Hose reel system

Abstract

A hose reel system for winding a liquid manure hose. The hose reel includes a spool pivoted in alignment with the wheels and axles of the system to allow for even winding of the hose on a spool. The spool is provided with curved domes on either, end and a protective bar to prevent the hose from winding beyond the ends of the spool. Pivoting the spool in alignment with the axle allows for a more even winding and unwinding of the hose, thereby reducing torsion, kinks and other damage to the hose during the rolling and unrolling processes.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates in general to a hose reel system and, more particularly to a hose reel system for winding and unwinding a liquid manure hose on an agricultural field.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]It is known in the art of agricultural liquid manure application to lay out a hose along the path of the manure application. A liquid manure supply and pump are connected to one end of the hose, and the manure applicator is connected to the other end. The manure applicator travels across the field delivering manure to the field for use as fertilizer. As it is desirable to quickly lay out and remove a hose from a field, it is known in the art to use hose reel systems which are pulled by a tractor or similar vehicle. Prior art hose reels typically include a large mechanically driven spool coupled to a wheeled frame. To lay out the hose, the hose is coupled at one end to a pump or similar stationary obje...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In an advantage provided by this invention, a hose reel system is provided which allows for pivoting of the hose reel to more efficiently wind the hose on a spool.

[0011]Advantageously, this invention provides a hose reel which is of a lightweight, low cost manufacture.

[0012]Advantageously, this invention provides a hose reel which is long lasting and easy to maintain.

[0013]Advantageously, this invention provides a hose reel which allows for more efficient winding of the hose at the ends of the spool.

[0014]Advantageously, this invention provides a hose reel which prevents the hose from winding beyond the ends of the spool.

[0015]Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, a hose reel is provided which includes spool journaled to a frame along a first axis. A tongue is provided, pivotally coupled to a frame. A spool is journaled to the frame. An axle is coupled to the frame, and wheels are coupled to the axle. Means are provided for pivoting the tongue relative to the frame. In the preferred embodiment, the spool is provided with domed ends to more efficiently wind a hose near the ends of the spool, and an arch guard is provided to prevent the hose from winding beyond the ends of the spool.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback associated with the prior art is the tendency for the hose to wind on the spool in a single spot.

This causes overlapping and tangling of the hose, which can lead to twists, kinks and other malfunctions associated with the hose.

It can also lead to the hose tying up on itself as it winds on the spool.

When it is desired to unwind the hose from the spool, the hose may catch against itself and may cause tearing or ripping of the hose.

One drawback associated with prior art pivoting hose reels is that they simply turn back and forth.

While the back and forth motion tends to wind the hose somewhat more evenly along the spool, the turning is difficult to control and does not maximize the efficiency of the winding of the hose along the spool.

Another drawback associated with the prior art is the difficulty associated with winding the spool most efficiently at the ends of the spool.

As the ends of the spool are typically flat, it is difficult to obtain accurate winding at the end of the spool.

Still another drawback associated with the prior art is the tendency of the hose to extend beyond the edges of the spool during winding.

If this occurs, the hose can become entangled in the drive mechanism, causing damage to both the hose and the drive mechanism itself.

Images