Abstract:
A multiple hose rolling device is provided that is readily attachable to a vehicle and rolls multiple hoses of different flattened widths simultaneously. The device includes guides that adjust to accommodate the widths of the hoses, a closed dual-spindle system to prevent inadvertent displacement of the coiled hose from the spindle, a mechanism for assuring the pre-drainage liquid and air from hose portions about to enter the coil, and a mechanism for preventing the final end hose coupling from inadvertently being coiled. The device may be positioned to the side of the vehicle with the spindles extending outwardly from the vehicle and includes an electric motor for rotating the primary spindle, which can be powered by its own battery or the vehicle&#39;s battery. Precisely positionable guides are provided for carefully separating and guiding several hoses of different flattened widths as they approach the spindles.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/018,577, filed Jan. 2, 2008, the inventor being Jose Hipolito Torres. Such application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The field of the invention is fire fighting equipment, or, more specifically equipment for simultaneously and safely rolling multiple flattenable fire hoses, of different sizes, into coils. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Fire fighting personnel are constantly challenged by the awkward and strenuous task of rolling several fire hoses, of different sizes (i.e. different flattened widths), back into storable coils, while on the scene of a fire event in which several such hoses were unrolled for use. The hoses are of significant weight, and are made heavier in many cases by the presence of water remaining in the hoses. Manually lifting, folding, draining, or coiling the hoses requires significant personnel exertion, often by personnel already exhausted by activities during the fire itself. Existing hose rollers are often required to be permanently attached to a vehicle, have complex mechanisms, roll only one hose at a time, have open-ended tines or spindles, are sized for only one size hose, provide no mechanism for guiding hoses of different flattened widths on to spindles or tines, provide no mechanism for assuring drainage of the hose in the hose portion entering the coil, or provide no mechanism to prevent the final end hose coupling from being rolled inadvertently on to the coil and inducing slack and the unwanted hazard of a coupling rotating repeatedly about the coil axis. 
     Different devices have been provided by those in the field for rolling a flattenable hose into a coil. U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,690 (McIver) discloses a hose roller for a single hose that is attachable to a truck. A guide assembly (26A, 26B, 26C on McIver, FIG. 1) can be adjusted for a single hose of different width, but not for simultaneously rolling multiple hoses. U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,414 (Spradling) discloses a hand-cranked hose roller, apparently for a single hose, that is attachable to a truck. The device has open-ended tines, a wide initial spool without adjustable guides to accommodate hoses of different flattened widths, and no mechanism to prevent the hose coupling from being coiled inadvertently. U.S. Pat. No. 2,960,279 (Little) discloses a hose roller, attachable to a vehicle, for a single hose width limited by the initial stud (96,97 on Little, FIG. 2), which cannot be adjusted for hoses of different flattened widths. The hose must be doubled at its center point prior to use of the device, and the device has an open-ended hub. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,175 (Nichols) discloses a hose roller for a single hose, with open-ended pegs, with no hose guide, no mechanism for assuring the hose is drained before entering the coil, and no mechanism for preventing the final end hose coupling from being coiled inadvertently. U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,519 (Peacock) discloses a hose roller, attachable to a vehicle, with open-ended rolling fork, for a single hose, with no mechanism for adjusting the hose guide to the width of the hose, and with no mechanism provided for preventing the final end hose coupling from being coiled inadvertently. 
     What is needed is a device that is readily attachable to a vehicle, rolls multiple hoses of different flattened widths simultaneously, with guides that adjust to accommodate the widths of the hoses, a closed spindle system to prevent inadvertent displacement of the coiled hose from the spindle, a mechanism for assuring the pre-drainage of hose portions about to enter the coil, and a mechanism for preventing the final end hose coupling from inadvertently being coiled. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     My invention provides a multiple hose rolling device that is readily attachable to a vehicle, rolls multiple hoses of different flattened widths simultaneously, with guides that adjust to accommodate the widths of the hoses, a closed dual-spindle system to prevent inadvertent displacement of the coiled hose from the spindle, a mechanism for assuring the pre-drainage liquid and air from hose portions about to enter the coil, and a mechanism for preventing the final end hose coupling from inadvertently being coiled. 
     My invention also includes the positioning of the device to the side of the vehicle with the spindles extending outwardly from the vehicle, and an electric motor for rotating the primary spindle, which can be powered by its own battery or the vehicle&#39;s battery. Precisely positionable guides are provided for carefully separating and guiding several hoses of different flattened widths as they approach the spindles. 
