Abstract:
A hose reel cart utilizes metal and coated metal component construction for increased durability and stability while still remaining lightweight for increased hose capacity and maneuverability. Additionally the hose reel can pivot about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal rotary axis of the hose reel thereby enabling the hose to be readily removed from the hose reel irrespective of the location of the user without the danger of the hose reel cart tipping over. This pivoting ability of the hose reel also permits the hose to be wound onto the hose reel evenly irrespective of the location of the hose without the user having to constantly reposition the hose reel cart. This pivoting ability also enables the use of a wider than normal hose reel thereby increasing the capacity of the length of hose which can be carried on the reel. Further, the hose is wound around the reel by use of a crank which provides a direct rotational link between the crank and the winding of the reel.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to hose reel carts and in particular hose reel carts having a reel assembly which can swivel or pivot along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hose reel or spool. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Portable hose reel carts for dispensing, retrieval and storage of flexible elongate tubular objects such as garden hoses, air hoses and the like, have become very popular, especially around the house. Construction of hose reel carts has gradually evolved over time. At first the hose reel carts were constructed entirely of metal. Gradually plastic components replaced the metal components such that now many hose reel carts are formed entirely of plastic components. In general hose reel carts have a centrally disposed rotatable spool and a crank handle for reeling of the flexible hose, a frame for supporting the rotatable spool, two wheels at one end of the base of the frame, and a handle on a top portion of the frame to facilitate tilting the frame onto the two wheels to enable the hose reel cart to be moved. The user must carefully balance the hose reel cart on the two wheels when transporting it. This is not always possible or easy when traversing rough terrain or soft surfaces. The result is that the hose reel cart tips over, sometimes injuring the user. The frame handle and/or crank handle may or may not be foldable for purposes of shipping and/or storage. U.S. Patent No. RE  32 , 510  is illustrative of this type of hose reel cart and the disclosure of this patent are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0003]    Hose reel carts are often stored outside and thus subjected to adverse weather conditions e.g. hot and cold temperatures, sun, rain, snow, ice and dirt. Hose reel carts made exclusively from molded plastic or polymeric materials are lightweight and resistant to corrosion by the elements initially. However, the plastic or polymeric carts are currently unable to withstand the weather conditions for extended periods of time without becoming brittle or warping. Hose reel carts made predominantly of metal have been found to be robust and sturdy. However, the metal components of these carts have a tendency to corrode when their protective surfaces become damaged or worn away from usage. 
         [0004]    Some users may drain fluid from the hose prior to rewinding it onto the reel for storage while other users rewind the hose without draining it. Each situation creates its own unique set of problems. Lightweight polymeric or plastic hose reels are not able to withstand the weight of large amounts of hose filled with water and thus are limited in the size of the reel and/or hose capacity. Further, many of these polymeric or plastic hose reels are unable to withstand the peripheral forces transmitted to a hose reel when an empty hose is communicated with a fluid source under pressure while the hose is still wound around the reel. The repeated application of these forces often results in the structural failure of the hose reel spool. 
         [0005]    Hose reel carts constructed predominantly of metal components are robust and sturdy. They are able to accommodate the repeated applications of the peripheral forces resulting from the hose communicating with a source of fluid under pressure. However, these hose reel carts tend to be exceptionally heavy, making them less amenable to being pushed or pulled over rough surfaces by the user. Long lengths of hose filled with water compound this problem and also raise the center of gravity of the hose reel. The raised center of gravity may make the hose reel cart easier to tip over and present additional problems for the user. 
         [0006]    Most hose reel carts, whether plastic or steel, have the hose reel mounted on the cart in a fixed position, either parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cart or perpendicular thereto. A problem arises when the user removes the hose from the reel if it does not remain substantially perpendicular to the reel. The hose will exert side forces which may result in the hose reel cart tipping over. Also, if the hose is not substantially perpendicular to the reel when it is being wound onto the reel there will be a tendency for the hose to pile up on one end of the reel and not be distributed evenly along the length of the reel. This results in an unbalanced reel load and the hose filling the reel at one end while the other end remains relatively empty. 
