MOBILE HOSE REEL

Abstract

A mobile hose reel traversable between a mobile mode and a stationary mode. The mobile hose reel comprises a first side frame assembly having a first rotatable side wall and a first side frame assembly elongated body. The first side frame assembly elongated body is slidably engaged with at least a portion of the first rotatable side wall and is configured to secure to a first pair of stability members. A second side frame assembly comprises a second rotatable side wall and a second side frame assembly elongated body. The second side frame assembly elongated body is slidably engaged with at least a portion of the second rotatable side wall and is configured to secure to a second pair of stability members. Traversal of the first and second side assemblies upwardly or downwardly about a longitudinal axis traverses the mobile hose reel between a mobile orientation and a stationary orientation.

Claims

1. A mobile hose reel traversable between a mobile mode and a stationary mode comprising: a first side frame assembly comprising a rotatable side wall configured to rotate a sufficient distance to move said mobile hose reel about a surface, said rotatable side wall having a first member secured to a second member to form an interior space therebetween, and a first side frame assembly arm traversable within said interior space and comprising a pair of rotatably attached legs thereto, said pair of legs having a sufficient length to extend out of said rotatable side wall when in a stationary position and rest within said rotatable side wall when in a mobile position; a second side frame assembly comprising a rotatable side wall configured to rotate a sufficient distance to move said mobile hose reel about a surface, said rotatable side wall having a first member secured to a second member to form an interior space therebetween, and a second side frame assembly arm traversable within said interior space and comprising a pair of rotatably attached legs thereto, said pair of legs having a sufficient length to extend out of said rotatable side wall when in said stationary position and rest within said rotatable side wall when in said mobile position; a spool assembly comprising a hub having a first radial expanding flange attached at one end and a second radial expanding flange at a second end.

2. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 wherein said spool assembly is configured to rotate independently of movement of said first side frame assembly or said second side frame assembly.

3. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 wherein said first member of said first rotatable side wall comprises a channel sized and shaped to guide said first side frame assembly arm as it traverses within said first side frame assembly; and said first member of said second rotatable side wall comprises a channel sized and shaped to guide said second side frame assembly arm as it traverses within said second side frame assembly.

4. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 wherein each said pair of legs comprises a first member of a leg to arm locking assembly configured to engage with a second member of a leg to arm locking member associated with said first side frame assembly arm or said second side frame assembly arm; whereby said leg to arm locking assembly maintains positioning of each said leg relative to said first side frame assembly arm or said second side frame assembly arm when in said mobile position or said stationary locking position.

5. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 further including a cross bar connecting said first side frame assembly arm and said second side frame assembly arm.

6. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 wherein each of said first side frame assembly arm and said second side frame assembly arm contains a curved surface configured to guide said leg as said leg is rotated.

7. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 wherein each of said first side frame assembly arm and said second side frame assembly arm is further positionable at an angle from a longitudinal axis.

8. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 further including a first side frame assembly arm self locking mechanism for mating said first side frame assembly arm in an angled position, said first side frame assembly arm self-locking mechanism comprising a first locking member rotatable coupled to said first side frame assembly arm, and a side frame locking member having a seat sized and shaped to receive said first locking member; and a second side frame assembly arm self locking mechanism for mating said second side frame assembly arm in an angled position, said second side frame assembly arm self-locking mechanism comprising a second locking member rotatable coupled to said second side frame assembly arm, and a second side frame locking member having a seat sized and shaped to receive said second locking member.

9. The mobile hose reel according to claim 1 wherein the first radial expanding flange is adjacent said first rotatable side wall, and said second radial expanding flange is adjacent said rotatable side wall.

