Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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1 DIRECT CURRENT POWERED HOSE REWINDING APPARATUS
2
3 Field of the Invention
4
This invention is directed to hose rewinding apparatus
for flexible hoses. More specifically, the present invention
6 relates to a direct current powered, motor driven hose
7 rewinding apparatus with manual override that is mounted
8 within a protective safety enclosure. The safety enclosure
9 includes a telescoping handle and a pair of wheels for easy
transport and storage.
11
12 Background Information
13
The prior art has proposed a number of different
14 structures for rewinding and storing a hose when it is not in
use.
These devices generally include stationary hose reel
16 hangers that can be mounted to a surface of a building, such
17 as an outer wall of a house, or portable hose reel carts that
18 permit ready transport of the hose from one location to
19 another.
In the past it was common to retrieve hoses and the like
21
by manually winding them around a suitable structure, such as
22 a wall mounted hanger, or simply bundling them into loose
23 coils.
Surface (or wall) mounted hose reels or hangers
24 come in a wide variety of configurations.
For example, one
I
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I surface mounted hose hanger includes a simple, semi-circular
2 metal or plastic support that is mounted to the building,
3 over which the hose is looped or hung.
Another surface
4 mounted device or reel includes a rotatable fitting that is
mounted to the building surface to which a manually rotated
6 reel is mounted. Unfortunately, when hose is pulled out from
7 such manually wound devices, it often becomes snarled or
8 tangled and requires appreciable time and effort to correct
9 the situation. Additionally, these surface mounted reels and
hangers are often considered unsightly, particularly if they
11 are mounted to the front of the building and are not covered
12 or otherwise obscured by plants or foliage.
13
Portable hose reel carts permit ready transport of the
14 hose from one location to another. Portable hose reel carts
typically include an open, manually rotatable reel or spool
16 positioned between a pair of side frames with wheels.
The
17 hose is manually wound upon the reel for storage and pulled
18 or dispensed from the reel for use.
19
Although such carts have become wide spread in use
because of their portable storage capabilities, they do have
21 drawbacks.
First, these devices require manual winding of
22 the hose.
Rewinding long hoses requires a considerable
23 effort.
Due to the low positional location of the winding
24 mechanism on these devices, many users may be physically
2
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,
1 unable to complete the rewinding.
Additionally, a hose
2 stored on such a reel is exposed to the elements.
Often
3 hoses are made of rubber or like materials that can become
4 stiff or brittle and can break when subjected to ultra-violet
radiation or low temperature extremes, particularly with
6 advanced age.
7
Portable hose reel carts may also be considered by some
8 to be unsightly.
Given that most hose reel carts are
9 designed for use in and around garden and lawn areas, it is
expected and natural for these carts to become dirty.
As
11 such, some users may be inclined to constantly remove a hose
12 reel cart, particularly from the front of a house, when, for
13 example, the cart becomes dirty, muddy or discolored.
14
In an effort to solve some of these problems, a number
of hose retrieval devices have been developed which
16 automatically retrieve and rewind hose on a reel in such a
17 manner so as to avoid tangling the next time the hose is
18 deployed or paid out. Such devices generally include a reel
19 and a level wind mechanism for guiding the hose onto the
reel. The level wind mechanism includes a traversing screw,
21 a guide rod, and a follower. The reel is generally directly
22 driven by a motor and/or an intermeshing clutch assembly.
23 Unfortunately, the electric motors of the prior art devices
24 have voltage requirements that reduce portability and
3
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1 increase the risk of electrical shock.
Additionally, the
2 clutch mechanisms utilized on these devices are either
3 completely engaged or completely disengaged and lack an
4 infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly to allow
operator controlled speed and/or force of hose retrieval.
6
Unfortunately, many of these motorized devices also lack
7 a suitably safe enclosure to protect the operator and/or
8 small children from being accidentally caught in the device.
9 For example, none of the motorized hose reels known are
equipped with safety interlocks to prevent the motor from
11 being engaged if an enclosure cover is opened. To compound
12 the problem, many of these devices do not provide for an
13 emergency stop and require the entire hose to be retracted
14 before the device can be stopped. Retracting the entire hose
may take several seconds and exacerbates emergency situations
16 such as when a person or pet has been caught in the machine
17 or in the hose as it is retracted. In addition, none of the
18 devices known provide a disengaging hose winding guide. The
19 level winds of the prior art are capable of causing severe
damage to an operator, child or pet that may accidentally get
21 caught in the rewinding device.
22
Accordingly, there exists a need for a rechargeable
23 battery operated motorized hose rewinding and storage device
24 that permits safe motorized take-up and manual dispensing of
4
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1 a hose that is also aesthetically pleasing.
Such a hose
2 rewinding and storage device that can be safely used to
3 retract and "hide-away" the hoses stored therein when not in
4 use. The hose rewinding device should also be constructed
for easy transport and storage while maintaining a overall
6 compact profile.
7
8 Description of the Prior Art
9
A number of hose rewinding assemblies in the prior art
utilize electric motors to drive a reel for retracting an
11 elongate member such as a cord or hose.
Examples are
12 disclosed as follows:
13
U.S. Patent No. 4,832,074 discloses an automatic hose
14 rewinding device having an alternating current (AC) motor
driven reel. The desired amount of hose is pulled out of the
16 enclosure manually for use.
