U.S. patent number RE32,510 [Application Number 06/925,692] was granted by the patent office on 1987-09-29 for hose storage apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Suncast Corporation. Invention is credited to Bruce Heggeland, Richard D. Recker, Cosmo N. Tisbo, Thomas A. Tisbo.
United States Patent |
RE32,510 |
Tisbo , et al. |
September 29, 1987 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Hose storage apparatus
Abstract
A hose storage apparatus for storing and transporting a hose on
a reel. The reel is rotatably mounted on a frame which is formed of
a plastic material. The frame has a molded plastic handle pivotally
attached thereto. The handle is positionable in an upright attitude
to provide a convenient means for manipulating the apparatus. The
handle may be selectively lowered to a lowered position wherein
portions of the handle are positioned adjacent to the frame to
reduce the height of the apparatus and thereby facilitate storage.
A lock releasably secures the handle to the frame in a selected
attitude. The reel includes a pair of identical molded plastic reel
halves. Each half includes a reel side with a hub. Each hub is
rotatably mounted in the frame. A plurality of pylons is formed
integral with each of the reel sides. The pylons of each reel side
are secured to each other and form a hose support surface. A hose
connector is mounted on one reel side. The hose connector has a
molded plastic inlet tube rotatably mounted on the hub of said
side. A molded plastic outlet tube is also mounted on the same hub
and is connected to the inlet tube. The tube is fixed relative to
the hose support surface and is adapted to be connected to a hose
stored on the hose support surface.
Inventors: |
Tisbo; Cosmo N. (Lake
Barrington Shores, IL), Tisbo; Thomas A. (Barrington,
IL), Recker; Richard D. (Palatine, IL), Heggeland;
Bruce (Palatine, IL) |
Assignee: |
Suncast Corporation
(IL)
|
Family
ID: |
27034169 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/925,692 |
Filed: |
October 29, 1986 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
445100 |
Nov 29, 1982 |
04512361 |
Apr 23, 1985 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/355.27;
137/580; 242/395; 242/403.1; 242/407; 248/76; 277/500; 277/910;
D34/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H
75/403 (20130101); B65H 75/4478 (20130101); B65H
75/4465 (20130101); B65H 2402/412 (20130101); Y10T
137/86268 (20150401); B65H 2701/5136 (20130101); Y10T
137/6958 (20150401); B65H 2701/33 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65H
75/40 (20060101); B65H 75/38 (20060101); B65H
75/44 (20060101); B65H 075/34 () |
Field of
Search: |
;137/355.26,355.2,355.27,355.12,899,899.3,580 ;242/86 ;248/75-80
;285/281 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1029821 |
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May 1966 |
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GB |
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1378032 |
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Jun 1972 |
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GB |
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Other References
Hose Reels, "To Handle Hose for Industrial Application", catalog
H-7612-ID, Hannay Reels, Clifford B. Hannay & Sons, Inc.,
Westerlo, NY 12193..
|
Primary Examiner: Chambers; A. Michael
Claims
What is claimed is: .[.1. A hose storage appartus for windably
storing an elongated flexible hose comprising: a frame formed of a
moldable plastic material;
a reel for windably receiving an elongated flexible hose,
said reel being formed of a moldable plastic material,
said reel being rotatably mounted on the frame,
said reel including a pair of connected reel sides,
each of said reel sides including a hub rotatably mounted in the
frame,
said reel including a hose support surface connecting the reel
sides;
and a hose connector mounted on the reel,
said hose connector having an inlet tube rotatably mounted in the
hub of one of said sides and an outlet tube having one end adapted
for attachment to a hose windably mounted on the hose support
surface,
said outlet tube fixed relative to the hose support surface and
being connected to the inlet tube to receive a fluid delivered to
the inlet
tube..]. 2. A .[.hose storage apparatus for windably storing an
elongated flexible hose,.]. .Iadd.cart .Iaddend.as defined in claim
.[.1:.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend. wherein said reel is formed of two
identical halves.
A .[.hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated
flexible hose.]. .Iadd.cart .Iaddend.as defined in claim .[.1,.].
.Iadd.27 .Iaddend.including:
a crank secured to the hub of the other said side for rotating the
reel in
the frame. 4. A .[.hose storage apparatus for windably storing an
elongated flexible hose.]. .Iadd.cart .Iaddend.as defined in claim
.[.1:.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.
wherein each of the reel sides has a plurality of pylons formed
integral with the sides,
and fastening means securing the pylons of one of the sides to the
pylons
of the other of the sides to form the reel. 5. A .[.hose storage
apparatus for windably storing an elongated flexible hose.].
