BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hose storage devices. In particular, the present invention relates to devices for storing coiled hoses.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Coiled hoses have been around for many years. However, their use has generally been limited to industrial hydraulic and pneumatic applications. Only recently have coiled hoses seen widespread residential use as water hoses. Developments in the materials that the coiled hoses are made of have provided the necessary capacity for coiled hoses to be useful as residential garden hoses. The primary benefit of coiled hoses is that a relatively long length of hose can be stored in a small space.
Although coiled water hoses require a relative small amount of space for storage, they have a tendency to become entangled if they are not stored in an organized fashion that prevents the coiled from overlapping each other. For example, if a coiled hose is wound up and placed over a conventional hook or hose rack, the individual coils overlap each other and the coiled hose becomes entangled. Loosening the entangled coiled hose can be quite time consuming and frustrating.
One solution has been to provide a wire rack that can be attached to the side of a house or building for holding the coiled hose. Although this solution keeps the coiled hose from becoming entangled, it is unsightly and does not provide an enclosed storage environment for the coiled hose.
Therefore, although coiled hoses offer many advantages when used as residential outdoor water hoses, significant shortcomings remain in the area of coiled hose storage devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for a storage cabinet for a coiled hose.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a storage cabinet for a coiled hose.
This object is achieved by providing a storage cabinet having a back portion, side portions connected to the back portion, and a front portion hingedly connected to the back portion. The cabinet includes an interior U-shaped storage channel for receiving and storing a length of coiled hose.
The present invention provides significant advantages, including: (1) the coiled hose can be stored in an enclosed cabinet, thereby protecting the coiled hose from exposure to the environment and prolonging the life of the coiled hose; (2) the coiled hose can be stored in an organized fashion, thereby reducing tangles; (3) the cabinet is more aesthetically pleasing, and can be ornamentally decorated; (4) the cabinet allows the coiled hose to be stored above the ground; and (5) multiple cabinets can be combined together in a modular fashion to allow for storage of very long or multiple coiled hoses.
A number of alternative novel features may be integrated into the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention. The coiled hose storage cabinet may include a nozzle/tool holder within the central cavity to fix the position of watering tools. The coiled hose cabinet of the present invention may include hanging holes for mounting brackets which allow the coiled hose storage cabinet to be mounted onto a hose reel box, or onto a wall. The coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention may include a retractable handle which facilitates carrying of the cabinet. The coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention may include an indentation which is in a shape other than a U-shape. For example, the indentation may be I-shaped. The coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention may include a threaded connector which allows a connector hose to connect a hose bib to the coiled hose contained within the cabinet. The coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention may include legs on the base portion which allow the cabinet to be freestanding. The coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention may be integrally formed with a hose reel box and connected to a spigot through a Y-connector, with a switch to allow the operator to switch the water flow between a normal garden hose or the coiled hose maintained within the coiled hose storage cabinet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coiled hose storage cabinet according to the present invention shown in an open mode.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the coiled hose storage cabinet of FIG. 1 shown in a closed mode.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the coiled hose storage cabinet of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention with a tool clamp/retainer which is utilized to maintain watering tools within the cavity of the storage cabinet.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention with hanging holes and mounting brackets which are utilized to secure the coiled hose storage cabinet to either a wall or to a hose reel box.
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention with an I-shaped central cavity.
FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet with a built-in bib which allows a connector hose to connect the coiled hose to a main spigot.
FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18A and 18B depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention with leg flaps and a retractable stand which allow the coiled hose storage cabinet to be substantially freestanding.
FIGS. 19 and 20 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention which is integrally formed with a hose reel box, and which includes a Y-connector and switch to allow water flow to be switched between the garden hose maintained with the hose reel box or the coiled hose maintained with the coiled hose storage cabinet.
