Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to portable hose carts for handling and storage of flexible hoses, such as garden or air hoses. The cart is primarily constructed of plastic components having a centrally rotatable spool for winding of the flexible hose, an enclosure for supporting the spool, wheels at one end of the base of the enclosure, and a handle assembly for tilting the frame onto the wheels to facilitate moving the device. The handle assembly is telescoping mounted and includes a handle mounted near the top of the handle assembly. The spool is rotatable by either a direct current powered motor or a folding manual crank. Power from the electrical motor is transferred to the spool via an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly. When the cover is in the open position, the direct current motor is operationally locked out, and when the cover is rotated into the closed position, the direct current motor is operable. The device may further include a reciprocating guide assembly that operates during rotation of the spool to rewind the hose into a compact configuration.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/649,015 filed Sep. 25, 2003 which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/346,908 filed Jan. 17, 2003 the contents of which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention is directed to hose rewinding apparatus for flexible hoses. More specifically, the present invention relates to a direct current powered, motor driven hose rewinding apparatus with manual override that is mounted within a protective safety enclosure. The safety enclosure includes a telescoping handle and a pair of wheels for easy transport and storage.  
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0003]     The prior art has proposed a number of different structures for rewinding and storing a hose when it is not in use. These devices generally include stationary hose reel hangers that can be mounted to a surface of a building, such as an outer wall of a house, or portable hose reel carts that permit ready transport of the hose from one location to another.  
         [0004]     In the past it was common to retrieve hoses and the like by manually winding them around a suitable structure, such as a wall mounted hanger, or simply bundling them into loose coils. Surface (or wall) mounted hose reels or hangers come in a wide variety of configurations. For example, one surface mounted hose hanger includes a simple, semi-circular metal or plastic support that is mounted to the building, over which the hose is looped or hung. Another surface mounted device or reel includes a rotatable fitting that is mounted to the building surface to which a manually rotated reel is mounted. Unfortunately, when hose is pulled out from such manually wound devices, it often becomes snarled or tangled and requires appreciable time and effort to correct the situation. Additionally, these surface mounted reels and hangers are often considered unsightly, particularly if they are mounted to the front of the building and are not covered or otherwise obscured by plants or foliage.  
         [0005]     Portable hose reel carts permit ready transport of the hose from one location to another. Portable hose reel carts typically include an open, manually rotatable reel or spool positioned between a pair of side frames with wheels. The hose is manually wound upon the reel for storage and pulled or dispensed from the reel for use.  
         [0006]     Although such carts have become wide spread in use because of their portable storage capabilities, they do have drawbacks. First, these devices require manual winding of the hose. Rewinding long hoses requires a considerable effort. Due to the low positional location of the winding mechanism on these devices, many users may be physically unable to complete the rewinding. Additionally, a hose stored on such a reel is exposed to the elements. Often hoses are made of rubber or like materials that can become stiff or brittle and can break when subjected to ultra-violet radiation or low temperature extremes, particularly with advanced age.  
         [0007]     Portable hose reel carts may also be considered by some to be unsightly. Given that most hose reel carts are designed for use in and around garden and lawn areas, it is expected and natural for these carts to become dirty. As such, some users may be inclined to constantly remove a hose reel cart, particularly from the front of a house, when, for example, the cart becomes dirty, muddy or discolored.  
         [0008]     In an effort to solve some of these problems, a number of hose retrieval devices have been developed which automatically retrieve and rewind hose on a reel in such a manner so as to avoid tangling the next time the hose is deployed or paid out. Such devices generally include a reel and a level wind mechanism for guiding the hose onto the reel. The level wind mechanism includes a traversing screw, a guide rod, and a follower. The reel is generally directly driven by a motor and/or an intermeshing clutch assembly. Unfortunately, the electric motors of the prior art devices have voltage requirements that reduce portability and increase the risk of electrical shock. Additionally, the clutch mechanisms utilized on these devices are either completely engaged or completely disengaged and lack an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly to allow operator controlled speed and/or force of hose retrieval.  