     My invention can also be quickly assembled and disassembled on location with the components being readily stored in the bed of the light duty truck to which it is attachable during use. 
     In some exemplary embodiments I have provided 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. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the gate member is movable from a first position, allowing insertion of the hose first end and hose first coupling to a second position, laterally spaced from the roller, whereby the hose second coupling is prevented from passing the gate member. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the number of guide poles is at least three such that two hoses are positionable between two guide poles and separated by the guide poles. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the rotation member is an electric motor. 
     In some exemplary embodiments I have provided 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: frame means, attachable to the vehicle, the frame means having a hinge; rotation means, the rotation means being alternately startable and stoppable; roller means on the frame means; first spindle means on the frame means, laterally spaced from the roller means, the first spindle means having a first end and a second end, the first spindle means first end cooperating with the rotation means, such that the first spindle means is rotated by the rotation means, the first spindle means second end being engaged by the frame means for support during rotation; second spindle means, attachable to the first spindle means; guide means, the guide means having a plurality of guide poles on the frame means; and gate means on the frame means, the gate means being positionable to a position proximate the roller means; wherein: the hose first end is placed over the roller means, under the gate means, 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 means; the hose first coupling and hose first end are secured to the first spindle means by attaching the second spindle means to the first spindle means; the first spindle means is rotated by starting the rotation means, the hose being rolled about the first and second spindle means into a hose coil as the first spindle means is rotated, the hose being flattened as the hose is drawn over the roller means, the hose being guided by the guide poles, the hose second coupling encountering the gate means as it approaches the roller means, the hose second coupling being prevented by the closed gate means from being moved over the roller means; and after the rotation means is stopped, the frame means is moved on the frame means hinge such that the first spindle means second end is clear of the frame means, the second spindle means being detachable from the first spindle means and removable from the hose coil, the hose second coupling being removable from the gate means, and the hose coil being removable from the first spindle means. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the gate means is movable from a first position, allowing insertion of the hose first end and hose first coupling to a second position, laterally spaced from the roller means, whereby the hose second coupling is prevented from passing the gate means. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the number of guide poles is at least three such that two hoses are positionable between two guide poles and separated by the guide poles. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the rotation means is an electric motor. 
     In some exemplary embodiments I have provided a method 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: attaching a frame to the vehicle, the frame having a hinge and a rotation member, the rotation member being alternately startable and stoppable; placing a roller on the frame; placing a first spindle on the frame, 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; placing a plurality of guide poles on the frame; attaching a gate to the frame, the gate being swingable to a position proximate the roller; placing the hose first end over the roller, under the gate, and between two of the plurality of guide poles, the hose draining any liquid contents as the hose first end is elevated over the roller, the hose being flattened against the roller as the roller rotates; securing the hose first coupling and hose first end by attaching a second spindle to the first spindle; rotating the first spindle 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 as it approaches the roller, the continued movement of the hose second coupling causing the gate to move to close against the frame, the hose second coupling being prevented by the closed gate from being moved over the roller; stopping the rotation of the first spindle by stopping the rotation member; opening the gate and releasing the hose second coupling; moving the frame on the frame hinge, such that the first spindle second end is clear of the frame; removing the second spindle from attachment to the first spindle and pulling the second spindle from the hose coil; pulling the hose coil from the first spindle; removing the roller, gate, first spindle, and guide poles from the frame; and removing the frame from the vehicle. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a second hose has a hose first end, a hose first coupling, a hose second end, a hose second coupling, and a hose portion between the hose first coupling and the hose second coupling, the method further comprising: the step of placing the second hose first end over the roller, under the gate, and between two of the plurality of guide poles, at least one of the two of the plurality being in addition to the two of the plurality of guide poles guiding the first hose, the second hose draining any liquid contents as the second hose first end is elevated over the roller; and further wherein: the step of securing the hose first coupling and hose first end, further comprises securing the second hose first coupling and second hose first end, both securements being accomplished by attaching the second spindle to the first spindle; the step of rotating the first spindle by starting the rotation member further results in the second hose being rolled about the first and second spindle into a second hose coil as the first spindle is rotated, the second hose being flattened as the second hose is drawn over the roller, the second hose being guided by the guide poles; the step of removing the second spindle from attachment to the first spindle and pulling the second spindle from the hose coil further comprises pulling the second spindle from the second hose coil; the step of pulling the hose coil from the first spindle, further comprises pulling the second hose coil from the first spindle. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the frame positions the first spindle in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the vehicle&#39;s longitudinal axis, and the method further comprises the step of moving the vehicle in a substantially parallel path to the hose, as the hose is being rolled. