HOSE RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

Abstract

An apparatus for recovering hose comprising a drive roller and a motor for actuating rotation of the drive roller. A drive roller assembly supports the drive roller and the motor in fixed positions. A pinch roller assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second end moveable between a first position that engages a hose between a pinch roller and the drive roller enables movement of the hose therebetween responsive to rotation of the drive roller and a second position provides that places the pinch roller in a position to define an opening between the pinch roller and the drive roller to enable passage of a coupling connecting the hose to another hose to pass between the pinch roller and the drive roller. Actuation of the motor while the second end of the pinch roller assembly is in the first position drives the hose in a first direction between the drive roller and the pinch roller. Actuation of the motor while the second end of the pinch roller assembly in in the second position drives the coupling past the drive roller through the opening between the pinch roller and the drive roller.

Claims

1. An apparatus for recovering hose, comprising: a drive roller; a motor for actuating rotation of the drive roller; a drive roller assembly for supporting the drive roller and the motor in fixed positions; a pinch roller; a pinch roller assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second end moveable between a first position that engages a hose between the pinch roller and the drive roller to enable movement of the hose therebetween responsive to rotation of the drive roller and a second position to place the pinch roller in a position that defines an opening between the pinch roller and the drive roller to enable passage of a coupling connecting the hose to another hose to pass between the pinch roller and the drive roller; wherein actuation of the motor while the second end of the pinch roller assembly is in the first position drives the hose in a first direction between the drive roller and the pinch roller; and wherein actuation of the motor while the second end of the pinch roller assembly in in the second position drives the coupling past the drive roller through the opening between the pinch roller and the drive roller.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a coupling stop mechanism having a first edge pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second edge opposite the first edge moveable between a first position to enable passage of the coupling past the second edge and a second position to prevent movement of the coupling in a second direction opposite the first direction while the second end of the pinch roller assembly is in the second position.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive roller has a larger diameter than the pinch roller.

4.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second end of the pinch roller assembly is raised from the drive roller assembly to move the second end from the first position to the second position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drive roller assembly further comprises:

7. a pair of roller support arms that extend outward from the drive roller assembly such that the hose can pass therebetween; and

8. a pair of rollers each one of the pair of rollers mounted along a length of an associated roller support arm.

9.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pinch roller assembly further comprises:

11. a first and second lift arms each having a first end pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second end moveable between the first position and the second position of the pinch roller assembly; and

12. a lifting arm connected perpendicularly between the first and second lift arms for moving the pinch roller assembly between the first position and the second position.

13.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an electrical switch for actuation the motor to cause rotation of the drive roller.

15. An apparatus for recovering hose, comprising:

16. a drive roller;

17. a motor for actuating rotation of the drive roller;

18. a drive roller assembly for supporting the drive roller and the motor in fixed positions;

19. a pinch roller, wherein the drive roller has a larger diameter than the pinch roller;

20. a pinch roller assembly having a first end pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second end moveable between a first position that engages a hose between the pinch roller and the drive roller to enable movement of the hose there between responsive to rotation of the drive roller and a second position provides to place the pinch roller in a position to define an opening between the pinch roller and the drive roller to enable passage of a coupling connecting the hose to another hose to pass between the pinch roller and the drive roller;

21. wherein actuation of the motor while the second end of the pinch roller assembly is in the first position drives the hose in a first direction between the drive roller and the pinch roller;

22. wherein actuation of the motor while the second end of the pinch roller assembly in in the second position drives the coupling past the drive roller through the opening between the pinch roller and the drive roller; and

23. a coupling stop mechanism having a first edge pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second edge opposite the first edge moveable between a first position to enable passage of the coupling past the second edge and a second position to prevent movement of the coupling in a second direction opposite the first direction while the second end of the pinch roller assembly is in the second position.

24.

25. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second end of the pinch roller assembly is raised from the drive roller assembly to move the second end from the first position to the second position.

26. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the drive roller assembly further comprises:

27. a pair of roller support arms that extend outward from the drive roller assembly such that the hose can pass therebetween; and

28. a pair of rollers each one of the pair of rollers mounted along a length of an associated roller support arm.

29.

30. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pinch roller assembly further comprises:

31. a first and second lift arms each having a first end pivotally connected to the drive roller assembly and a second end moveable between the first position and the second position of the pinch roller assembly; and

32. a lifting arm connected perpendicularly between the first and second lift arms for moving the pinch roller assembly between the first position and the second position.

