Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SWIVELING HOSE REEL
CROSS SECTION TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/750,244, filed December 14, 2025, entitled,
SWIVELING HOSE REEL.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to hose reels and, more specifically, to a hose reel
structured to swivel so that the hose reel is less likely to topple when a
user moves the
extended hose.
Background Information
Hose reel assemblies are devices structured to assist in transporting and
using
hoses, typically garden hoses for dispensing water. Generally, the hose reel
assembly
includes a hose support assembly structured to rotatably support a reel
assembly, or
"basket assembly." The basket assembly's primary components are a barrel,
around
which an outlet hose is wrapped, two hubs which are coupled to the hose
support
assembly side members, and guide plates which define the usable area of the
barrel.
The basket assembly also includes a crank assembly, used to turn the basket
primary
components, and a water conduit having a movable outlet and a generally
stationary
inlet. The stationary inlet of the conduit extends along the axis of the
barrel and is
structured to be coupled to a supply hose which is further coupled to a water
supply.
The movable outlet of the conduit is disposed on the circumference of the
barrel. The
outlet hose is coupled to the movable outlet and is used to deliver water to
the end
use. Hose reel assemblies also may include an autotrack device structured to
wind the
outlet hose on the barrel in a controlled manner. The autotrack device is,
typically,
located on one side of the hose support assembly. In this configuration, an
outlet hose
may be coupled to the movable end of the conduit and, when the barrel is
rotated, the
hose is coiled, or uncoiled, about the barrel. The hose support assembly also
may
include a wheel assembly that allows a user to move the hose reel assembly
from one
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location to another. The wheel assembly, typically, does not support the hose
reel
assembly when the hose reel assembly is stationary. In selected embodiments,
the
hose support assembly may have a vertical height of about three feet with a
handle
located near the upper end, the basket assembly disposed at a medial height,
and the
wheel assembly disposed at the bottom. This configuration allows the user to
tilt the
hose reel assembly onto the wheel assembly when the hose reel assembly must be
moved. With the handle located near the top of the hose reel assembly, the
user is not
required to bend over in order to move the hose reel assembly. Thus, a hose
may be
transported and/or stored on the hose reel assembly. In other embodiments, the
hose
reel assembly does not include an elongated handle and is generally box-like.
One disadvantage of any hose reel assembly is that the hose support assembly
may be unstable. That is, when a user moves an extended outlet hose a force is
applied to the hose support assembly. This force is typically applied to the
hose
support assembly at the autotrack device. That is, as the hose extends from
the
autotrack device, the force created by a movement of the hose is transferred
to the
autotrack device which is coupled to the hose support assembly. When this
force is
applied in a direction that does not pass through, or generally near, the
center of
gravity of the hose support assembly, the moment arm on the hose support
assembly
may cause the hose support assembly to topple. Such a force is often created
when a
user moves the outlet hose laterally relative to the hose support assembly.
That is, the
center of gravity of the hose support assembly is typically located near the
physical
center of the hose support assembly, whereas the autotrack device is spaced
from the
center of gravity of the hose support assembly; accordingly, when a force
created by
moving the outlet hose is applied to the autotrack device, a moment arm is
created
that may cause the hose support assembly to topple. The force of the moment
arm is
greater when the outlet hose is moved laterally relative to the autotrack
device.
Accordingly, there is a need for a hose reel assembly structured to minimize
the force of the moment arm applied to a hose support assembly when the outlet
hose
is moved laterally.
There is a further need for a hose reel assembly structured to resist being
toppled by a lateral movement of the outlet hose.
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There is a further need for a pivot assembly that may be coupled to a hose
reel
support assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
These needs, and others, are met by the present invention which provides a
hose reel assembly having a hose support assembly rotatably coupled to a base
assembly. The hose support assembly of the present invention is similar to the
hose
reel described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 11/385,206,
which is
assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein
by
reference. The hose support assembly is coupled to the base assembly by a
pivot
assembly having a first component disposed on a bottom plate that is coupled
to the
hose support assembly and a second component disposed on the base assembly.
The
vertical axis of the pivot assembly extends through, or near, the center of
gravity of
the hose support assembly. In this configuration, when a user applies a
lateral force to
the outlet hose, the hose support assembly will rotate on the base assembly so
that the
line of action of the force passes through, or near, the center of gravity of
the hose
support assembly. In this manner the moment arm created by the force is
reduced and
the likelihood of the hose support assembly toppling is also reduced.