FIGS. 21A through 21F depict an alternative embodiment of a coiled hose storage cabinet in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 1-3 in the drawings, a coiled hose storage cabinet 11 according to the present invention is illustrated. Cabinet 11 has a back portion 13, side portions 14, and a front portion 15 that define a storage compartment 16. Front portion 15 is hingedly connected to back portion 13, preferably at a lower end, by at least one hinge 17, such that cabinet 11 is operable between a closed mode in which front portion 15 is adjacent to back portion 13 and side portions 14; and an open mode in which front portion 15 is rotated forwardly and downwardly away from back portion 13 to allow access to storage compartment 16. At least one support bracket 18, or other support means, is operably associated with front portion 15 to support front portion 15 in a generally horizontal position when cabinet 11 is in the open mode. A latch assembly 19 secures front portion 15 to back portion 13 and side portions 14 when cabinet 11 is in the closed mode.
Cabinet 11 includes an interior U-shaped storage channel 23 for receiving and storing a length of coiled hose 25 in an organized fashion. U-shaped channel 23 may be integrally formed in both back portion 13 and front portion 15. In the preferred embodiment, one side portion 14 includes an inlet port 31, and the other side portion includes an outlet port 33. Inlet port 31 allows an inlet end 35 of coiled hose 25 to pass into storage compartment 16, and outlet port 33 allows an outlet end 37 of coiled hose 25 to pass out of storage compartment 16, regardless of whether cabinet 11 is in the open or closed mode. In this manner, coiled hose 25 may remain attached to a conventional water outlet (not shown) while being stored in cabinet 11. It should be understood that inlet port 31 and outlet port 33 may each be formed in both side portions 14 and front portion 15, as is shown in FIG. 1. Cabinet 11 may include one or more hook members 34 or other attachment means for receiving and holding the ends of coiled hose 25 or attachments that can be connected to coiled hose 25, such as a spray wand 36.
Channel 23 is dimensioned and configured to receive a wide variety of coiled hoses, but preferably coiled garden hoses having outside diameters in a range of about 0.25 inches to 1.0 inches. Channel 23 aids in aligning coiled hose 25 when cabinet 11 is in the closed mode, and aids in aligning and guiding coiled hose 25 into and out of storage compartment 16 when cabinet 11 is in the open mode. Channel 23 prevents the individual coils of coiled hose 25 from becoming entangled with each other.
As is shown in FIG. 2, the front surface of front portion 15 may be contoured to reflect the outline of interior U-shaped channel 23. In addition, front portion 15 may include a decorative design 40 to enhance the appearance of cabinet 11 and make cabinet 11 aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, front portion 15 may be decorated in a selected motif to match surrounding accessories. For example, decorative design 40 may include a pattern of ivy leaves or an art deco design.
Cabinet 11 may be utilized as a hanging storage case or a portable storage case. A plurality of hanging means, such as apertures 27, are disposed on the rear surface of back portion 13 to facilitate the hanging of cabinet 11 on a wall or other structure when cabinet 11 is used as a hanging storage case. A handle 29 is coupled to cabinet 11 to facilitate the carrying of cabinet 11 by a user when cabinet 11 is used as a portable storage case. In the preferred embodiment, handle 29 is retractable into back portion 13, such that handle 29 is at least partially hidden from view when not in use. Cabinet 11 includes at least one drainage hole 39 at a lower end for draining fluids and small debris out of storage compartment 16. Enclosed storage compartment 16 allows coiled hose 25 to be stored above the ground, and protects coiled hose 25 from the environment when not in use.
It will be appreciated that multiple cabinets 11 may be combined together in a modular fashion to allow for storage of very long coiled hoses, or multiple coiled hoses connected together. The long coiled hose simply passes from one cabinet 11 to the next through the inlet ports 31 and outlet ports 33. In the hanging storage case application, it is particularly useful to hang two or more cabinets side-by-side. In the portable storage case application, the multiple cabinets 11 can be connected side-to-side, back-to-back, or both. In either application, optional fasteners can be used to connect the multiple cabinets together. These arrangements allow the user to open only as many cabinets 11 and release only as many coiled hoses as are needed for each use, thereby keeping the remaining coiled hoses, enclosed, clean, and untangled.