33.

34. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising an electrical switch for actuation the motor to cause rotation of the drive roller.

35. A method of recovering hose, comprising:

36. disposing a hose between a powered rotational drive roller secured to a drive roller assembly and a pinch roller secured to a pinch roller assembly;

37. actuating a motor by depressing an electric switch which causes the powered rotational drive roller to rotate;

38. raising the pinch roller assembly from a first position to a second position to raise the pinch roller and provide an additional space between the powered rotational drive roller and the pinch roller to allow passage of a hose coupling; and

39. lowering the pinch roller assembly to remove the additional space between the powered rotational drive roller and the pinch roller to enable the hose to be moved by the rotational drive roller in a first direction.

40.

41. The method of claim 13 further including moving a coupling stop between a first position to enable passage of the coupling past a second edge of the coupling stop and a second position to prevent movement of the coupling in a second direction opposite a first direction of movement of the hose while the pinch roller assembly is in the second position.

42. The method of claim 13, wherein the drive roller has a larger diameter than the pinch roller.

43. The method of claim 13, wherein step of raising further comprises raising the pinch roller assembly from the drive roller assembly to move pinch roller away from the drive roller.

44.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the hose retrieval system;

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an opposite side view of an embodiment of the hose retrieval system;

[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the hose retrieval system prior to encountering a hose coupling;

[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the hose retrieval system as the hose coupling encounters the drive roller;

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the hose retrieval system as the hose coupling is held in place by the coupling latch plate;

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the hose retrieval system as the hose coupling is passed through device;

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the hose retrieval system after the hose coupling has passed through the device;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the operation of the retrieval system;

[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of the hose retrieval system; and

[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the second embodiment of the hose retrieval system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of a hose retrieval system are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention. An apparatus for recovering hose includes a lifting frame assembly 102 comprising a plurality of lifting frame arms 104 and a lifting arm 106. In one embodiment, the lifting frame arms 104 and the lifting arm 106 are constructed of fourteen-gauge, one-inch square tubing. The plurality of lifting frame arms 104 are each coupled to a drive roller support assembly 105 by a plurality of biasing means hinges 114, such as 1/2 inch stainless steel shoulder bolts, to allow for lowering of the lifting frame arms 104 between a first position to retrieve a hose through the mechanism and lifting the lifting frame arms 104 into a second position to allow a hose coupling to pass through the mechanism.

[0020] A plurality of guide rollers 116, preferably 1 inch, constructed of galvanized steel, are attached to the plurality of guide roller mounts 118 of the drive roller support assembly 105. In a further embodiment, a flat safety plate (not shown), preferably constructed of 16-gauge to 18-gauge sheet metal, covers the lifting frame arms 104 to protect a user of the apparatus for recovering hose from injury.

[0021] A pinch roller 119 extends perpendicularly between the plurality of lifting frame arms 104. The pinch roller 119 assists in guiding a hose 300 downward that is being driven by the drive roller 130. The pinch roller 119 is mounted to the lifting frame arms 104 using mounting brackets 132.

[0022] The drive system comprises a drive roller 130 which is constructed of a rubber tire. In a preferred embodiment the drive roller 130 will have a greater diameter than the pinch roller 119. The drive roller 130 is secured on each of its ends to the drive roller support assembly 105. The drive roller assembly 105 includes a base 134 having a pair of support members 138 extending upward, perpendicularly from the base 134. A drive roller mounting member 140 extends perpendicularly between the support members 138. The drive roller 130 may be secured to the drive roller mounting member 140 by a mounting bracket 142 on each side of the drive roller 130 or any available securing means, including bolting, welding, clamping or any similar securing means.

