The instant invention relates to an inlet/outlet assembly for transporting fluids from a fluid source to a remote location; and more particularly, to an inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit for use with a hose reel.
Garden hoses are a necessity for homeowners and the like for lawn and garden care, as well as general all-around home care. Typically, hoses are found either wound and left on the ground near a water spigot, or wound on one of many known hose reel-type storage devices. These devices include portable hose reel carts, stationary frames, and stationary hose reel hangers that can be mounted to a surface of a building, such as an outer wall of a house. A typical portable hose reel cart, or frame, includes a rotatable reel or spool in which a hose is wrapped around, positioned between a pair of side frames. The hose reel cart may further contain a pair of hubs which are coupled to the housing structure. Common hose reel assemblies may also contain a crank for rotating the reel or spool such that the hose can be wound or unwound about the spool. To provide for flow of water from a water source to the hose, hose reel structures further contain water conduits. Typical water conduits have a movable outlet tube and a generally stationary inlet tube. The stationary inlet of the conduit extends away from the reel 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 reel. An outlet hose is coupled to the movable outlet and is used to deliver water to the end use. The hose is merely wound upon the reel for storage, and pulled or dispensed from the reel for use. These carts include wheels to permit ready transport of the hose from one location to another.
Hose carts are commonly purchased by the general consumer, wherein it is desirable that the hose cart can be easily assembled with minimal use of hand tools. In an effort to provide easy-to-assemble hose reel assemblies, they are typically made of plastic and sold with as many preassembled parts as possible. While such efforts have provided the general consumer with a product that is ready to use out of the box, disassembly for maintenance or repair can be difficult for some consumers. For example, in some prior art devices, it is difficult to have difficulty in secure the reel hub which is necessary for the introduction of water. The reel hub must allow rotation yet allow the device to be hooked up to a water supply wherein the hose can be reeled inward or outward without interfering with the flow of water. Seals within the hub allow rotation without leakage. The problem occurs when the seal requires service, either in the form of lubrication or replacement. In addition, the water conduit, such as inlet and outlet devices, often needs lubrication or replacement. Sealing devices, such as O-rings, are often used to prevent fluid leakage. Long-term use or storage of the hose reel assemblies in changing climates requires maintenance to ensure that the hose reel works properly. Typical hose reels require the consumer to disassemble the inlet/outlet assembly in order to replace worn sealing devices or the inlet/outlet conduits themselves. As such, maintenance procedures that are difficult or require extended amounts of time result in the consumer failing to properly maintain the hose reel assemblies. Failure to properly maintain the devices results in further deterioration and eventual failure.
Therefore, what is needed in the art is an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit which can be maintained without the need for costly tools and time consuming replacement procedures.
Various hose reel assemblies are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,512,361 and 5,046,520 set forth hose cart storage apparatuses which consist of various pre-assembled components that are easily assembled upon receipt by the average consumer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,424 describes a hose cart having improved hub connections. The hose reel includes a syringe type hub attachment which allows for maintenance of water seals without tools. In addition, the hub design allows for the placement of a crank for rotation of the hose reel flange in either a left hand or right hand position with the water coupling portion exchangeable by quick release of the syringe type hub attachment.
Vital to any hose reel assembly is the ability to transfer water from a water source to a hose typically wound around a spool. Such transfer of water is usually conducted by fluid conduits. U.S. Patent Publication 2009/0121067 describes a hose reel assembly having inlet/outlet conduit assemblies. The hose reel assembly includes an inlet conduit which is inserted within an outlet conduit. The inlet conduit includes a generally cylindrical body having a retaining clip groove extending at least partially circumferentially about the inlet body. A clip assembly is also included which engages the inlet conduit without the use of tools. The clip assembly includes an elongated body having a first end, a pivot point, a clip structure, and a second end. The clip assembly body is pivotally coupled to the hose reel assembly frame adjacent to a basket assembly conduit inlet end and structured to pivot in a plane of motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,289 describes a hose reel assembly having a folding crank handle, an easily accessible and identifiable release, a water system, and an autotrack device that can be engaged/disengaged. The water system includes an inlet member, a rotating outlet member, and an interlocking device structured to couple the inlet and outlet members. The inlet is described as being coupled to the hose reel assembly housing structure and having a generally circular body extending into the reel. The outlet member is coupled to the reel and has a wide diameter body extending into the reel. Accordingly, the inlet member is designed to extend into the outlet body. An O-ring is disposed at the interface between the inlet and outlet members to resist water leaking. The interlock structure is releasably coupled to the inlet and outlet members and includes one or more grooves in the outer surface of the inlet member, and at least one opening in the outlet body.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,389,790 discloses a reel assembly having a hub and opposing flanges that may be disassembled into at least two primary components that may be at least partially nested with one another for compact storage and transport. The reel assembly further includes a pair of opposing flanges projecting radially outwardly from opposite end portions of the hub to form an annular channel for receiving a length of the hose. The reel assembly further includes an axle having first and second end portions. The axle is coaxial with the hub and operatively coupled with the hub in a manner that permits selective rotation of the hub about the axle. A swivel connector is operatively coupled to a hose adjacent the second end portion of the axle and a swivel cap is disposed around one end portion of the swivel connector. The swivel cap is releasably coupled with the second end portion of the axle and has at least one locking tab that is shaped and sized to be releasably received by the second end portion of the axle.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,454 discloses a fluid handling system having a swivel for connecting a stationary fluid source line to a fluid service line that is wound upon a reel. The system includes a reel, an axle, a fluid source line, and a swivel connector. The system requires a rotor cap having at least one locking pin for preventing the movement of the rotor cap with respect to an axle. The rotor cap secures the fluid source line and a rotor within the swivel in position, allowing a housing within the swivel to freely rotate with the fluid service line and reel. The swivel is coupled to the fluid source line using a crimping ferrule to eliminate the necessity of predisposing mating components on the fluid source line.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,402 discloses a rotary union assembly having a rotor with an elongated central shaft with forward and rearward ends, an aperture extending forwardly through the shaft from the shaft rearward end to an aperture forward end spaced rearwardly from the shaft forward end and a port. The assembly further includes a rotor housing rotatably mounted on the rotor forward end for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The housing contains a radially projecting arm having a radially extending port. A central flange projects radially from the shaft rearwardly of the housing. The assembly has a means operably mounted on the central shaft, rearwardly of the central flange, for releasably securing the rotor to a tubular support member, and is removably connected to the central shaft forwardly of the housing, for releasably securing the housing on the shaft while permitting rotatable movement of the housing.
