Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02643243 2008-11-05
SWIVEL HOSE WAGON
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to hose wagons and, more specifically to a hose wagon
wherein the hose reel, about which a use hose is coiled, is free to rotate
completely
about a vertical axis.
Background Information
Hose wagons are structured to support and carry a length of hose, hereinafter
the "use hose," which is typically coiled about a hose reel. The hose wagon
includes
a frame assembly that rotatably supports the hose reel. The hose reel is,
typically,
structured to rotate about a horizontal axis, but may be structured to rotate
about a
vertical axis. A horizontal axis is preferred as winding the hose is more
easily
accomplished. The hose wagon is further coupled to a supply hose structured to
supply water from a water supply. A hose wagon water supply assembly couples
the
supply hose and the use hose. The water supply assembly includes a rotatable
interface disposed between the supply side and the use side. Typically, at
least a
portion of the water supply assembly, including the rotatable interface, is
disposed
along the rotational axis of the hose reel. In this configuration, the user
may coil the
use hose about the hose reel for transport, and then uncoil the use hose for
use.
However, when a user is using the use hose, the use hose may be moved about
the hose wagon into a location that causes the use hose to bind or become
crimped.
That is, typically, the use hose is uncoiled, or fed, from the front side of
the hose
wagon. When a user moves the use hose to a lateral side, or to the back side,
of the
hose wagon, the hose will bind or become crimped on the hose wagon.
Accordingly,
attempts have been made to provide a hose reel with two axes of rotation; a
horizontal
axis, for coiling/uncoiling the hose about the reel, and a vertical axis, that
allows the
use hose to be freely moved about the hose wagon. See e.g., U.S. Design Patent
No.
D547,021.
These attempts while functional in the abstract, were not functional in
operation. That is, such designs failed to account for effect of the either,
or both, of
the supply hose and use hose. For example, a hose wagon such as, but not
limited to,
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the hose wagon disclosed in U.S. Design Patent No. D547,021 has a vertically
extending handle that extends above the bottom of the hose reel. Thus, if a
user were
to uncoil a length of use hose out of the lateral side of the hose wagon and
then
attempt to move behind the hose wagon to the other lateral side of the hose
wagon,
the use hose would bind against the handle. Thus, a hose wagon in this
configuration
actually has a limited range of vertical rotation.
Further, the range of vertical rotation of such hose wagons is also limited by
the supply hose. When the supply hose is simply coupled to the use hose using
a
water supply assembly having a single rotational interface, e.g. as shown in
U.S.
Design Patent No. D547,021 an interface disposed along the hose reel axis of
rotation,
the hose reel may not rotate freely about the vertical axis. That is, without
a water
supply assembly having a vertical rotation interface, the supply hose will
simply wrap
around the hose reel and prevent the free rotation thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The disclosed and claimed concept is for a hose wagon wherein the hose
wagon frame assembly is structured to rotatably support a hose reel so that
the hose
reel may rotate freely about a generally vertical axis and a generally
horizontal axis.
This is accomplished by providing a water supply assembly having two
rotational
interfaces; one allowing rotation about a vertical axis, the other allowing
rotation
about a horizontal axis. Further, the hose wagon is free of frame members that
extend
vertically into the possible path of travel of a use hose. This further
includes a handle
member that is structured to move between an upper, first position, wherein
the
handle is disposed on the upper side of the hose wagon, and a second position,
wherein the handle is disposed at a location lower than the path of travel of
the hose
coming off the hose reel.
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 wagon with the handle in the first
position.
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Figure 2 is an isometric view of a hose wagon with the handle in the second
position and the hose reel frame assembly rotated about a vertical axis.
Figure 3 is a front end view of a hose wagon.
Figure 4 is a back end view of a hose wagon.
Figure 5 is a top view of a hose wagon.
Figure 6 is a bottom view of a hose wagon.
Figure 7 is a side view of a hose wagon.
Figure 8 is an exploded partial isometric view of a hose wagon with selected
elements removed for clarity.
Figure 9 is an exploded partial isometric view of a hose wagon with selected
elements removed for clarity.
Figure 10 is a schematic view of the water supply assembly.
Figure 11 is a schematic view of an alternate swivel base.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As used herein, "structured to rotate freely about" means that one element (or
assembly) is rotatably coupled to another element (or assembly) and may move
through 360 degrees without the elements, or any other elements structured to
be
coupled to/supported by either rotatably coupled elements, coming into contact
with
each other or without flexible elements twisting/binding. That is, an element
"structured to rotate freely about" another element may be rotated,
essentially,
continuously in one direction about the axis of rotation without the need to
reverse the
direction of rotation due to interference or binding components.