[0023] A coupling latch plate 150 is used for maintaining the hose couplings connecting hoses in a fix position and prevent the hose 300 from sliding backwards when the lifting frame assembly 102 is moved to a raised position to allow the hose couplings to pass by the drive roller 130 and pinch roller 119. The coupling latch plate 150 consist of a substantially flat surface that is connected on one side thereof to a top support member 152 of the drive roller support assembly 105. The coupling latch plate 150 in one embodiment may comprise a rectangularly shaped structure but may comprise any shape that prevents back movement of the coupling. The coupling latch plate 150 connects to the top support member 152 via a pair of pivoting mounts 154, such as hinges or other similar connecting structure, that enables the coupling latch plate 150 to move between a closed position that prevents the couplings connecting the hoses from moving backwards within the mechanism and an open position that enables the couplings to move past the coupling latch plate 150. The coupling latch plate 150 prevents the hose couplings from moving in a reverse direction when the lift frame assembly 102 is raised to allow the hose coupling to pass between the drive roller 130 and the pinch roller 119. This process with be more fully described herein below.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view of the opposite side of the apparatus. As mentioned previously, the drive system includes a drive roller 130. The drive roller 130 is connected to a motor 124. The motor 124, preferably a 12-volt gear reduced electric motor, is mounted within the drive roller support assembly 105. Other means of powering the apparatus, such as a 5-horsepower gas-powered motor with a 6:1 gear reducer, may also be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that a power supply (not shown) supplies power to the motor 124, which is thereafter mechanically coupled to a drive system. The drive system further comprises a motor sprocket 144 connected to the drive shaft of the motor 124 and a drive roller sprocket 146 connected to the drive shaft of the drive roller 130, which are co-rotational sprockets connected via a drive chain 148. Driving of the motor sprocket 144 by the motor 124 rotates the drive chain 148 and the connected drive roller sprocket 146 that drives the rotation of the drive roller 130.

[0025] The electric switch 160 actuates operation of the motor 124. The electric switch 160 is preferably a 15-amp momentary rocker switch. Those skilled in the art will understand that the electric switch 160 is normally connected via electrical wiring means to the motor 124 and that an operator's depression of the electric switch 160 supplies power to and activates the motor 124. Similarly, the operator's release of the electric switch 160 eliminates power to and deactivates the motor 124. A motor cowling (not shown) and a drive cowling (not shown), both preferably constructed of 16-gauge sheet metal, are removably attached to the drive roller assembly 105 and cover the drive system and the motor 124. The motor cowling 212 and the drive cowling 214 protect the apparatus and the operator from damage or injury.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3-7, where the principle of action of the transmission of this invention is shown, the apparatus for recovering hose as described in FIGS. 1-2 receives the hose 300 for recovery in a direction from right to left and is adaptable to pass a hose coupling 302 therethrough without any difficulty.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in action prior to encountering a hose coupling 302. FIG. 3 shows the apparatus for recovering hose 300 in a first position, wherein hose 300 has entered the apparatus for recovering hose through the drive roller 130 and the pinch roller 119, which are rotatable, and which guide the hose 300 in a position to move through the apparatus for recovering hose.

[0028] During initiation of a hose recovery operation, the hose 300 is positioned as shown in FIG. 3. An operator of the apparatus for recovering hose depresses the electric switch 160 to actuate the drive system. Upon actuation of the drive system, the drive roller 130 begins feeding the hose through the apparatus for hose recovery. The movement of the hose 300 caused by the initiation of drive roller 130 additionally causes the pinch roller 119 which is also in contact with the hose 300 to rotate about its axis. Once the hose 300 passes through the apparatus for recovering hose, the hose 300 can be collected, and preferably flaked and stored in the truck. The operator of the apparatus for recovering hose manually applies downward pressure to the lifting arm 106 so that the drive roller 130, the hose 300, and the pinch roller 119 remain in contact throughout the hose recovery operation due to the pinch roller pressing the hose against the drive roller.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in action at the time a hose coupling approaches the pinch roller 119. Responsive to the tension between the drive roller 130 and the pinch roller 119, the hose pulls the coupling past the coupling latch plate 150. As the hose coupling 302 contacts the bottom surface of the coupling latch plate 150, the coupling latch plate 150 pivots upward about pivoting mounts 154 along its edge to enable the coupling 302 to pass by the coupling latch plate 150. As the coupling 302 approaches the pinch roller 119, the operator disengages the electrical switch 160 ceasing rotation of the drive roller 130. This causes the hose 300 and coupling 302 to stop in the position illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a side view of the embodiment of the present invention in action at the time rotation of the drive roller 130 has ceased. When rotation of the drive roller 130 ceases responsive to this disengagement of the electrical switch 162, the weight of the coupling 302 will cause the hose to slide backwards. However, the edge of the coupling latch plate 150 rotates downward and catches on the coupling 302 to prevent the coupling from sliding back further in reverse. The coupling latch plate 150 causes the coupling 302 to remain in a fixed position and cease sliding backwards.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in action at the time after a hose coupling 302 is encountered. FIG. 6 illustrates the time in a hose recovery operation when the apparatus for recovering the hose encounters a hose coupling 302. During the hose recovery operation, when a hose coupling 302 is encountered, the operator will manually lift the lifting arm 106 to raise the lifting frame assembly 102 vertically into a second position to provide space for the hose coupling 302 to move between the drive roller 130 and the upper guide roller 119. The operator will then actuate the driver roller 130 by engaging the motor 124 with the electrical switch 160. The driver roller 130 continually contacts the hose 300 coupling 202 until the hose coupling 202 passes through the apparatus for recovering hose. While the rotation of the lifting frame assembly 102 shows the end of the pivoting upward, in an alternative embodiment the end of the lifting frame assembly 102 could be rotated outward toward the operator and the opposite end of the lifting arm assembly 102 could be connected to the base 134 of the drive roller support assembly 140. This would enable a somewhat easier pivoting process since the lifting arm assembly would no longer have to be lifted.