Additionally,
the base assembly may be weighted which also reduces the chance of the hose
support
assembly toppling.
The pivot assembly includes a torus-shaped race and a corresponding torus-
shaped track. The bottom plate of the pivot assembly includes a large medial
opening
which the race extends about. This configuration is desirable compared to a
pivot
assembly having a circular bearing as the friction between the pivoting
components is
reduced and this configuration reduces costs. That is, unlike a circular
bearing
wherein the entire surface area of the bearing creates friction, a torus-
shaped assembly
has a limited bearing surface. Further the track preferably includes a
plurality of
protruding ribs that reduces the total contact area between the pivoting
components.
Also, a torus-shaped assembly includes a large opening thereby reducing the
amount
of material required to manufacture the components. As such components are
typically made from a plastic and typically made in large numbers, the
reduction in
the amount of materials required results in a significant cost savings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following
description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hose reel.
Figure 2 is another isometric view of a hose reel.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of a basket assembly.
Figure 4 is a top view of the base plate.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate and hose support
assembly.
Figure 7 is a detailed isometric view of the base plate and hose support
assembly.
Figure 8 is top view of the base assembly.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As used herein, "grease" means any non-Newtonian fluid lubricant.
As used herein, "coupled" means a link between two or more elements,
whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.
As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are directly in
contact with each other.
As used herein, "fixedly coupled" means that two components are coupled to
move in a fixed relationship, i. e. to move as a single component.
As used herein, "removably fixedly coupled" means that two components are
coupled to move in a fixed relationship, i.e. to move as a single component,
but may
also be decoupled from each other.
As used herein, directional terms, e.g., "above," "below," "upper," "lower,"
etc., are used for convenience relative to the Figures and are not intended to
limit the
claims.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a hose reel assembly 10 includes a hose support
assembly 12 and a pivot assembly 16.. The pivot assembly 16 includes a bottom
plate
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13 and a base assembly 14. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot assembly 16
may
be decoupled from the hose support assembly 12. That is, the bottom plate 13
is
removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly 12, as described below.
Alternately, the bottom plate 13 may be incorporated, e.g molded as part of,
the hose
support assembly 12. In either embodiment, the bottom plate 13 moves with the
hose
support assembly 12 and, as such, may also be referred to as being part of the
hose
support assembly 12. That is, when the hose support assembly 12 is said to
rotate
relative to the base assembly 14, it is understood that, because the bottom
plate 13 is
removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly 12, the bottom plate 13
rotates as well. The pivot assembly 16 further includes a first component 18
and a
second component 19 (Figs. 4 and 6). The pivot assembly first component 18 and
the
pivot assembly second component 19 are structured to be rotatably coupled
together
with a generally vertical axis of rotation. The pivot assembly first component
18 is
disposed on the hose support assembly 12, and more specifically on the bottom
plate
13, and the pivot assembly second component 19 is disposed on the base
assembly 14,
whereby the hose support assembly 12 is rotatably coupled to the base assembly
14
and structured to rotate about a vertical axis.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hose support assembly 12 includes a housing
assembly 20 and a basket assembly 40. The housing assembly 20, preferably,
includes a front side 22, a first lateral side 24 (Fig. 1), a back side 26, a
second lateral
side 28 (Fig. 2), a top member 30, and an autotrack device 100 (Fig. 2). The
front
side 22 and the back side 26 are each coupled to the first and second lateral
sides 24,
28 and disposed in a spaced, generally parallel configuration. The first and
second
lateral sides 24, 28 are also disposed in a spaced, generally parallel
configuration.
Thus, the housing assembly 20 is generally a rectangular shape. A foot 31 is
located
at each corner of the housing assembly 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the
front
side 22, first lateral side 24, back side 26, and second lateral side 28 may
include a
decorative pattern. The autotrack device 100 is disposed adjacent to the back
side 26.
As shown in Figure 3, the basket assembly 40 includes an elongated barrel 42
with two axial hubs 44, a crank assembly 50 (Fig. 1), and a water supply
assembly 60.