As used herein, directional phrases are relative to the orientation of the
hose
wagon as shown in the figures and are not limiting in the claims.
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" or "fixed" means that two components are
coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative
to each
other.
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As used herein, the word "unitary" means a component is created as a single
piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created
separately and
then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body.
As shown in Figures 1-7, a hose wagon 10 includes a frame assembly 12
structured to rotatably support a hose reel 14. The hose reel 14 is an
elongated,
generally cylindrical body 16 having a longitudinal axis 18. The hose reel 14
preferably includes hubs 20, which have a greater diameter than the hose reel
14,
disposed at each end of the hose reel body 16. The frame assembly 12 is
structured to
rotatably support the hose reel 14 with the hose reel longitudinal axis 18
extending in
a generally horizontal plane. A handle 22 is coupled to the hose reel 14 and
structured to allow a user to rotate the hose reel 14 about the horizontal
axis 18. The
hose reel 14 is structured to support a use hose 1. That is, the use hose 1 is
coiled
about the hose reel 14 for storage, transport, etc., and may be uncoiled for
use. Thus,
the frame assembly 12 is structured to allow the hose reel 14 to rotate freely
about the
generally horizontal axis. Further, as detailed below, the frame assembly 12
is
structured to allow the hose reel 14 to rotate freely about a vertical axis as
well. Also,
as detailed below, the hose wagon 10 is structured to receive water from a
supply hose
2. The supply hose 2 is coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the use
hose 1,
via the water supply assembly 90 discussed below.
The frame assembly 12 includes a wagon frame assembly 30 and a hose reel
frame assembly 70. The wagon frame assembly 30, preferably, includes a
plurality
of tubular frame members 32, but may include members of other shapes
including,
but not limited to, planar members (not shown). The wagon frame assembly 30
further includes at least one, and preferably two, wheels 34. The wagon frame
assembly frame members 32 preferably define an "X" shape wherein there is a
medial
location 36. As discussed below, a swivel base assembly 100 created by
elements on
the wagon frame assembly 30 and the hose reel frame assembly 70, is disposed
at the
medial location 36. The frame members 32 defining the "X" shape are mostly
disposed in a generally horizontal plane, however, the forward ends 38 and the
rearward ends 40 of the wagon frame assembly frame members 32 extend
downwardly. The frame member forward ends 38 are, preferably, caped by rounded
spikes 42. The frame member rearward ends 40, preferably, define, or include,
a
bracket for an axle 44. The axle 44 is coupled to the frame member rearward
ends 40
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and extends laterally relative to the hose wagon 10 in a generally horizontal
plane.
The wheels 34 are disposed on each end of the axle 44. As is known, the axle
44 may
be rotatably coupled to the wagon frame assembly 30 and/or the wheels 34 may
be
rotatably coupled to the axle 44.
The wagon frame assembly 30 further includes a movable handle 50. The
handle 50 includes a vertical portion 52 and a lower horizontal portion 54.
The
handle horizontal portion 54 is structured to be disposed between the frame
member
rearward ends 40 and, preferably, is structured to be disposed about the axle
44. That
is, the axle 44 is rotatably disposed and extends through the handle
horizontal portion
54. Alternately, it may be said that the handle 50 is pivotally coupled to the
axle 44.
The handle vertical portion 52 includes an offset 56 which is a medial bend.
The
offset 56 allows for the handle 50 to be coupled to the hose reel frame
assembly yoke
74, as discussed below. The upper end of the handle vertical portion 52 may
include a
grip 58 which, preferably, extends generally horizontally. As the handle is
pivotally
coupled to the axle 44, the handle 50 is structured to be moved between an
upper, first
position (Fig. 1), wherein the handle 50 is disposed on the upper side of the
hose
wagon 10, and a second position (Fig. 2), wherein the handle 50 is disposed at
a
location lower than the cup 110, as discussed below.
Generally, the handle 50 is placed in the upper position when the hose wagon
10 is being moved or stored, and placed in the lower position when the use
hose 1 is
being used. In this configuration, the handle is not disposed in the path of
travel of
the use hose 1 when the use hose 1 is in use. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the
frame
assembly 12 may include a pin 57 structured to extend through openings 59 in
the
yoke 74 (described below) and the handle 50. When the pin 57 is positioned
through
the yoke 74 and the handle 50, the yoke 74 and the handle 50 are coupled. In
this
configuration, the yoke 74 cannot rotate about the vertical axis 101 and the
handle 50
cannot move to the second position.