         [0007]    Additionally, most of the prior art hose reel carts utilize injection molded hard plastic tires. While these tires are lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, they are often susceptible to damage, especially when used on rough surfaces such as gravel sand or rocks. Also, plastic tires do not respond well to static or dynamic loads when used on soft surfaces. This is because as the load increases and the width of the tread remains the same the force per square inch of the tire on the surface increases thereby allowing the tire to sink into the soft surface. In contrast, floatation tire, such as rubber pneumatic tires, provide compression. As the compressive load increases the tire becomes wider thereby increasing the footprint of the tire on the surface. This increased footprint allows the tire and cart to float over the soft surfaces without sinking and reduces the force required to move the cart. 
         [0008]    What is needed in the art is a portable hose reel cart capable of storing a large amount, e.g. more than 150 feet, of empty or filled hose. The hose should be able to be wound onto and unwound from the reel without placing undue strains on the reel and evenly spacing the hose on the reel. The hose reel cart should be capable of withstanding adverse conditions for extended periods of time without warping or cracking. The hose reel cart should have a supporting structure able to provide optimum strength while maintaining minimal weight through the use of plastic and metal components. The hose reel cart should be supported by at least four wheels so that it does not have to be tilted and balanced on two wheels to be moved. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,598 illustrates a typical hose reel cart including a pair of molded plastic side frames and four blow molded plastic members rigidly interconnected therebetween. A hose reel is mounted between the side portions with each end of the hose reel axis positioned in a bearing in each side frame. The reel can rotate about the axis on which it is mounted but it cannot pivot about a vertical axis. The user must place their foot behind a rear bar and pull the handle rearwardly and downwardly such that the cart can be tilted to such a degree as to allow the front feet of the cart to be lifted off the ground and the weight of the cart shifted onto the two rear wheels in order to transport the cart from one location to another. It can be difficult for a user of small stature to tip the cart backward. It is also dangerous should the user tip the cart too far backward causing the cart to topple over on top of them. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,360 illustrates a hose reel carrier assembly with a tray for storage. The carrier also has two plastic wheels which can be mounted on a common or separate axels. In order to move this hose reel carrier, the user must lift the end of the carrier opposite the wheels upwardly by a handle until the feet underneath the wheels are clear of the ground. The user must then push against the carrier, while holding an end off of the ground, to move the carrier forward. This can be extremely difficult for certain individuals especially on uneven or rough terrain. The hose reel can rotate about the axis on which it is mounted but it cannot pivot about a vertical axis. 
         [0011]    Suncast metal hose reel model no. MHR300 illustrates a metal frame hose reel capable of holding 300 feet of hose and mounted on four pneumatic tires. The hose reel is fixedly mounted along the longitudinal axis of the cart. The hose reel can rotate about the axis on which it is mounted but it cannot pivot about a vertical axis. 
         [0012]    While the forgoing noted prior art devices have improved the art and enjoyed some commercial success, there remains none the less a need in the art for a corrosion resistant, lightweight hose reel cart which uses a combination of polymeric and metal components of stable construction so as to support long lengths of filled or empty hose. The hose reel on the cart must be able to pivot about a vertical axis such that the hose can readily be removed from the reel irrespective of the location of the user without repositioning the cart. Also, the hose can be evenly wound onto the reel irrespective of the location of the hose with respect to the position of the cart. Furthermore, this construction enables the use of a longer hose reel thereby increasing the capacity of the length of hose which can be carried on the reel. The longer hose reel would normally extend beyond the width of the hose reel cart. However, by pivoting the hose reel about a vertical axis the axis of the hose reel can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the hose reel cart thereby enabling the hose reel to remain within the over all boundaries of the hose reel cart. The hose cart must be stable and easily navigated over rough and/or soft terrain without having to tilt the cart. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The hose reel cart of the instant invention utilizes plastic and metal component construction for increased durability and stability while still remaining lightweight for increased hose capacity and maneuverability. Additionally the hose reel can pivot about an axis which is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal rotary axis of the hose reel thereby enabling the hose to be readily removed from the hose reel irrespective of the location of the user without the danger of the hose reel cart tipping over. This pivoting ability of the hose reel also permits the hose to be wound onto the hose reel evenly irrespective of the location of the hose without the user having to constantly reposition the hose reel cart. This pivoting ability also enables the use of a wider than normal hose reel thereby increasing the capacity of the length of hose which can be carried on the reel. Further, the hose is wound around the reel by use of a crank which provides a direct rotational link between the crank and the winding of the reel. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a sturdy, portable hose reel cart wherein the hose reel is rotated about a first axis to wind up and play out a hose from the reel. The hose reel can also be pivoted about a second axis, substantially perpendicular to the first axis to facilitate removal of and replacement of the hose onto the reel. 