.Iadd.cart .Iaddend.as defined in claim .[.1,.]. .Iadd.27
.Iaddend.including:
a handle pivotally attached to the frame and being positionable
from an upright position to a lowered position to facilitate
storage of the .[.storage apparatus.]. .Iadd.cart.Iaddend.,
said handle in an upright position cooperative with the frame to
provide a convenient means for manipulating the hose storage
apparatus,
said handle being formed of a moldable plastic material,
and a lock for releasably securing the handle in a selected
position. .[.6. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing an
elongated flexible hose as defined in claim 1 including:
a handle pivotally attached to the frame,
said handle having a free end adjacent to one edge of the
frame,
said handle being positionable from an upright position to a
lowered position to facilitate storage of the storage
apparatus,
said handle being formed of a moldable plastic material,
a lock for releasably securing the handle in its upright
position.
and a pair of wheels rotatably mounted on the frame adjacent to the
edge of the frame which the free end of the handle is adjacent to
provide a convenient means for moving the hose storage
apparatus..]. .[.7. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing
an elongated flexible hose as defined in claim 1,
wherein the inlet tube includes:
a horizontal tube rotably mounted in the hub of the one of said
sides,
an O-ring mounted on the horizontal tube contacting the hub to form
a seal therebetween,
a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and engageable
with the hub,
an outer tube formed integral with the horizontal tube,
said outer tube being adapted for connection to an inlet hose,
and a lock plate mounted on the hub and engageable with the flange
to hold
the inlet tube in the hub..]. 8. A .[.hose storage apparatus for
windably storing an elongated flexible hose.]. .Iadd.cart
.Iaddend.as defined in claim .[.1:.]. .Iadd.27 .Iaddend.
wherein the outlet tube includes, a mounting chimney in engagement
with the hub and communicating with the inlet tube,
a mounting ear formed integral with the mounting chimney and
secured to the hub to fix the outlet tube to the hub,
a radial tube formed integral with the mounting chimney and
communicating therewith,
a surface tube formed integral with the radial tube, and
a male hose fitting formed on the end of the surface tube for
connection to a female fitting of a hose windably stored on the
reel. .[.9. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing an
elongated flexible hose as defined in claim 1:
wherein each of said sides includes a plurality of identical pylons
formed therewith,
a pylon from each side being secured to a like pylon from each
other side to secure the sides to each other, and
said pylons defining the hose support surface;
said outlet tube including; a mounting chimney in engagement with
the hub,
a mounting ear formed integral with the mounting chimney for
securing the outlet tube to the hub,
a radial tube having one end formed integral with the mounting
chimney and being connected to the inlet tube through the mounting
chimney and the hub,
a surface tube having one end formed integral with the radial
tube,
and a male hose fitting formed integral with the surface tube for
receiving
a female hose fitting of a hose windably stored on the reel..].
.[.10. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated
flexible hose as defined in claim 1:
wherein each of said reel sides includes a plurality of pylons,
said pylons on each of said sides being secured to like pylons on
the other of said sides to complete the reel, and
said pylons defining the hose support surface of the reel;
said inlet tube including; a horizontal tube rotatatably mounted in
the hub,
an outer tube having one end formed integral with the horizontal
tube and the other end being adapted for attachment to an inlet
hose, and
a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and being
engageable with the hub;
and including an O-ring mounted in the hub in engagement with the
horizontal tube to form a seal between the horizontal tube and the
hub,
and a lock plate mounted on the hub and rotatably receiving the
inlet tube,
said lock plate holding the flange in engagement with the hub to
prevent
removal of the inlet tube from the hub..]. .[.11. A hose storage
apparatus for windably storing an elongated flexible hose as
defined in claim 1:
wherein the reel sides are identical to each other;
said inlet tube includes; a horizontal tube rotatably mounted in
the hub of one of said sides,
an outer tube having one end formed integral with the horizontal
tube and communication therewith,
said outer tube having its other end, adapted for attachment to an
inlet hose, and
a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and in engagement
with the hub;
and including a lock plate secured to the hub receiving the inlet
tube holding the flange of the inlet tube adjacent to the hub to
secure the inlet tube in communication with the hub;
said outlet tube including, a mounting chimney connected to the
other side of the hub.