The hose wagon 10 also includes a hose reel assembly 60 that includes a water
supply assembly 90 (shown schematically in Figure 10) as well as the
previously
identified hose reel 14 and hose reel frame assembly 70. The hose reel 14
preferably
includes an axle 62 that extends along the hose reel longitudinal axis 18. The
hose
reel axle 62 is a tubular member 64 that extends from both sides of the hose
reel body
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16. Preferably, one end of the hose reel axle 62 is at least partially hollow
and is
structured to allow a water conduit member 92, discussed below, to pass
therethrough.
Preferably, the hose reel frame assembly 70 also includes a plurality of
tubular
members 72. The hose reel frame assembly tubular members 72 define a yoke 74
structured to rotatably support the hose reel 14. That is, the hose reel frame
assembly
tubular members 72 that form the yoke 74 include a medial base member 76, a
first
arm 78 and a second arm 80. Preferably, the first arm 78 and the second arm 80
are
defined by spaced hose reel frame assembly tubular members 72 coupled by a
cross-
member 82 at the distal tips, however, as the yoke 74 may be formed from a
singular
hose reel frame assembly tubular member 72 extending in opposite directions,
the
following description shall refer to the first arm 78 and the second arm 80 as
singular
elements.
The first arm 78 and the second arm 80 each have a base end 84 and a hose
reel end 86. Both of the first arm and said second arm base ends 84 are
coupled to the
yoke base member 76. It is noted that in the embodiment shown, i.e. having
spaced
hose reel frame assembly tubular members 72, the yoke base member 76 extends,
generally perpendicularly, between the spaced hose reel frame assembly tubular
members 72. In an embodiment having single hose reel frame assembly tubular
members 72 forming the yoke 74, the first arm and said second arm base ends 84
may
be contiguous, generally horizontal portions (not shown). The first arm and
second
arm hose reel ends 86 are structured to be rotatably coupled to the hose reel
axle 62.
In the embodiment shown, the coupling is a U-shaped bracket 66 disposed on the
yoke cross-member 82. In an embodiment having single hose reel frame assembly
tubular members 72 forming the yoke 74, the first arm and said second arm hose
reel
ends 86 may include a circular opening or similar coupling (not shown) to
support the
hose reel axle 62. Thus, in this configuration, the first arm and said second
arm base
ends 84 are adjacent to each other and the first arm and said second arm hose
reel
ends 86 are spaced from each other, thus the first arm 78 and the second arm
80
define the yoke 74.
In this configuration, the hose reel 14 may be rotatably coupled to the hose
reel frame assembly 70 and, more specifically, to the yoke 74. That is, the
hose reel
axle 62 extends, generally horizontally, between the yoke's first arm and
second arm
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hose reel ends 86. Thus, the hose reel 14 is structured to rotate about a
generally
horizontal axis.
As noted above, and as shown in Figures 7-9, a swivel base assembly 100 is
created by elements on the wagon frame assembly 30 and the hose reel frame
assembly 70. More specifically, the swivel base assembly 100 includes a cup
110,
which is part of the wagon frame assembly 30, and a generally vertical support
stem
120, which is part of the hose reel frame assembly 70. The cup 110 is
preferably a
generally cylindrical body. The cup 110 includes a bottom member 112, which is
preferably planar, and an ascending sidewall 114. Thus, the cup 110 defines a
generally enclosed space 116. The vertical support stem 120 extends downwardly
from the yoke base member 76. The vertical support stem 120 is sized to fit
within
the cup enclosed space 116. The vertical support stem 120 preferably has a
convex
lower surface 122. Generally, the vertical support stem 120 is disposed in the
cup 110
with the convex lower surface 122 engaging the cup bottom member 112. The cup
110 may further include friction reducing elements such as a bearing 118
disposed
between the cup sidewall 114 and the vertical support stem 120 as well as a
lubricant
11 8A disposed between the convex lower surface 122 and the cup bottom member
112. Thus, the swivel base assembly 100 defines a generally vertical axis 101
about
which the hose reel frame assembly 70, and therefore the hose reel 14 may
rotate.
As detailed below, the cup 110 and the vertical support stem 120 may define a
passage 102 for the water supply assembly 90. That is, in one embodiment the
cup
110 includes a central opening 111 on the cup bottom member 112. The vertical
support stem 120 is hollow and also has a central, lower opening 121 on the
lower
surface 122 and a radial opening 123, preferably at a location above the top
of the cup
110. As described below, water supply assembly conduit members 92 may pass
through the cup 110 and the vertical support stem 120, entering and exiting
the swivel
base assembly 100 via the openings set forth above.
Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, and as described below, swivel base
assembly 100 may act as the passage 102 for the water supply assembly 90. In
this
embodiment, the cup 110 includes a lower opening 111A on either the cup bottom
member 112 (not shown) or the cup sidewall 114 (shown) and a top member 117
having a central opening 119. The cup lower opening 111 A preferably includes
a
coupling 115, such as, but not limited to, a standard threaded hose coupling,
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structured to be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the supply hose
2. The
cup 110 elements, i. e. the bottom member 112, sidewall 114, and top member
117
form a sealed, enclosed space 116. This embodiment of the cup 110 may be
formed
as an unitary body, or may have one or more elements coupled together. If the
cup
elements are coupled together, seals (not shown), such as, but not limited to,
rubber
0-rings may be disposed between the element interfaces so as to create the
sealed,
enclosed space 116. The cup top member opening 119 is sized to allow the
vertical
support stem 120 to pass therethrough. A seal 130 is disposed between the
vertical
support stem 120 and the cup top member opening 119. The vertical support stem
120 is hollow and includes a lower opening 121 A located on the portion of the
vertical support stem 120 disposed inside the sealed, enclosed space 116, and,
a radial
opening 123, located above the cup top member 117. The vertical support stem
radial
opening 123 preferably includes a coupling 115, such as, but not limited to, a
standard
threaded hose coupling, structured to be coupled to, and in fluid
communication with,
a water supply assembly conduit member 92.
It is noted that, when the handle 50 is in the lower, second position, there
are
no elements of the wagon frame assembly 30 that extend above the cup 110. As
such,
there are no structural elements of the hose wagon 10 that impede the free
rotation of
the hose reel 14 about either the vertical axis or the horizontal axis
identified above.
However, to provide for free rotation, as defined above, the elements coupled
to/supported by the hose wagon 10 must also not prevent the rotation of the
hose reel
14. That is, the use hose 1 and the supply hose 2 cannot impede the free
rotation of
the hose reel 14 about either the vertical axis or the horizontal axis either
by being
disposed in the path of travel of the hose wagon 10 or by binding/twisting
when the
hose reel 14 is rotated.
Thus, the free rotation of the hose reel 14 also relies upon the structure of
the
water supply assembly 90. The water supply assembly 90, preferably, includes a
plurality of conduit members 92. Generally, each conduit member 92 has an
upstream end and a downstream end. When directly coupled conduit members 92
are
not required to rotate relative to each other, the conduit members 92 may
included
threaded ends, or other known coupling devices, that fix the conduit members
92
together and provide for fluid communication between the conduit members 92.
When the conduit members 92 are required to rotate relative to each other, the
conduit
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members 92 are, preferably, rigid and have the downstream end of the upstream
conduit disposed within the upstream end of the downstream conduit. Further,
as is
known, one or more seals may be disposed between the directly coupled conduits
to
resist leakage. Hereinafter, the seals will not be specifically identified,
but it is
understood that such seals exist at each rotational coupling, and may exist at
non-
rotating couplings.
In the preferred embodiment, the conduit members 92 include an inlet conduit
150 and an outlet conduit 160. The water supply assembly inlet conduit 150 has
an
inlet end 152 and an outlet end 154. The water supply assembly outlet conduit
160
has an inlet end 162 and an outlet end 164. The water supply assembly inlet
conduit
inlet end 152 is structured to be coupled to, and in fluid communication with,
the
supply hose 2. The water supply assembly inlet conduit outlet end 154 is
structured to
be rotatably coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the water supply
assembly
outlet conduit inlet end 162. Further, the water supply assembly outlet
conduit inlet
end 162 is structured to be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the
water
supply assembly inlet conduit outlet end 154. The water supply assembly outlet
conduit outlet end 164 is structured to be coupled to, and in fluid
communication
with, the use hose. It is noted that a single outlet conduit 160 may extend
from the
swivel base assembly 100 and pass through the hose reel axle 62, typically
following
a path adjacent to a yoke arm, e.g. first arm 78 (not shown). However, for
ease of
assembly and manufacture, it is preferable that the conduit members 92 include
the
following additional conduit members 92: a flexible intermediate conduit 170
and a
hose reel conduit 180. Each of the flexible intermediate conduit 170 and the
hose reel
conduit 180 have an inlet end 172, 182 and an outlet end 174, 184,
respectively. The
hose reel conduit 180 has a straight portion 186 that extends through, or may
form a
part of, the hose reel axle 62. Thus, the hose reel conduit 180 extends along
the axis
of the hose reel 14.