         [0009]     Unfortunately, many of these motorized devices also lack a suitably safe enclosure to protect the operator and/or small children from being accidentally caught in the device. For example, none of the motorized hose reels known are equipped with safety interlocks to prevent the motor from being engaged if an enclosure cover is opened. To compound the problem, many of these devices do not provide for an emergency stop and require the entire hose to be retracted before the device can be stopped. Retracting the entire hose may take several seconds and exacerbates emergency situations such as when a person or pet has been caught in the machine or in the hose as it is retracted. In addition, none of the devices known provide a disengaging hose winding guide. The level winds of the prior art are capable of causing severe damage to an operator, child or pet that may accidentally get caught in the rewinding device.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, there exists a need for a rechargeable battery operated motorized hose rewinding and storage device that permits safe motorized take-up and manual dispensing of a hose that is also aesthetically pleasing. Such a hose rewinding and storage device that can be safely used to retract and “hide-away” the hoses stored therein when not in use. The hose rewinding device should also be constructed for easy transport and storage while maintaining a overall compact profile.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0011]     A number of hose rewinding assemblies in the prior art utilize electric motors to drive a reel for retracting an elongate member such as a cord or hose. Examples are disclosed as follows:  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,074 discloses an automatic hose rewinding device having an alternating current (AC) motor driven reel. The desired amount of hose is pulled out of the enclosure manually for use. After use a button is pushed once and the hose is completely retracted until a device on the end of the hose strikes a bar to disengage the AC motor. The design of the device does not allow small increments of the hose to be retracted. If the operator wishes to use a smaller amount of hose, the entire hose must be retracted and the desired amount of hose must be manually pulled out again. Additionally, the use of alternating current reduces portability of the device and increases the risk of electrical shock.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,772 discloses an automatic hose winding apparatus having an intermeshing, non-slipping clutch. The desired amount of hose is pulled out of the enclosure manually for use. For retraction, the operator must manually lock the intermeshing clutch mechanism in place. When the hose is completely retracted a device on the end of the hose strikes a lever to disengage the intermeshing clutch. The design of the device allows increments of the hose to be retracted, however, the operator must manually disengage the clutch before any amount of hose can be manually payed out. The apparatus makes no disclosure or suggestion of a protective enclosure or a disengaging hose guide.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,995 discloses a motor driven hose reel assembly. The device interconnects two sensors and a motor to monitor the quantity of hose manually pulled from the reel. By pulling on the hose manually, the hose is rewound in an amount less than that necessary to completely rewind the hose. Because the device is operated in a retraction direction when the hose is pulled, the design requires the operator to overcome the pulling force of the device to extend hose from the machine.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,002 discloses a coupling mechanism for use in conjunction with a hose reel to automatically and selectively engage or disengage the reel and motorized drive train. The coupling utilizes a sliding spring pin on the drive train which is designed to automatically engage one of a series of cooperating stop lugs on the reel to transmit the driving power of the motor to the rotatable reel. The spring pin can be manually locked in a disengaged position to allow the hose reel to freewheel. When the spring pin is engaged the device operates in direct drive from the motor.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,096 discloses a retractable reel device especially useful for electrical cables. The device is specifically designed to allow an operator to pull out a desired amount of cable. Once the cable is paid out, the device maintains a predetermined amount of tension on the cable. Thereafter, any slack in the cable is automatically retracted by an AC motor.  
         [0017]     Thus, what is lacking in the art is a direct current powered hose rewinding device having an infinitely adjustable torque transfer method for modulating hose retrieval. The references are further deficient in teaching the use of a rechargeable battery in combination with a direct current (DC) motor for powering the hose retrieval device. Moreover, the references are deficient in teaching an enclosure with safety interlocks that prevent the motor from being engaged when a cover is in an open position. The devices are further deficient in teaching a safety hose guide assembly that is capable of disengagement in the event that the path of the device is inadvertently blocked. The prior art devices are still yet deficient in teaching a motorized hose rewinding device with manual override, allowing the hose to be retracted manually as well as by motor. Even further, the prior art devices are deficient in teaching a device which includes a telescoping handle and a pair of rearwardly mounted wheels for easy transport of the device.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]     The present invention provides an improved direct current powered hose rewinding device having an enclosure including a telescoping handle and a pair of rotatably mounted wheels to provide portability. Additional features include various embodiments of infinitely variable torque transfer assemblies which cooperate with the direct current motor for power-assisted hose retrieval.  
         [0019]     The apparatus includes a motorized rotatable spool carried and contained within an enclosure. The rotatable spool includes a hub and a pair of flanges at opposing ends of the hub, and is configured for storage, motorized take-up, and manual pay-out of the flexible hose. Power for the motorized spool is supplied through a control assembly that includes a rechargeable battery, a main power switch, and at least one safety interlock. The safety interlock(s) are incorporated into the enclosure and prevent motorized operation of the spool when the enclosure is opened.  
         [0020]     The enclosure has left and right side wall panels, front and rear wall panels extending between the left and right wall panels, and a cover. The enclosure is configured for receiving a rotatable spool for storing a length of flexible hose within the enclosure.  