a mounting ear formed integral with the mounting chimney and
secured to the hub to secure the outlet tube to the hub,
a radial tube having one end formed integral with the mounting
chimney and communicating with the inlet tube through the mounting
chimney and the hub,
a surface tube having one end formed integral with the radial tube
and communicating with the radial tube, and a male hose fitting
formed on one end with the surface tube for connection to a female
hose fitting of a hose windably stored on the reel..]. .[.12. A
hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated flexible
hose as defined in claim 1:
including a generally U-shaped handle having the ends of the "U"
pivotally connected to the frame,
said handle being pivotal from an upright position to a lowered
stored position,
a lock for releasably locking the handle in its upright
position;
said inlet tube having, a horizontal tube rotatably mounted in the
hub,
an outer tube having one end formed integral with the horizontal
tube and in communication therewith,
said outer tube adapted for engagement with an inlet hose, and a
flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and engageable with
the hub;
and including a lock plate secured to the hub rotatably receiving
the inlet tube and holding the flange adjacent to the hub to retain
the inlet tube in communication with the hub;
and said outlet tube having a mounting chimney mounted on the other
side of the hub,
a mounting ear formed integral with the chimney for securing the
outlet tube to the hub,
a radial tube having one end formed integral with the mounting
chimney and communicating with the inlet tube and the mounting
chimney and the hub,
and a surface tube having one end formed integral with the radial
tube and
being adapted for connection to a hose mounted on the reel..].
.[.13. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated
flexible hose as defined in claim 1:
wherein the inlet tube includes; a horizontal tube rotatably
mounted in the hub,
a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and engageable
with the hub,
an outer tube having one end formed integral with the horizontal
tube and in communication therewith, and
said outer tube being adapted for connection to a flexible inlet
hose,
and including an O-ring mounted between the horizontal tube and the
hub for forming a seal therebetween, and
a lock plate secured to the hub and rotatably receiving the inlet
tube and engageable with the flange to hold the inlet tube in
engagement with the O-ring; and
said outlet tube including; a mounting chimney connected to the
hub,
a mounting ear formed integral with the mounting chimney and
secured to the hub to secure the outlet tube to the hub,
a radial tube having one end formed integral with the mounting
chimney and communicating therewith,
a surface tube having one end formed integral with the radial tube
and being adjacent to the hose support surface,
and said surface tube having a male hose fitting for receiving a
female
hose fitting of a hose supported on the reel..]. .[.14. A hose
support apparatus for windably storing an elongaged flexible hose
as defined in claim 1:
wherein the hub of said one of said sides having a journal on its
outer side and an outlet mount on its inner side;
said inlet tube having; a horizontal tube rotatably mounted in the
journal,
a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and engageable
with the journal, and
an outer tube having one end formed integral with the horizontal
tube and the other end being adapted for connection to an inlet
hose;
including an O-ring mounted within the journal and in engagement
with the horizontal tube to form a seal therebetween,
and a lock plate secured to the end of the journal and engageable
with the flange to hold the inlet tube in place; and
said outlet tube including; a mounting chimney mounted on the
outlet mount,
a mounting ear formed integral with the mounting chimney and
secured to the outlet mount for securing the outlet tube to be
outlet mount,
a radial tube having one end formed integral with the chimney and
communicating with the inlet tube through the chimney,
a surface tube having one end formed integral with the radial tube
and adjacent to the radial support surface, and
said surface tube having a male hose fitting for receiving a female
hose fitting of a hose windably stored on the reel;
and including a crank secured to the hub of the other of said
sides..].
.[. 5. A hose storage apparatus for storing and transporting a
flexible hose comprising:
a frame
a reel rotatably mounted on the frame for holding a flexible
hose,
a handle pivotally attached to the frame and being positionable
from an upright position to a lowered position to facilitate
storage of the hose storage apparatus,
and a lock for releasably securing the handle in a selected
position..].
A hose storage apparatus for storing and transporting a flexible
hose as defined in claim .[.15.]. .Iadd.20.Iaddend., including a
pair of wheels mounted on the frame for transporting the storage
apparatus,
said wheels being positioned adjacent to one edge of the frame
which is adjacent to the uppermost portion of the handle when the
handle is in its upright position. .[.17. A hose storage apparatus
for storing and transporting a flexible hose as defined in claim
15,
wherein the handle includes a portion engageable with the frame
when the
handle is in its upright position..]. .[.18. A hose storage
apparatus for storing and transporting a flexible hose as defined
in claim 15,
wherein the handle includes a portion engageable with the frame
when the handle is in its lowered position..]. .[.19. A hose
storage apparatus for storing and transporting a flexible hose, as
defined in claim 15, wherein
the lock holds the handle in an upright position..]. 20. .[.A hose
storage apparatus for storing and transporting a flexible hose, as
defined in claim 15, wherein the frame includes a pair of sides,.].