The basket assembly 40 may also include two guide plates 46, 48. One guide
plate
46, 48 is disposed adjacent to each end of the barrel 42. The hubs 44 are
rotatably
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coupled to the housing assembly 20, preferably to the first and second lateral
sides 24,
28. In this configuration, the barrel 42 may be rotated about its
longitudinal,
generally horizontal axis while disposed within the housing assembly 20. The
crank
assembly 50 is coupled to the barrel 42 either directly or via one or more
gears and is
structured to rotate the barrel 42 within the housing assembly 20. As is known
in the
art, a water supply assembly 60 includes a conduit 62 extending generally
axially
through the barrel 42. A first conduit end 64 is disposed along the axis and
is coupled
to a supply hose. A conduit second end (not shown) extends radially over the
outer
surface 66 of the barrel 42. A use hose (not shown) is coupled to the conduit
second
end and wrapped about the barrel 42. The use hose extends through the
autotrack
device 100 and is used to provide water for lawns, gardens and other uses.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pivot assembly bottom plate 13 is a
generally planar member 150 having an upper side 152 and a lower side 154. The
planar member 150 is generally rectangular having sides of about sixteen
inches and
fourteen inches. The bottom plate planar member 150 further includes a large
medial
opening 156 having a diameter of about ten inches. As set forth in detail
below, the
pivot assembly first component 18 is disposed on the bottom plate planar
member
lower side 154.
The bottom plate planar member 150 also includes a coupling device 160
structured to removably fixedly couple the bottom plate 13 to the hose support
assembly 12. Preferably, the bottom plate coupling device 160 includes at
least one
horizontal tab 162 extending from one side of the planar member 150 in a plane
generally parallel to the upper side 152. The bottom plate horizontal tab 162
is
structured to be disposed over a first horizontal surface 164 (Fig. 6) on the
lower
portion of the hose support assembly 12. The hose support assembly first
horizontal
surface 164 is incorporated into at least one foot 31, however, the hose
support
assembly first horizontal surface 164 may also be disposed on any of the hose
support
assembly front side 22, first lateral side 24 (Fig. 1), back side 26, second
lateral side
28. The bottom plate coupling device 160 also includes at least one, and
preferably
two, resilient locking tabs 166, 168. Each bottom plate locking tab 166, 168
includes
a flexible body 170 (Fig. 7), 172 and a generally horizontal latch 174, 176.
Each
bottom plate locking tab flexible body 170, 172 extends generally
perpendicular to the
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bottom plate planar member upper side 152. Each bottom plate locking tab
horizontal
latch 174, 176 preferably has an angled upper surface 178. As shown in Figure
7,
each bottom plate locking tab horizontal latch 174, 176 is structured to
engage a
second horizontal surface 177 on the lower portion of the hose support
assembly 12.
As shown, the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178 is
incorporated
into at least one foot 31, however, the hose support assembly second
horizontal
surface 178 may also be disposed on any of the hose support assembly front
side 22,
first lateral side 24 (Fig. 1), back side 26, second lateral side 28.
In this configuration, the bottom plate planar member 150, and therefore the
pivot assembly 16, may be removably fixedly couple to the hose support
assembly 12.
That is, the bottom plate horizontal tab 162 is moved generally horizontally,
but also
at a slightly upwards angle, over the hose support assembly first horizontal
surface
164. Once the bottom plate horizontal tab 162 is disposed over the hose
support
assembly first horizontal surface 164, the bottom plate locking tabs 166, 168
are
moved upwardly to engage the hose support assembly second horizontal surface
178.
As each bottom plate locking tab latch angled upper surface 177 engages the
hose
support assembly second horizontal surface 178, the bottom plate locking tab
flexible
body 170, 172 moves inwardly thereby allowing the bottom plate locking tab
latches
174, 176 to move over the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178.
Once the bottom plate locking tab latches 174, 176 are over the hose support
assembly second horizontal surface 178, each bottom plate locking tab flexible
body
170, 172 returns to the generally perpendicular configuration and the bottom
plate
locking tab latches 174, 176 engage the hose support assembly second
horizontal
surface 178.
As shown in Figures 8 And 9, the base assembly 14 includes a generally
planar base plate 190 having an upper surface 192. The base plate 190,
preferably,
has a weight that is heavy relative the hose support assembly 12. That is, the
base
plate 190 is preferably made from metal, or a plastic shell filled with a
granular
material, such as, but not limited to, sand.