         [0021]     The cover pivots about a pair of hinges that mount the cover to the enclosure for movement between a closed position and an open position. The hinge arrangement includes hinge pin bosses extending upwardly from a top edge of the rear panel, wherein a hinge pin extends from each of the hinge pin bosses about laterally and in axial alignment with respect to each other. The cover is formed having a depending lip and a pair of pockets that are integrally formed into the rear wall of the depending lip for cooperation with each respective hinge boss and pin. Preferably, the pins are formed as fluted cylindrical elements extending from the bosses, axially aligned to one another to facilitate rotational movement.  
         [0022]     When the cover is rotated into the open position, a safety interlock switch assembly prevents motorized operation of the hose spool. When the cover is rotated into the closed position, an engagement pin extending from the underside of the cover cooperates with the safety interlock switch to allow motorized operation of the spool.  
         [0023]     To facilitate take-up and pay-out of the hose with the cover closed, the front wall panel includes a cut-out portion extending downward from the top edge thereof adjacent to the junction with the cover. In this arrangement, when the cover is closed, the cut-out accommodates traversing a portion of the flexible hose therethrough.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment a reciprocating hose guide assembly is linked to the spool. When the spool is rotated, the reciprocating hose guide will move back and forth across the spool to uniformly and smoothly wrap the hose on the spool to provide a compact storage configuration.  
         [0025]     In a further embodiment, the reciprocating hose guide can be released from its double-helix lead-screw in the event that its path becomes blocked, such as by debris or when a hand or arm is mistakenly placed in the opening. Alternatively, the hose guide may be manually disengaged to facilitate easy hose pay-out, and can thereafter be repositioned before being manually re-engaged.  
         [0026]     A sliding seal fluid inlet joint permits the hose outlet joint to rotate with the hose spool without disconnecting the hose. This arrangement permits rotating the spool without twisting or torquing internal components, while maintaining sealed fluid communication between the water supply and the hose.  
         [0027]     For rotational operation the spool is provided with a winding means capable of manual rotational movement of the spool in relation to the enclosure and an electrically energized power assist means for selective and operative engagement of the winding means. The winding means is illustrated as a hand crank extending through the enclosure and connected to the spool at about its axis of rotation. The power assist means is illustrated as a DC powered motor mounted within the enclosure and connected to the hose spool via a torque transfer assembly. In some embodiments the torque transfer assembly utilizes a dynamic clutch assembly to transfer torque from the motor to rotate the torque transfer assembly thereby rotating the spool. In other embodiments the clutch assembly may regulate torque supplied to the spool via a foot pedal operated clutch assembly. In one embodiment the foot operated cantilever forces an idler friction wheel into engagement with a drive friction wheel and a spool friction wheel to selectively couple and decouple the DC motor to and from the spool to modulate the pulling force and rotational speed of the hose spool. When the foot pedal is depressed the main power switch of the control assembly supplies current from the battery to start the DC motor and the idler friction wheel is forced into engagement to provide the desired speed and/or force required for hose retrieval. Release of the pedal stops the motor and allows hose to be freely pulled from the spool as desired.  
         [0028]     In an alternative embodiment the foot operated cantilever forces an idler gear into engagement with a drive gear and a spool gear to selectively couple and decouple the DC motor to and from the spool to modulate the pulling force and rotational speed of the hose spool. When the foot pedal is depressed the main power switch of the control assembly supplies current from the battery to start the DC motor and the idler gear is forced into engagement to provide the desired speed and/or force required for hose retrieval. Release of the pedal stops the motor and allows hose to be freely pulled from the spool as desired. The device may also include at least one idler gear to adjust torque and rotational speed of the hose spool with respect to the motor.  
         [0029]     Because motors often operate at relatively high RPM, the DC motor may include an internal gear train coupled between the armature of the DC motor and the DC motor output shaft. The internal gear train is capable of reducing RPM output and increasing motor torque.  
         [0030]     Power for the control assembly is provided by a removable, replaceable, and rechargeable battery assembly conveniently stored within its own closed compartment in the enclosure. Connection to the battery is made via a unique clip-on connector that also provides an integrated battery charging jack. The clip-on connector is constructed and arranged to prevent the clip from being incorrectly connected to the battery and the assembly requires directional installation into the enclosure for electrical connection to the control assembly. The integrated charging jack in the clip-on connector allows convenient battery recharging without disconnecting the clip from the battery. In this manner the battery can be safely and easily removed, recharged, and/or reinstalled into the enclosure without danger of incorrect connection.  
         [0031]     Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus wherein the speed and/or force of hose retrieval is modulated by virtue of an infinitely adjustable torque transfer assembly.  
         [0032]     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus that is constructed to utilize a DC power source.  