After use a button is pushed
17 once and the hose is completely retracted until a device on
18 the end of the hose strikes a bar to disengage the AC motor.
19 The design of the device does not allow small increments of
the hose to be retracted. If
the operator wishes to use a
21
smaller amount of hose, the entire hose must be retracted and
22 the desired amount of hose must be manually pulled out again.
23 Additionally, the use of alternating current reduces
5
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1 portability of the device and increases the risk of
2 electrical shock.
3
U.S. Patent No. 4,513,772 discloses an automatic hose
4 winding apparatus having an intermeshing, non-slipping
clutch.
The desired amount of hose is pulled out of the
6 enclosure manually for use.
For retraction, the operator
7 must manually lock the intermeshing clutch mechanism in
8 place.
When the hose is completely retracted a device on
9 the end of the hose strikes a lever to disengage the
intermeshing clutch. The
design of the device allows
11
increments of the hose to be retracted, however, the operator
12 must manually disengage the clutch before any amount of hose
13 can be manually payed out. The apparatus makes no disclosure
14 or suggestion of a protective enclosure or a disengaging hose
guide.
16
U.S. Patent No. 5,495,995 discloses a motor driven hose
17 reel assembly.
The device interconnects two sensors and a
18 motor to monitor the quantity of hose manually pulled from
19 the reel.
By pulling on the hose manually, the hose is
rewound in an amount less than that necessary to completely
21 rewind the hose.
Because the device is operated in a
22 retraction direction when the hose is pulled, the design
23 requires the operator to overcome the pulling force of the
24 device to extend hose from the machine.
6
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U.S. Patent No. 4,012,002 discloses a coupling mechanism
2 for use in conjunction with a hose reel to automatically and
3 selectively engage or disengage the reel and motorized drive
4 train.
The coupling utilizes a sliding spring pin on the
drive train which is designed to automatically engage one of
6 a series of cooperating stop lugs on the reel to transmit the
7 driving power of the motor to the rotatable reel. The spring
8 pin can be manually locked in a disengaged position to allow
9 the hose reel to freewheel. When the spring pin is engaged
the device operates in direct drive from the motor.
11
U.S. Patent No. 6,149,096 discloses a retractable reel
12 device especially useful for electrical cables.
The device
13 is specifically designed to allow an operator to pull out a
14 desired amount of cable.
Once the cable is paid out, the
device maintains a predetermined amount of tension on the
16 cable. Thereafter, any slack in the cable is automatically
17 retracted by an AC motor.
18
Thus, what is lacking in the art is a direct current
19 powered hose rewinding device having an infinitely adjustable
torque transfer method for modulating hose retrieval. The
21 references are further deficient in teaching the use of a
22 rechargeable battery in combination with a direct current
23
(DC) motor for powering the hose retrieval device. Moreover,
24 the references are deficient in teaching an enclosure with
7
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I safety interlocks that prevent the motor from being engaged
2 when a cover is in an open position. The devices are further
3 deficient in teaching a safety hose guide assembly that is
4 capable of disengagement in the event that the path of the
device is inadvertently blocked. The prior art devices are
6 still yet deficient in teaching a motorized hose rewinding
7 device with manual override, allowing the hose to be
8 retracted manually as well as by motor.
Even further, the
9 prior art devices are deficient in teaching a device which
includes a telescoping handle and a pair of rearwardly
11 mounted wheels for easy transport of the device.
12
13 Brief Description of the Invention
14
The present invention provides an improved direct
current powered hose rewinding device having an enclosure
16 including a telescoping handle and a pair of rotatably
17 mounted wheels to provide portability. Additional features
18 include various embodiments of infinitely variable torque
19 transfer assemblies which cooperate with the direct current
motor for power-assisted hose retrieval.
21
The apparatus includes a motorized rotatable spool
22 carried and contained within an enclosure.
The rotatable
23 spool includes a hub and a pair of flanges at opposing ends
24 of the hub, and is configured for storage, motorized take-up,
and manual pay-out of the flexible hose.
Power for the
8
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1 motorized spool is supplied through a control assembly that
2 includes a rechargeable battery, a main power switch, and at
3 least one safety interlock.
The safety interlock(s) are
4 incorporated into the enclosure and prevent motorized
operation of the spool when the enclosure is opened.
6
The enclosure has left and right side wall panels, front
7 and rear wall panels extending between the left and right
8 wall panels, and a cover.
The enclosure is configured for
9 receiving a rotatable spool for storing a length of flexible
hose within the enclosure.
11
The cover pivots about a pair of hinges that mount the
12 cover to the enclosure for movement between a closed position
13 and an open position. The hinge arrangement includes hinge
14 pin bosses extending upwardly from a top edge of the rear
panel, wherein a hinge pin extends from each of the hinge pin
16 bosses about laterally and in axial alignment with respect to
17 each other. The cover is formed having a depending lip and a
18 pair of pockets that are integrally formed into the rear wall
19 of the depending lip for cooperation with each respective
hinge boss and pin.
Preferably, the pins are formed as
21 fluted cylindrical elements extending from the bosses,
22 axially aligned to one another to facilitate rotational
23 movement.