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally represent like parts of exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the multiple hose roller of the present invention attached to a conventional rear hitch on a light duty truck. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the multiple hose roller of the present invention attached to a conventional rear hitch on a light duty truck. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the frame component of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a portion of the primary/first spindle component of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a spindle rotation assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of a rotation member/electric motor drive assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of lock plate and lock plate clamp components securing the second spindle to the first spindle in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a hose coupling and hose being secured between first and second spindle components in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the early coiling of a hose about first and second spindle components in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a hose being rolled into a coil about first and second spindle components, with the hose being guided by adjustable guides. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a hose coupling being prevented from inadvertent winding on to the hose coil. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an operator removing a second spindle from a hose coil prior to removing the hose coil from the first/primary spindle. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention while two hoses of different flattened widths are being rolled, with each hose being guided by a pair of adjustable guides. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of portions of alternate first and second spindles and the manner in which the second is secured to the first. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a portion of a second spindle and the pin used in securing the second spindle to the first spindle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The following discussion describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-3 , wherein an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with the hose roller  10  shown in perspective, attached to a vehicle  12 , using the vehicle&#39;s conventional trailer coupling receiver  14 , the hose roller  10  having a frame  20  with a coupling member  22  sized for mating with the coupling receiver, the coupling member  22  being pinned within the receiver in the conventional manner, using pin  24 . In some exemplary embodiments the frame  20  extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle  12 , the frame  20  having a riser  26  and a substantially horizontal member  28  supported by a brace  30 . In some exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  a pair of roller supports  32   a,b  extend upwardly from the frame horizontal member  28 , each having grooves  34   a,b , (for use as described below), a pair of vertical gate members  36   a,b  extend upwardly from the frame horizontal member  28 , and a pair of sub-frame connection members  38   a,b  (for use as described below, the first sub-frame connection member  38   a  extending downwardly from the frame horizontal member  28 , the second sub-frame connection member  38   b  extending rearwardly from the frame brace  30 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  a generally “H” shaped sub-frame  40  extends rearwardly from the frame  20  in an orientation substantially horizontal to the ground surface  14 . In such exemplary embodiments, a sub-frame riser  42  is pinned to the first sub-frame connection member  38   a  using pin  39 , the sub-frame riser extending downwardly then turning rearwardly for pinning to a sub-frame first side member  44  using pin  45 , the sub-frame first side member then extending rearwardly and having a spindle support member  46  having a rounded notch  47  (for use as described below). The sub-frame  40  has a second side member  48  pinned to the second sub-frame connection member  38   b  using pin  49 , and a sub-frame cross member  50  extending between the sub-frame first and second side members  44 , 48 , the cross member having a number of holes  52  in the cross member top and bottom for receiving hose guide poles  54 , each hose guide pole having a first end  56  for insertion into the cross member holes, a second end  57 , and a stop  58  for positioning the guide pole second end at the desired distance above the cross member. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , wherein an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown to have a spindle rotation assembly  60  having a hinge member  62  attached to the sub-frame second side  48  using hinge pin  63 , the hinge member being rotatable about the hinge pin  63  and lockable for alignment with the sub-frame second side member  48  using pin  64 . Attached to the hinge member  62  is an extension member  66  which, when the hinge member  62  is locked, aligns with sub-frame second side member  48  and effectively extends the second side member  48  to a point substantially coinciding with the rearward end of the sub-frame first side member  44 . 
     As further illustrated for some exemplary embodiments in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 , a first spindle  70  has a first end body portion  72  that is placeable and rotatable in the sub-frame first side member spindle support member  46  using the rounded notch  47 . In such exemplary embodiments, the first spindle  70  has a second end  74 , with gear teeth  76 , and a second spindle support member  78  having a rounded notch  79  (for use as described below). As shown further for such exemplary embodiments in  FIG. 5 , the first spindle second end  74  is placed through a spindle guide  80  that is attached to the spindle rotation assembly  60 , the first spindle second end  74  extending through the spindle guide  80  and into an electric motor  82  (attached to the spindle rotation assembly) wherein the first spindle second end gear teeth  76  mesh with the electric motor such that the first spindle  70  is rotated when the motor is turned on. As further illustrated for such exemplary embodiments in  FIGS. 5-6 , a conventional controller  84 , storable in a tray  86 , for operating the electric motor, is conventionally wired to the motor, and leads  88   a,b  are used for conventional attachment of the electric motor to a power source such as a battery (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments, the battery is the vehicle battery and conventional vehicle wiring is utilized in cooperation with the leads  88   a,b.    