.Iadd.A hose storage apparatus for storing and transporting a
flexible hose comprising:
a frame,
a reel rotatably mounted on the frame for holding a flexible
hose,
a handle pivotally attached to the frame and being positionable
from an upright position to a lowered position to facilitate
storage of the hose storage apparatus,
a lock for releasably securing the handle in a selected position,
wherein the frame includes a pair of sides,.Iaddend.
each of said sides has a handle ear formed integral with the
uppermost portion of the respective side;
said handle includes a pair of lateral bars,
each of said bars is pivotally attached to a respective handle
ear,
an upright formed integral with each of the lateral bars,
and a holding handle connecting the uprights,
wherein the handle .[.being.]. .Iadd.when .Iaddend.positioned in
its upright position has the lateral bars in contact with the
frame,
and positioning of the handle in its lowered position places the
opposite side of each of the lateral bars in contact with the frame
and a portion
of each of the uprights in contact with a frame. 21. .[.A hose
storage apparatus for storing and transporting a flexible hose as
defined in claim 15,.]. .Iadd.A hose storage apparatus for storing
and transporting a flexible hose comprising:
a frame,
a reel rotatably mounted on the frame for holding a flexible
hose,
a handle pivotally attached to the frame and being positionable
from an upright position to a lowered position to facilitate
storage of the hose storage apparatus,
a lock for releasably securing the handle in a selected position,
.Iaddend.
wherein said frame includes a pair of trapazoidal frame sides.
each of the sides has a handle ear formed integral with the
uppermost portion of the side;
including a pair of wheels connected to the frame;
said handle includes a pair of lateral bars,
each lateral bar being pivotally connected to a respective handle
ear,
an upright formed integral with each of the lateral bars, and
a holding bar connected to the uprights;
said lock releasably securing the handle in its upright
position,
whereby the handle in its upright position has one side of its
lateral bars in contact with the respective frame sides and the
handle bar on the same side of the frame has the wheels, and
positioning of the handle to a lowered position having the opposite
side of the lateral bars in contact
with the frame sides and the uprights adjacent to the frame sides.
22. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated
flexible hose comprising:
a frame including a pair of molded polyethylene sides,
each of said sides being generally trapazoidal,
each side having a head portion adjacent to its upper portion,
a reel journal recetacle formed integral with each head
portion,
a handle ear formed integral with the upper portion of each
side,
a cross bar connecting the sides,
a pair of wheels rotatably mounted adjacent to one end of the
frame;
a U-shaped molded polyethylene handle having a pair of lateral
bars,
each of said lateral bars being pivotally connected to a handle ear
of a frame side,
an upright connected to each of the lateral bars,
a holding bar connected to the uprights,
said handle being pivotal from an upright attitude to a lowered
position whereby the uprights are positioned adjacent to the side
frames to facilitate storage,
a handle lock for releasably securing the handle in an upright
attitude;
a reel rotatably mounted in the frame
said reel including a pair of identical molded polyethylene reel
halves
each reel half side including a reel side,
each reel side including a journal on its exterior side and an
outlet mount on its interior side,
each reel side having a plurality of pylons formed integral
therewith,
each pylon of each side being secured to a like pylon of the other
reel side to complete the reel,
said pylons providing a hose support surface;
a hose connector in communication with one of the reel sides,
said hose connector including molded polyethylene inlet tube having
a horizontal tube rotatably mounted within the journal of the one
reel side,
said inlet tube including an outer tube formed integral with the
horizontal tube and in communication therewith,
said outer tube being adapted for connection to an inlet hose,
and a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube and
engageable with the journal;
an O-ring mounted on the horizontal tube within the journal to form
a seal therebetween;
a lock plate secured to the journal for holding the inlet tube in
the journal;
said hose connector including a molded polyethylene outlet tube
fixed to the outlet mount of the reel side,
said outlet tube including a mounting chimney on the outlet
mount.
