Patent ID: 7793881
Filing Date: 2010-09-14
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for rolling a flattenable hose of the type having a first coupling at a hose first end and a second coupling at a hose second end, and a hose portion between the hose first coupling and the hose second coupling, the hose being in the proximity of a vehicle, comprising: a frame, attachable to the vehicle, the frame having a hinge; a rotation member, the rotation member being alternately startable and stoppable; a roller on the frame; a first spindle on the frame, laterally spaced from the roller, the first spindle having a first end and a second end, the first spindle first end cooperating with the rotation member, such that the first spindle is rotated by the rotation member, the first spindle second end being engaged by the frame for support during rotation; a second spindle, attachable to the first spindle; a plurality of guide poles on the frame; and a gate member on the frame, the gate being positionable to a position proximate the roller; wherein: the hose first end is placed over the roller, under the gate, and between two of the plurality of guide poles, and the hose drains any liquid contents as the hose first end is elevated over the roller; the hose first coupling and hose first end are secured to the first spindle by attaching the second spindle to the first spindle; the first spindle is rotated by starting the rotation member, the hose being rolled about the first and second spindle into a hose coil as the first spindle is rotated, the hose being flattened as the hose is drawn over the roller, the hose being guided by the guide poles, the hose second coupling encountering the gate member as it approaches the roller, the hose second coupling being prevented by the closed gate member from being moved over the roller; and after the rotation member is stopped, the frame is moved on the frame hinge such that the first spindle second end is clear of the frame, the second spindle being detachable from the first spindle and removable from the hose coil, the hose second coupling being removable from the gate member, and the hose coil being removable from the first spindle.