     For exemplary embodiments of the present invention of the type illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and as further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a second spindle  90  has a first end lock plate  92  and a second end  93  that is placeable and rotatable within the second spindle support member  78  using the rounded notch  79 . A lock plate clamp  96  is first placed about a flattened area  73  on the first spindle  70  and has two protruding members  97   a,b  that are each insertable through a gap formed between lock plate hooks  98   a,b  and a corresponding lock plate extensions  99   a,b , the protruding members  97   a,b  thereby being clamped to the second spindle first end lock plate  92 . When so attached and positioned the second spindle  90  is held in a substantially parallel position with respect to the first spindle  70 , and rotates with the first spindle when the motor  82  is on. 
     Turning again to  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein the vertical gate members  36   a,b  are further shown in association with a gate  100  having a first end  102  and a second end  104 , each end being sized and oriented to receive the vertical gate members  36   a,b  (circular in cross-section) and position the gate  100  substantially across the span between the vertical gate members. In exemplary embodiments of the type depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , the second end  104  is received by vertical gate member  36   b , about which the gate  100  is pivotable, the gate being closable to a position such that the gate is generally parallel with a roller  110 , the roller having roller spindles  112   a,b  at its ends, the roller spindles being placeable and rotatable within the roller supports  32   a,b  using roller support rounded grooves  34   a,b . Optionally, the gate  100  can be secured in a closed position by additionally placing gate first end  102  on to the adjacent vertical gate member  36   a , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     In a typical use of the present invention, the operator  18  desires to coil a fire hose  200  with the hose flattened and drained. The typical hose will have a body  202 , a first end  204 , a first end coupling  206 , a second end  208  and a second end coupling  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-12 . The operator moves the vehicle  12  to a position in substantial alignment with the hose, which is typically laid on the ground  14  in a substantially straight orientation. The hose roller  10  components are easily transported in the bed of a vehicle  12  such as a pickup, and the operator will typically assemble the hose roller at the hose location. The frame  20  is first attached to the vehicle  12  by inserting the frame coupling member  22  into the conventional trailer coupling receiver  24  and securing the attachment. The sub-frame riser  42  is then pinned to the sub-frame  40  using pin  45 . The sub-frame and riser are then attached to the frame using sub-frame connection members  38   a,b  and pins  39 , 49 . The roller  110  is then positioned on the roller supports  32   a,b  by inserting the roller spindles  112   a,b  into the roller support grooves  34   a,b , whereby the roller is free to roll within the supports. The gate  100  is then attached, in the pivotable configuration, by threading gate second end  104  on to the vertical gate member  36   b.    
     At this point the operator  18  attaches the spindle rotation assembly  60  by securing the hinge pin  63  through the hinge member  62  and the sub-frame second side member  48 , leaving the assembly free to pivot for the moment. If separately transported the controller  84  is then electrically connected to the electric motor  82  using cables  83   a,b  and to the power source using the leads  83   c,d.    
     With the hinge member  62  pivoted a small amount toward the rear of the vehicle  12 , the operator  18  inserts the first spindle second end  74  through the guide  80  and into the motor  82  for the gear teeth  76  to internally mesh with the motor. Once the second end is inserted the hinge member  62  is pivoted back to a position such that the extension member  66  is aligned with the sub-frame second side  48  and locked into such alignment using pin  64 , after the first spindle first end  72  has been placed within the first spindle support rounded notch  47 . 
     After determining the approximate width of the subject hose when flattened, the operator  18  places two guide poles  54   a,b  into frame cross member holes  52  suitable for spacing the guide poles in a manner sufficient to allow smooth passage of the flattened hose between the guide poles, without allowing any substantial lateral motion of the hose. When the guide poles are so positioned the operator picks up the hose first end coupling  206 , opens the gate  100  sufficiently to place the hose first end between the gate  100  and the roller  110 , guides the hose first end coupling over the roller  110  and through the guide poles  54   a,b  to a point underneath and slightly beyond the first spindle  70 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the operator  18  then folds the hose first end coupling  206  over the hose first end  204 , and places the fold about the first spindle  70 . While the hose is in this position, the operator places the second spindle second end  92  in the rounded notch  79  on the second spindle support member  78 . The lock plate clamp  96  is then placed about the first spindle flattened area  73  and secured to the second spindle lock plate  94  by threading protruding members  97   a,b  through the clamp hooks  98   a,b , as previously discussed with respect to  FIG. 4 . Once the lock plate clamp  96  is so secured the first spindle  70  and second spindle  90  trap the fold of the hose, as shown particularly in  FIG. 8 . 