said outlet tube including a mounting ear formed integral with the
mounting chimney for securing the outlet tube to the outlet
mount,
a radial tube having one end formed integral with the mounting
chimney and communicating with the inlet tube through the mounting
chimney and the outlet mount,
a surface tube having one end formed integral with the radial tube
and communicating with the inlet tube,
and a male hose fitting formed integral with the surface tube for
communication with a hose windably mounted on the reel;
and a molded polyethylene crank having a mounting plate secured to
the exterior side of the other of said reel sides,
said crank including a crank arm formed integral with the mounting
plate
and a crank handle formed integral with the crank arm. .[.23. A
hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated flexible
hose comprising:
a frame,
a reel for windably receiving an elongated flexible hose,
said reel being formed of a moldable plastic material,
said reel including a pair of connected reel sides,
each of said reel sides including a hub rotatably mounted in the
frame rotatably supporting the reel in the frame,
said reel including a hose support surface between the reel
sides,
an inlet tube having a portion rotatably mounted in the center of
the hub of one of said sides,
an outlet tube having one end adapted for attachment to a hose
windably mounted on a hose support surface,
said outlet tube fixed relative to the hose support surface,
said outlet tube being connected to the inlet tube to receive a
fluid delivered to the inlet tube,
said inlet tube including a horizontal tube rotatably mounted in
the respective hub and being aligned with the axis of rotation of
the hub and the reel,
a flange formed integral with the horizontal tube holding the tube
in one direction relative to the respective hub,
an outer tube formed integral with the horizontal tube,
said outer tube being adapted for connection to an inlet hose for
receiving a fluid,
and a lock plate connected to the hub and holding the flange to
hold the inlet tube in the hub but allow the hub to rotate relative
to the inlet
tube..]. .[.24. A hose storage apparatus for windably storing an
elongated flexible hose as defined in claim 23,
wherein said reel is formed of two identical halves..]. .[.25. A
hose storage apparatus for windably storing an elongated flexible
hose as defined in claim 23 including:
a crank secured to the hub of the other said side for rotating the
reel in the frame..]. .[.26. A hose storage apparatus for windably
storing an elongated flexible hose as defined in claim 23,
wherein each of the reel sides has a plurality of pylons formed
integral with the sides,
and fastening means securing the pylons of one of the sides to the
pylons
of the other of the sides to form the reel..]. .Iadd.27. A portable
garden hose cart for windably holding a garden hose and for use in
transporting said garden hose between a storage location and a use
location, said cart comprising:
a frame including a pair of generally vertical sides each of which
has a bearing with a bearing surface;
a reel for windably receiving said garden hose disposed between
said frame sides, said reel including a pair of reel sides and a
hose support surface extending between the sides, each reel side
including a generally horizontally extending hub, each hub being
rotatably received in the corresponding bearing surface of its
associated frame side;
an outlet tube carried by said reel for rotation therewith and
having an end adapted for attachment to an end of the garden
hose;
an inlet tube mounted in one of said hubs so that said inlet tube
does not rotate with said reel with said inlet tube and said outlet
tube being in fluid communication; and
circular resilient sealing means in sealing engagement with both
said inlet tube and a component rotatable with said reel, said
sealing means being retained inside said one of said hubs
substantially vertically aligned with the bearing surface of the
frame side holding that hub. .Iaddend. .Iadd.28. A cart as set
forth in claim 27 further comprising a wheel pivotally carried by
said frame for use in rolling said cart between said locations.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.29. A cart as set forth in claim 27 wherein said
frame and said reel are formed of a moldable plastic. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A cart as set forth in claim 27 wherein said sealing
means comprises an O-ring. .Iaddend. .Iadd.31. A cart as set forth
in claim 30 wherein said inlet tube has an outside surface having a
circumferential
groove seating said O-ring. .Iaddend. .Iadd.32. A cart as set forth
in claim 31 wherein said hub has an inside surface rotatably
engaging said O-ring. .Iaddend. .Iadd.33. A cart as set forth in
claim 27 wherein said inlet tube has a flange and said apparatus
further comprises a lock plate connected to said one of said hubs
and holding said flange to retain said inlet tube in that hub and
to allow that hub to rotate relative to said inlet tube. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A portable garden hose cart for windably holding a garden
hose and for use in transporting said hose between a storage
location and a use location, said cart comprising:
a frame including a pair of generally vertical sides each of which
has a bearing with a bearing surface;
a reel for windably receiving said garden hose disposed between
said frame sides, said reel including a pair of reel sides and a
hose support surface extending between the sides, each reel side
including a generally horizontally extending hub, each hub being
rotatably received in the corresponding bearing surface of its
associated frame side;
conduit means for transporting water to said hose and carried by
said reel for rotation therewith and having an end adapted for
attachment to an end of the garden hose;
a horizontal inlet tube mounted in one of said hubs so that said
inlet tube does not rotate with said reel, said conduit means
comprising an outlet tube extending from adjacent said one of said
hubs past said hose support surface, and said conduit means further
including a horizontal extension in said hub telescopically
receiving said inlet tube; and
an O-ring in sealing engagement with both said inlet tube and said
horizontal extension, said O-ring being retained inside said one of
said hubs substantially vertically aligned with the bearing surface
of the frame side holding that hub. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is generally recognized that in many instances it is desirable
to provide a means for storing a hose, such as a garden hose. It
may not be necessary to use a hose at a considerable distance from
a water source. In many application, it is only necessary to use a
hose a short distance from the water source and then in another
instance, use the hose a different distance from the water source.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a means for storing the
hose with a free end which may have a nozzle attached thereto or
may be adapted to be connected to another piece of equipment, such
as a lawn sprinkler. The inlet to the hose should be connected to a
source of fluid, such as, water, so that a selected length of hose
may be removed from the storage device and the hose may be
utilized. A device which is well-known for providing a means for
storing a hose and being capable of connecting the hose to a source
of water is a garden hose reel shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,642,312,
issued June 16, 1953, to Thomas Shine. The Shine Patent teaches a
hose reel wherein the inlet end of the hose may be secured to a
source of water on the reel and the hose then may be wound onto the
reel. This arrangement is perfectly advantageous for those
arrangements wherein the hose may remain at a fixed location.
