apparatus has a pair of
rotatable arms extending from the frame, wherein the pair of
rotatable arms are rotatable about an axis generally corresponding
to the axis of rotation of the drum. At least one elongate rail
member extends between the pair of rotatable arms. A first guide
member can be provided on the at least one elongate rail member,
the first guide member comprises an aperture for receiving a
flexible hose, and the first guide member may be provided in a
plurality of radial positions with respect to the drum. The
apparatus may also have an extending hose guide provided on the
frame, wherein a second guide member is positioned on a distal end
of the extending hose guide, and the second guide member comprises
an aperture for receiving a flexible hose.
[0016] In some embodiments, the extending hose guide comprises a
plurality of telescoping, concentric frame elements that allow the
extending hose guide to selectively extend above the frame. In
various embodiments, the frame is positioned on a platform of a
cart, the cart having at least one wheel to move the frame and
cart.
[0017] The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed
as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present
disclosure. The present disclosure is set forth in various levels
of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached drawings and
the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the
present disclosure is intended by either the inclusion or
non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.
Additional aspects of the present disclosure will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosed system and together with the general description of
the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the
drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosed system.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a hose reel device
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a hose reel device
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a hose reel device
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a hose reel device
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of hose reel devices and
a hose reel accessory in accordance with one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a component of a hose
reel device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a component of a hose
reel device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a component of a hose
reel device according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a hose reel device
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of hose reel devices
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 9C is a rear perspective view of a hose reel device
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It
should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not
necessarily limited to the particular system embodiments
illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a hose reel device 2
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown,
the hose reel 2 comprises a frame member 4 with base member 6. The
frame member 4 at least partially surrounds a drum 8, the drum 8
being rotatable with respect to at least the frame 4 and adapted to
receive and store a hose (not shown). Although the present
disclosure contemplates systems and features for storing hoses such
as air and water hoses, it will be expressly recognized that the
present disclosure is not limited to any particular hose. Indeed,
it is contemplated that devices of the present disclosure are
provided and adapted to receive and store various devices including
hoses, cables, cords, ropes, and various other elongate objects
suitable for winding and/or storing with devices of the
disclosure.
[0032] As further shown in FIG. 1, the hose reel device 2 also
comprises a crank 10 or other user-interface to rotate the drum 8
and effectuate winding or unwinding of a hose or similar device.
The crank 10 is at least partially supported by a support member 12
(a second similar support member is located but not fully shown on
the opposite side of the frame), which further support the drum 10
and comprises a portion of the frame 4. The hose reel 2 comprises
fluid-connection interface 14 to connect a stored hose or similar
device provided on the reel 2 to a water or air source, for
example. The fluid-connection interface 14 provides for a device
that renders a stored or wound hose to be usable while provided on
the hose reel 2, such that the hose reel 2 is not simply a storage
device. As further shown in FIG. 1, the frame 4 comprises
horizontally extending members 16. Horizontally extending members
16 further support the frame 4, protect the drum 8, and support
additional accessories as shown and described herein.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hose reel device 2
according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The hose reel device
2 comprises substantially the same structure as the embodiment of
FIG. 1, and further comprises a hose guide 17. The hose guide 17
comprises a body member 18 provided on elongate rails 22a, 22b, and
an aperture 19 through which a hose or similar device is fed as it
is wound around or extended from the drum 8. The hose guide body 18
and associated aperture 19 are translatable along elongate rails
22a, 22b in order to feed and coil a hose back and forth along at
least a portion of a width of the drum 8. The hose guide 17 is
secured to the frame 4 of the hose reel device 2 with first and
second bracket members or arms 24a, 24b. Bracket members 24a, 24b
are selectively securable to the frame 4 in a plurality of
locations based on user preference, desired position or orientation
of the hose reel 2, or other requirements.
[0034] Portions of the bracket members 24a, 24b form recesses that
secure the bracket members 24a, 24b to the frame 4. As shown in
FIG. 2, the frame 4 is selectively received through openings of the
recesses (further described with respect to FIG. 6) to secure the
bracket members 24a, 24b, elongate rails 22a, 22b, and hose guide
17 to the frame 4. The portions of the bracket members 24a, 24b may
be deflectable such that an interference fit is created between the
bracket members 24a, 24b and the frame 4. In practice, a user may,
for example, selectively interconnect the bracket members 24a, 24b
to a front side of the frame in one instance, then remove and
selectively interconnect the members 24a, 24b to a top side of the
frame in another instance.