     Once the hose first end  204  is secured between the first spindle  70  and second spindle  90 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , the operator  18  then uses the controller  84  to start the motor and rotate the first spindle in a counter-clockwise direction (when viewed from the orientation shown in  FIG. 8 ). The hose body  202  then begins to coil as it is repeatedly wrapped about the first spindle  70  and second spindle  90 , as illustrated progressively in  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 . The combined effect of gravity and the flat roller surface cause liquids and air in the hose to drain prior to the hose traveling over the roller. 
     Following a period of such rotation, the hose second end  208  will be drawn close to the gate  100  and roller  110 . The operator  18  carefully observes the hose second end coupling  210 , as it approaches the gate  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the motor is turned off when the hose second end coupling  210  encounters the gate  100  and is thereby prevented from being drawn over the roller  110 . After opening the gate  100  to release the hose second end coupling  210 , the remaining few feet of drained and flattened hose can quickly be wrapped about the coil and the completed coil moved to another location for storage. The operator then removes the first spindle first end  72  from the first spindle support  46 , pulls the pin  64  to release the hinged spindle rotation assembly  60 , and pivots the assembly rearwardly to a position similar to that depicted in  FIG. 12 . Once the operator has removed the lock plate clamp  96 , the operator is able to grasp the second spindle  90 , pull it from the coiled hose  200 , and lay the second spindle aside. At this point, the coiled hose has an unobstructed path along, and off the end of, the first spindle  70  and the first spindle first end  72 . The process can be repeated for other hoses, and when all are properly flattened, drained and coiled, the hose roller  10  is ready for disassembly by reversing the assembly steps described above. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the hose roller  10  is capable of rolling a number of different sized hoses  300 , 400  simultaneously. Having at least one more guide pole, usually two more guide poles  54   c,d , allows additional hoses to be guided over the roller  110  and to separate securements between the first spindle  70  and second spindle  90 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and as illustrated in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , the second spindle  500  is attached to the first spindle  502  without the previously described lock plate and lock plate clamp. The first spindle is penetrated by a hole  504  which receives a pin  506  which is attached to the second spindle first end  508  through a hole  510 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the rotation of the first spindle is provided by a hand crank instead of an electric motor, the hand crank being readily attachable to a first spindle second end near the present electric motor location. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15  may be constructed from various materials known to have sufficient strength to handle the weight of the hoses and sufficient stiffness to maintain the desired configuration and the position with respect to the vehicle. In some exemplary embodiments the frame  20  is constructed from ¼″×2″ square steel tubing, the sub-frame  40 , sub-frame riser  42 , gate ends  102   a,b , hinge member  62 , and extension member  64  are constructed from 3/16″×2″ square steel tubing, the gate ends  102   a,b  are constructed from 3/16″×1½″ square steel tubing, the guidepoles  54   a - d  are constructed from ⅝″ Schedule 40 steel piping, the vertical gate members  36   a,b  are constructed from ¾″ Schedule 40 steel piping, the gate  100  is constructed from ¾″ Schedule 80 steel piping, the gate  100  first spindle  70  is constructed from ¾″ Schedule 80 piping, the second spindle  90  is constructed from ¾″ solid steel rod, the roller  110  is constructed from a steel cylinder (Schedule 40), the roller supports  32   a,b  are constructed from ¼″ steel plate, the tray  86  is constructed from 3/16″×2″ angle iron, the second spindle support member  78 , second spindle lock plate  94  and lock plate clamp  96  are constructed from ¼″ steel plate, the guide pole stops  58  are constructed using 2¼″ flat steel washers, and the various pins are constructed from ½″×5½″ steel bolts. Prospectively, various plastics may be substitutable for the above components. The electric motor is a 1.5 horsepower conventional electric motor and the guide  80  includes a 1 inch bushing bearing. 
     It will be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes may be made, and in fact will be made, in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from its true spirit. The descriptions in this specification are for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed in a limiting sense.