10. A mobile hose reel traversable between a mobile mode and a stationary mode comprising: a first side frame assembly comprising a first rotatable side wall configured to rotate a sufficient distance to move said mobile hose reel about a surface and a first side frame assembly elongated body, said first side frame assembly elongated body sized and shaped to slidably move within at least a portion of said first rotatable side wall, said first side frame assembly elongated body having a first portion configured to secure to a first end of an elongated cross bar and a second portion configured to secure to a first pair of deployable stability members, said first pair of deployable stability members configured to extend out of said first rotatable side wall when in a stationary position and rest within said rotatable side wall when in a mobile position; a second side frame assembly comprising a second rotatable side wall configured to rotate a sufficient distance to move said mobile hose reel about a surface and a second side frame assembly elongated body, said second side frame assembly elongated body sized and shaped to slidably move within at least a portion of said second rotatable side wall, said second side frame assembly elongated body having a first portion configured to secure to a second end of an elongated bar and a second portion configured to secure to a second pair of deployable stability members, said second pair of deployable stability members configured to extend out of said second rotatable side wall when in said stationary position and rest within said rotatable side wall when in said mobile position; and a spool assembly comprising a hub having a first radial expanding flange attached at one end and a second radial expanding flange at a second end, said hub sized and shaped to receive an elongated flexible hose; whereby traversal of said first side frame assembly and said second side assembly upwardly or downwardly about a longitudinal axis traverses said mobile hose reel between a mobile orientation and a stationary orientation.

11. The mobile hose reel according to claim 10 wherein said spool assembly further includes a crank handle operatively coupled to at least one radial expanding flange and an inlet-outlet tube assembly.

12. The mobile hose reel according to claim 10 wherein said spool assembly is configured to rotate independently of rotation of said first rotatable side wall or said second rotatable side wall.

13. The mobile hose reel according to claim 10 wherein said first pair of stability members are rotatably secured to said first side frame assembly elongated body and said second pair of stability members are rotatably secured to said second side frame assembly elongated body.

14. The mobile hose reel according to claim 10 wherein said first side frame assembly elongated body and said second side frame assembly elongated body are traversable about the circumference of said first rotatable side wall and said second side frame assembly elongated body is traversable about the circumference of said second rotatable side wall.

15. The mobile hose reel according to claim 14 further including a first side frame assembly arm self locking mechanism for mating said first side frame assembly arm in an angled position, said first side frame assembly arm self-locking mechanism comprising a first locking member rotatable coupled to said first side frame assembly arm, and a side frame locking member having a seat sized and shaped to receive said first locking member; and a second side frame assembly arm self locking mechanism for mating said second side frame assembly arm in an angled position, said second side frame assembly arm self-locking mechanism comprising a second locking member rotatable coupled to said second side frame assembly arm, and a second side frame locking member having a seat sized and shaped to receive said second locking member.

16. The mobile hose reel according to claim 15 wherein said self-locking mechanism including at least a first portion provided within said first side frame assembly elongated body or said second side frame assembly elongated body, at least one corresponding second portion positioned within said first side frame assembly or said second side frame assembly elongated body, and a securing member pivotally coupled to said first side frame assembly elongated body or said second side frame assembly elongated body.

17. The mobile hose reel according to claim 10 wherein said first side frame assembly elongated body and said second side frame assembly elongated body each contain a slotted region.

18. The mobile hose reel according to claim 10 wherein said at least one of said first side frame assembly or said second side frame assembly contains a cap secured to said rotatable side wall.

19. The mobile hose reel according to claim 18 wherein said cap comprises a slotted region sized and shaped to receive and hold a portion of a flexible hose.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an in-tube side of an illustrative embodiment of a mobile hose reel, shown in the mobile mode;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a crank side of the mobile hose reel, shown in the mobile mode;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the in-tube side of the mobile hose reel, shown in the stationary mode;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the crank side of the mobile hose reel, shown in the stationary mode;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the mobile hose reel, shown in the mobile mode;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the mobile hose reel, shown in the mobile mode;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the mobile hose reel, shown in the stationary mode;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the mobile hose reel, shown in the stationary mode;

[0033] FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the mobile hose reel;

[0034] FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of the mobile hose reel;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exterior side of an illustrative embodiment of the left side frame first member;

[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an interior side of the left side frame first member;

[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the left side frame second member;

[0038] FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional view illustrating attachment of the spool assembly to the left side frame and the right side frame;

[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a left hose reel assembly flange;

[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a second side of the left hose reel assembly flange shown in FIG. 14;

[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a right side arm and a left side arm;

[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of stability legs;

[0043] FIG. 18 is an alternative perspective view of the stability legs;

[0044] FIG. 19A illustrates stability legs secured to a side arm;

[0045] FIG. 19B illustrates an alternative view of the stability legs being attached to a side arm, with a segment of the inlet-outlet assembly inserted through a portion of the arm;