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 of the present invention. As is shown in the view of FIG. 4, when closed, the coiled hose cabinet 101 includes an interior space 103. The interior space 103 includes a coiled hose space 105 (in this embodiment in a U-shape) and a tool space 107. A clamp/retainer 109 is maintained within the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 and utilized to maintain one or more tools in a fixed location within tool space 107.
FIG. 5 depicts coiled hose storage cabinet 101 in an open condition with back panel 113 in an upright condition and front panel 111 disposed at an angle which is generally perpendicular to the back panel 113. As is shown, clamp 109 is utilized to secure tool 125 in a fixed position within the cavity. A locking latch 127 is provided to lock front panel 111 and back panel 113 together when the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 is in a closed condition. A pair of hinges 115, 116 are provided on each side of the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 in order to allow front panel 111 to be separated from back panel 113 and to be maintained in a generally perpendicular position relative thereto. As is shown, hinge 115 includes a first hinge component 117 which is fixed by a screw, pin or rivet 121 to back panel 113. Hinge 115 further includes hinge component 119 which is secured by screw, pin or rivet 123 to front panel 111. Each of these hinge members 117, 119 are secured together at pin number 125. When front panel 111 is closed, hinge members 117, 119 generally overlap or come into engagement. In contrast, when front panel 111 is maintained at a ninety degree angle from back panel 113, hinge members 117, 119 are axially aligned with one another.
FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 of the present invention. As is shown, coiled hose storage cabinet 101 is secured to a front panel 153 of hideaway hose reel box 151. Hideaway hose reel box 151 is a generally rectangular box which includes a reel 157 which is maintained within the box and which may be rotated through actuation of external crank 159. A garden hose may be spooled onto reel 157 through actuation of external crank 159. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, coiled hose storage cabinet 101 is secured to a lip 155 on the front panel 153 of hideaway hose reel box 151.
FIG. 7 is a view of the back of coiled hose storage cabinet 101. As is shown, mounting holes 161, 163, 165 are provided on the back portion of coiled hose storage cabinet 101. FIG. 8 depicts one type of mounting bracket which may be utilized to secure coiled hose storage cabinet 101 to a hideaway hose reel box 151. As is shown, the bracket 171 is generally Z-shaped and includes pin 173 which may be pushed through the mounting holes 163, 165 and “snapped” into position. This is known as a “snap-on hanging bracket.” This bracket 171 allows the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 to hang on the front panel of the hideaway hose reel box 151.
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 depict an alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention. In this particular embodiment, the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 includes an I-shaped cavity 181 which is adapted to maintain the coiled hose. FIG. 10 depicts coiled hose storage cabinet 101 in an open condition. As is shown, back panel 191 includes I-shaped cavity 195. Additionally, the front panel 193 includes an I-shaped cavity 197. When the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 is in an open condition, as is shown in FIG. 10, approximately one-half of the coiled hose is maintained within the I-shaped cavity 197 of front panel 193. Approximately one-half of the coil is exposed. FIG. 11 depicts the back portion of coiled hose storage cabinet 101. As is shown, mounting holes are provided to allow mounting onto a wall or onto a hose reel box.
FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 depict another alternative embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention. As is shown, coiled hose storage cabinet 101 includes a built-in bib 201 which is adapted to mate with a garden hose, such as connector hose 203. Connector hose 203 may be a hose which is conventional in length. Alternatively, it may be a shortened “connector hose” which is merely long enough to connect the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 to a nearby spigot, such as spigot 205. Built-in bib 201 may have a male or a female connector. It connects to the coiled hose which is maintained within the coiled hose storage cabinet 101. As is shown in FIG. 12, the hose connector may be maintained at the lower side portion of coiled hose storage cabinet 101. FIG. 13 depicts the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 in an open condition with built-in bib 201 connecting connector hose to coiled hose 201 which is maintained within the coiled hose storage cabinet 101. FIG. 14 depicts a back view of the coiled hose storage cabinet 101.