9
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1 When
the cover is rotated into the open position, a
2 safety interlock switch assembly prevents motorized operation
3 of the hose spool. When the cover is rotated into the closed
4 position, an engagement pin extending from the underside of
the cover cooperates with the safety interlock switch to
6 allow motorized operation of the spool.
7 To
facilitate take-up and pay-out of the hose with the
8 cover closed, the front wall panel includes a cut-out portion
9 extending downward from the top edge thereof adjacent to the
junction with the cover. In this arrangement, when the cover
11 is closed, the cut-out accommodates traversing a portion of
12 the flexible hose therethrough.
13 In
one embodiment a reciprocating hose guide assembly is
14
linked to the spool. When the spool is rotated, the
reciprocating hose guide will move back and forth across the
16 spool to uniformly and smoothly wrap the hose on the spool to
17 provide a compact storage configuration.
18 In a
further embodiment, the reciprocating hose guide
19 can be released from its double-helix lead-screw in the event
that its path becomes blocked, such as by debris or when a
21 hand or arm is mistakenly placed in the opening.
22 Alternatively, the hose guide may be manually disengaged to
23 facilitate easy hose pay-out, and can thereafter be
24 repositioned before being manually re-engaged.
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1 A
sliding seal fluid inlet joint permits the hose outlet
2 joint to rotate with the hose spool without disconnecting the
3 hose.
This arrangement permits rotating the spool without
4 twisting or torquing internal components, while maintaining
sealed fluid communication between the water supply and the
6 hose.
7
For rotational operation the spool is provided with a
8 winding means capable of manual rotational movement of the
9 spool in relation to the enclosure and an electrically
energized power assist means for selective and operative
11 engagement of the winding means.
The winding means is
12 illustrated as a hand crank extending through the enclosure
13 and connected to the spool at about its axis of rotation.
14 The power assist means is illustrated as a DC powered motor
mounted within the enclosure and connected to the hose spool
16 via a torque transfer assembly.
In some embodiments the
17 torque transfer assembly utilizes a dynamic clutch assembly
18 to transfer torque from the motor to rotate the torque
19 transfer assembly thereby rotating the spool.
In other
embodiments the clutch assembly may regulate torque supplied
21 to the spool via a foot pedal operated clutch assembly.
In
22 one embodiment the foot operated cantilever forces an idler
23 friction wheel into engagement with a drive friction wheel
24 and a spool friction wheel to selectively couple and decouple
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1 the DC motor to and from the spool to modulate the pulling
2 force and rotational speed of the hose spool. When the foot
3 pedal is depressed the main power switch of the control
4 assembly supplies current from the battery to start the DC
motor and the idler friction wheel is forced into engagement
6 to provide the desired speed and/or force required for hose
7 retrieval. Release of the pedal stops the motor and allows
8 hose to be freely pulled from the spool as desired.
9 In an alternative embodiment the foot operated
cantilever forces an idler gear into engagement with a drive
11 gear and a spool gear to selectively couple and decouple the
12 DC motor to and from the spool to modulate the pulling force
13 and rotational speed of the hose spool. When the foot pedal
14 is depressed the main power switch of the control assembly
supplies current from the battery to start the DC motor and
16 the idler gear is forced into engagement to provide the
17 desired speed and/or force required for hose retrieval.
18 Release of the pedal stops the motor and allows hose to be
19 freely pulled from the spool as desired. The device may also
include at least one idler gear to adjust torque and
21 rotational speed of the hose spool with respect to the motor.
22 Because motors often operate at relatively high RPM, the
23 DC motor may include an internal gear train coupled between
24 the armature of the DC motor and the DC motor output shaft.
12
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1 The internal gear train is capable of reducing RPM output and
2 increasing motor torque.
3
Power for the control assembly is provided by a
4 removable, replaceable, and rechargeable battery assembly
conveniently stored within its own closed compartment in the
6 enclosure.
Connection to the battery is made via a unique
7 clip-on connector that also provides an integrated battery
8 charging jack.
The clip-on connector is constructed and
9 arranged to prevent the clip from being incorrectly connected
to the battery and the assembly requires directional
11 installation into the enclosure for electrical connection to
12 the control assembly.
The integrated charging jack in the
13 clip-on connector allows convenient battery recharging
14 without disconnecting the clip from the battery.
In this
manner the battery can be safely and easily removed,
16 recharged, and/or reinstalled into the enclosure without
17 danger of incorrect connection.
18
Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention
19 to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus wherein the
speed and/or force of hose retrieval is modulated by virtue
21 of an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly.
22
It is a further objective of the present invention to
23 provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus that is
24 constructed to utilize a DC power source.
13
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1 It is still a further objective of the present invention
2 to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus having a
3 removable and rechargeable power source.
4 Yet another objective of the present invention is to
provide a battery operated rechargeable motorized hose
6 rewinding apparatus capable of protecting the hose during
7 storage from direct contact with the elements.
8 Still another objective of the present invention is to
9 provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus that is
aesthetically appealing to consumers.
11 Still yet another objective of the present invention is
12 to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus that includes
13 an enclosure having safety interlocks to prevent motorized
14 operation when the enclosure is opened.
