Patent Publication Number: US-2023150792-A1

Title: Hose Dispensing System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/095,902 filed on Nov. 12, 2020. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to material handling equipment, and more particularly, to a system for organizing and dispensing materials packaged on spools or reels, such as hoses or other flexible conduits. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hose assemblies, such as those used in the delivery of various fluids (e.g., hydraulic fluid, fuel, water, etc.) are widely used throughout many industries and in countless varying applications. Such diversity creates a need to be able to efficiently manufacture unique, application-specific assemblies in small quantities. For example, assemblies may utilize hoses of varying sizes (e.g., diameters, wall thicknesses, and overall length), material construction, end-fitting types depending on the application. Further, these hoses and other flexible materials often come packaged in bulk, and are wound on spools or reels making them heavy and difficult to handle. These characteristics result in time consuming and labor intensive changeover when switching between manufacturing assemblies utilizing different hose types. 
     Accordingly, there is need for solutions which increase the ease and efficiency by which hoses and other flexible materials or conduits may be stored, accessed and manipulated during associated manufacturing processes. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for dispensing a flexible hose is provided. The system includes a hose dispensing carousel having a frame, a spool support plate rotatably mounted to the frame and having a plurality of spool axles for rotatably supporting a plurality of spools of hose, and a lock adapted to fix the spool support plate relative to the frame in a plurality of discrete positions. The system further includes a guide defining an opening adapted to receive a free end of a hose held on one of the plurality of spools. The guide defines at least one rotatable bearing surface positioned at the opening, and is configured to align the hose with, and guide the hose toward, a tool for performing a manufacturing operation thereon. 
     In another embodiment, a hose dispensing carousel includes a frame and a spool support plate rotatably mounted to the frame. A plurality of spool axles are mounted to the spool support plate, with a plurality of spools each selectively rotatably mounted on a respective one of the plurality of spool axles. A plurality of fasteners are provided, with each configured to fix a respective spool relative to a respective spool axle. The carousel further comprises a lock adapted to fix a position of the spool support plate relative to the frame in a plurality of discrete positions. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent by the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings and will be helpful for a comprehensive understanding to the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a hose dispensing and manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is partial perspective view of a hose dispensing carousel and a hose guide of the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a front view of the hose dispensing carousel; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear perspective view of the hose dispensing carousel; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the hose dispensing carousel; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial cross-sectional view of the hose dispensing carousel taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a front view of a rotatable spool support plate of the hose dispensing carousel; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  are partial front views of the rotatable spool support plate of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a rear view of the rotatable spool support plate of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a rear perspective view of a user-actuated lock for fixing the rotational position of the spool support plate of  FIG.  7    relative to a remainder of the hose dispensing carousel; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the lock taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of an exemplary spool assembly mountable to the spool support plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the spool assembly of  FIG.  11    in an assembled state; 
         FIG.  13    is a side perspective view of a hose guide and support table according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a front view of the hose guide of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of the hose guide taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a cross-sectional view of the hose guide taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG.  15    in an operational state; and 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded view of the hose guide of  FIG.  13   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements found in, for example, known systems. However, for sake of brevity and because such elements are well known in the art, and they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications known to those skilled in the art. 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout several views. 
     While the following description is described as a hose dispensing system, it should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to hoses, but may be applicable to handling of other materials or products, including flexible solid stock, other flexible conduits, rope, chain, wire and other items capable of being stored on a spool or a reel. 
