Patent Application
20110297779
Reel assemblies have been used in a variety of different environments, for different purposes, for many years. To be sure, reels are frequently mounted to permanent structures, such as the interior or exterior walls of buildings, to deliver various fluids such as water and air. Other reel assemblies are secured with portable frames that may be wheeled or carried from one location to another in a convenient fashion. Irrespective of the portable or stationary manner, most reel assemblies commonly require a support arm to secure the reel assembly with an operating structure.
Oftentimes support structures for reel assemblies are no more than an arm that is secured to a support frame or wall at one end and to a non-rotating portion of the reel assembly at an opposite end. Such support arms may be provided in a number of different shapes and configurations in order to dispose the reel assembly at a favorable orientation with respect to the support structure. In this manner, a user may conveniently deploy and rewind lengths of hose supported on the reel assembly. However, due to the fact that many different use environments require different support configurations, many users have had to custom fabricate support arms so that the reel assembly is disposed at the correct location and orientation. Such custom fabrication is time consuming and impractical for most users, whether in a commercial or residential setting. Accordingly, some users are forced to buy support arms having particular lengths and configurations that orient the reel assemblies in a manner that is oftentimes less than satisfactory. For example, some arms may engage a wall or other support structure in a manner that disposes the reel assembly at an awkward angle. Other support arms may position the reel assembly too close or too far away from the support structure. Other support arms are satisfactory in their geometry but are provided in a less than durable state that is prone to bending and breaking in various heavy duty applications.
Various attempts have been made to provide a support arm that is selectively movable between various positions with respect to the support structure to which it is secured. However, such designs tend to be over complex and suffer from movable joints that are prone to frequent misalignment or breakage. Moreover, such designs typically only allow the user to move or re-orient the reel assembly in a single direction or axis with respect to the support structure. Finally, it is difficult to develop a single design for a reel assembly support arm that permits multiple configurations for various users and different applications. Oftentimes a plurality of different embodiments is required to satisfy a handful of different applications. As such, complexity and cost of manufacture increases needlessly.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
A support system is provided to selectively orient a reel assembly in a wide array of different use positions. The reel assembly includes opposite end portions and a line support section that is oriented to support the lengths of one or more fluid delivery lines. The support arm includes a plurality of individual arm sections that have one or more mating end portions. The mating end portions are shaped to releasably, coaxially secure with one another in a manner that resists rotation of the mating end portions with respect to one another. One end portion of the reel assembly is rotatably coupled with a mounting end portion of the support arm. An opposite, end portion of the support arm is shaped to securably engage a support structure, such as a wall, mobile or stationary support frame, and the like.
In some embodiments, the mating end portions of the arm sections are shaped to have a plurality of spaced-apart teeth that are shaped to permit teeth from the mating end portion of the first arm section to intermesh with the teeth from the mating end portion of the second arm section. Accordingly, the arm sections may be secured with one another in one orientation, separated from one another, rotated axially with respect to one another, and secured with one another in a second secure position. In some embodiments, each arm section may be provided in a variety of shapes, wherein the arm sections have long axes that are straight, angled, curved and the like.
In some embodiments, a pin member having a long axis is associated with a mounting end portion of the support arm and is movable along the long axis between locked and unlocked positions with respect to a plurality of recesses formed within an end portion of the reel assembly. The recesses are shaped to receive a length of the pin member in the locked position, whereby rotational movement of the reel assembly is substantially prevented.
Embodiments of the system will include a mounting end portion of the support arm that is shaped to have an elongated mounting post. Reciprocally, the support structure may include a receiving socket that is shaped to releasably and securably receive the mounting post to mount the system. In other embodiments, the mounting end portion of the support arm is provided with a mounting plate securably engaged to a generally planar portion of the support structure.
Various embodiments of the system will include a pivot joint between the first and second end portions of the support arm, whereby a length of the support arm that is coupled with the reel assembly may be selectively pivoted with respect to the other end of the support arm. In some embodiments, the pivot joint is disposed within an arm section between a mounting end portion that engages the reel assembly and a mating end portion of the arm section, whereby the reel assembly and a portion of the arm section pivots on an a pivot axis with respect to the mating end portion and the remainder of the support arm. A locking pin may be associated with the pivot joint that is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions, whereby pivoting movement of the mounting end portion of the arm section, with respect to the mating end portion, is substantially prevented.