Still yet another objective of the present invention is
16 to provide a hose rewinding device that provides portability
17 by utilizing wheels and telescoping handle assembly to permit
18 easy transport of the device.
19 Still yet another objective of the present invention is
to provide a hose winding guide assembly that includes
21 automatic as well as manual disengagement features.
22 Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
23 become apparent from the following description taken in
24 conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set
14
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I forth, by way of illustration and example, certain
2 embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a
3 part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments
4 of the present invention and illustrate various objects and
features thereof.
6
7
8
9
15
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1 Description of the Figures
2 Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the motorized
3 hose rewinding apparatus of the instant invention;
4 Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the motorized
hose rewinding apparatus illustrated with the telescoping
6 handle in an operative position;
7 Figure 3A is a front partially exploded perspective view
8 of the instant invention illustrating the hand crank and the
9 foot pedal in their respective open positions;
Figure 3B is a partial view taken along lines 1-1 of
11 Figure 3;
12 Figure 4 is an partially exploded perspective view of
13 the of the instant invention;
14 Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
enclosure of the instant invention;
16 Figure 6A is a partial view of the instant invention
17 illustrated with the enclosure omitted for clarity;
18 Figure 6B is a partial view of one embodiment of the
19 variable torque transfer assembly;
Figure 6C is a partial view of one embodiment of the
21 variable torque transfer assembly;
22 Figure 7A is a partially exploded perspective view of
23 one embodiment of the variable torque transfer assembly;
16
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1 Figure 7B is a partial view of one embodiment of the
2 torque transfer assembly;
3 Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a
4 centrifugal type clutch assembly;
Figure 9 is a side view illustrating a cone type clutch
6 assembly;
7 Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a plate
8 type clutch assembly;
9 Figure 11 is a partial rear view illustrating the
recessed anchoring apertures;
11 Figure 12 is a partial exploded view illustrating the
12 battery assembly;
13 Figure 13 is a perspective view of the underside of the
14 clip assembly utilized in the present invention;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the battery clip
16 assembly;
17 Figure 15 is a pictorial view of the battery and charger
18 assembly.
19
21
22
23
24
17
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1 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
2
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
3 invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the
4 specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and
shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
6 various changes may be made without departing from the scope
7 of the invention and the invention is not to be considered
8 limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the
9 specification.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, generally, there is
11 shown a direct current powered hose rewinding device 100 in
12 accordance with the principles of the present invention. The
13 hose rewinding device 100 includes a motor driven spool 12
14 onto which the hose is mechanically wound or taken up, and
from which the hose is manually fed out or paid out.
16
The enclosure 14 includes a front wall panel 30 and a
17 rear wall panel 34, a left side wall panel 32, a right side
18 wall panel 36, and a pivoting cover 38.
Optionally, the
19 enclosure 14 can include a bottom panel (not shown) for
substantially fully enclosing the spool 12 and protecting the
21 spool 12 and hose from the elements.
The optional bottom
22 panel is preferably constructed as a reversible member with
23 an enhanced friction engaging first surface and a relatively
24 smooth second surface. In this manner the bottom panel could
18
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1 be inserted to prevent the apparatus from skidding on hard
2 surfaces where staking is not practical.
In addition, the
3 bottom surfaces of the left side wall panel 32 and right side
4 wall panel 36 may be constructed with optional rubber pads 33
to further engage hard surfaces. As will be apparent from
6 the drawings, the front, rear and side panels 30-36, and the
7 cover 38 enclose the spool 12 such that the spool is
8 substantially not visible from outside of the enclosure 14
9 when the cover 38 is closed.
In a first embodiment the front panel 30 of enclosure 14
11 includes a cut-out portion 52 extending downwardly from the
12 top lip thereof. The cut-out portion 52 can be elongated and
13 is suitably sized to accommodate a standard size garden hose
14 so that the hose can be paid-out from or taken-up onto the
spool 12 without lifting the cover 38. That is, the hose can
16 freely move through the cut-out opening 52 without opening
17 the cover 38.
18
In a most preferred embodiment the front panel 30 of
19 enclosure 14 includes an elongated cut-out portion 52
extending downwardly from a top lip thereof. The
cut-out
21 portion 52 is sized to accommodate a reciprocating hose guide
22 assembly 50 (FIG. 3A) so that the hose can be uniformly and
23 smoothly wrapped on the spool 12 to provide a compact storage
19
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1 configuration or easily paid-out from the spool 12 without
2 lifting the cover 38.
3
The enclosure 14 preferably includes a pair of wheel
4 recesses 40 extending inwardly into the right side panel 36
and left side panel 32 for housing the rotatably mounted
6 wheel assemblies 43.
The wheel recesses 40 are generally
7 positioned at a lower rear portion of the side panels and
8 each includes a centrally located wheel assembly hub 212 and
9 aperture 41 (FIG. 4) for accepting the wheel 200 and axle
portion of a wheel assembly 43.
11
In a most preferred embodiment, the right side panel
12 wheel recess 40 includes a foot pedal aperture 45. The foot
13 pedal aperture is adapted to allow the second end 42 of the
14 cantilever 110 (FIG. 6A) to extend therethrough.