[0046] FIG. 20 illustrates a side arm in a tipped position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1-9B, an illustrative embodiment of a mobile hose reel, referred to generally as mobile hose reel 10, is shown. The mobile hose reel 10 is designed to be traversable between a mobile position and a stationary position. In the mobile position, the hose reel 10 is movable on a surface such as the ground or a paved or cemented surface; while in the stationary position, the hose reel 10 is stable and resting on such surfaces. The hose reel 10 contains a pair of rotatable side frame assemblies: a left side frame 12 and a right side frame 14. In the mobile position, the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 14 are configured to rotate independent of spool assembly flanges: a radial expanding, left spool assembly flange 16 and a radial expanding, right spool assembly flange 18. While the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 14 are shown having a circular profile, such shapes are illustrative only. Other profiles or shapes that allow the hose reel 10 to move about a surface can be used.

[0049] Coupled to the rotatable left side frame 12 is a left side arm 20, illustrated herein as a side frame assembly elongated body, see for example FIG. 1, FIG. 9A, or FIG. 16. Coupled to the rotatable right side frame 14 is a right side arm 22, illustrated herein as a side frame assembly elongated body, see for example FIG. 1 or FIG. 9A. Both the left side arm 20 and the right side arm 22 can be sized and shaped to extend a predetermined distance when the hose reel 10 is traversed between the mobile position and the stationary position. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the left side frame 12 is made of a first member 24, illustrated as a generally circular structure, secured to a second member 26, illustrated as a second generally circular structure. The left side frame first member 24 and the left side second member 26 are secured together to form an interior region 25A (see FIG. 13) defined by the space between the first member 24 and the second member 26. The interior space 25A is of sufficient size to receive the left arm 20. The left arm 20 is designed to move vertically, i.e. up or down, about the longitudinal axis 23 within the interior region 25A when a user traverses the hose reel 10 between the mobile position and the stationary position. A cap 28 (see FIG. 1) secures to the left side second member 26.

[0050] The right side frame 14 is made of a first member 32 secured to a second member 34. The right side frame first member 32 and the right side second member 34 are secured together to form an interior region 25B (see FIG. 13) defined by the space between the first member 32 and the second member 34. The interior region 25B is of sufficient size to receive the right arm 22. The right arm 22 is designed to move vertically within the interior region 25B when a user traverses the hose reel 10 between the mobile position and the stationary position. A cap 36 secures to the right side second member 34 (see FIG. 9A).

[0051] An illustrative embodiment of the left side frame first member 24 is shown in FIG. 10 (exterior side, orientated away from the space between the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 14) and FIG. 11 (interior side, orientated towards the space between the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 14). The left side frame first member 24 is shown having a rounded or circular body 38. The body 38 has a circumferential reverse scalloping edge 40 to form a perimeter having a series of raised edge surfaces 42 between a series of trough-like rounded surfaces 44. An inner circumferential landing 46 is used to secure other components thereto. An interior center region 48 contains an opening 50 with threading for securing to other components of the device, such as a spool assembly 56 containing an inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly 58 (see FIG. 9A, 9B or FIG. 13) or a crank handle (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 9). The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,801,047, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, contains an inlet conduit 57 and a inlet/outlet swivel union conduit assembly 59 with clips 61 (see FIG. 9A). The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly provides a mechanism for transportation of a fluid from a fluid supply source, i.e. a water spigot, to a fluid dispensing source, such as a hose. A second inner circumferential landing 60 (FIG. 11) may be used to secure or align the body 38 to one or more components if required. As shown in FIG. 1, the cap 28 has a center, recessed cut-out portion 62. In addition, a recessed channel 64 is sized and shaped to fit and secure a hose (not shown). The right side frame first member 32, having the same features as described for the left side frame first member 24, is not described in detail. The cap 36 (see FIG. 9A) associated with the right side frame first member 32 may not include a recessed channel 64 when used with the right side frame first member second member 34. In addition, the center, recessed cut-out portion 62 may be sized and shaped to receive the crank handle assembly 66 (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 9A)

[0052] An illustrative embodiment of the left side frame second member 26 is shown in FIG. 12. The right side frame second member 34, having the same features as described below, is not described in detail. The left side frame second member 26 comprises a rounded or circular body. Along the perimeter of the body 66 is a first slotted opening 68 sized and shaped to receive and hold the left arm 20. Additional slotted openings and 72 are positioned on the lower side of the circumferential edge, and are sized and shaped to receive support legs 74. A recessed channel 76 sized and shaped to allow left arm 20 to slide therein maintains the arm 20 in position as the mobile hose reel 10 is traversed between the mobile position and the stationary position. Opening 78 is sized and shaped to receive one or more components of the spool assembly, inlet-outlet tube assembly, or crank assembly.