[0032] After the hose coupling 302 passes through the apparatus for recovering hose, the operator will apply manual downward pressure to the lifting arm 106 as to allow the lifting arm assembly 102 to descend back into the first position as shown in FIG. 7 and actuate the electrical switch 160 to cause the drive roller 130 to continue to drive the hose through the apparatus.

[0033] At any time during the hose recovery operation, the operator may release the electric switch 24 to terminate the power supply to the motor 40. Said release deactivates the drive system to the apparatus for recovering hose and will terminate the hose recovery operation.

[0034] FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram of a method 800 for recovering hose. At block 802, a hose having a hose coupling is positioned between an upper guide roller and a drive roller of a first device, wherein the drive roller is powered. At block 804, the hose is retrieved with the first device via operation of the powered drive roller. Upon the hose coupling reaching the first device a coupling latch plate opens at 806 to enable movement of the coupling past the coupling latch plate. After the coupling passes the coupling latch plate, the position of the pinch roller may be altered from a first position to a second position with a lifting arm operably coupled to the upper guide roller at 808. The coupling latch that previously enabled passage of the coupling prevents backward movement of the coupling by provide a stopping mechanism at 810. Raising of the pinch roller at 808 and actuation of the drive roller at 812 enables the hose coupling to pass between the pinch roller and the drive roller at 814. At block 816, the position of the lifting arm is lowered to its original position at 816 to continue to pull hose through the hose retrieval assembly until a next coupling is encountered. The hose from the hose retrieval assembly is deposited at 818 into a hose receptacle at from the first device via an open top portion of the hose receptacle, a platform having the first device arranged thereon. At block 820, the platform is moved along a first axis and a second axis with a platform moving means while depositing the hose into the hose receptacle. The first and second axis may have first and second axis limits, accordingly, substantially coextensive with the dimensions of the open top portion of the hose receptacle.

[0035] In some embodiments, the method 800 may further include controlling movement of the platform along the first axis between the first axis limits with a controller means. The controller means, for example, may be levers which control hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or mechanical means of moving the platform. For example, there may be teeth coupled to the container and corresponding gears or wheels coupled to the platform to interact with the teeth to move the platform. Such gears or wheels may be driven by an electrical means, such as electrical motors. In further embodiments, the method may further include controlling movement of the platform along the second axis between the second axis limits with the controller means. In other embodiments, the method may automatically move the platform upon the platform substantially reaching a limit of either the first axis limits or second axis limits.

[0036] FIGS. 9 and 10 are a perspective view and a side view of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment rather than constructing the structure out of square tubular steel as discussed above, the structure is constructed of metal plates that are bolted together rather than being welded together like the square tubular steel members. The apparatus for recovering hose includes a lifting frame assembly 902 comprising a pair of lifting frame arms 904 and a lifting arm 906. In one embodiment, the lifting frame arms 904 and the lifting arm 906 are constructed of steel plates that are cut to shape and bolted together. The pair of lifting frame arms 904 are each coupled to a drive roller support assembly 905 by a pair of pivot pins 914, such as 1/2 inch stainless steel shoulder bolts, to allow for lowering of the lifting frame arms 904 between a first position to retrieve a hose through the mechanism and lifting the lifting frame arms 904 into a second position to allow a hose coupling to pass through the mechanism.

