HOSE REEL

Abstract

A portable hose reel for storing and transporting a garden hose is disclosed. The spool of the hose reel has blow-molded flanges and single core to simplify assembly and provide increased strength. The hose reel also includes an unobtrusive hose connector and strain relief member to align the hose on the spool. In addition, a bow tie shape of the spool in combination with a metal frame geometry increases stability while winding or unwinding a garden hose. The hose reel further includes seal having a double O-rings each with a polytetrafluoroethylene backer to improve performance and longevity. Improved torque transmission from the hose reel crank to the spool is provided by a combination of the hose connector being embedded in a spool flange with a tabbed spacer block connected to the spool axel by a set bolt.

Claims

1. A garden hose reel comprising: a frame; a main axle supported by the frame; a rotatable spool supported by the main axle, the rotatable spool comprising a hose-side flange having a front profile, a handle-side flange, and a core; a rotary coupler supported by the frame; a male hose connector hydraulically connected to the rotary coupler; wherein a majority of the male hose connector is positioned within the front profile of the hose-side flange.

2. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein the male hose connector comprises a male hose connector upright having a longitudinal axis and a male hose connector elbow having a longitudinal axis wherein an angle between the male hose connector upright longitudinal axis and the male hose connector elbow longitudinal axis in side elevation is between 55-70 degrees.

3. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein the male hose connector comprises a male hose connector upright having a longitudinal axis and a male hose connector elbow having a longitudinal axis wherein an angle between the male hose connector upright longitudinal axis and the male hose connector elbow longitudinal axis in front elevation is between 25-35 degrees.

4. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein the male hose connector comprises a male hose connector upright having a longitudinal axis and a male hose connector elbow having a longitudinal axis wherein an angle between the male hose connector upright longitudinal axis and the male hose connector elbow longitudinal axis in side elevation is between 55-70 degrees and wherein an angle between the male hose connector upright longitudinal axis and the male hose connector elbow longitudinal axis in front elevation is between 25-35 degrees.

5. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein a 75 percent of the male hose connector is positioned within the front profile of the hose-side flange.

6. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein a 90 percent of the male hose connector is positioned within the front profile of the hose-side flange.

7. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein the hose-side flange comprises a male hose connector cutout and the male hose connector resides at least partially within the male hose connector cutout.

8. The garden hose reel of claim 7 wherein the hose-side flange further comprises a male hose connector pocket and the male hose connector further comprises a male hose connector upright wherein the male hose connector upright rests at least partially within the male hose connector pocket.

9. The garden hose reel of claim 8 wherein the male hose connector is mechanically coupled to the main axle.

10. The garden hose reel of claim 9 further comprising a crank mechanically coupled to the main axle.

11. The garden hose reel of claim 9 further comprising a spacer block mechanically coupled to the main axle between the crank and the handle-side flange.

12. The garden hose reel of claim 11 wherein the spacer block comprises tabs and the handle-side flange comprises tab receivers and wherein the spacer block is mechanically coupled to the handle-side flange via the tabs mounting within the tab receivers.

13. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein rotary coupler comprises a rotary coupler axle in a hydraulic connection to a rotary coupler housing, the rotary coupler axle being coaxial with the main axle.

14. The garden hose reel of claim 13 wherein the rotary coupler axle comprises an O-ring with a polytetrafluoroethylene backer on either side of the hydraulic connection.

15. The garden hose reel of claim 14 wherein the rotary coupler axle is mechanically coupled to the main axle.

16. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein the spool has a bowtie shape front profile.

17. The garden hose reel of claim 1 wherein hose-side flange and handle-side flange comprise prongs and the core comprises prong receivers and wherein the core is mechanically coupled to hose-side flange and to the handle-side flange via the prongs mounting within the prong receivers.

18. The garden hose reel of claim 16 wherein the hose-side flange comprises a hose indent.

19. The garden hose reel of claim 18 wherein the hose-side flange comprises a male hose connector cutout in which the male hose connector resides at least partially and the hose indent is adjacent the male hose connector cutout.

20. The garden hose reel of claim 19 wherein the hose-side flange further comprises a male hose connector pocket and the male hose connector further comprises a male hose connector upright wherein the male hose connector upright rests at least partially within the male hose connector pocket.