         [0033]     It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus having a removable and rechargeable power source.  
         [0034]     Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery operated rechargeable motorized hose rewinding apparatus capable of protecting the hose during storage from direct contact with the elements.  
         [0035]     Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus that is aesthetically appealing to consumers.  
         [0036]     Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a motorized hose rewinding apparatus that includes an enclosure having safety interlocks to prevent motorized operation when the enclosure is opened.  
         [0037]     Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a hose rewinding device that provides portability by utilizing wheels and telescoping handle assembly to permit easy transport of the device.  
         [0038]     Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a hose winding guide assembly that includes automatic as well as manual disengagement features.  
         [0039]     Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings 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  
       [0040]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the motorized hose rewinding apparatus of the instant invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the motorized hose rewinding apparatus illustrated with the telescoping handle in an operative position;  
         [0042]      FIG. 3A  is a front partially exploded perspective view of the instant invention illustrating the hand crank and the foot pedal in their respective open positions;  
         [0043]      FIG. 3B  is a partial view taken along lines  1 - 1  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is an partially exploded perspective view of the of the instant invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the enclosure of the instant invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 6A  is a partial view of the instant invention illustrated with the enclosure omitted for clarity;  
         [0047]      FIG. 6B  is a partial view of one embodiment of the variable torque transfer assembly;  
         [0048]      FIG. 6C  is a partial view of one embodiment of the variable torque transfer assembly;  
         [0049]      FIG. 7A  is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the variable torque transfer assembly;  
         [0050]      FIG. 7B  is a partial view of one embodiment of the torque transfer assembly;  
         [0051]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a centrifugal type clutch assembly;  
         [0052]      FIG. 9  is a side view illustrating a cone type clutch assembly;  
         [0053]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a plate type clutch assembly;  
         [0054]      FIG. 11  is a partial rear view illustrating the recessed anchoring apertures;  
         [0055]      FIG. 12  is a partial exploded view illustrating the battery assembly;  
         [0056]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the underside of the clip assembly utilized in the present invention;  
         [0057]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the battery clip assembly;  
         [0058]      FIG. 15  is a pictorial view of the battery and charger assembly.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0059]     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 of parts 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 in the drawings and described in the specification.  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , generally, there is shown a direct current powered hose rewinding device  100  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The hose rewinding device  100  includes a motor driven spool  12  onto which the hose is mechanically wound or taken up, and from which the hose is manually fed out or paid out.  
         [0061]     The enclosure  14  includes a front wall panel  30  and a rear wall panel  34 , a left side wall panel  32 , a right side wall panel  36 , and a pivoting cover  38 . Optionally, the enclosure  14  can include a bottom panel (not shown) for substantially fully enclosing the spool  12  and protecting the spool  12  and hose from the elements. The optional bottom panel is preferably constructed as a reversible member with an enhanced friction engaging first surface and a relatively smooth second surface. In this manner the bottom panel could be inserted to prevent the apparatus from skidding on hard surfaces where staking is not practical. In addition, the bottom surfaces of the left side wall panel  32  and right side wall panel  36  may be constructed with optional rubber pads  33  to further engage hard surfaces. As will be apparent from the drawings, the front, rear and side panels  30 - 36 , and the cover  38  enclose the spool  12  such that the spool is substantially not visible from outside of the enclosure  14  when the cover  38  is closed.  
         [0062]     In a first embodiment the front panel  30  of enclosure  14  includes a cut-out portion  52  extending downwardly from the top lip thereof. The cut-out portion  52  can be elongated and is suitably sized to accommodate a standard size garden hose so that the hose can be paid-out from or taken-up onto the spool  12  without lifting the cover  38 . That is, the hose can freely move through the cut-out opening  52  without opening the cover  38 .  
         [0063]     In a most preferred embodiment the front panel  30  of enclosure  14  includes an elongated cut-out portion  52  extending downwardly from a top lip thereof. The cut-out portion  52  is sized to accommodate a reciprocating hose guide assembly  50  ( FIG. 3A ) so that the hose can be uniformly and smoothly wrapped on the spool  12  to provide a compact storage configuration or easily paid-out from the spool  12  without lifting the cover  38 .  
         [0064]     The enclosure  14  preferably includes a pair of wheel recesses  40  extending inwardly into the right side panel  36  and left side panel  32  for housing the rotatably mounted wheel assemblies  43 . The wheel recesses  40  are generally positioned at a lower rear portion of the side panels and each includes a centrally located wheel assembly hub  212  and aperture  41  ( FIG. 4 ) for accepting the wheel  200  and axle portion of a wheel assembly  43 .  