         [0015]    It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a portable hose reel cart utilizing a combination of metal and plastic covered metal components for improved corrosion resistance, strength and rigidity. 
         [0016]    It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a portable hose reel cart having four flotation tires to easily transport heavy and/or long lengths of hose across uneven, rough and/or soft terrain without lifting or tilting the hose reel cart. 
         [0017]    It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a pivotal connection between the hose reel and the hose reel cart whereby the hose reel can also be readily separated from the hose reel cart. 
         [0018]    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. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the hose reel cart of the instant invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an underside rear perspective view of the hose reel cart; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an exploded front perspective view illustrating the construction of the hose reel assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view in elevation of the hose reel cart; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a front view in elevation of the hose reel cart; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a rear view in elevation of the hose reel cart; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the hose reel cart; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the hose reel cart and 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the mounting plates taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-9 , wherein like elements are numbered consistently throughout, there is illustrated a portable hose reel cart generally indicated by reference numeral  10 , embodying the principles of the present invention. The hose reel cart  10  is useful for holding, paying out, retrieving and transporting large amounts of hose between a storage location and a use location. The major components of the hose reel cart include a reel assembly  12 , a cradle assembly  14 , a carriage assembly  22  coupled to the cradle assembly, a handle assembly  16  and four wheel assemblies  20 . In a typical arrangement, the hose reel cart is capable of storing upwards of 300 feet of a ⅝ inch common hose on the spool  12 . 
         [0029]    The hose reel cart  10  includes a carriage assembly  22 . In a preferred embodiment, the carriage assembly includes a pair of horizontally disposed base support elements  24 ,  26 . A front portion of the carriage assembly includes vertical carriage frame elements  28 ,  30  which are formed as vertical extensions of base support elements  24 ,  26 . A transverse frame member  32  connects the upper portions of the vertical frame elements and secures the vertical frame members is spaced relation to each other. Transverse frame member  32  also provides a support to which a pair of longitudinal cradle support members  34 ,  36  are attached. At the rear portion of the carriage assembly rear vertical carriage frame elements  38 ,  40  are formed as vertical extensions of the base support elements  24 ,  26 . A transverse frame member  48  is connected to the carriage frame elements  38 ,  40  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Transverse frame member  48  is positioned substantially level with transverse frame member  32 . Longitudinal cradle support members  34 ,  36  are secured to both transverse frame members  48  and  32  thereby securing the cradle support members to the carriage assembly. In a preferred embodiment base support elements  24 ,  26 , vertical carriage frame elements  28 ,  30 , transverse frame member  32 , and rear vertical frame elements  38 ,  40  are formed from a single member, e.g. a single piece of tubing, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments these elements could be formed separately and assembled together by conventional fastening techniques, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0030]    Handle assembly  16  includes two rear vertical frame members  42 ,  44  and a transverse horizontal frame member  46  extending between the upper portions of rear vertical frame members  42 ,  44  and securing these members together. Transverse frame member  46  serves as a handle to facilitate movement of the hose reel cart. In a preferred embodiment vertical members  42 ,  44  and transverse frame member  46  are formed from a single member, e.g. tubing. In other embodiments these elements could be formed separately and assembled together by conventional fastening techniques. The free end portions of rear vertical frame members  42 ,  44  are constructed and arranged to mate with corresponding end portions of rear vertical frame elements  38 ,  40 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In a preferred embodiment they mate in a telescoping arrangement. A plate member  51  may be attached between the rear vertical frame members, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Plate  51  includes one or more vertical slots  52  ( FIG. 2 ) for storing the free end of a hose when not in use to prevent the hose end from dragging along the ground when the hose reel cart is moving. The slots  52  can be used to hold other tools, e.g. hose nozzle or the like (not shown). 