[0035] It will be appreciated that the bracket members 24a, 24b may
be selectively interconnected to the frame 4 in a number of ways.
For example, a clamp on each bracket member 24a, 24b allows for a
user to selectively secure the bracket members 24a, 24b to the
frame 4 in a plurality of locations on the frame 4. In another
further example, the frame 4 comprises a curved segment having a
constant radius of curvature, and the recesses of the bracket
members 24a, 24b have the same radius of curvature. Thus, the
bracket members 24a, 24b can selectively change positions along the
curved segment of the frame 4. Deflectable portions and/or
interference fits can secure the bracket members 24a, 24b in
particular positions, but it will also be appreciated that other
selective securing features such as deflectable pins, screws,
latches, and other similar features can secure the bracket members
24a, 24b in particular positions on the frame 4.
[0036] Next, in certain embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 2, the
hose guide 17 comprises a handle portion 26 for manually moving the
hose guide 17 which can be used to coil a hose around a drum in a
desired fashion. However, in alternative embodiments, at least one
of the rails 22a, 22b comprises a self-reversing screw or worm gear
for auto guiding and winding of a hose. In one example, an elongate
rail member 22a, 22b has a right-handed helical groove along the
longitudinal length of the elongate rail member 22a, 22b and a
left-handed helical groove also running along the longitudinal
length of the elongate rail member 22a, 22b. A shoe (not shown) on
the hose guide 17 tracks along one of the helical groves such that
the hose guide 17 translates along the longitudinal length of the
elongate rail member 22a, 22b. Once the hose guide 17 reaches one
end of the elongate rail member 22a, 22b, the shoe transitions
between helical grooves, and the hose guide 17 begins translating
in the opposite direction along the longitudinal length of the
elongate rail member 22a, 22b. This translating motions helps store
a hose in the hose reel device 2 in an efficient and compact
manner.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hose reel device 2 and
hose guide accessories according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. As shown, the device comprises a hose guide 17 as shown
and described with respect to FIG. 2 (but positioned upon a
different portion of the frame 4). The hose reel 2 of FIG. 3
further comprises an elevated hose guide 30 extending substantially
perpendicular to the width direction of the drum 8 of the hose
guide 2. The elevated hose guide 30 comprises first 34 and second
38 members. The members 34, 38 are telescoping with respect to each
other, such that an overall length of the elevated hose guide 30 is
adjustable. The elevated hose guide 30 is preferably removably
secured or fixed to the frame 4 of the hose reel 2 by a clamp or
similar feature. The elevated hose guide 30 provides a roller guide
40 at an elevated position and can enable elevation of a hose. In
certain embodiments, at least a portion of the hose guide 30 is
rotatable with respect to the frame 4 of the hose reel 2 such that
a user may easily move around a position of the hose reel 2 in a
radial direction while utilizing a hose which is constrained by the
roller guide 40.
[0038] The embodiment of FIG. 3 also comprises a horizontal hose
guide 17 as shown and described with respect to FIG. 2. In FIG. 3,
however, the horizontal hose guide 17 is provided on an upper
portion of the frame member 4, such as may be desirable to
accommodate a hose being fed through the roller guide 40 of the
elevated hose guide 30. The arrangement of FIG. 3 may be
particularly advantageous, for example, where one wishes to use a
spray gun or wand associated with a hose provided on the hose reel
2 when the hose reel 2 is provided in the bed or a truck or similar
position of storage. The elevated roller guide 40 of the elevate
hose guide 30 creates a raised contact point for the hose and
creates greater mobility and freedom of movement for a user of a
device provided on a distal end of a hose. The elevated hose guide
30 comprises a locking pin 36 (or other device known in the art) to
selectively adjust and secure a relative position of the first 34
and second 38 members and a total overall length of the elevated
hose guide 30.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hose reel 2 according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure provided on a cart 50. The
cart 50 comprises an upper frame member 52, at least one wheel 54
(a second wheel would typically be opposite the shown wheel and
also attached to eh cart frame 50), a lower frame member 58 with a
foot or support 60, and a platform 56 for receiving at least a
portion of a hose reel 2 as shown and described herein. As shown in
FIG. 4, a bottom portion 6 of the frame member 4 may be provided on
the platform 56, and movement of the hose reel 2 is enabled by
manual operation and translation of the cart 50. The upper frame
member 52 can be used as a handle to facilitate movement of the
cart 50 and is adjustable in some embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cart 50 according to the
embodiment of FIG. 4 and wherein the cart 50 is provided with a
plurality of hose reels 2. As shown, the hose reels 2 comprise base
member 6 and frame members 4 that allow for secure vertical
stacking (in a manner known in the art) of the hose reels 2. A
plurality of reels 2 may be stacked on a single cart 50 and moved
to desired locations. It is also contemplated that hose reels 2 and
associated features (e.g. spray guns) may be used while the hose
reel(s) 2 are provided on the cart 50 as shown in FIGS. 4-5.