         [0065]     In a most preferred embodiment, the right side panel wheel recess  40  includes a foot pedal aperture  45 . The foot pedal aperture is adapted to allow the second end  42  of the cantilever  110  ( FIG. 6A ) to extend therethrough. The foot pedal  47  extends outwardly with respect to the side panel  36 , as shown in  FIG. 3A and 3B , when the foot pedal  47  is in an operational position and is recessed with respect to the outermost portion of the side panel  36 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , when the foot pedal  47  is in a storage position. This construction prevents inadvertent operation of the foot pedal  47  and permits compact storage of the device.  
         [0066]     A manual override winding crank  24  is external of the enclosure  14  and extends through a side wall for connection to the spool  12 , preferably on an end opposite to that of the in-tube  20  ( FIG. 2 ), to facilitate manual take-up of the hose. The crank  24  includes a folding handle  25  capable of folding into a recess  26  formed in the crank  24 . The handle releasable lock  28  ( FIG. 3A ) in the crank  24  cooperates with detents in the handle  25  to permit the handle  25  to be locked into either a position parallel to the crank or a position perpendicular to the crank. Locking the handle  25  in the parallel position permits the spool to rotate without the danger of the rotating handle hitting or snagging objects or persons within its path and also permits a compact enclosure.  
         [0067]     Now referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the motorized hose rewinding apparatus  100  is illustrated partially exploded. The battery cover  48  and handle  25  are illustrated in their respective open positions and the foot pedal  47  in its respective operative position.  
         [0068]     Incorporated into the enclosure  14  is a lockout assembly  62  that prevents the direct current motor  98  ( FIG. 6A ) from operating when the cover  38  is in the open position. The lockout assembly  62  is illustrated as, but not limited to, an engagement pin  64  cooperating with a normally open micro-switch  68 . Other devices well known in the art suitable for sensing an open cover and locking out electrical devices when the cover is open may be substituted for the pin and switch assembly illustrated herein. Such devices may include but should not be limited to micro-switches, proximity switches, mercury switches, mechanical switches, optical switches and the like.  
         [0069]     Also visible is the reciprocating hose guide assembly  50  and the basket member  44 . The reciprocating hose guide assembly  50  contains a double helix lead-screw  54 , guide rod  56 , and carriage  58 . The reciprocating hose guide assembly  50  is linked via gear-train  96  ( FIG. 6A ) to the hose spool  12  so that when the hose spool  12  is rotated, the double helix lead-screw  54  rotates at a desired ratio with respect to the hose spool  12 . The lead-screw  54  is journaled for rotation between side members  32  and  36  and is substantially parallel to the central hub portion of spool  12 . The lead-screw  54  engages the carriage  58  via follower  66 , allowing the carriage  58  to move back and forth across the lead-screw  54  and the guide rod  56  when engaged during both manual and motorized operation. The follower  66  can be manually disengaged from the lead-screw  54  to permit easy pay-out of hose or repositioning of the carriage  58 . Operation of the hose guide assembly  50  permits hose to be uniformly and smoothly wrapped on the spool  12  to provide a compact storage configuration. Optionally the follower  66  may include a disengagement feature that permits the carriage  58  to release from the lead-screw  54  in the event that the carriage  58  is obstructed during motorized or manual hose rewinding.  
         [0070]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the spool  12  is supported by and rotatably mounted within the enclosure  14 . The spool  12  includes a central hub  16  constructed of two mating halves  16 A and  16 B and a pair of radially extending flanges  18  that are configured to accommodate a length of the flexible hose wrapped around the hub  16  between the flanges  18 . In a typical arrangement, the hose spool  12  can store upward of 150 feet of ⅝ inch garden hose.  
         [0071]     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the hose spool  12  includes a water inlet port or in-tube  20  and an outlet port or out-tube  22 . The in-tube  20  is mounted to the enclosure  14  at about the axis of rotation of the spool  12 . The in-tube  20  is connected to the out-tube  22  by a sliding seal arrangement  23  which will be recognized by those skilled in the art. This arrangement permits the in-tube  20  to remain fixed to the enclosure  14 , while the out-tube  22  rotates with the spool  12 . In this configuration, the in-tube  20  and out-tube  22  remain in fluid communication with one another. This arrangement permits rotating the spool  12  without twisting or torquing internal components, while maintaining sealed fluid communication between the water supply and the hose.  
         [0072]     Also visible is one embodiment of the torque transfer assembly  68  having the structural transfer cover  46  removed. The transfer cover  46  cooperates with the right side panel  36  to provide structural support to the torque transfer assembly.  