         [0031]    A pair of wheel support members  47  is secured to a lower portion of each base support elements  24 ,  26 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In a preferred embodiment an axle  50  is secured to the lower portion of both base support elements by the wheel support members. The axle  50  passes through the wheel support members  47 . Wheel assemblies  53  are mounted on the ends of the axles  50 . Pneumatic flotation tires  54  are mounted onto the wheel assemblies  53 . Axles  50  have a flat portion along a top longitudinal portion thereof, as can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . This flat portion gives the axle a substantial “D” shaped cross section. This flat portion helps secure the axle in the wheel support elements  47  and prevents rotation of the axle. In another embodiment each wheel support member has a short axle mounted thereto. The wheel assemblies are mounted on these short axles and the pneumatic tires are in turn mounted on the wheel assemblies. 
         [0032]    Reel assembly  12  includes a spool  52  which rotates about a first axis A-A ( FIG. 4 ). A hose (not shown) is wound around the spool  52  for storage and transportation thereof. Once the hose reel cart is located in the desired location, the hose can be connected to a pressurized fluid source and played out or unwound from the spool. After the hose has been utilized for its intended purpose, it is wound onto the spool for storage or transportation to another location. At each end of the spool  52  retaining elements  55  are attached thereto. Each retaining element includes a circular member  56  and a plurality of spokes  58  which attach the circular member to the spool as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The circular members  56  can also serve as a means to rotate the spool about the first axis. As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a crank handle assembly  60  is attached to one end of the spool. The crank handle assembly includes a shaft  62  attached to an end of the spool and extending along said first axis A-A. A plurality of off setting elements  64  position a handle axle  66  parallel to and offset from said first axis. A handle  67  is rotatably mounted on the handle axle  66 . An operator turns the crank handle assembly in a rotary direction to wind a hose onto the spool or payout the hose from the spool for storage or use. 
         [0033]    The shaft  62  of the crank handle assembly is mounted in a bearing  68  which in turn is mounted on the cradle assembly  14  utilizing a bracket. At the opposite end of the spool a fluid inlet includes a hose connector  70 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Hose connector  70  is fixedly attached to the cradle assembly by attachment member  76  and does not rotate with the spool and reel assembly. Hose connector  70  includes an out-tube coupler  72  and an in-tube coupler  74 . The in-tube coupler  74  preferably contains female threads for attachment to a leader hose, not shown. The leader hose in turn is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid, such as water or air (not shown). The in-tube coupler is positioned along the first axis and connected to the end of the spool at the end opposite that of the crank handle assembly. The in-tube coupler is fixedly mounted onto the cradle assembly by attachment member  76  and does not rotate with the spool and reel assembly. The in-tube coupler  74  surrounds the out-tube coupler  72 . The out-tube coupler  72  includes a connector hose  78 . The connector hose preferably contains male threads for attachment to a main hose. The out-tube coupler includes a plurality of O-rings for engagement with the interior of the in-tube coupler  74  by a sliding seal arrangement so that the in-tube coupler remains fixedly attached to the cradle assembly while the out-tube coupler can rotate with the spool and reel assembly such that the in-tube coupler  74  and out-tube coupler  72  remain in fluid communication with one another. This arrangement permits rotation of the reel assembly without twisting or torquing internal components between the fluid supply and the hose. 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates the cradle assembly  14  which includes four generally U-shaped elements. Longitudinal cradle elements  80 ,  82  have elongate lower portions  84 ,  86  and shorter upstanding end portions  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94  respectively. Each lower portion is connected to two of the upstanding end portions. The lower portions of the cradle elements extend substantially parallel to the first axis about which the spool rotates. Transverse cradle elements  96 ,  98  each have an upper portion which is connected to two downwardly extending end portions. The downwardly extending end portions of the transverse cradle elements are in telescoping engagement with the upstanding end portions of the longitudinal cradle elements. Each transverse cradle element is connected to an upstanding end portion of two longitudinal cradle elements so as to form a generally U-shaped cradle assembly, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The upstanding end portions and downwardly extending end portions may be connected to each other in other conventional relationships such as abutting. 