[0041] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a horizontal hose
guide 17 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As
shown, the horizontal hose guide 17 comprises first and second
bracket members 24a, 24b adapted to mount the guide 17 to a frame
of a hose reel 2. A pair of rails 22a, 22b are provided and extend
between the first and second bracket members 24a, 24b. The rails
22a, 22b are adapted to allow for substantially horizontal
translation of a body member 18. The body member 18 comprises a
central aperture 19 for receiving a hose or similar feature and
wherein the hose travels through the central aperture during
winding and unwinding of a drum of the hose reel 2. The body member
18 comprises a handle 26, and a user may grasp the handle 26 and
guide or direct the coiling or uncoiling of the hose around the
drum. These devices and features enable a user to provide a wound
hose in a preferred orientation and wherein successive loops of a
coil on the drum 8 are horizontally distributed in a desired
position.
[0042] FIG. 6 also shows the bracket members 24a, 24b and the
respective portions that form recesses. The portions may form
recesses that have a partially cylindrical shape to conform to a
frame that has tubular segments. The recesses also have openings
through which the frame may pass through before being secured in
the recesses. The openings of the bracket members 24a, 24b have a
particular orientation so that the second bracket member 24b is
selectively interconnected to the frame before the first bracket
member 24a, or vice versa. The opening of the second bracket 24b is
oriented in an outward direction, or alternatively, parallel with
longitudinal axes of the rails 22a, 22b. Conversely, the opening of
the first bracket 24a is oriented in a different direction. The
first bracket 24a is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal
axes of the rails 22a, 22b. Thus, during operation, a user
selectively interconnects the second bracket member 24b to the
frame, then rotates the bracket members 24a, 24b and the rails 22a,
22b and selectively interconnects the first bracket member 24a to
the frame. Accordingly, the user only has to selectively
interconnect one bracket member 24a, 24b at a time instead of both
bracket members 24a, 24b simultaneously.
[0043] It will be appreciated that the orientations of the bracket
members 24a, 24b are not necessarily "parallel" and
"perpendicular." For instance, the second bracket member 24b can be
in an orientation between parallel and perpendicular to the
longitudinal axes of the rails 22a, 22b such that a user
selectively interconnects the second bracket member 24b to the
frame, then only has to rotate the bracket members 24a, 24b and the
rails 22a, 22b a few degrees to selectively interconnect the first
bracket member 24a to the frame. It will be further appreciated
that while the opening of the second bracket member 24b is oriented
outwardly in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the arms 22a, 22b are
longer and the opening of the second bracket member 24b is oriented
inwardly, yet still parallel with the longitudinal axes of the arms
22a, 22b.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of an elevated hose
guide member 30 comprising first 34 and second 38 members that are
translatable relative to each other. A securing member 36, such as
a pin, clevis, clamp, or similar device, may be provided to secure
the first and second members 34, 38 in a desired position or length
relative to one another. A mounting bracket 35 is provided to
secure the member 30 to a hose reel 2, such as those shown and
described herein. A first end of the second member 38 comprises a
roller guide 40 for guiding and/or cleaning a hose. The roller
guide of the depicted embodiment comprises an aperture for
receiving a hose and a plurality of rollers to facilitate movement
and reduce wear on the hose.
[0045] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cart 50 according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cart 50
comprises upper frame portion 52 with a handle 53, and a lower
frame portion 58 with a foot 60. The cart 50 comprises wheels 54 to
enable translation of the cart 50 and associated devices. A
platform 56 is provided and connected to the lower frame member 58.