The foot
pedal 47 extends outwardly with respect to the side panel 36,
16 as shown in FIG 3A and 3B, when the foot pedal 47 is in an
17 operational position and is recessed with respect to the
18 outermost portion of the side panel 36, as shown in FIG. 1,
19 when the foot pedal 47 is in a storage position.
This
construction prevents inadvertent operation of the foot pedal
21 47 and permits compact storage of the device.
22
A manual override winding crank 24 is external of the
23 enclosure 14 and extends through a side wall for connection
24 to the spool 12, preferably on an end opposite to that of the
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1 in-tube 20 (FIG. 2), to facilitate manual take-up of the
2 hose. The crank 24 includes a folding handle 25 capable of
3 folding into a recess 26 formed in the crank 24. The handle
4 releasable lock 28 (FIG. 3A) in the crank 24 cooperates with
detents in the handle 25 to permit the handle 25 to be locked
6 into either a position parallel to the crank or a position
7 perpendicular to the crank.
Locking the handle 25 in the
8 parallel position permits the spool to rotate without the
9 danger of the rotating handle hitting or snagging objects or
persons within its path and also permits a compact enclosure.
11
Now referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the motorized hose
12 rewinding apparatus 100 is illustrated partially exploded.
13 The battery cover 48 and handle 25 are illustrated in their
14 respective open positions and the foot pedal 47 in its
respective operative position.
16
Incorporated into the enclosure 14 is a lockout assembly
17 62 that prevents the direct current motor 98 (FIG. 6A) from
18 operating when the cover 38 is in the open position.
The
19 lockout assembly 62 is illustrated as, but not limited to, an
engagement pin 64 cooperating with a normally open micro-
21
switch 68. Other devices well known in the art suitable for
22 sensing an open cover and locking out electrical devices when
23 the cover is open may be substituted for the pin and switch
24 assembly illustrated herein.
Such devices may include but
21
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1
should not be limited to micro-switches, proximity switches,
2 mercury switches, mechanical switches, optical switches and
3 the like.
4
Also visible is the reciprocating hose guide assembly 50
and the basket member 44. The
reciprocating hose guide
6 assembly 50 contains a double helix lead-screw 54, guide rod
7 56, and carriage 58.
The reciprocating hose guide assembly
8 50 is linked via gear-train 96 (FIG. 6A) to the hose spool 12
9 so that when the hose spool 12 is rotated, the double helix
lead-screw 54 rotates at a desired ratio with respect to the
11 hose spool 12.
The lead-screw 54 is journaled for rotation
12 between side members 32 and 36 and is substantially parallel
13 to the central hub portion of spool 12.
The lead-screw 54
14 engages the carriage 58 via follower 66, allowing the
carriage 58 to move back and forth across the lead-screw 54
16 and the guide rod 56 when engaged during both manual and
17 motorized operation.
The follower 66 can be manually
18 disengaged from the lead-screw 54 to permit easy pay-out of
19 hose or repositioning of the carriage 58. Operation of the
hose guide assembly 50 permits hose to be uniformly and
21
smoothly wrapped on the spool 12 to provide a compact storage
22 configuration.
Optionally the follower 66 may include a
23 disengagement feature that permits the carriage 58 to release
22
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1
from the lead-screw 54 in the event that the carriage 58 is
2 obstructed during motorized or manual hose rewinding.
3
Referring to FIG. 4, the spool 12 is supported by and
4 rotatably mounted within the enclosure 14.
The spool 12
includes a central hub 16 constructed of two mating halves
6 16A and 16B and a pair of radially extending flanges 18 that
7 are configured to accommodate a length of the flexible hose
8 wrapped around the hub 16 between the flanges 18.
In a
9 typical arrangement, the hose spool 12 can store upward of
150 feet of 5/8 inch garden hose.
11
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the hose
12 spool 12 includes a water inlet port or in-tube 20 and an
13 outlet port or out-tube 22. The in-tube 20 is mounted to the
14 enclosure 14 at about the axis of rotation of the spool 12.
The in-tube 20 is connected to the out-tube 22 by a sliding
16 seal arrangement 23 which will be recognized by those skilled
17 in the art.
This arrangement permits the in-tube 20 to
18 remain fixed to the enclosure 14, while the out-tube 22
19 rotates with the spool 12.
In this configuration, the
in-tube 20 and out-tube 22 remain in fluid communication with
21 one another. This arrangement permits rotating the spool 12
22 without twisting or torquing internal components, while
23 maintaining sealed fluid communication between the water
24 supply and the hose.
23
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1
Also visible is one embodiment of the torque transfer
2 assembly 68 having the structural transfer cover 46 removed.
3 The transfer cover 46 cooperates with the right side panel 36
4 to provide structural support to the torque transfer
assembly.
6
Still referring to FIG. 4, the wheel assemblies 43 are
7 shown. Each of the wheel assemblies include a wheel 200 and
8 an axle member 202.
The axle member 202 includes an axle
9 stub 204. On a first end of the axle stub is a plurality of
integrally formed spring clips 206. The
spring clips are
11 constructed and arranged to cooperate with the wheel assembly
12 aperture 41 for push in interlocking installation of the
13 wheel assemblies 43.
On a second opposite end of the axle
14 stub 204 is an integrally formed thrust plate 208.