However, when it is desirable to move the hose from one location to
another, the Shine device does not lend itself to easy movement.
Furthermore, it is to be noted that in the Shine device the weight
of the hose and water is supported by the pipe which delivers the
water.
An apparatus which provides a means for not only storing the hose,
but also provides a means for transporting the hose is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,587,626 to William E. Cowley, which patent issued
on June 28, 1971, and is entitled "Transportable Hose Reel." The
Cowley patent discloses a reel for storing hose which reel also
provides a support for the entire device. The reel is mounted in a
handle which may be positioned on a supporting surface in a manner
which allows the reel to rotate on the handle. The reel is
connected to a water supply through a hose section which delivers
water to the reel and then to the hose mounted on the reel.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,137,939 to Ho Chow, issued Feb. 6, 1979, entitled
"Hose Reel Cart", teaches a construction for a hose reel cart
wherein a handle also provides a frame for supporting a hose reel.
The hose reel receives a hose, and the frame has a pair of wheels
for movably supporting the cart during transfer from one location
to another. Both the Chow and Cowley devices have their supports
provide a double function in that the support for the reel also
provides a conduit for the water. It has been found in practice
that when a reel is supported by a conduit, gasket material in the
reel tends to wear quickly and thereby allow leaks to develop. It
has also been found that the heretofore known reels are made of
metal which has a tendency to rust when a protective surface
becomes damaged or is worn away through usage. The reel tends to
become rusty and not rotate freely. Also, other parts tend to
become inoperative due to rusting.
It is also to be noted that in many instance, it is desirable to
store the entire apparatus with the hose on it in a minimum of
space. The Shine device is adapted to be mounted on a pipe. Thuse,
the Shine device must be removed for storage. As to the Cowley and
Chow devices, the devices may be conveniently moved to a storage
location. However, the upwardly extending handles tend to take up
space needlessly.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved hose storage apparatus
which is particularly adapted for windably storing an elongated
flexible hose and transporting the entire apparatus. The apparatus
includes a frame being formed of a molded plastic material. A
generally U-shaped molded plastic handle is pivotally attached to
the frame and is positionable from an upright position to a lowered
position wherein a portion of the handle is adjacent to the frame
for storage of the apparatus. A lock releasably secures the handle
to the frame in a selected position. The apparatus includes a reel
for windably receiving a hose. The reel includes a pair of molded
plastic reel halves which are fixed to each other and rotatably
mounted in the frame. Each reel half is identical to the other reel
half. Each reel half includes a side having a hub rotatably mounted
in the frame. A plurality of pylons is formed integral with each
reel side, and the pylons of one reel side are secured to the
pylons of the other reel side to secure the halves together. The
pylons form a hose support surface. A hose connector is mounted on
one of the reel sides. The hose connector includes a molded plastic
inlet tube rotatably mounted in the hub of the reel side and a
molded plastic outlet tube fixed to the hub and being connected to
the inlet tube for receiving a fluid delivered to the inlet
tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hose storage apparatus embodying
the herein disclosed invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the hose storage apparatus of
FIG. 1 showing a handle locked in a raised or upright position and
the same handle shown in dotted form in a lowered position;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken on
line 3--3 of FIG. 1 showing a portion of the handle and a portion
of the frame and a lock securing the handle to the frame;
FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 but showing the lock in a released
attitude with the handle in a partially pivoted position;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken on line 5--5 of
FIG. 3 showing the lock;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a reel taken on line
6--6 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, of the exterior
side of a hub of a reel side taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the interior side of the
hub of FIG. 7 on line 8--8 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the reel
and a hose connector secured to the hub;
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an outlet tube which is one
of the elements of the hose connector;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view taken on
line 11--11 of FIG. 2 showing the attachment of a crank to a
portion of the reel;
FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a wheel of the subject
apparatus;
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken on line 13--13 of FIG.
12;
FIG. 14 is a fragmented side elevational view of an interior of a
side frame of the instant apparatus; and
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken on line 15--15 of FIG.
14.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings and especially to FIG. 1, a hose
storage apparatus embodying the present invention, generally
indicated by numeral 20, is shown therein. The hose storage
apparatus includes a frame 22 with a handle 24 pivotally mounted on
the frame. A reel 26 is rotatably mounted in the frame. A hose
connector 28 is mounted on reel 26. A crank 30 is fixed to the reel
for rotating the reel in the frame to wind a hose onto the
reel.