[0037] A pinch roller 919 extends perpendicularly between the plurality of lifting frame arms 904. The pinch roller 919 assists in guiding a hose downward that is being driven by the drive roller 930. The pinch roller 919 is mounted to the lifting frame arms 904.

[0038] The drive system comprises a drive roller 930 which is constructed of a rubber tire or other rotating structure. In a preferred embodiment the drive roller 930 will have a greater diameter than the pinch roller 919. The drive roller 930 is secured on each of its ends to the drive roller support assembly 905. The drive roller support assembly 905 includes a base plate 934 having a pair of side support plates 938 extending upward, perpendicularly from the base plate 934. The side support plates 938 define a support hole 931 and slot 933 for supporting the drive roller 930. The drive roller 930 may be secured to the side support plates 938 by mounting brackets 942 on each side of the drive roller 930 or any available securing means, including bolting, welding, clamping or any similar securing means.

[0039] A coupling latch plate 950 is used for maintaining the hose couplings connecting hoses in a fix position and prevent the hose 300 from sliding backwards when the lifting frame assembly 902 is moved to a raised position to allow the hose couplings to pass by the drive roller 930 and pinch roller 919. The coupling latch plate 950 consist of a substantially flat surface that is pivotally connected on each corner of one side thereof to the side support plates 938 of the drive roller support assembly 905 via connecting mounts 914. The coupling latch plate 950 in one embodiment may comprise a rectangularly shaped structure but may comprise any shape that prevents back movement of the coupling. The coupling latch plate 950 connects to the side support plates 938 via a pair of pivoting mounts 914, such as hinges or other similar connecting structure, that enables the coupling latch plate 950 to move between a closed position that prevents the couplings connecting the hoses from moving backwards within the mechanism and an open position that enables the couplings to move past the coupling latch plate 950. The coupling latch plate 950 prevents the hose couplings from moving in a reverse direction when the lift frame assembly 902 is raised to allow the hose coupling to pass between the drive roller 930 and the pinch roller 919. This process with be more fully described herein below.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a side view of the apparatus. As mentioned previously, the drive system includes a drive roller 930. The drive roller 930 is connected to a motor 924. The motor 924, preferably a 12-volt gear reduced electric motor, is mounted within the drive roller support assembly 905. Other means of powering the apparatus, such as a 5-horsepower gas-powered motor with a 6:1 gear reducer, may also be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that a power supply (not shown) supplies power to the motor 924, which is thereafter mechanically coupled to a drive system.

[0041] The electric switch 960 actuates operation of the motor 924. The electric switch 960 is preferably a 15-amp momentary rocker switch. Those skilled in the art will understand that the electric switch 960 is normally connected via electrical wiring means to the motor 924 and that an operator's depression of the electric switch 960 supplies power to and activates the motor 924. Similarly, the operator's release of the electric switch 960 eliminates power to and deactivates the motor 924. A motor cowling (not shown) and a drive cowling (not shown), both preferably constructed of 16-gauge sheet metal, are removably attached to the drive roller assembly 905 and cover the drive system and the motor 924.

[0042] While the above alternative embodiment uses steel plates, the material for providing the structures may be any type of metal, plastic, wood, etc.

[0043] In some embodiments, the platform may further include a second device which is substantially similar to the first device, thus comprising a second upper guide roller and a second drive roller, the second drive roller being powered (e.g., by a motor operatively coupled thereto). The second upper guide roller is operably coupled to a second lifting arm and arranged closer to the second lower roller when in a first position than when in a second position.

[0044] Advantageously, the second device may work in cooperation with the first device to retrieve the hose and deposit it in the hose receptacle. In exemplary operation, at least one of the first or second devices initially work to retrieve the hose. Upon a hose coupling reaching the first device, the upper roller of the first device may be arranged into the second position, thus allowing the coupling to pass therethrough. Retrieval of the hose and coupling may be continued by operation of the second device. Upon the coupling passing through the first device, the upper roller of the first device may be arranged back to the first position. At least one of the first and or second devices is operated until the coupling reaches the second device, wherein the position of the second upper roller of the second device is arranged in a second position. The coupling may pass through the second device via operation of at least the first device (e.g., pushing the hose and coupling through the second device). Once the coupling has passed through the second device, the second roller of the second device may be placed back in the first position.

[0045] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this hose retrieval system provides an improved manner for retrieving long lengths of couple hoses. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.