As shown in Figures 5-9, the pivot assembly first component 18 and second
component 19 are, preferably, a torus-shaped race 200 and a corresponding
torus-
shaped track 202. The track 202 extends outwardly from an associated surface
which; .
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as shown in the base plate upper surface 192. That is, the track 202 extends
upwardly
from the base plate upper surface 192. The track 202 has two generally
parallel sides
206, 208 and an outer surface 210. The track 202 width is defined by the
radial
distance between the track sides 206, 208. The track outer surface 210 extends
between, and generally perpendicular to, the track sides 206, 208.
The race 200 is disposed on the bottom plate planar member lower side 154.
The race 200 is, preferably, a channel having two generally parallel sides
214, 216
and an inner surface 218. The race inner surface 218 extends between, and is
generally perpendicular to, the race sides 214, 216. The race 200 width is
defined by
the radial distance between the race sides 214, 216. The race 200 width is
slightly
wider than the track outer surface 210 and, as such, there are gaps (not
shown)
between the race sides 214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208. Preferably, the
combined width of the gaps is about 0.025 to 0.1 inch, and more preferably
about
0.05 inch. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and the hose support
assembly
12 shifting on the base assembly 14, the race sides 214, 216 and the track
sides 206,
208 may contact each other at times. Further, as set forth below, the track
outer
surface 210 and the race inner surface 218 are not in contact over their
entire surfaces.
The pivot assembly 16, preferably, includes a linking device 230 structured to
maintain the pivot assembly first component 18 and second component 19 in a
rotational relationship. The linking device 230 also includes a first
component 232
disposed on the hose support assembly 12 and a second component 234 disposed
on
the base assembly 14. As shown, the linking device first component 232 is a
plurality
of flexible tabs 238 each having a generally perpendicular latch 240. Each
latch 240
has an angled distal surface 241. The tabs 238 extend generally parallel to
the axis of
rotation of the pivot assembly 16. The linking device second component 234 is
a
torus-shaped latch surface 242 that extends generally perpendicular to the
axis of
rotation of the pivot assembly 16 and adjacent to the track 202. As shown, the
latch
surface 242 extends generally inwardly from the track 202 and tabs 238 are
disposed
within the perimeter of the latch surface 242 with the latches 240 extending
generally
outwardly from the tabs 238, however, these elements may be configured in
other
orientations. For example, the latch surface 242 could extend radially
outwardly from
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the track 202 and tabs 238 could be disposed in a wider radius than the latch
surface
242 with the latches 240 extending generally inwardly from the tabs 238 (not
shown).
The pivot assembly 16 also includes a friction reduction device 250 structured
to reduce the friction between the track outer surface 210 and the race inner
surface
218. The friction reduction device 250 includes either, and preferably both, a
plurality of fixed bearings 252 and/or "grease" 254 as defined above. The
fixed
bearings 252 are raised portions on the track outer surface 210, or the race
inner
surface 218, having an outer contact surface 256. By having the fixed bearings
252
extend above the generally flat portion of the track outer surface 210, the
total area of
contact between the track 202 and the race 200, that is, the sum of all fixed
bearing
contact surfaces 256, is reduced thereby reducing the amount of friction
therebetween.
If the friction reduction device 250 does not include grease 252, the sum of
the fixed
bearing contact surfaces 256 is preferably 3 % to 15 %, and more preferably 6
% of
the total race inner surface 218 area. The fixed bearings 252 are preferably
raised
hemispheres or, as shown, elongated radial ribs 260.
In the preferred embodiment, the friction reduction device 250 includes both
fixed bearings 252 and a grease 254. In this embodiment, the fixed bearings
252 are
preferably raised elongated radial ribs 260 having a length that is less than
the width
of the track outer surface 210. In this configuration, the fixed bearings 252
act as
grease traps 270. A grease trap 270 is structured to resist, but does not
prevent, the
rotational movement of the grease 254 around the track 202. That is, the
grease 254
may still flow around the rib 260 as the rib 260 does not extend completely
across the
track 202. In operation, as described below, the grease 254 tends to be moved
against
a rib 260 and, as the grease 254 accumulates, small quantities of grease 254
will flow
over the rib 260 and onto the contact surface 256. In this manner, the grease
trap 270
maintains a quantity of grease 254 adjacent to each rib 260 and provides
lubrication
for each rib 260. Thus, the chance of the contact surfaces 256 being non-
lubricated is
reduced.