The instant invention describes an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having an inlet and outlet conduit for providing transportation of a fluid from a fluid supply source, i.e. a water spigot, to a fluid dispensing source, such as a hose. The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly uses minimal number of interconnecting parts, thereby reducing the need for continued maintenance. When maintenance is required, the improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly is quickly and easily disassembled to provide quick replacement of worn parts. In addition, the improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly is constructed in such a manner that wear and tear of the outlet conduit resulting from long-term use is minimized.
In an illustrative, albeit preferred embodiment, the inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly for transporting a fluid from a first position to a second position comprises an inlet conduit, and outlet conduit. The inlet fluid conduit has a generally cylindrically shaped inlet conduit main body having a first end adapted for attachment to a water source and a second end adapted for coupling to an outlet conduit. The second end has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of an outlet conduit. A flange is arranged about the circumference of the inlet main body conduit and has a front surface, a back surface, a portion thereof adapted for receiving a securing member, and a tab extending outwardly from said back surface for engaging the wall or frame of a hose reel assembly to prevent said circular member from rotating.
The outlet conduit has a generally cylindrically shaped horizontal outlet conduit body which is sized to extend through a central portion of a hose reel spool. The horizontal outlet conduit body has a first end having an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the second end of the inlet conduit, and a second end defined by a vertical outlet conduit body having an L-shaped portion for extending through the side portion of a hose spool. The L-shaped portion has at least one end adapted for attachment to a fluid dispensing device, such as a hose. Insertion of the inlet device within the inlet device forms an inlet/outlet assembly which provides fluid passageway from said fluid source to said fluid dispensing device. In this configuration, damage (formation of internal grooves as a result of rotation) to the outlet device is minimized.
The inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly may further include including a securing member for securing the inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly. The securing member being a generally C-shaped clip defined by a first end, a second end, and two generally parallel arms extending from the first end. Each of the arms contains engaging members for engaging the inlet and outlet conduit. For example, engaging members engage the inlet conduit at one or more slotted openings adapted for receiving the securing member engaging members. The outlet member contains a recessed channel which is adapted for receiving the securing member engaging members, whereby insertion of the engagement members within the recessed channel allows rotation of the outlet device conduit while the inlet device remains fixed in position.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly that is easily assembled and disassembled.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having increased strength and durability.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly utilizing a minimal number of parts.
It is a still further objective of the invention to provide an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly having an outlet conduit insertable within an inlet conduit, and a clip member.
It is yet another object of the instant invention to provide for an improved inlet/outlet fluid conduit assembly in which damage to the outlet conduit resulting from continued use is minimal.
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.
Referring to
Referring to
Arranged circumferentially around the outer surface 30 of the inlet conduit main body 22 is a flange 32. The flange 32 is illustrated as having a generally circular shape. However, such shape is illustrative of a particular embodiment and such shape is not limiting. The flange 32 contains a front surface 34, a back surface 36, an outer edge 38 and an inner edge 40. Positioned along the circumference of the flange 32 and extending inwardly toward the center are horizontal edges 42 and 44. Between horizontal edges 42 and 44 is an open space 46. The open space 46 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the securing member 16. Opposing the horizontal edges 42 and 44 is tab 48 which secures to or engages the wall or frame of a hose reel assembly to prevent the flange and/or the inlet conduit 12 from rotating. The tab 48 contains a rounded front portion 50, a rectangular portion 52 directly coupled to the back surface 36 of the flange 32, and a second generally rectangular member 54 which extends in an outward direction from the back surface 36.
Referring back to
The vertical outlet conduit body 78 includes a top end 80, a bottom end 82, and a vertical outlet conduit main body 84 extending there through. The interior of the vertical outlet conduit main body 84 contains a bore 85, see
The inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly 10 further includes a securing member, illustrated herein as a clip member 98, see
In a preferred embodiment, the clip member 98 is aligned with the back surface 36 of the flange 32 of the inlet conduit 12, see
When used with a hose reel assembly, the inlet/outlet swivel union fluid conduit assembly 10 is designed such that the back surface 36 of the flange 32 of inlet conduit 12 can be coupled to the frame or the hose reel assembly structure (not illustrated). The first end 18 of the inlet conduit main body 22 rests outside of the hose reel assembly structure. The outlet conduit 14 extends within the central portion of the hose reel spool and through a portion of the spool for attachment of a hose member (not illustrated). In this configuration, the inlet conduit 12 remains fixed in position while the outlet conduit 14 rotates. As described previously, in order to minimize fluid flow between the inlet conduit 12 and the outlet conduit 14, the outlet conduit contains one or more O-rings. One of the problems associated with constant rotation of the outlet conduit is the wear on the O-rings and the formation of internal grooves 126 formed within the bore 29 as the O-rings press against the rotating surface of the bore 29, see
Referring to
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.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20120204972 A1 | Aug 2012 | US |