         [0073]     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , the wheel assemblies  43  are shown. Each of the wheel assemblies include a wheel  200  and an axle member  202 . The axle member  202  includes an axle stub  204 . On a first end of the axle stub is a plurality of integrally formed spring clips  206 . The spring clips are constructed and arranged to cooperate with the wheel assembly aperture  41  for push in interlocking installation of the wheel assemblies  43 . On a second opposite end of the axle stub  204  is an integrally formed thrust plate  208 . In operation, the wheel aperture  210  is placed over hub  212  and the axle member  202  is slid into wheel assembly aperture  41 . In this manner the axle stub extends through a central portion of said wheel for interlocking engagement with the rear panel and the thrust plate abuts the wheel to rotatably secure the wheel to the enclosure.  
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , an exploded view of the enclosure is shown  14 . The panels  30 - 38  are preferably molded components formed from high strength polymeric (plastic) material, such as polystyrene or the like. The panels  30 - 38  are most preferably configured such that the front and rear panels  30 ,  34  have contoured posts  70  that insert into recesses or channels  72  formed integrally and extending vertically along the front and rear edges of each side wall panel  32  and  36 . The contoured projections  70  include ramped surfaces or snap-type elements  76  that engage openings  78  in the channels  72  to lock the panels to one another.  
         [0075]     Advantageously, this configuration permits ready assembly of the enclosure  14  with a minimum number of tools, and involves a minimum number of parts.  
         [0076]     The rear panel  34  includes a telescoping handle assembly  130 . The telescoping handle assembly  130  is moveable between a storage position, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein the handle is substantially the same height as the enclosure  14  and an in-use position, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , wherein the handle extends above the overall height of the enclosure. The telescoping handle  130  assembly preferably includes a pair of spaced apart telescoping members  132  and a handle member  134  extending substantially horizontally between the telescoping members. The rear panel member  34  includes a pair of integrally formed channels  136  constructed and arranged to guide the telescoping handle assembly  130  during movement between the storage and the in-use positions. The telescoping members  132  each include at least one detent  138  constructed and arranged to cooperate with at least one protrusion  140  integrally formed into the telescoping member channels  136  to secure the handle assembly  130  in at least one predetermined position.  
         [0077]     The cover or top panel  38  is fitted to the panels  30 - 36  using a hinge arrangement indicated generally at  80 . The hinge arrangement  80  permits pivoting or rotating the cover  38  between the closed position and an open position. The cover  38  is configured so that when opened and maintained in the open position, use of the motorized spool is locked out via lockout assembly  62  ( FIG. 3A ).  
         [0078]     The hinge arrangement  80  includes a pair of integrally formed hinge pin bosses  142  extending upwardly from the top edge  144  of the rear panel  34 , each boss including a laterally extending and axially aligned hinge pin  146 . In a present embodiment, the cover  38  has a depending lip  88  extending around the perimeter of the cover. The depending lip includes a front  148 , a rear  150 , a left  152  and a right surface  154 , the rear surface having a pair of pockets  156  ( FIG. 2 ) constructed and arranged to cooperate with a respective hinge pin  146  and boss  142 . Each of the pockets  156  are configured to permit rotational movement of the cover  38  about the pins  146  for upward rotational movement of the cover.  
         [0079]     The rear panel  34  also includes a pair of wheel assembly receivers  158  each constructed and arranged to cooperate with the axle portion of a wheel assembly  43  ( FIG. 1 ). In the preferred embodiment one of the wheel assembly receivers  158  is integrally formed into the left edge  160  of the rear panel and one of the wheel assembly receivers  158  is integrally formed into the right edge  162  of the rear panel. The wheel assembly receivers  158  are positioned to align with the left and right side panel wheel assembly hubs  212  and apertures  41 .  
         [0080]     The rear panel  34  further includes a pair of integrally formed hooks  164  constructed and arranged to cooperate with a basket member  44  ( FIG. 3A ), wherein the basket member  44  is constructed and arranged to fit within the enclosure  14  while permitting hose storage about spool  12 . The basket member provides storage space within the enclosure for a variety of hose accessories.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIGS. 6A, 6B  and  6 C, one embodiment of the torque transfer assembly  172  and hose guide gear-train  96  are shown. For motorized operation, the motorized hose rewinding apparatus  100  is provided with a DC powered motor  98  connected to the torque transfer assembly  172  which is connected to the spool  12 . In these embodiments the torque transfer assembly is illustrated as but not limited to a friction drive assembly  168  ( FIG. 6B ) and a gear drive assembly  170  ( FIG. 6C ). In the friction drive assembly  168  a friction drive wheel  106  is rotatably secured within the enclosure and suitably coupled to the direct current motor output shaft  166 . At least one friction idler wheel  114  is constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the friction drive wheel  106  and rotatable responsive to rotation of the friction drive wheel  106 . At least one driven friction idler wheel  116  is positioned for engagement the friction idler wheel  114  wherein the friction idler wheel  116  is rotatable responsive to rotation of the idler wheel  114 . A respective spool friction wheel  118  is secured to the hub  16  of spool  12  to be rotatable therewith, the spool friction wheel  118  being larger in diameter than the friction drive wheel  106 . The spool friction wheel  118  is rotatable responsive to the friction idler wheels  114  and  116 , thereby enabling the direct current motor  98  to rotate the spool  12  at a rotational speed less than the rotational speed of the friction drive wheel  106 .  