[0053] The hose reel 10 is designed to allow for storage, up-take and distribution of a flexible hose using a spool assembly 56. The spool assembly 56 is defined by a hub 80 secured to the radially expanding left hose reel assembly flange 16 at one end and the radially expanding right hose reel assembly flange 18 at an opposing end of the hub 80. The hub 80 and the flanges 16 and 18 are configured to accommodate a flexible garden hose (not shown) wrapped around the hub 80. As illustrated, the hub 80 comprises an upper member 82 secured to a lower member 84, see FIG. 9A or FIG. 13. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate embodiments of the left hose reel assembly flange 16. The flange 16 has a body having a generally rounded or circular shape. The left hose reel assembly flange 16 has a spool assembly receiving member 86 configured to receive and secure to end portions of spool 80. Semi-circular cut out sections 87 are sized and shaped to secure portions of the inlet-outlet tube assembly 56 thereto. The left hose reel assembly flange 16 may also contain a cylindrical post 90 extending outwardly from its body, and located on the opposite side of spool assembly receiving member 86. The cylindrical post 90 contains a hollow interior 89? configured to receive a crank handle body 92. The crank handle body 92 is snapped into position using snap lock pins 96, see FIG. 9B. In this configuration, the crank handle 92 rotates the spool assembly 56. The cylindrical post 90 may also act as a pivoting axis for independent rotation of the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 14.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows illustrative embodiments of the left side arm 20 and the right side arm 22. The left side arm 20 is shown having an elongated body 98 having an upper end 100 and a lower end 102. The upper end 100 contains a cross bar receiving area, shown as an open cylindrical body 104 sized and shaped to receive an end portion of a cross bar 106 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B). The right side arm 22 is shown having an elongated body 108 having an upper end 110 and a lower end 112. The upper end 110 contains a cross bar receiving area, shown as an open cylindrical body 114 sized and shaped to receive a second end portion of the cross bar 106. Optionally, attached to the cross bar 106 via c-shaped clasps 116 is a basket 118 (see FIG. 9A). A stability bar assembly 115 may also be secured to the cross bar 106 or a portion of the arms 20 and 22. The stability bar assembly 115 comprises two semi curved bars 117A and 117B secured to linking bar 119. Each semi-curved bar 117A and 117B contains an opening 121 for securing to the cross bar 106 at one end and a clamping end 123 configured to secure to the linking bar 119. Each side arm 20 and 22 contains an elongated open slot 120 and 122, allowing a mechanism to provide for each arm to slidably engage with other components of the hose reel 10, i.e. the crank handle assembly or the inlet-outlet tube. Accordingly, each arm 20 and 22 can be moved upwardly and downwardly to traverse between the two modes, the mobile mode and the stationary mode. Each arm 20 and 22 is further configured to secure to stability legs 74.

[0055] The stability legs 74 (see FIGS. 17 and 18) are sized and shaped to rest within the inner space between the left side frame first member 24 and the left side frame second member 26 or the space between the right side frame first member 32 and the right side frame second member 34 when in the mobile mode. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a pair of stability legs 74, and labeled as 74A and 74B when describing an individual leg, showing the interior surface side. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the pair of stability legs 74A and 74B showing the exterior surface side. Each leg 74 comprises an elongated body 124 having a first side 126 coupled to the left side arm 20 or right side arm 22 and a second, opposing side 128 for securing or contacting a surface such as the ground. Extending upwardly from the first side 126 is a rectangular extension member 130 terminating in a partially circular surface 132. The rectangular extension member 130 contains a stability leg locking member 134 sized and shaped to fit within a side arm stability member receiving member 136 (see FIG. 16) positioned on the left side arm 20 or right side arm 22.

[0056] The stability leg locking member 134 may contain a plurality of angled surfaces or be secured to the arm 20/22 at an angle so that, when the arm rotates, the stability leg locking member 134 is properly orientated with the side arm stability member receiving member 136 to lock in place. The stability leg locking member 134 (first member of a leg to arm locking assembly) and side arm stability member receiving member 136 (second member of a leg to arm locking member) form a leg to arm locking assembly.