     Referring generally to  FIG.  1   , a hose dispensing and processing system  10  according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a working frame or work bench  12  having a support frame and a working surface upon which one or more manufacturing tools  20  are mounted. The tool(s)  20  may include, for example, a cutting blade for cutting a hose to length and/or a crimping tool for applying hose fittings to one or more free ends of a hose. A hose guide  30  may be fixed to the bench  12  proximate (e.g., directly adjacent to and aligned with) the tool(s)  20 . The guide  30  is configured to receive a length of hose  60  dispensed from a hose dispensing carousel  100 , and guide or align the hose with the tool(s)  20  for further processing. More specifically, the length of hose  60  is fed from one of a plurality of reels or spools  140  and through the hose guide  30  for processing by a user. Each of the spools  140  may store or hold different materials or products, such as hoses of different dimensions or different types of flexible elements all together. As will be set forth in greater detail therein, selective rotation of a spool support plate  120  of the carousel  100  by a user is operative to position one of the spools  140  proximate the guide  30 , facilitating dispensing of the hose from the spool  140  for further processing. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 6   , the hose dispensing carousel  100  includes a frame  110  including a base  112  and a support section  114  extending generally vertically from the base. The spool support plate  120  is rotatably mounted to the support section  114  and is configured to hold the plurality of spools  140  that are likewise rotatably mounted thereto. The support plate  120  further comprises a plurality of radially extending protrusions or handles  121  for facilitating rotation of the plate  120  relative to the support frame  110 . The rotational position of the support plate  120  may be fixed relative to the frame  110  via a lock or locking assembly  130 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the support section  114  includes first and second horizontal support braces  116  each having a radial flange bearing  117  attached thereto for receiving an axle  122  of the support plate  120 . A subframe or stiffening element  124  is fixedly attached to a rear of the support plate  120  and is adapted to provide increased rigidity to the support plate, as well as define secure mounting points for a plurality of spool axles  144  which extend outwardly from a front side of the support plate opposite the subframe. The subframe  124  defines a plurality of arms or braces  125  extending radially outward from a center thereof, with each arm being aligned angularly with a respective one of the plurality of spool axles  144 . In one embodiment, the subframe  124  and the axle  122  are formed integrally with one another, while in other embodiments, the axle may comprise a separate element fixedly attached to the subframe  124 , and thus to the support plate  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  7 - 7 E , an identifier  170  may be provided proximate each handle  121 . The identifier  170  is associated with a particular hose contained on a corresponding spool  140 , and may indicate a characteristic thereof, for example, hose size. In the exemplary embodiment, each spool or reel  140  holds a distinct diameter of hose (e.g., ¼″, ⅜″, ½″, ⅝″ and ¾″), with the identifiers  170  corresponding to the same. The position of the spool  140 , and the position of the handle  121  and the identifier  170  are correlated such that, with the handle indicating a given product positioned proximate the lock  130 , the spool  140  corresponding to the identified product is positioned proximate the guide  30 , or other predetermined desired location, for dispensing. In some embodiments, the location of a given handle  121  and identifier  170  are not located adjacent (or in nearest proximity) to the corresponding product or spool  140  identified thereby. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, each spool  140  carrying a hose of a given size is arranged generally oppositely about the plate  120  relative to its corresponding handle  121  and identifier  170 . In other embodiments, the handle  121  and corresponding spool  140  are radially offset approximately 5-10 degrees from being directly opposite one another, as shown in each of the  FIGS.  7 A- 7 E . This offset may be increased for an increase in a diameter of spool  140  (i.e., for a larger spool holding a larger hose), thus increasing the spacing between the spool  140  and adjacent spools. However, other configurations as possible based upon, for example, the location of the lock  130  on the support frame  110 , the location of the guide  30  and/or the location of the tool(s)  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , in addition to the arms or braces  125 , the subframe  124  may define a plurality of ring-shaped supports  126  corresponding in location to the axles  144 . The supports  126  may be used to mount each axle  144  directly thereto, or may be provided to support the plate  120  in the areas associated with each axle  144 . Each arm  125  extends radially beyond a corresponding mounting location associated with the axle  144 , and thus beyond each support  126 . In this way, the support plate  120  is supported in a manner resistance to bending moments placed thereon by the spool  140 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  8   , in the exemplary embodiment, the spool axles  144  may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to a center of the support plate  120 . In one embodiment, this may include at least one axle  144  being unequally spaced in linear radial distance from the center relative to a remainder of the axles. Additionally or in the alternative, the angular spacing between axles relative to the center may be varied, such that an arc length between at least one axle and an adjacent axle is distinct from the arc lengths between other adjacent axles. In this way, the support plate  120  may be configured to provide more distance between a given axle configured to be fitted with a larger spool vs. that of adjacent axles. In other embodiments, the axles  144  may be arranged symmetrically about a center of the support plate  120 . Each of these embodiments may include a correspondingly asymmetric or symmetric subframe. 