These and other aspects of the present system and method will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Support systems of the present technology are generally provided to support at least one reel assembly in one of various use positions with respect to a base support structure. It is contemplated that the support systems may be used with reel assemblies of a nearly endless number of different designs. Commonly, however, a reel assembly 10 used with the support systems disclosed herein will be configured to support one or more lengths of generally flexible fluid delivery lines 12. Some examples of such fluid delivery lines 12 include hoses designed for the delivery of various gases, such as compressed air, and liquids, such as water and other chemical compositions. Accordingly, irrespective of the specific design of the reel assembly 10, it is contemplated that the reel assembly 10 will include a line support section or hub 14 that extends between opposite end portions 16 and 18 of the reel assembly 10. The hub 14 may be shaped as a drum with a partially open or continuous exterior surface 20, which is adapted for supporting a length of the hose 12. Other designs of hubs 14 may be used, such as those including individual, elongated support members circumferentially spaced about an axis of rotation. Some reel assemblies may include a pair of opposing flanges 22 and 24 that project outwardly from the opposing end portions 16 and 18 of the reel assembly 10, to form an annular channel for receiving a length of the fluid delivery line 12. The reel assembly 10 will commonly include an axle 26, having a first end portion 28 and a second end portion 30, that is provided to extend coaxially with the hub 14 and be operatively coupled with the hub 14 in a manner that permits selective rotation of the hub 14 about the axle 26. In some embodiments, a handle 32 is secured with one of the opposing flanges 22 or 24 to permit manual rotation of the reel assembly 10. Components of applicant's reel assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,790, issued on Jun. 24, 2008, may provide an exemplary embodiment of a reel assembly 10 that may be used with the support systems of the present technology.
With reference to
At least one end portion of the reel assembly 10 is operatively coupled with a mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106. In some embodiments, the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 is coupled with the axle 26 on which the reel assembly 10 rotates. Depending upon the orientation of the opposing flanges 22 and 24 of the reel assembly 10, it is contemplated that the first arm section 106 may extend outwardly from the axle at an angle, as depicted in
In various contemplated uses, it may be desirable to secure the reel assembly 10 in a non-rotating position with respect to the axle 26 and the support arm 100. In some embodiments, an elongated pin member 128 may be coupled with the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 so that the pin member 128 is selectively movable along its long axis between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the reel assembly 10. A plurality of recesses 130 may be formed within an end portion of the reel assembly 10, adjacent the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106. The recesses 130 will be shaped to receive a length of the pin member 128 in the locked position, whereby rotational movement of the reel assembly 10 is substantially prevented with respect to the first arm section 108. A plurality of recesses 130 may be positioned in a circular pattern about a central opening in the reel assembly 10 that receives the axle 26. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may be locked, incrementally, in various positions throughout its rotational cycle. In some embodiments, a spring member 132 may be associated with the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 and the pin member 128 in a manner that biases the pin member toward the locked position. In particular, the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 may be formed to include a slot 134 that is shaped to slidably receive a handle member 136, associated, with an end portion of the pin member 128, when the pin member 128 is in the locked position. The pin member 128 may be rotatably coupled with the mounting end portion 120 of the first arm section 106 such that the pin member 128 may be moved into the unlocked position by sliding the handle member from within the slot 134 with the pin member 128 withdrawn from the recess 130 such that the handle member 136 is clear of the slot 134. The pin member 128 may be retained in the unlocked position by rotating the pin member 128 until the handle member 136 is prevented from re-entering the slot 134.
With reference to
With reference to
A mounting end portion 152 of the second arm section 108 will be shaped to be securely engaged with a support structure, such as a wall, support frame, or the like, whether or not the support structure is statically positioned or mobile. With reference to at least
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In some regards, the first arm section 162 may be formed similarly to the first arm section 106. For example, the mounting end portion 166 of the first arm section 162 may include a mounting receiver 122 and mounting cap 124 as described previously herein. To that end, the mounting end portion 166 may be removably or permanently secured with a portion of the reel assembly 10, such as the axle 26. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that such mounting structures will be unnecessary as the first arm section 162 will include an axle support member 170, having a first end portion 172 and an opposite second end portion 174 that extend from within the first arm section 162. A length of the first end portion 172 may be formed to define the axle 26 on which the reel assembly 10 rotates. It is also contemplated, however, that the first end portion 172 may simply form a mounting point for a separate axle 26. The second end portion 174 of the axle support member 170 may be formed to define a pivot support 176, whereby a length of the second end portion 174 extends into a socket 178 in the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 in order to pivotably support a portion of the first arm section 162 and the reel assembly 10. One or more bearings 182 of various designs known and used in the industry may be disposed between the pivot support 176 and the socket 178 to provide a secure, rotatable coupling between the pivot support 176 and the socket 178. In some embodiments, a length of the pivot support 176 will be oriented perpendicularly in relation to the axle 26 on which the reel assembly rotates. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may be pivoted throughout a plane on which the axle 26 lies.