FIGS. 15 through 18B depict another embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention which is “freestanding.” In this embodiment, the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 may include either or both of leg flaps and a retractable stand. FIG. 15 depicts coiled hose storage cabinet 101 with legs 301, 303 maintained on the bottom portion. In this embodiment, the legs 301, 303 may be rotated outward and are thus characterized as “flip-out” legs. When the operator desires the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 to be freestanding, he or she rotates legs 301, 303 outward through a ninety degree arc.
FIG. 16 depicts the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 in an open condition with legs 301, 303 rotated outward. Additionally, this view depicts a retractable stand 311 which is rotated outward from the coiled hose storage cabinet 101. Together, the retractable stand 311 and the legs 301, 303 allow the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 to be maintained in a freestanding condition.
FIG. 17 depicts the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 in a closed condition from the back. As is shown, retractable stand 311 may be moved inward when not in use. The back portion of the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 may include molded indentations which allow the retractable stand 311 to be flush with the back surface. FIG. 18A is a bottom view of the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 with the retractable stand 311 and the folding legs 301, 303 in closed conditions. In contrast, FIG. 18B depicts the retractable stand 311 and the fold-up legs 301, 303 in open conditions rendering the coiled hose storage cabinet 101 freestanding.
FIGS. 19 and 20 depict yet another embodiment of the coiled hose storage cabinet of the present invention. As is depicted, coiled hose storage cabinet 101 is secured to a front panel of hose reel box 401. A garden hose 403 is maintained on reel 405 within hose reel box 401. An external crank 407 is provided to allow the take-up of the garden hose 403. As is depicted in FIG. 20, a Y-connector 421 is provided within hose reel box 401. It includes a switch 427 which allows the connector to direct water to either the garden hose 403 or to the coiled hose 431 which is maintained within the coiled hose storage cabinet 101. As is shown in FIG. 20, the Y-connector 421 includes one connector which connects to garden hose 403. It includes another connector which connects to coiled hose 431. Additionally, it includes a connector which connects to connection hose 423 which is coupled to spigot 425. Switch 427 may be actuated in order to determine which branch of the Y-connector receives water from spigot 425. Actuating the switch in one mode ensures that water flows from spigot 425 into coiled hose 431. Actuating the switch in the other mode ensures that water flows from spigot 425 into garden hose 403.
The coiled hose storage cabinet 501 is depicted in perspective view in FIG. 21A. It includes an open top 507 and a closed bottom 509. It is constructed from two semicircular pieces 503, 505 which are depicted in FIG. 21B, separated from one another. Each of the semicircular pieces 503, 505 are constructed from a plurality of vertical wire pieces and horizontal wire pieces. The horizontal wire pieces are semicircular in shape and are secured through the vertical wire pieces. A coiled hose may be dropped through the open top 507 of coiled hose storage cabinet 501. When one wants to access the coiled hose stored therein, semicircular piece 505 is swung open relative to semicircular piece 503. FIG. 21C is a detail of area A of FIG. 21A. It depicts a simple latch which secures semicircular pieces 503, 505 together when the coiled hose storage cabinet 501 is in a closed condition. FIG. 21D is a detailed view of region B of FIG. 21A. It depicts a simple hinge coupling between the semicircular pieces 503, 505. FIG. 21F depicts the coiled hose storage cabinet in a condition with the door closed. This is a bottom view. In contrast, FIG. 21F depicts the coiled hose storage cabinet 501 in a condition with the door open. The view of FIG. 21F is also from the bottom of the coiled hose storage cabinet 501.
It is apparent that an invention with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present invention is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
Patent Application
20050082955