In
operation, the wheel aperture 210 is placed over hub 212 and
16 the axle member 202 is slid into wheel assembly aperture 41.
17 In this manner the axle stub extends through a central
18 portion of said wheel for interlocking engagement with the
19 rear panel and the thrust plate abuts the wheel to rotatably
secure the wheel to the enclosure.
21
Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the enclosure
22 is shown 14.
The panels 30-38 are preferably molded
23 components formed from high strength polymeric (plastic)
24 material, such as polystyrene or the like. The panels 30-38
24
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1 are most preferably configured such that the front and rear
2 panels 30, 34 have contoured posts 70 that insert into
3 recesses or channels 72 formed integrally and extending
4 vertically along the front and rear edges of each side wall
panel 32 and 36. The contoured projections 70 include ramped
6 surfaces or snap-type elements 76 that engage openings 78 in
7 the channels 72 to lock the panels to one another.
8
Advantageously, this configuration permits ready
9 assembly of the enclosure 14 with a minimum number of tools,
and involves a minimum number of parts.
11
The rear panel 34 includes a telescoping handle assembly
12 130. The telescoping handle assembly 130 is moveable between
13 a storage position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the
14 handle is substantially the same height as the enclosure 14
and an in-use position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein the
16 handle extends above the overall height of the enclosure.
17 The telescoping handle 130 assembly preferably includes a
18 pair of spaced apart telescoping members 132 and a handle
19 member 134 extending substantially horizontally between the
telescoping members. The
rear panel member 34 includes a
21 pair of integrally formed channels 136 constructed and
22 arranged to guide the telescoping handle assembly 130 during
23 movement between the storage and the in-use positions. The
24 telescoping members 132 each include at least one detent 138
CA 02515171 2005-08-05
1 constructed and arranged to cooperate with at least one
2 protrusion 140 integrally formed into the telescoping member
3 channels 136 to secure the handle assembly 130 in at least
4 one predetermined position.
The cover or top panel 38 is fitted to the panels 30-36
6 using a hinge arrangement indicated generally at 80.
The
7 hinge arrangement 80 permits pivoting or rotating the cover
8 38 between the closed position and an open position.
The
9 cover 38 is configured so that when opened and maintained in
the open position, use of the motorized spool is locked out
11 via lockout assembly 62 (FIG. 3A).
12
The hinge arrangement 80 includes a pair of integrally
13 formed hinge pin bosses 142 extending upwardly from the top
14 edge 144 of the rear panel 34, each boss including a
laterally extending and axially aligned hinge pin 146. In a
16 present embodiment, the cover 38 has a depending lip 88
17 extending around the perimeter of the cover. The depending
18 lip includes a front 148, a rear 150, a left 152 and a right
19 surface 154, the rear surface having a pair of pockets 156
(FIG. 2) constructed and arranged to cooperate with a
21
respective hinge pin 146 and boss 142. Each of the pockets
22 156 are configured to permit rotational movement of the cover
23 38 about the pins 146 for upward rotational movement of the
24 cover.
26
CA 02515171 2005-08-05
1
The rear panel 34 also includes a pair of wheel assembly
2 receivers 158 each constructed and arranged to cooperate with
3 the axle portion of a wheel assembly 43 (FIG. 1).
In the
4 preferred embodiment one of the wheel assembly receivers 158
is integrally formed into the left edge 160 of the rear panel
6 and one of the wheel assembly receivers 158 is integrally
7 formed into the right edge 162 of the rear panel. The wheel
8 assembly receivers 158 are positioned to align with the left
9 and right side panel wheel assembly hubs 212 and apertures
41.
11
The rear panel 34 further includes a pair of integrally
12 formed hooks 164 constructed and arranged to cooperate with a
13 basket member 44 (FIG. 3A), wherein the basket member 44 is
14 constructed and arranged to fit within the enclosure 14 while
permitting hose storage about spool 12. The
basket member
16 provides storage space within the enclosure for a variety of
17 hose accessories.
18
Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, one embodiment of the
19 torque transfer assembly 172 and hose guide gear-train 96 are
shown. For motorized operation, the motorized hose rewinding
21 apparatus 100 is provided with a DC powered motor 98
22 connected to the torque transfer assembly 172 which is
23 connected to the spool 12. In these embodiments the torque
24 transfer assembly is illustrated as but not limited to a
27
CA 02515171 2005-08-05
1 friction drive assembly 168 (FIG. 6B) and a gear drive
2 assembly 170 (FIG. 6C). In the friction drive assembly 168 a
3 friction drive wheel 106 is rotatably secured within the
4 enclosure and suitably coupled to the direct current motor
output shaft 166. At least one friction idler wheel 114 is
6 constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the
7 friction drive wheel 106 and rotatable responsive to rotation
8 of the friction drive wheel 106.
At least one driven
9 friction idler wheel 116 is positioned for engagement the
friction idler wheel 114 wherein the friction idler wheel 116
11
is rotatable responsive to rotation of the idler wheel 114.
12 A respective spool friction wheel 118 is secured to the hub
13 16 of spool 12 to be rotatable therewith, the spool friction
14 wheel 118 being larger in diameter than the friction drive
wheel 106. The
spool friction wheel 118 is rotatable
16 responsive to the friction idler wheels 114 and 116, thereby
17 enabling the direct current motor 98 to rotate the spool 12
18 at a rotational speed less than the rotational speed of the
19 friction drive wheel 106.