In some orientations, an engagement face of the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 is oriented to face perpendicularly from the pivot axis on which the pivot support 176 rotates. In such embodiments, the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 is shaped to have a decidedly right angle prior to its terminal end portion. In doing so, however, the apex of the bend at the mating end portion 168 provides an opportunity to engage a swivel coupling 180 with the second end portion 174 of the axle support member 170. Where the axle support member 170 is provided as a hollow, tubular structure, and a swivel coupling 180 is secured with the second end portion 174, the swivel coupling 180 may be joined with a fluid source delivery line (not depicted) so that the fluid may be delivered from the fluid delivery line, through the axle support member 170 directly to the reel assembly 10 and, in some instances, a second swivel coupling 180 that is secured with the first end portion 172 of the axle support member 170. A terminal end portion of this second swivel coupling 180 may then be secured with the fluid delivery line 12 supported on the reel assembly 10. In this manner, the reel assembly 10 may pivot about its axle 26 and pivot about an axis extending through a portion of its support arm 100 while fluid is effectively delivered from a fluid source to the fluid delivery line 12 on the reel assembly 10.
In some embodiments, a second elongated pin member 128 may be coupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 such that it is selectively movable along its long axis between locked and unlocked positions. A plurality of recesses 130 may be formed within the first arm section 162, adjacent the mating end portion 168, whereby the recesses are shaped to receive a length of the pin member 128 in the locked position in order to substantially restrict pivoting movement of the pivot support 176 with respect to the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162. In some embodiments, the pin member 128 may move along an axis that is generally parallel with the pivot axis on which the pivot support 176 rotates. Accordingly, the plurality of recesses 130 may be positioned in a circular pattern that encircles the pivot axis, enabling the pivot joint 164 to be freely rotated and secured at a plurality of positions along its rotational path. A spring member 132 may be coupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 and the pin member 128 in a manner that biases the pin member 128 toward the locked position. The mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 may be formed to include a slot 134 that is shaped to slidably receive a handle member 136 that is associated with an end portion of the pin member 128, when the pin member 128 is in the locked position. In some embodiments, the pin member 128 may be rotatably coupled with the mating end portion 168 of the first arm section 162 such that the pin member 128 may be moved to the unlocked position by sliding the handle member 136 from within the slot 134. The pin member 128 will be generally retained in the unlocked position by rotating the pin member 128 until the handle member 136 is prevented from re-entering the slot 134.
In many embodiments, the first arm section 162 may be provided with a shape that first extends downwardly and away from the reel assembly 10 at an angle, such as previously described for the first arm section 106. The first arm section 162 may then bend beneath itself so that a length of the first arm section 162 is positioned beneath the reel assembly 10 and in a plane that is generally parallel with the axis on which the reel assembly 10 rotates. The first arm section 162 may then bend again so that the second end portion 174 of the axle support member 170 is disposed in a generally vertical fashion, beneath the reel assembly 10. In some respects, at least a portion of the first arm section 162 will generally resemble a question mark. It is contemplated that this orientation will place a majority of the weight from the reel assembly 10 directly on the pivot support 176 and retain the same within its socket 178.
It is contemplated that the first arm section 162 and the axle support member 170 could be formed in a uniform construction with one another. However, it is also contemplated that the first arm section 162 and the axle support member 170 will be separate structures simply coupled with one another. To this end, these structures may be formed from the same or dissimilar materials. For example, in some embodiments, the axle support member 170 may be formed first from a material, such as various castable or extrudable metals, or from various polymers, depending upon the intended use. Thereafter, the first arm section 162 may be formed around the axle support member 170 and formed from other castable or extrudable metals, polymers, and the like. In at least one specific example, the first arm section 162, as well as the reel assembly 10 and the remainder of the support arm 100, may be formed from a lightweight, aluminum material or blend of materials that is corrosion resistant as well as lightweight and inexpensive.
The aforedescribed modular nature of the support arm 100 with its plurality of arm sections applies irrespective of whether or not a first arm section 162, with its pivot joint 164, is used. With reference to
With reference to
Although the system and methods of employing the same have been described in language that is specific to certain structures, materials, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges, or individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).