         [0082]     In the drive gear assembly  170  a drive gear  107  is rotatably secured within the enclosure and suitably coupled to the direct current motor output shaft  166 . At least one idler gear  115  is constructed and arranged for selective engagement with the respective drive gear  107  and at least one driven idler gear  117  wherein the idler gears  115  and  117  are rotatable responsive to rotation of the drive gear  107 . A spool gear  118  is secured to the hub  16  of spool  12  to be rotatable therewith. The spool gear  118  larger in diameter than the drive gear  107 . The spool gear rotatable responsive to the idler gears  115  and  117 , thereby enabling the direct current motor  98  to rotate the spool  12  at a rotational speed less than the rotational speed of the drive gear  107 .  
         [0083]     The preferred embodiment includes a second assembly pivotably mounted within the enclosure illustrated as a cantilever  110  having a first end  164 , preferably including the idler wheel  114  or idler gear  115 , and a second end  42  including a pivotally mounted foot pedal  47 . The construction and arrangement of the second assembly allows the pulling force and rotational speed of the motorized spool  12  to be regulated. For example, when the foot pedal  47  is depressed the current from the battery  132  ( FIG. 12 ) flows through a fuse and is allowed to start the DC motor  98 . The idler gear  115 /friction wheel  114  is forced into engagement with the drive gear  107 /friction wheel  106  and any driven idler gears  117 /friction wheels  116  respectively to rotate the spool gear/friction wheel  118  to provide the desired rotational speed and/or force for hose retrieval. Release of the pedal  47  stops the motor  98  and releases engagement of the idler gear  115 /friction wheel  114 , and allows the spool  12  to be freely rotated. In this manner, the operator of the present invention can easily regulate the rewinding of hose around the spool  12  as well as allow hose to be manually paid out.  
         [0084]     When the pedal  47  is depressed the motor rotates the spool through the action of the torque transfer assembly  68 . That is, the motor  98  rotates the drive gear  107 /friction wheel  106 , the idler gear  115 /friction wheel  114  respectively operatively engages and rotates driven idler gears  117 /friction wheels  116 , that rotates the spool gear/friction wheel  118  to complete the power-assisted rotation of the spool  12 . The hose winding guide lead-screw  54  is caused to rotate through the action of gears  118 ,  120 , and  122 . That is, when spool  12  is rotated by motor  98  or by handle  25 , the spool  12  and spool gear  118  rotates, which causes the idler gear  120  to rotate, which causes lead screw  54  to also rotate.  
         [0085]     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B  an alternative embodiment of the power assist means is illustrated. In this embodiment a clutch assembly  170  is suitably coupled to the direct current motor output shaft  166  for transferring rotational torque from the direct current motor  98  to the torque transfer assembly  172 . The clutch assembly  170  is of a type well known in the art that may include, but should not be limited to plate type clutches and couplings, cone type clutches and couplings, slip type clutches and couplings, spring applied clutches and couplings, centrifugal clutches and couplings, fluid clutches and couplings, Sprag type clutches and couplings and electromagnetic type clutches and couplings. The clutch assembly  170  may also be constructed and arranged to limit the amount of rotational torque that may be transferred from the direct current motor  98  to the torque transfer assembly  172 .  
         [0086]     The clutch assembly  170  generally includes a first mating surface and a second mating surface, wherein the first mating surface and the second mating surface are constructed and arranged to engage with each other upon rotation of said direct current motor output shaft to cause rotation of the torque transfer assembly  172  and the spool  12 . In a preferred embodiment the first and second surfaces of the clutch assembly  170  utilize friction to selectively rotate the torque transfer assembly  172  and thereby the spool  12 . In a most preferred embodiment a cantilever arrangement  110  having a foot pedal  47  may be utilized to operatively control the frictional engagement between the first and second surfaces. In this manner springs, pressurized fluids, mechanical advantage or suitable combinations thereof may be utilized to engage the clutch assembly for selective rotation of the spool  12 .  