21. The garden hose reel of claim 3 further comprising a strain relief strap having a longitudinal axis.

22. The garden hose reel of claim 21 wherein an angle between the male hose connector upright longitudinal axis and the strain relief strap longitudinal axis in side elevation is between 140-160 degrees.

23. A rotatable spool for a garden hose reel comprising: a unibody hose-side flange and a unibody handle-side flange, each flange comprising prongs; and a unibody core between the hose-side flange and the handle-side flange, the core comprising prong receivers into which the prongs of the flanges mount.

24. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 23 wherein the hose-side flange and the handle-side flange are blow-molded.

25. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 24 wherein the rotatable spool has a bowtie shape front profile.

26. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 25 wherein the hose-side flange and the handle-side flange each comprise a handle slot.

27. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 25 further comprising a strain relief strap having a longitudinal axis.

28. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 25 wherein the hose-side flange comprises a male hose connector cutout.

29. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 28 wherein the hose-side flange comprises a male hose connector pocket.

30. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 29 wherein male hose connector pocket comprises a longitudinal axis wherein an angle between the male hose connector pocket longitudinal axis and the strain relief strap longitudinal axis in side elevation is between 140-160 degrees.

31. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 29 wherein the hose-side flange comprises a hose indent.

32. The rotatable spool for a garden hose reel of claim 31 wherein hose indent is adjacent to the male hose connector pocket.

33. An axle for a garden hose reel comprising: a main axle; a rotary coupler comprising a rotary coupler axle in a hydraulic connection to a rotary coupler housing wherein the rotary coupler axle is coaxial to and mechanically coupled to the main axle.

34. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 33 wherein the rotary coupler axle comprises an O-ring with a polytetrafluoroethylene backer on either side of the hydraulic connection.

35. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 34 further comprising a crank.

36. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 35 further comprising a spacer block mechanically coupled to the main axle.

37. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 36 wherein the spacer block comprises spacer block tabs.

38. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 36 wherein the spacer block in mechanically coupled to the main axle between the crank and the rotary coupler axle.

39. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 33 wherein the rotary coupler axle and main axle are mechanically coupled by a t-connector.

40. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 39 comprising a male hose connector wherein the male hose connector is hydraulically connected to the rotary coupler axle by the t-connector.

41. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 40 wherein the rotary coupler axle comprises an O-ring with a polytetrafluoroethylene backer on either side of the hydraulic connection between the rotary coupler housing and the rotary coupler axle.

42. The axle for a garden hose reel of claim 33 wherein the main axle and rotary coupler axle are metal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hose reel accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded front isometric view of the hose reel of FIG. 1 with most of the frame removed for clarity.

[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded rear isometric view of an embodiment of the spool portion of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded front isometric view of an embodiment of the plumbing of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 11a is left side elevation view of an embodiment of the block spacer of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 11b is front elevation view of the block spacer of the hose reel of FIG. 11a.

[0024] FIG. 11c is front isometric view of the block spacer of the hose reel of FIG. 11a.

[0025] FIG. 12 is sectional view of an embodiment of the rotary couple axle of the hose reel of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A in FIG. 10.

[0026] FIG. 13 is an exploded front isometric view of an embodiment of the axle mechanism of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a left side elevation view of the left flange of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 14a is a sectional view of an embodiment of the left flange of the hose reel of FIG. 1. taken along line B-B in FIG. 14.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of the left flange and male hose connector of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 15a is a sectional view of an embodiment of the left flange and male hose connector of the hose reel of FIG. 1 taken along line C-C in FIG. 15.

[0031] FIG. 15b is a left side elevation view of the male hose connector of FIG. 15.

[0032] FIG. 15c is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the male hose connector of FIG. 15.

[0033] FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of the left flange of the hose reel of FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 16a is a sectional view of an embodiment of the left flange of the hose reel of FIG. 1 taken along line D-D in FIG. 16.

[0035] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions as claimed. It is understood that the various components disclosed in the drawings may be substituted with equivalent components and are not considered limiting. Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom, upper and lower, and horizontal and vertical are intended for convenience of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any one positional or spatial orientation.

[0037] Referring now generally to the figures, a hose reel according to an embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-7 in the by reference numeral 100. FIGS. 8-13 present assorted views of various components of the hose reel 100 to provide additional detail.