The frame generally consists of a pair of molded polyethylene frame
sides 32 and 34 which are connected by a polyethlene front cross
bar 36 and a polyethylene rear cross bar 38. The frame sides 32 and
34 are identical in their construction, except for positioning of a
wheel ear. Looking now to FIG. 14 which shows an interior side
elevational view of a frame side, the frame side shown in FIG. 14
is frame side 34 which has a wheel ear 40 formed thereon and shown
in solid form. A wheel ear 42 is shown in dotted form; and if wheel
ear 40 were removed, and wheel ear 42 were included, then the frame
side would be frame side 32. From the foregoing, it may be seen
that the frame sides are identical, except for the wheel ears, and
a description of one will suffice as a description of the other.
Like numerals will be used for the same parts on both the frame
sides.
The frame side is generally trapezoidal and includes a base 44. The
base has a sloping upright side column 46, formed integral with one
end and a sloping upright side column 48, formed integral with the
opposite end. A head 50 is formed integral with the upright side
columns 46 and 48. The head includes a lower beam 52 and an upper
beam 54. A reel journal bearing 56 is formed in the head. As may be
more clearly seen in FIG. 9, the reel journal bearing 56 has a
bearing surface 58 which is particularly adapted for receiving a
reel journal, as will be described in detail hereinafter. A handle
ear 60 is formed integral with top beam 54. The ear includes a
.[.hnadle.]. .Iadd.handle .Iaddend.shaft aperture 62. The wheel
ears 40 and 42 include wheel axle apetures 64 and 66 to receive a
wheel axle. As may be best seen in FIG. 1, a step 68, is formed
integral with base 44 and extends outwardly from the frame to
provide a convenient means for holding and steadying the
apparatus.
A wheel axle 70 is mounted in apertures 64 and 66 of ears 40 and
42, respectively. A pair of identical molded polyethylene wheels 72
is mounted on the axle. As may be seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, each of
the wheels 72 includes a wheel hub 74 which is rotatably mounted on
the wheel axle. The wheel hub has a wheel flange 76 formed integral
therewith. A wheel tire 78 is formed integral with the flange to
complete the wheel.
Handle 24 is a generally U-shaped handle which is a single molded
polyethylene part. The handle includes a pair of lateral bars 80
and 82, each of which contains a slot 84 to receive a handle ear
60. A pivot pin 86 is mounted in the lateral bar and pivots in ear
60. A pair of uprights 88 and 90 is formed integral with lateral
bars 80 and 82, respectively. Side bars 92 and 94 are formed
integral with uprights 88 and 90, respectively. A handle bar 96 has
its opposite ends formed integral with side bars 92 and 94 to
complete the handle.
A pair of identical locks 98, releasably secures the handle to the
frame in an upright position. Each of the lateral bars 80 and 82
contains a lock rod 100, which is engaged by one of the locks 98.
Since the locks are identical, only one of the locks is described
in detail and shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. Each lock 98 includes a
lock base 102 which is secured to its respective portion of the
frame by a lock screw 104. A point 105 is formed integral with the
lock base to prevent the lock base from rotating. The lock base has
a resilient section 106 formed integral therewith. A push plate 108
is also formed integral with the resilient section. A head 110 is
secured to the push plate which head has a hook 112. Each hook
engages and passes over the respected rod 100 to secure each side
of the handle to the frame.
Reel 26 is made up of two identical molded polyethylene reel halves
114 and 116 which reel halves are secured to each other by
conventional screws 118. Inasmuch as the reel halves are identical
in construction, the same numbers are used for each of the
individual parts of the reel halves.
Each reel half includes a reel side 120 which includes a hub 122. A
flat side wall 124 is formed integral with the hub and a plurality
of identical spokes 126 is formed integral with the flat side wall.
A rim 128 formed integral with the spokes forms the outer periphery
of the reel half. The hub contains a journal 130 with a flange
recess 132 formed therein. Four axial screw apertures 134 are
formed on the outer end of the journal. The journal includes a
journal apeture 138 adapted to receive a portion of the hose
connector. The hub also includes an outlet mount 140. The outlet
mount includes an axially extending stud 142 with an axial aperture
144, which has its axis aligned with aperture 138. A sealing groove
146 is formed around the stud. Four identical equiangularly spaced
fastner pads 148 are formed integral with and around the stud. Each
of the pads includes a screw aperture 150.
Six identical pylons 152 are formed integral with side wall 124 and
extend inwardly of the side wall. Each pylon includes an outer wall
154 with a pair of side walls 156 and 158 formed integral with the
outer wall. A connector plate 160 is formed integral with the free
ends of the outer wall and the side walls. A pylon lug 162 is
formed integral with each connector plate. Each connector plate
contains a lug aperture 164 for positioning the respective pylons
relative to each other by receiving a pylon lug from an opposed
pylon.