The ribs 260, preferably, extend alternately from opposing track sidewalls
206, 208 toward the center of the track 202. In this configuration, and in
view of the
closeness of the race 200, the grease 254 is typically moved toward the center
of the
track 202 as the hose support assembly 12 rotates on the base assembly 14, as
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described below. By directing the grease 254 towards the center of the track
202, the
grease 254 is less likely to migrate away from the contact surfaces 256.
However, it
is acceptable, and even preferred, for a limited quantity of grease 254 to
migrate into
the gaps 220, 222 to reduce the friction between the race sides 214, 216 and
the track
sides 206, 208. Migration of the grease 254 may further be limited by ridges
272,
274, extending outwardly from the track sides 206, 208. The ridges 272, 274
have a
height that is less than the ribs 260 and, as such, are not contact surfaces
256. Further,
because the ridges 272, 274 are shorter than the ribs 260, small amounts of
grease 254
may still pass into the gaps 220, 222 and reduce friction on the lateral
surfaces of the
track 202 and race 200.
The friction reduction device 250 may also include at least one closable
grease
port 290 structured to allow grease 254 to be added to the track 202. The
grease port
290 is a passage 292 through the track outer surface 210, or alternately the
race inner
surface 218, having a removable cap 294 or similar device. Preferably the
passage
292 is disposed generally at the center of the track outer surface 210, that
is, about an
equal distance from each track side 206, 208.
The pivot assembly 16 is assembled by placing the race 200 over the track 202
so that the race inner surface 218 engages the contact surfaces 256. As the
hose
support assembly 12 moves into position, the latch distal surface 241 engages
the
latch surface 242 and causes the flexible tabs 238 to move inwardly thereby
allowing
the latches 240 to move below the latch surface 242. Once the latches 240 move
below the latch surface 242, the tabs 238 return to the original position and
the latches
240 engage the latch surface 242. Thus, when the hose support assembly 12 is
lifted,
the latches 240 engage the latch surface 242 and prevent the separation of the
hose
support assembly 12 from the base assembly 14. In this configuration, the hose
support assembly 12 will rotate relative to the base assembly 14 about a
vertical axis
extending, generally, through the center of the pivot assembly 16.
The hose support assembly 12 has a horizontal centerline extending from the
front side, where the autotrack device 100 is located, to the back side. The
base
assembly 14 also has a horizontal centerline extending from a front side to a
back
side. When said hose support assembly 12 centerline is aligned with said base
assembly 14 centerline, the hose support assembly 12 is in a first, neutral
position,
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and the hose support assembly 12 is structured to rotate about ninety degrees
clockwise and ninety degrees counter-clockwise from the neutral position. As
such,
when a lateral force is applied to the hose support assembly 12, the hose
support
assembly 12 will rotate relative to the base assembly 14 thereby reducing the
angle at
which the lateral force effects the hose support assembly 12. Because the
angle at
which the lateral force effects the hose support assembly 12 is reduced, that
is,
because the force is applied through, or close to, the center of gravity of
the hose
support assembly 12, the chance of the hose support assembly 12 toppling is
reduced.
As shown in Figure 10, in an alternate embodiment, the pivot assembly 16
first component 18 and second component 19 may be a plurality of lugs 320
having a
having an inverted T-shaped cross-section and an arcuate channe1322 having a
narrow, upper portion 324 and a wider lower portion 326. In this embodiment,
the
plurality of lugs 320 extend from the bottom side of the bottom plate 13. The
arcuate
channe1322 is disposed on the base plate upper surface 192. The lugs 320
extend into
the arcuate channe1322 and the lug heads 328, that is the wide bottom portion
of the
lugs 320, are trapped in the wider lower portion 326.
In an alternate embodiment, shown in Figure 11, the pivot assembly 16 first
component 18 and second component 19 may be an arcuate ridge 430 having a
distal
perpendicular edge 432 and an arcuate channel 434 having a lower perpendicular
slot
436. As shown, the arcuate ridge 430 extends downwardly from the bottom side
of
the bottom plate 13 and the arcuate channe1434 is disposed on the base plate
upper
surface 192. The arcuate ridge 430 extends into the arcuate channe1434 and the
perpendicular edge 432 is disposed in the perpendicular slot 436.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and
alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall
teachings of the
disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be
illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is
to be given
the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
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