In the drive gear assembly 170 a drive gear 107 is
21 rotatably secured within the enclosure and suitably coupled
22 to the direct current motor output shaft 166. At least one
23 idler gear 115 is constructed and arranged for selective
24 engagement with the respective drive gear 107 and at least
28
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 one driven idler gear 117 wherein the idler gears 115 and 117
2 are rotatable responsive to rotation of the drive gear 107.
3 A spool gear 118 is secured to the hub 16 of spool 12 to be
4 rotatable therewith. The spool gear 118 larger in diameter
than the drive gear 107. The spool gear rotatable responsive
6 to the idler gears 115 and 117, thereby enabling the direct
7 current motor 98 to rotate the spool 12 at a rotational speed
8 less than the rotational speed of the drive gear 107.
9 The preferred embodiment includes a second assembly
pivotably mounted within the enclosure illustrated as a
11 cantilever 110 having a first end 164, preferably including
12 the idler wheel 114 or idler gear 115, and a second end 42
13 including a pivotally mounted foot pedal 47. The construction
14 and arrangement of the second assembly allows the pulling
force and rbtational speed of the motorized spool 12 to be
16 regulated. For example, when the foot pedal 47 is depressed
17 the current from the battery 132 (FIG. 12) flows through a
18 fuse and is allowed to start the DC motor 98. The idler gear
19 115/friction wheel 114 is forced into engagement with the
drive gear 107/friction wheel 106 and any driven idler gears
21 117/friction wheels 116 respectively to rotate the spool
22 gear/friction wheel 118 to provide the desired rotational
23 speed and/or force for hose retrieval. The clutch assembly
24 may regulate torque supplied to the spool via the foot
operated cantilever to modulate the pulling force and
29
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 rotational speed of the hose spool. Release of the pedal 47
2 stops the motor 98 and releases engagement of the idler gear
3 115/friction wheel 114, and allows the spool 12 to be freely
4 rotated.
In this manner, the operator of the present
invention can easily regulate the rewinding of hose around the
6 spool 12 as well as allow hose to be manually paid out.
7
When the pedal 47 is depressed the motor rotates the
8 spool through the action of the torque transfer assembly 68.
9 That is, the motor 98 rotates the drive gear 107/friction
wheel 106, the idler gear 115/friction wheel 114 respectively
11 operatively engages and rotates driven idler gears
12 117/friction wheels 116, that rotates the spool gear/friction
13 wheel 118 to complete the power-assisted rotation of the spool
14 12. The hose winding guide lead-screw 54 is caused to rotate
through the action of gears 118, 120, and 122. That is, when
16 spool 12 is rotated by motor 98 or by handle 25, the spool 12
17 and spool gear 118 rotates, which causes the idler gear 120 to
18 rotate, which causes lead screw 54 to also rotate.
19
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B an alternative embodiment of
the power assist means is illustrated. In this embodiment a
21 clutch assembly 170 is suitably coupled to the direct current
22 motor output shaft 166 for transferring rotational torque from
23 the direct current motor 98 to the torque transfer assembly
24 172. The clutch assembly 170 is of a type
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 well known in the art that may include, but should not be
2 limited to plate type clutches and couplings, cone type
3 clutches and couplings, slip type clutches and couplings,
4 spring applied clutches and couplings, centrifugal clutches
and couplings, fluid clutches and couplings, Sprag type
6 clutches and couplings and electromagnetic type clutches and
7 couplings. The clutch assembly. 170 may also be constructed
8 and arranged to limit the amount of rotational torque that
9 may be transferred from the direct current motor 98 to the
torque transfer assembly 172.
11
The clutch assembly 170 generally includes a first
12 mating surface and a second mating surface, wherein the first
13 mating surface and the second mating surface are constructed
14 and arranged to engage with each other upon rotation of said
direct current motor output shaft to cause rotation of the
16 torque transfer assembly 172 and the spool 12.
In a
17 preferred embodiment the first and second surfaces of the
18 clutch assembly 170 utilize friction to selectively rotate
19 the torque transfer assembly 172 and thereby the spool 12.
In a most preferred embodiment a cantilever arrangement 110
21 having a foot pedal 47 may be utilized to operatively control
22 the frictional engagement between the first and second
23 surfaces to allow an operator to control hose retrieval speed
24 and force. In this manner springs, pressurized fluids,
mechanical advantage or suitable combinations thereof may be
31
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1
utilized to engage the clutch assembly for selective rotation
2 of the spool 12.
3
Referring to FIG. 8, the clutch assembly 170 is
4 illustrated in a non-limiting embodiment as a centrifugal
clutch 174. The centrifugal clutch 174 includes a first
6 surface 176 and a second surface 178 wherein the first and
7 second surfaces frictionally engage each other upon the
8 direct current motor output shaft 166 achieving a
9 predetermined number of revolutions per minute.