[0038] The hose reel 100 comprises a spool 200 including a left flange 210 and right flange 211 joined by a core 220 as illustrated in FIG. 9. For strength and ease of manufacturing, the core 220 is a single body, but can comprise multiple parts. The flanges 210, 211 and core 220 are preferably held together with one or more spool bolts 250. The spool bolts 250 may be locked between the flanges 210, 211 by corresponding nuts or the spool bolts 250 may be screw-type that fix into one of the flanges 210, 211. The flanges 210, 211 are preferably blow-molded for increased strength and durability while allowing the form of the flanges 210, 211 to be precisely molded for specific features explained below. The spool 200 may also include handle slots 216 for both lifting the hole reel 100 or for rotating the spool 200. A novel feature of the present invention is the bowtie shape of the spool 200 from the front or rear views (FIGS. 2-3). This shape, along with other features to be described herein, provides for the optimum spooling of a hose onto the spool 200. Strength and stability of the spool 200 is further imparted by the use of one or more flange prongs 212 on the flanges 210, 211 that are sized and arranged to matingly fit corresponding core prong receivers 225 on the core 220. While FIGS. 1-13 illustrate the spool bolts 250 traverse a central cavity of the core 220, it is also contemplated that the spool bolts 250 could traverse open core prong receivers 225.

[0039] The spool 200 of the hose real 100 is supported by a frame 600 that allows transport of the hose reel 100 and allows the spool 200 to rotate. The spool 200 is supported by an axle comprising three parts (main axle 230, rotating coupler axle 333, and t-coupler 320) connects to the frame 600 via leg hubs 680. The main axle 230 is preferably constructed of aluminum to provide strength with lower weight and to prevent rust, but may be made of any material for specific purposes. Leg hubs 680 may be constructed of metal, plastic, or a combination of materials to address specific environments and performance goals. Bushings 270 are preferably used to mount the axle into the leg hubs 680.

[0040] The frame 600 of the hose reel 100 may be of any geometry that supports and allows the spool 200 to rotate while allowing ease of moving the hose reel 100. Front legs 630 and rear legs 640 support and connect to the leg hubs 680. The front legs 630 are connected by a front crossbar 610 and the rear legs 640 are connected by a rear crossbar 620 via crossbar joints 690. The preferred embodiment of the hose reel 100 includes wheels 700 on the crossbar joints 690 for the rear crossbar 620 that allow the hose reel 100 to be rolled, but wheels 700 are not required. Each of the crossbar joints 690 for the front crossbar 610 has a foot 710 to support the front of the hose reel 100 and to prevent movement while winding/unwinding a hose.

[0041] The frame 600 may also include a handle 645 to facilitate transport of the hose reel 100. The handle 645 may be a unibody construction or made of individual parts. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 645 comprises handle uprights 650 that connect with leg hubs 680. A handle crossbar 660 connects to the handle uprights 650 via handle connectors 670. Preferably the handle uprights 950 and handle crossbar 660 are made of aluminum and the handle connectors are made of durable plastic. In the embodiment of the hose reel 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-7, the handle 645 is directly above and aligned with the axle 230.

[0042] Another embodiment (not shown) of the handle 645 comprises the handle 645 extending at the same angle as the front legs 630 to a point approximately over the wheels 700 of the hose reel 100. Another embodiment includes a hose guide (not shown) mounted toward the front of the hose reel 100 to direct placement of a hose being wound onto the hose reel 100. A further embodiment may include a tray (not shown) mounted between the front crossbar 610 and rear crossbar 620 for storage of accessories such as connectors, spray nozzles, or sprinklers.

[0043] FIGS. 8 and 13 present exploded views of the rotational portion of the hose reel 100. One end of the main axle 230 extends toward a crank 500 (crank side) and the other end of the main axle 230 extends toward a t-connector 320 (hose side). The hose side of the main axle 230 connects to the inboard side of the t-connector 320. The crank side of the main axle 230 is connected to a crank 500 which can be rotated by a handle 510 (see FIG. 1). The main axle 230 can be attached to the crank 500 by any means known in the art. Preferably, a bolt runs through aligned slots in the main axle 230 and in the crank 500 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Likewise, the handle 510 can be attached to the crank 500 by any means known in the art, but preferably by a bolt running through both pieces.