The preferred embodiment of the water supply assembly 90 is assembled as
follows. The inlet conduit 150 is disposed along the swivel base assembly 100
vertical axis, extending through the cup bottom member central opening 111 and
into
the hollow vertical support stem 120 via the vertical support stem lower
opening 121.
The inlet conduit inlet end 152 is disposed below, and outside, of the cup
110. The
inlet conduit outlet end 154 is disposed within the vertical support stem 120.
The
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outlet conduit 160 includes a generally perpendicular bend and therefore has a
vertical
portion 161 at the outlet conduit inlet end 162, and a horizontal portion 163
at the
outlet conduit outlet end 164. The outlet conduit inlet end 162, that is the
outlet
conduit vertical portion 161 is disposed within the hollow vertical support
stem 120.
The outlet conduit inlet end 162 is rotatably coupled to, and in fluid
communication
with, the inlet conduit outlet end 154. The outlet conduit outlet end 164 is
disposed
above the top of the cup I 10.
The intermediate conduit inlet end 172 is coupled to, and in fluid
communication with, the outlet conduit outlet end 164. The hose reel conduit
180
extends through, or may form a part of, the hose reel axle 62. The
intermediate
conduit outlet end 174 and the hose reel conduit inlet end 182 are rotatably
coupled
and in fluid communication. The hose reel conduit outlet end 184 is disposed
adjacent to the hose reel 14 and may be coupled to, and in fluid communication
with,
the use hose 1.
Thus, the water supply assembly 90 includes two rotatable couplings, i.e. the
outlet conduit inlet end 162/inlet conduit outlet end 154 and the intermediate
conduit
outlet end 174/hose reel conduit inlet end 182, disposed, respectively, upon
the
vertical axis of rotation and the horizontal axis of rotation for the frame
assembly 12.
By having the water supply assembly 90 rotatable couplings at these locations,
the
elements of the water supply assembly 90 will not become twisted or otherwise
bound
as the hose reel 14 rotates about either the vertical axis of rotation and/or
the
horizontal axis of rotation of the frame assembly 12. Further, because the use
hose is
uncoiled in a generally horizontal direction and because there are no elements
of the
wagon frame assembly 30 that extend above the cup I 10 when the handle 50 is
in the
lower, second position, there are no elements of the wagon frame assembly 30
that
will interfere with the use hose 1 as the hose reel frame assembly 70 rotates
about the
vertical axis 101 of the swivel base assembly 100. Thus, in this
configuration, the
hose reel 14 is rotatably coupled to the frame assembly 12 and structured to
rotate
freely about a generally vertical axis 101 and a generally horizontal axis 18.
As noted above, in an alternate embodiment (Fig. 11), the swivel base
assembly 100 may act as the passage 102 for the water supply assembly 90. In
this
embodiment, the supply hose is coupled to, and in fluid communication with,
the
coupling 115 at the cup lower opening 111A. Thus, the supply hose 2 is
structured to
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fill the sealed, enclosed space 116. Further, water in the sealed, enclosed
space 116
passes through the vertical support stem lower opening 121 A, through the
hollow
vertical support stem 120 and exits via the a radial opening 123. As discussed
above,
an intermediate conduit 170 and a hose reel conduit 180 are used to extend the
water
supply assembly 90 to a location adjacent the hose reel 14. That is, an
intermediate
conduit 170 may be coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the coupling
115 at
the vertical support stem radial opening 123 and be further coupled to, and in
fluid
communication with, the hose reel conduit 180. Thus, the swivel base assembly
100
defines a passage 102 for the water supply assembly 90.
It is further noted that, just as the structure of the swivel base assembly
100
may be used as part of the water supply assembly 90, the elements of the hose
reel
frame assembly 70 may also define the water supply assembly 90. That is, in an
embodiment not shown, instead of having a vertical support stem radial opening
123
and an intermediate conduit 170, all, or selected, hose reel frame assembly
tubular
members 72 as well as the hose reel axle 62 may be hollow and define a passage
from
the vertical support stem 120 to a location adjacent the hose reel 14. It is
noted that at
least one rotatable coupling would be disposed at the interface of the hose
reel axle 62
and the hose reel frame assembly 70. Such a rotatable coupling would include
seals
to resist water leakage. Further, the hose reel 14 may define a hollow tubular
member
having a radial hose coupling. Thus, water could be introduced by the supply
hose 2
into the swivel base assembly 100. The water could then travel through the
hose reel
frame assembly tubular members 72 and hose reel axle 62 into the hollow hose
reel
14. The use hose 1 could then be coupled directly to the hollow tubular hose
reel.
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 invention which is to be
given the
full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
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