Patent Application
20140124611
The present invention relates to a reel assembly, more specifically, an improved reel assembly having a strong connection between reel flanges and reel cross braces to further resist crushing and separation from a pressurized hose wound onto the reel.
Leaving a flexible garden hose from as short as 25 feet to as long as perhaps 200 feet in a randomly coiled or uncoiled tangled mass on the ground or within an enclosure of some type can only be counter productive and even dangerous to the user or others, but can also be a cause of needless deterioration of the hose itself. Garden hoses left lying on the ground can be damaged from tearing or crushing when they come in contact with a variety of wheeled vehicles. If left lying on the ground, they may also be subjected to contamination by fertilizers or garden chemicals. Damage from twisting, kinking, or curling may easily result from random storage placement as well.
A simple solution to this condition is to place the hose on a reel assembly which allows it to be maintained in a productive, protective position when not in use, and perhaps even more importantly, when actually in use. The hose can be extended, retracted, and stored in a manner that eliminates the risk of damage to the hose. The reel may be attached to a stationary assembly or on a wheeled assembly that allows the user to place the hose in random locations during use and storage when in not in use.
The reel assembly saves time in deployment of and retracting the hose, thereby allowing for more productive use. The operation of the hose reel is a relatively simple process that any operator will quickly master. Correctly winding the hose onto the reel will determine how well the hose reel performs, improper winding will cause binding in the reel, making it difficult to release the hose.
The reel is the object about which lengths of hose are wound thereabout for storage. Generally, a reel is a cylindrical core having flanges on the sides to retain the hose wound around the core. Typically, a reel is made of metal, fiberglass, or plastic. One factor to consider in selecting a reel assembly is the reel construction. The reel construction needs to be substantial enough to provide both strength and durability. For this reason, many hose reels are constructed of plastic because the resulting product resists crushing as well as withstands harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, it is important to choose the correct reel design for the application being used. Hose reels are categorized by the diameter and length of the hose they hold, the rewind method, and the pressure rating. The size of the core is dependent on several factors. A smaller core will allow a longer hose to be stored in a given reel. However, there is a limit to how tightly the hose can be wound without damaging the hose, and this limits how small the core can be.
When water is introduced into the hose, the water creates and maintains pressure throughout the hose causing the hose to expand. Should any of the hose be left on the hose reel during this spike in pressure, the hose will exert a tremendous amount of pressure onto the reel and potentially compromise its integrity. Occasionally, a “python” effect occurs on a neatly wound hose on the reel. When the neatly wound hose on the reel is pressurized as a result of the introduction of water, it causes each wound segment of the hose to exert pressure on its adjoining segments. This compounding of hose pressure can lead to tremendous forces exerted inwardly to the center core of the reel, and outwardly upon the end flanges of the reel which can eventually lead to the destruction of the reel. Introducing support members and or cross-braces within the core of the reel to increase the mechanical strength of the reel will help resist crushing.
Another factor to consider in selecting a reel assembly is maintenance. Typically, a reel assembly requires the consumer to disassemble the reel in order to clean and replace parts. However, procedures that are challenging or require extended amounts of time can result in poor or improper maintenance of the reel assembly. Requiring tools for assembly can be time consuming and frustrating for the consumer and can lead to a damaged reel if the assembly is done improperly. Damage can occur when the consumer fails to either follow instructions, tries to force fit a component, or doesn't have the proper tools required for assembly. The result is aggravation to the consumer.
Thus, what is lacking in the art is a reel assembly that requires no fasteners, can be unassembled and reassembled easily for maintenance, and has a stronger connection geometry between reel flanges and reel cross-braces. This structure creates a stronger reel core configuration that resists crushing of the reel or separation between the reel halves and stronger connection between the reel halves and the reel end flanges that can result from a pressurized hose wound thereon.
The improved reel assembly is comprised of two identically molded semi-circular core halves having a pair of reel flanges on each end thereof The core halves and reel flanges are constructed and arranged to connect without the need for fasteners when forming the hose reel. The halves include a plurality of radially extending cross-braces having a conical cross-section. On opposite ends of the halves are included two radially extending tubular members having a hollow body and conical cross-section. Each half has opposite reciprocating cross-braces that interlock and opposite reciprocating tubular members that insert within each other to create a strong connection between the halves and a strong reel core. On the peripheral edge of each half is further included a plurality of tabs for interlocking with an opposite tab on the opposite half. The reel flanges are circularly shaped end pieces on the reel. Each reel flange has a cross-section larger than that of the reel. Each reel flange has an interlocking mechanism compatible with the reel halves which is comprised of L-shaped clips on the center hub that interlock with corresponding inverted L-shaped clips on the top and bottom edge of each reel half.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide an improved reel assembly that resists crushing of the reel and separation between the reel halves from a pressurized hose being wound thereon.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an improved reel assembly that doesn't require the use of tools or fasteners for maintenance purposes, so as to be less aggravating to the consumer during assembly and disassembly.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an improved reel assembly that reduces the likelihood of reel core damage due to the use of heavy rubber and kink resistant hoses that have recently become more popular.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an improved reel assembly having a stronger, more robust reel construction by establishing a stronger connection between reel halves and reel flanges.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
As shown in
Also shown in
As shown in
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