[0057] The side arm stability member receiving member 136 is shown having a key hole shape to allow for the stability leg locking member 134 to be inserted therein and locked in position. FIG. 19A or 19B illustrates the left side arm 20 with stability legs 74A and 74B secured through side arm lock receiving member 136. As shown, the stability leg locking member 134 is secured to an elongated channel 137 of the side arm lock receiving member 136 in the mobile position, holding it in place (mobile locking position). As the left side arm 20 is moved downward to place the stability legs 74A and 74B in the stationary position, the stability leg locking member 134 rotates and moves downward to rest within the circular region 139, locking the stability legs 74A and 74B in the stationary position (stationary locking position). As the stability legs 74 are traversed between the stationary locking position and the mobile locking position, the partially circular surface 132 rotates against a corresponding circular surface 139 located on both sides of arm 20 or arm 22. The circular surface 139 allows the partially circular surface 132 to rotate freely against the arm portion. Each arm 20, 22 further contains an angled surface 141 (FIG. 16) on either side to help guide the stability legs 74A and 74B as they move inwardly or outwardly based on the positioning of arm 20 or 22.

[0058] The stability leg 74 contains an outer surface edge 138 that contains an inwardly angled surface terminating in an apex 142. A second angled surface 142 extends downwardly from the apex 142, across the inner surface 146 of the leg 74. The angled surfaces 140 or 146 are used to guide the leg 74 to the proper positioning or orientation when traversing between the mobile mode and the stationary mode. The opposing side 128 is sized and shaped to allow the leg to rest securely on a desired surface, maintaining the mobile hose reel 10 in a stable, upright position or orientation. This prevents the mobile hose reel 10 from tipping over during use. Leg 74 may contain a cutout region, forming a recessed channel to aid in securing to a surface.

[0059] The portable hose reel 10 is further described by providing an illustrative example of how the device functions. The portable hose reel 10 may be used in the stationary mode, see FIGS. 3 and 4. In this mode, the arms 20 and 22 are positioned in the interior region defined by the right side frame first member 32 and the right side second member 34 and the interior region defined by the left side frame first member 24 and the left side second member 26. In this position, the user can wind/unwind the hose which has been wrapped around spool 80. If a user wishes to move the portable hose reel 10 to a different location, the hose may be wound around the spool using the crank handle body assembly 92. The spool is designed to move independently from movement of the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 14. A user may grab the portable hose reel 10 either by the cross bar 106 or by the stability assembly 115 to extend the arms 20 and 22 in an upward direction (i.e. towards the head of the user). This action moves portions of the arms 20 and 22 through the interior region defined by the right side frame first member 32 and the right side second member 34 and through the interior region defined by the left side frame first member 24 and the left side second member 26. Arms 74A and 74B move from the locked stationary position to the locked mobile position.

[0060] Each arm 20 and 22 can be tipped by rotating in a direction indicated by arrows 150A or 150B (FIG. 1) to aid in moving the portable hose reel 10. As the arms 20 and 22 are tipped, the arms can be automatically locked in place by an interior handle locking mechanism 152, see FIG. 20. FIG. 20 shows an arm 20 in a tipped position using an interior locking mechanism 152. Each arm 20 and 22 comprise a first component of an interior locking mechanism 152. On each side of the arm 20 is a first component of an interior locking mechanism, illustrated herein as an interior arm locking member recessed member 154 having a seat 156. Within the interior arm locking member recessed member 154 is housed a locking member 156 held in place by pin 158.

[0061] As arms 20 and 22 are tipped, the locking member 156 swings about pin 158 and rests in a second component of the interior locking mechanism 152 positioned within the side frames and 14. The second component of the interior locking mechanism 152 is illustrated herein as side frame locking member 160 having seat 162. The side frame locking member 160 is orientated to align with the interior arm locking member recessed member 154 so that, when the locking member 156 rotates about the pin 158, it rests on seat 162, secured within the side frame locking member 160. This position allows the side frame 12 and 14 to rotate as the user pushes the portable hose reel 10 along a surface. The arms can then be returned to a stationary position when the portable hose reel 10 is returned to vertical. Once at the proper place, the arms 20 and 22 can be moved upright and pushed downward so the stability arms 74 are moved out of the side frame 12 and 14.

[0062] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0063] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

[0064] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.