         [0087]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the clutch assembly  170  is illustrated in a non-limiting embodiment as a centrifugal clutch  174 . The centrifugal clutch  174  includes a first surface  176  and a second surface  178  wherein the first and second surfaces frictionally engage each other upon the direct current motor output shaft  166  achieving a predetermined number of revolutions per minute.  
         [0088]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the clutch assembly  170  is illustrated in a non-limiting embodiment as a cone clutch  180 . The cone clutch includes a first frustoconical surface  182  and a second generally frustoconically shaped bore surface  184 , wherein the first and the second surfaces are axially aligned and wherein the first and second mating surfaces utilize friction to selectively rotate the torque transfer assembly  172 . The cone clutch assembly  170  may utilize springs, cantilevers, pressurized fluids or the like well known in the art to control the torque output transferred from the clutch assembly to the torque transfer assembly.  
         [0089]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a non-limiting embodiment of a plate clutch  186  is illustrated. The plate clutch includes a first generally disc shaped surface  188  and a second generally disc shaped surface  190 , wherein the first and the second surfaces are axially aligned and wherein the first and second mating surfaces utilize friction to selectively rotate the torque transfer assembly  172 . The plate clutch  186  may utilize springs, pressurized fluids, cantilevers or the like, all well known in the art, to control the torque output transferred from the clutch assembly  170  to the torque transfer assembly.  
         [0090]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the lower portion of rear panel  34  of enclosure  14  is shown. The rear panel contains at least one and preferably two recessed anchoring apertures  128 . The recessed apertures  128  allow the enclosure to be securely attached to a desired surface with an attachment means such as lag bolts, spikes or metal stakes, to prevent unwanted movement of the apparatus during motorized/manual rewinding or manual pay-out of hose. It should be appreciated that recessing the anchoring apertures increases safety by eliminating objects extending outwardly from the enclosure.  
         [0091]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the battery compartment and the DC power supply are shown. The battery compartment  60  is generally located in the upper rear corner of the right panel  36 . The battery compartment  60  is constructed and arranged in a manner that allows the battery assembly  130  to be directionally slid into the compartment for electrical cooperation. That is, there is no need to connect wires to the battery assembly to operate the device. The battery compartment contains a pair of electrical contacts (not shown), positioned in a manner so that electrical contact is made only if the battery assembly is correctly installed.  
         [0092]     The battery compartment  60  is provided with a hinged battery cover door  48  having a latch arrangement for releasably engaging side panel  36 . Formed integrally to the inside of the battery cover door is a vertical battery hold down  136 . When the door  48  is latched in the closed position the battery compartment electrical contacts and the battery assembly electrical contacts  144 ,  146  ( FIG. 14 ) are maintained in a cooperating relationship. In this manner, the battery assembly  130  is removable and replaceable without the need to attach wiring.  
         [0093]     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a perspective view of the underside ( FIG. 13 ) and the topside ( FIG. 14 ) of the battery clip  134  is shown. The battery clip  134  contains two conductive battery quick connectors  138 ,  140  and a recharging jack  142  removably attached to a non-conductive cap  148 . The conductive quick connectors  138 ,  140  are constructed and arranged to slidably connect to battery terminals (not shown) and conduct current from the battery  132  to contacts  144  and  146  ( FIG. 13 ) located in a juxtaposed position to the upper surface of the non-conductive cap  148 . The contacts  144 ,  146  are positioned on the non-conductive cap  148  to allow operation of the motorized hose rewinding apparatus  100  only if the battery assembly  130  is inserted into the battery compartment  60  in the correct directional manner. The recharging jack  142  allows the battery to be recharged without disconnecting the clip  134  from the battery  132 . In this manner the battery clip can be easily attached to and removed from the battery, allowing the assembly to be removable, replaceable, and rechargeable.  
         [0094]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a perspective view of the battery assembly  130  cooperating with the battery charging means illustrated herein as battery charger  150 . The battery charger  150  is constructed and arranged to utilize a plug  152  that mates with a charging jack  142  for charging the battery  132 . Battery chargers that utilize household current to recharge low voltage DC batteries are well known in the art and a detailed description will therefore be omitted. In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the instant invention may utilize solar cells  35  ( FIG. 1 ) as a means to recharge the battery  132 . The solar cells  35  are incorporated into one or more of the various panels of the enclosure and are in electrical communication, e.g. wired, to transfer the energy generated to the battery for storage. Solar cells that utilize bright sunlight to recharge low voltage DC batteries are well known in the art and a detailed description will therefore be omitted.  
         [0095]     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.  
         [0096]     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.  
         [0097]     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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8