         [0035]    The bearing  68  of the crank handle assembly is mounted on one of the upper portions of the transverse cradle elements and the hose connector  70  is mounted on the other one of the upper portions of the transverse cradle elements. A plurality of transverse cradle support members  100 ,  102  are connected between longitudinal cradle elements  80 ,  82 . These transverse cradle support elements  100 ,  102  serve as a mounting surface for a first rotary support plate  104 . A second rotary support plate  106  is mounted to longitudinal cradle support members  34 ,  36  in alignment with the first rotary support plate. In a preferred embodiment a vertical shaft  108  extends upwardly from the center of the second rotary support plate. An opening  110  is located in the center of the first rotary support plate. The vertical shaft engages opening  110  in a manner to substantially align the rotary support plates and allow rotary motion of one of the support plated with respect to the other support plate. A noncircular end plate  112  is attached to the free end of the vertical shaft. One of the dimensions of the noncircular end plate is greater than the diameter of the vertical shaft. The opening in the center of the first rotary support plate corresponds to the shape of the noncircular end plate. In this manner, when the shape of the noncircular end plate and the opening are aligned and correspond to each other the first rotary support plate can be placed onto the vertical shaft of the second rotary plate and rotate thereabout. The nonalignment of the shape of the end plate and the opening in the first rotary support plate helps to retain the first and second rotary support plates in alignment and prevent the separation thereof. 
         [0036]      FIG. 9  illustrates the operational relationship between the first and second rotary support plates. A plurality of spherical balls  114  are mounted in sockets in the second rotary plate  106 . A circular groove  116  is located in first rotary plate  104 . The circular groove is aligned with the spherical balls such that the balls travel in the circular groove thereby supporting the first rotary plate with respect to the second rotary plate and allowing rotary motion. This type of arrangement forms a bearing between the first and second rotary plates. A sufficient number of balls are employed so that the rotary plates are held in substantially parallel relation to each other. A lubricant may be placed between the balls and the circular groove so as to assist the rotary motion of the balls with respect to the groove and prevent premature wear of the balls and the groove. This arrangement allows the cradle assembly  14  and reel assembly  12  to be pivoted and rotated about a second axis B-B which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis A-A, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The pivoting of the reel assembly allows the hose to be played off the spool in any direction irregardless of the position of the hose reel cart  10 . In other words the hose will always come off of the spool in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the spool and not place an undue strain on hose reel cart which could tip the cart over. In addition, when the hose is wound onto the reel the reel assembly will pivot to the location of the hose so that the hose may be evenly wound onto the reel. 
         [0037]    In a preferred embodiment the reel assembly  12 , cradle assembly  14 , carriage assembly  22 , handle assembly  16  and axles are made from metal components. They could optionally made from metal and include an impact resistant coating such as polyethylene or polypropylene, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,552, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. The plastic coating protects the metal components from water, liquid fertilizer, corrosive chemicals and other liquids to prevent corrosion of the metal, while providing rigidity to the hose reel cart. 
         [0038]    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. 
         [0039]    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. 
         [0040]    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.