Abstract:
A storage device for a long vacuum hose such as used for cleaning a pool has a frustoconcial member mounted on a reel rotatably supported on a frame. The frustoconical member frictionally fits and secures the end of the vacuum hose to enable the winding of the hose on the reel.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the storage of vacuum hoses particularly for a pool. Generally a filtering and pump mechanism for a swmming pool has a single connection for connecting a vacuum hose used to provide suction to skimmers, brushes, and other tools used in cleaning and maintenance of the swimming pool. Vacuum hoses for pools are relatively long and are usually stored in a coil in a corner or other location. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a more convenient arrangement for storing vacuum hoses when not in use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is summarized in a vacuum hose storage device having a frustoconical member mounted on a reel rotatably mounted on a frame. The frustoconical member is mounted adjacent the hub of the reel and has a shape and size selected to frictionally fit and secure an end of the vacuum hose to enable easy winding of the vacuum hose on the reel. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum hose storage device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a broken away sectional view of a frustoconical member mounted on a hose reel of the vacuum hose storage device of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a broken away sectional view of a variation of the frustoconical member and its mounting post mounting the frustoconical member on a watering hose reel. 
     FIG. 4 is a broken away sectional view of another variation of the frustoconical member wherein the frustoconical member is screwed onto a hose nozzle on a watering hose reel. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A vacuum hose storage device as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 includes a frame  10  rotatably supporting a reel  12  with a frustoconical member  14  mounted adjacent the hub  16  of the reel  12 . As shown in FIG. 2, this frustoconical member  14  has a size and shape designed to frictionally fit into one end of a vacuum hose  20  so as to secure the one end of the vacuum hose to enable easy winding of the hose on the reel  12 . 
     The frame  10  is a conventional molded frame similar to those employed in portable watering hose reels. A bin  22  is formed in a bottom portion of the frame  10  for storing tools for use with the vacuum hose. A pair of ground engaging wheels  24  (only one wheel  24  shown) are rotatably mounted on the rear of the bottom of the frame  10 . Ground engaging pads  26  are formed on the front portion of the bottom of the frame  10 . A handle  28  is mounted on the frame  10  to extend upward and rearward from the frame  10  to enable a user to tilt the storage device lifting the pads  16  from engagement with ground and to roll the device on the wheels  24 . The handle  28  is preferably mounted with a pivot locked by a conventional detent or locking arrangement (not shown) in the raised position. To provide a lower storage profile the handle can be unlocked and pivoted downward against the rear of the frame. 
     The reel  12  is rotatably mounted between opposite sides of the upper portion of the frame  10  and is connected to a crank  30  by which a user can rotate the reel  12  and wind the vacuum hose on the reel. Flanges  32  are mounted on opposite ends of the hub  16  to retain the hose on the hub. The frustoconical member  14  is mounted on the reel  12  adjacent the hub  16  and adjacent to one of the flanges  32 . The axis of the frustoconical member  14  extends tangential to an imaginary circle coaxial with the hub  16  or extends tangential to the axis of the hose when wound on the reel  12 . In the variation of FIG. 2, the frustoconical member  14  is shown molded with an integral post  36  secured in an opining  38  in the hub  16 . Various techniques, such as welding, adhesives, fasteners, interfitting parts, etc. can be used to mount the post  36  and the frustoconical member  14  on the hub  16  or on the adjacent flange  32 . In the variation of FIG. 3, the post  36  is a separately molded member secured to the frustoconical member  14  in a manner similar to the manner that the post  36  is secured to the hub  16 . In the variation of FIG. 4, the frustoconical member  14  is threaded onto a nozzle  40  which is mounted on the reel  12  in a conventional watering hose storage device which has sufficient reel storage size to hold the vacuum hose. 
     The frustoconical members  14  shown in FIGS. 2,  3  and  4  are solid molded members. However, the frustoconical member  14  may be a hollow or tubular frustum of a cone, a frustoconical arrangement of molded splines, a circularly grooved frustum of a cone, or some other configuration designed to minimize molded material but have adequate strength. 
     It is intended that the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative of the principles of the invention and not as limiting on the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.