[0044] Another novel feature of the present invention is the use of a spacer block 240 that provides improved torque transfer from the axle to the spool 200. As shown in FIGS. 11a-11c, the spacer block 240 includes spacer block tabs 245 that that are sized to matingly fit flange tab receivers 214 on the right flange 211 (see FIG. 9). In the preferred embodiment, the spacer block 240 is connected to the main axle 230 by a bolt that runs through a spacer lock slot 247 in the spacer block 240 and an axle spacer lock slot 235. Other means of connecting the spacer block 240 to the main axle 230 known in the art may alternatively be used.

[0045] The novel plumbing of the hose reel 100 provides for extended wear life, strength against breakage, smoother rotation of the spool 200, and resists leaks longer than prior art hose reels. One novel aspect of the plumbing system is the use of double O-rings 340 with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) backers 350 on either side of the hydraulic connection between the rotary coupler axle 333 and rotary coupler housing 337, which together comprise the rotary coupler 330 (see FIG. 12). The end of the rotary coupler axle 333 distal to the rotary coupler housing 337 connects to the t-connector 320. The illustrated embodiment utilizes a retaining ring 370 that seats in a retaining ring groove 335 to maintain the connection between the rotary coupler housing 337 and rotary coupler axle 333. In the preferred embodiment, the rotary coupler 330 includes female hose connector 380 to attach a source hose to the hose reel 100. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 10, the rotary coupler axis 333 runs through the leg hub 680 and bushing 270 to connect to the t-connector 320.

[0046] A further novel feature of the disclosed hose reel 100 is the configuration of the male hose connector 300. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the male hose connector 300 is connected to the t-connector 320 to provide hydraulic connection between the rotary coupler 330 and the hose (not shown) to be wound on the hose reel 100. The connection may be accomplished using any means known in the art (threaded, welded, etc.), but the preferred method is machine screws.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 14a, the male hose connector 300 is sized and arranged to fit within a flange male hose connector cutout 218 in the left flange 210 and rest within a flange male hose connector pocket 213. This arrangement allows torque to be transferred from the axle through the male hose connector 300 to the left flange 210, improving the performance of the hose reel 100. The arrangement further allows for the male hose connector 300 to fall completely within the front or rear profile of the left flange 210, which prevents the male hose connector 300 from interfering with winding of a hose on the hose reel 100.

[0048] Another novel feature of the configuration of the male hose connector 300 is the alignment of the male hose connector 300 with respect to the hose reel 100. The male hose connector comprises a male hose connector upright 303 and a male hose connector elbow 305 as illustrated in FIGS. 15-15c. The male hose connector upright 303 and male hose connector elbow 305 form two angles as indicated in FIGS. 15b and 15c. The first angle, α, is the angle between the male hose connector upright 303 and the male hose connector elbow 305 from a side elevation view. The second angle, β, is the angle between the male hose connector upright 303 and the male hose connector elbow 305 from a front elevation view. The first angle, α, is preferably between 55-70 degrees, and ideally 62.5 degrees. The second angle, β, is preferably between 25-35 degrees, and ideally 30 degrees. The combination of these angles provide an alignment so the female end of a hose to be wound on the hose reel 100 is optimally located on the spool 200 to provide easier winding and placement of the hose against the left flange 210 and against the core 220.

[0049] The operation of the hose reel 100 is further improved by the alignment of the male hose connector 300 with the strain relief 400. The strain relief 400 comprises Angle γ is the angle between the male hose connector upright and the location of the strain relief 400 on the left flange 210. Angle γ is preferably between 140-160 degrees, and ideally 150 degrees.

[0050] Another novel improvement of the disclosed hose reel 100 is the use of a hose indent 219 in the left flange 210 as best seen in FIGS. 16 and 16a. The hose indent 219 comprises an pocket in the left flange 210 that allows the female end of the hose to be attached to the male hose connector 300 to traverse from the connection at the male hose connector 300 through the profile of the left flange 210 and lay against the interior wall of the left flange 210 and on the core 220 approximately half the distance to a strain relief 400 mounted on the left flange 210.

[0051] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0052] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0053] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0054] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0055] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.