     As set forth above, the rotational position of the support plate  120  relative to the frame  110  is selectively fixable via the lock or lock assembly  130 . The lock  130  is mounted to the support section  114  and is selectively engageable with a corresponding feature of the support plate  120 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  9  and  10   , the lock  130  includes a moveable locking pin  132  having a free end selectively engageable with one of a plurality of openings  123  formed through the support plate  120  and corresponding in position to the location of one of the handles  121 . An opposite second end of the pin  132  is attached to a handle  134 . Specially, the pin  132  includes clevis end configured to receive a portion of the handle  134 . The handle  134  defines a slotted opening through which a fastener is passed, securing the handle to the pin  132 , while permitting the end of the pin to translate relative to the handle within the slot. A first end of the handle  134  is pivotally mounted to a bracket  135  fixed to the frame  110 , with a second end fitted with a grip  136  configured to be grasped by a user. An elastic element  138 , such as a tension spring, is fixed between the frame  110  and the moveable second end of the handle  134 , biasing the pin  132  into a locked position. 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , as set forth above, the spools  140  are each rotatably mounted to the support plate  120  via a respective one of the axles  144 . In the exemplary embodiment, ends of the axles  144  are threaded, such that with the spool  140  placed on the axle  144 , a nut  145  may be threaded thereon for retaining the spool on the axle. The nut  145 , which may be a castle nut, may further include a handle integrally formed thereon, allowing for easy and expedient rotation of the nut. In addition to ensuring the spool  140  is retained on the axle  144  in a rotatable manner, the nut  145  serves as a selective locking mechanism for the spool. More specifically, in use, each of the nuts  145  may be used to fix the spools radial position on the axle  144 , such that it cannot inadvertently be rotated, and thus feed out or retract the hose spooled thereon unintentionally. Further, selectively tightening the nut  145  permits a user to set a specific preload, or selective resistance to rotation on the spool  140 . In this way, the user is prevented from inadvertently dispensing too much material from the spool without the application of sufficient tension on the hose to overcome the preload. Washers  146  may be fitted to either side of the spool  140 , acting as uniform bearing surfaces between each of the support plate  120  and the nut  145 , and the spool  140 . In one embodiment, the washers  146  may comprise Belleville or spring washers, further improving the ability to apply selective preload onto the spool  140  for adjusting spool tension. As shown in  FIG.  12   , the axle  144  is configured as a hollow element having a free end opposite the plate  120  into which a free end of the hose  60  may be fitted when not in use. The interior of the axle  144  may define one or more friction-inducing elements, such as tines or protrusions  148  which extend from an interior wall of the axle and into the opening and aid in retaining the free end of a hose  60  inserted into the opening until removal is desired by a user. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  13 - 17   , a first or input end of the guide  30  comprises a bearing plate assembly  200  including generally planar bearing support plate  210  having an aperture  212  defined therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  212  is a four-sided rectangular opening. Arranged on each side of the aperture  212  is a rotatable bearing  214 , such as a roller or cylinder rotatably mounted to the plate  210 . In this way, four roller bearings  214  define an input opening to the guide  30 . Each of the roller bearings  214  may be rotatably mounted on a corresponding axle or pin extending therethrough, with free ends thereof secured via fasteners to the bearing plate  210  as shown. Upon insertion, the hose  60  is guided by the low-friction roller bearings  214 , preventing damage to the hose as it is passed or pulled therethrough. Notably, the presence of a rotating bearing surface on each of the input faces or sides of the opening allows for the hose  60  to enter the guide  30  from nearly any angle without incurring damage via engagement with hard edges, and/or without significant increases in friction. In this way, the guide  30  is accommodating of various alignments and positions of the hose and associated spools  140 . The bearing plate  210  may be attached to a mounting bracket  220  of the guide  30  via a plurality of stand-offs or spacers  222  and associated fasteners  224 . The spacers  222  prevent interference with the mounting bracket  220 , ensuring the roller bearings  214  are free to rotate in the assembled state of the guide  30 . 
     The mounting bracket  220  comprises an opening corresponding to the aperture of the bearing plate  210  through which the hose passes. On a side opposite the bearing plate may be arranged an intermediate plate  230  onto which a hose retaining element  240  is provided. In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining element  240  includes one or more elastic flaps  242  fastened thereto. The flaps  242  may comprise rubberized elements each mounted in a cantilevered manner to the outer edges of the intermediate plate  230  and the bracket  220 . The elastic flaps  242  each define a portion of an aperture therethrough. In one embodiment, with each elastic flap  242  arranged generally flush or coplanar with the intermediate plate  230 , the aperture is sized so as to be smaller than the hose  60 . Thus, passing the hose  60  through the aperture results in the deformation of one or more of the elastic flaps  242  in an axial direction of insertion, as shown in  FIG.  16   . This deformation, in conjunction with friction generated between the hose  60  and the flaps  242 , acts to retain the hose in position once pulled therethrough, and ensures that the hose does not pull back through, or fall out of, the guide  30  unintentionally. In this way, an operator making multiple cuts from the same hose does not have to refit the hose through the guide  30  after each cut, as it is held in place by the flaps  242 . The elastic nature of the flaps  242  permits the acceptance, passage, and retention of a plurality of hose sizes, as illustrated. The bearing plate  210 , intermediate plate  230  and flaps  242  may be mounted to the bracket  220  via fasteners inserted through each of these elements in the illustrated manner. 
     While the foregoing invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiment, various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications and changes are considered to be within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and the drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, show by way of illustration, and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations of variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.