The length of the frame portion 52, and thus the operating position
of the handle 53, can be adjusted in known fashion by use of
members 57a and 57b.
[0046] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a hose reel 70 of another
embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the hose reel 70
comprises a frame member 72 and a drum 74. First and second
rotatable arms or brackets 76a, 76b are provided on opposing
lateral sides of the frame member 72. The arms 76a, 76b comprise
laterally extending rails 78a, 78b extending between the rails. It
will be appreciated that the frame 4 can, in some embodiments,
serve to limit the range of positions of the arms 76a, 76b and the
elongate rails 78a, 78b. When the arms 76a, 76b rotate forward, one
of the elongate rails 78a, 78b contacts a portion of the frame 4 to
prevent further rotation. Similarly, when the arms 76a, 76b rotate
backward, one of the elongate rails 78a, 78b contacts a portion of
the frame 4 to prevent further rotation. In other words, the
elongate rails 78a, 78b are a predetermined distance away from the
axis of rotation of the arms 76a, 76b, which in some embodiments
can be described as the axis of rotation of the drum 8. Thus, one
of the elongate rails 78a, 78b contact a portion of the frame 4
that is also the predetermined distance from the axis of rotation
of the arms 76a, 76b or the drum 8. It will be appreciated that the
first arm 76a may have a different predetermined distance than the
second arm 76b, and thus, the frame has two different portions with
surfaces that are two different predetermined distances away from
the axis of rotation of the arms 76a, 76b or the drum 8.
[0047] A hose guide 80 is provided on the rails 78a, 78b. The hose
guide 80 comprises hose tensioning rollers 82 and a hose cleaning
brush 84. The brush 84 comprises an aperture with inwardly
extending bristles to clean and/or dry a hose as it travels through
the hose guide 80. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the
rails 78a, 78b comprises a self-reversing screw for enabling
lateral translation of the guide 80 and winding a hose around the
drum 74 in a preferred manner. Various self-reversing screw
constructions are contemplated for use with embodiments of the
present disclosure. For example, the structures shown and described
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,421 to Berlier et al., which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety, may be provided in
various embodiments to achieve a reciprocating lateral motion R of
the hose guide 80 and enable a preferred winding and storage of a
hose when a crank or handle member 85 is operated. Additionally,
the arms 76a, 76b of the device 70 are rotatable, in a ratcheting,
spring loaded locking pins, or other desired fashion, and capable
of extending away from the frame member 72, through use of
telescoping or other construction mean, at a variety of angles or
orientations.
[0048] FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of a plurality of hose
reels 70 according to the embodiment of FIG. 9A and wherein the
hose reels 70 are stacked in a vertical arrangement. As shown, the
frame members 72 of the hose reels 70 comprise upper 86 and lower
88 rails adapted for secure communication with one another and
enabling stacking of the reels 70. Hose reels 70 of the present
disclosure may be stacked for shipping or storage, or may be
provided in a stacked arrangement on a truck and/or in various
working arrangements.
[0049] FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a hose reel 70 according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure. The hose reel 70 as shown
in FIG. 9C comprises a vertically extending hose guide member 90.
The hose reel 70 comprises various features as shown and described
herein, including the frame member 72, arms 76a, 76b, and hose
guide 80. The hose reel 70 is further provided with a
height-adjustable vertically extending hose guide 90. A roller or
guide member 92 is provided proximal an upper portion of the guide
90. In various embodiments, the guide 92 comprises a plurality of
concentric frame elements that are telescoping with respect to one
another. In the depicted embodiment, the guide 90 is provided as
extending from a vertical member of the frame 72. In alternative
embodiments, however, it is contemplated that the guide 90 is
secured to a side of the frame or related structure. In preferred
embodiments, the guide 90 comprises a selectively removable member
secured to the frame 72 by one or more pin connections (or
similar), and wherein the guide 90 is easily removable from the
hose reel 70 when the device is to be moved or stored. The elevated
hose guide 90 provides a structure for elevating a hose above a
ground surface and various objects that may obstruct winding of the
hose. The guide 90 thus promotes efficient unobstructed winding of
a hose 100.
[0050] While various embodiments of the system have been described
in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of
those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to
be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are
within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purposes of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or
"having" and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the
items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as,
additional items.
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