As was mentioned above, the pylons are riveted to each other. The
screws are driven through connector plates 160 to secure the reel
halves together. The outer walls of the pylons provided an outer
surface for receiving a hose on the reel. The pylons also provide a
means for connecting the reel sides to each other.
Hose connector 28 may be best seen in FIG. 9. The hose connector
includes a molded polyethylene inlet tube 166, and a molded
polyethylene outlet tube 168. Inlet tube 166 includes a horizontal
tube 170 which is mounted in the journal apeture. Tube 170 has a
pair of O-ring grooves 172 and 174 which have O-rings 176 and 178,
respectively, mounted therein, for engagement with the interior of
the journal to form a seal between tube 170 and the journal. A
flange 180 is formed integral with the horizontal tube, and the
flange is positioned in the flange recess. An outer tube 182 is
formed integral with horizontal tube 170. The outer tube contains a
reduced portion 184 to receive an inlet hose on the outer tube. A
lock plate 186 contains a tube plate apeture and rotatably receives
horizontal tube 170. A plurality of screws 188 secures the plate to
the journal and thereby holds the inlet tube in the journal.
The outlet tube includes a mounting chimney 190 which is positioned
in the sealing groove 146 and receives stud 142. An O-ring 192 is
positioned on the end of the chimney to form a seal between the end
of the chimney and the outlet mount. A radial tube 194 is formed
integral with chimney 190 and extends radially outward from the
outlet mount. A surface tube 196 is formed integral with the radial
tube and has a male hose fitting 198 on the end of the surface
tube. As may be seen in FIG. 9, the surface tube extends beyond the
surface of the hose surface formed by the outer walls of the
pylons. Outlet tube 168 includes four identical mounting ears 200
with a screw aperture 202 formed in each ear 200. The mounting ears
are equiangularly spaced and match with the fastener pads 148 so
that the ears may be secured to the fastener pads by conventional
screws. It may be seen in FIG. 9 how a fluid, such as, water,
entering the inlet tube flows along the inlet tube through the hub
and into the outlet tube to be delivered to a hose which is
connected to the male fitting.
Crank 30, which is molded polyethylene, may be best seen in FIG.
11. Crank 30 includes a mounting plate 204 which has a crank stud
206 formed therein which stud 206 fits into the journal. The
mounting plate has a crank arm 210 formed integral therewith, and a
crank handle 212 is formed integral with the arm 210.
The instant device may be economically manufactured in view of the
fact that the reel is made of two identical molded polyethylene
reel halves which are held together by screws. Since the reel is
made of polyethylene, it does not corrode when exposed to water and
air. The construction is such that the reel includes journals which
fit into the frame. It is important to note that the weight of the
hose, water and reel rests on the journals. The source of water to
a hose which is mounted on the reel is through a conventional
connector, or inlet hose 214 which is connected to the inlet tube.
The water flows through the inlet tube through the hub and into
outlet tube 162. It is to be noted that there is no load on the
inlet tube. Thus, there is no undue wear of O-rings 176 and 178
which form the seals between the inlet tube and the journal.
It is also to be noted that handle 24 may be conveniently lowered
to provide a low storage profile for the apparatus after a hose has
been placed on the reel. The end of the stored hose is connected to
the outlet tube. Crank 30 is used to wind the hose onto the reel.
During the winding operation, the operator may place his foot on
step 68 in order to steady the apparatus. After the hose has been
wound onto the reel, the hose may be transported simply by pulling
down on the handle to tilt the frame, and wheeling the apparatus on
wheels 72.
In order to store the apparatus in a limited space, the handle may
be folded down. The handle is released from the frame simply by
pressing on the press plates 108 to release the hooks from the
rods. The handle then may be folded down to the attitude shown in
dotted form in FIG. 2, wherein lateral bars 82 and 84 rest on the
respective upper beams and uprights 88 and 90 lie along respective
sloping upright of the frame. Thus, the apparatus provides a low
profile for storage in a limited space. When it is necessary to
utilize the handle again, it is a simple matter to pivot the handle
about the ears until the rods engage the respective handle locks
thereby securing the handle in its upright attitude with the lower
side of each of the lateral bars in engagement with the respective
upper beams.
From the foregoing, it may be seen that substantially all of the
parts are of a durable plastic material which does not rust when
exposed to water and air. Therefore, the device has a long life and
also is lightweight so that it may be handled easily and
conveniently.
Although a specific embodiment of the herein disclosure invention
has been shown and described in detail, it is to be expressly
understood that the instant invention is limited only by the
appended claims.
* * * * *