Referring to FIG. 9, the clutch assembly 170 is
11 illustrated in a non-limiting embodiment as a cone clutch
12 180. The cone clutch includes a first frustoconical surface
13 182 and a second generally frustoconically shaped bore
14 surface 184, wherein the first and the second surfaces are
axially aligned and wherein the first and second mating
16 surfaces utilize friction to selectively rotate the torque
17
transfer assembly 172. The cone clutch assembly 170 may
18 utilize springs, cantilevers, pressurized fluids or the like
19 well known in the art to control the torque output
transferred from the clutch assembly to the torque transfer
21 assembly.
22
Referring to FIG. 10, a non-limiting embodiment of a
23 plate clutch 186 is illustrated. The plate clutch includes a
24 first generally disc shaped surface 188 and a second
32
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 generally disc shaped surface 190, wherein the first and the
2 second surfaces are axially aligned and wherein the first and
3 second mating surfaces utilize friction to selectively rotate
4 the torque transfer assembly 172. The plate clutch 186 may
utilize springs, pressurized fluids, cantilevers or the like,
6 all well known in the art, to control the torque output
7 transferred from the clutch assembly 170 to the torque
8 transfer assembly.
9
Referring to FIG. 11, the lower portion of rear panel 34
of enclosure 14 is shown. The rear panel contains at least
11 one
and preferably two recessed anchoring apertures 128. The
12 recessed apertures 128 allow the enclosure to be securely
13 attached to a desired surface with an attachment means such
14 as lag bolts, spikes or metal stakes, to prevent unwanted
movement of the apparatus during motorized/manual rewinding
16 or
manual pay-out of hose. It should be appreciated that
17 recessing the anchoring apertures increases safety by
18 eliminating objects extending outwardly from the enclosure.
19
Referring to FIG. 12, the battery compartment and the DC
power supply are shown. The
battery compartment 60 is
21 generally located in the upper rear corner of the right panel
22 36. The battery compartment 60 is constructed and arranged
23 in a manner that allows the battery assembly 131 to be
24 directionally slid into the compartment for electrical
33
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 cooperation. That is, there is no need to connect wires to
2 the battery assembly to operate the device.
The battery
3 compartment contains a pair of electrical contacts (not
4 shown), positioned in a manner so that electrical contact is
made only if the battery assembly is correctly installed.
6
The battery compartment 60 is provided with a hinged
7 battery cover door 48 having a latch arrangement for
8 releasably engaging side panel 36. Formed integrally to the
9 inside of the battery cover door is a vertical battery hold
down 136. When the door 48 is latched in the closed position
11 the battery compartment electrical contacts and the battery
12 assembly electrical contacts 144, 146 (FIG. 14) are
13 maintained in a cooperating relationship.
In this manner,
14 the battery assembly 131 is removable and replaceable without
the need to attach wiring.
16
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a perspective view of the
17 underside (FIG. 13) and the topside (FIG. 14) of the battery
18 clip 134 is shown.
The battery clip 134 contains two
19 conductive battery quick connectors 138, 140 and a recharging
jack 142 removably attached to a non-conductive, cap 148. The
21 conductive quick connectors 138, 140 are constructed and
22 arranged to slidably connect to battery terminals (not shown)
23 and conduct current from the battery 132 to contacts 144 and
24 146 (FIG. 13) located in a juxtaposed position to the upper
34
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 surface of the non-conductive cap 148. The contacts 144, 146
2 are positioned on the non-conductive cap 148 to allow
3 operation of the motorized hose rewinding apparatus 100 only
4 if the battery assembly 131 is inserted into the battery
compartment 60 in the correct directional manner.
The
6 recharging jack 142 allows the battery to be recharged
7 without disconnecting the clip 134 from the battery 132. In
8 this manner the battery clip can be easily attached to and
9 removed from the battery, allowing the assembly to be
removable, replaceable, and rechargeable.
11
Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of the battery
12 assembly 131 cooperating with the battery charging means
13 illustrated herein as battery charger 150.
The battery
14 charger 150 is constructed and arranged to utilize a plug 152
that mates with a charging jack 142 for charging the battery
16 132.
Battery chargers that utilize household current to
17 recharge low voltage DC batteries are well known in the art
18 and a detailed description will therefore be omitted. In a
19 preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the instant invention
may utilize solar cells 35 (FIG. 1) as a means to recharge
21 the battery 132.
The solar cells 35 are incorporated into
22 one or more of the various panels of the enclosure and are in
23 electrical communication, e.g. wired, to transfer the energy
24 generated to the battery for storage.
Solar cells that
CA 02515171 2013-01-16
1 utilize bright sunlight to recharge low voltage DC batteries
2 are well known in the art and a detailed description will
3 therefore be omitted.
4 All patents and publications mentioned in this
specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in
6 the art to which the invention pertains.
7 It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
8 invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the
9 specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
11 changes may be made without departing from the -scope of the
12 invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to
13 what is shown and described in the specification.
14 One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives
16 and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those
17 inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and
18 techniques described herein are presently representative of
19 the preferred embodiments,- are intended to be exemplary and
are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein
21 and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art
36
CA 02515171 2005-08-05
I which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and
2 are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although
3 the invention has been described in connection with specific
4 preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the
invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
6 specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
7 described modes for carrying out the invention which are
8 obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within
9 the scope of the following claims.
11
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