Hose reel having a horizontally split frame

Abstract

A hose reel having a frame assembly with a horizontally split frame is provided. That is, the frame assembly includes a handle assembly and a lower frame assembly. Unlike the prior art, however, the lower frame assembly includes two side frame assemblies and a base assembly with side members and cross members. The side frame assemblies are coupled to the base assembly and are structured to rotatably support a basket assembly. The basket assembly may be rotatably coupled to the side frame assemblies and then the side frame assemblies can be coupled to the lower frame assembly. In this configuration, neither the side frame assemblies nor the base assembly are spread during the coupling of the basket assembly to the frame assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a hose reel and, more specifically, a hose reel having a strong frame assembly because the frame assembly is configured so as to not be deformed during the manufacturing process.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Complex devices, e.g. devices formed from a plurality of other components, are typically designed in view of their manufacturing / assembly process. That is, the device is not simply designed to perform a function, but also designed so that it may be easily assembled. Such a design process may, however, result in components that favor one aspect over the other. That is, a component that is made to be easily assembled may result in reduced performance. Conversely, a component designed for the best performance may be difficult to assemble. For example, hose reels are constructs structured to rotatably support a hose. More specifically, a hose reel has a frame assembly and a basket assembly. There are other assemblies as...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The disclosed and claimed concept relates to a hose reel having a frame assembly with a horizontally split frame. That is, the frame assembly includes a handle assembly and a lower frame assembly. Unlike the prior art, however, the lower frame assembly includes two side frame assemblies and a base assembly. The base assembly can be made as a unitary body and includes members extending longitudinally, i.e. along both lateral sides of the frame assembly as well as at least one cross member extending in a lateral direction. In this configuration, the base assembly has the advantages of a single piece frame, e.g strength and reduced number of components and is small enough that molding the part is not difficult. The side frame assemblies are structured to be coupled to the base assembly as well as being structured to rotatably support the basket assembly. Thus, the basket assembly may be rotatably coupled to the side frame assemblies and then the side frame assemblies can be coupled to the base assembly. In this configuration, neither the side frame assemblies nor the base assembly are spread or otherwise deformed during the coupling of the basket assembly to the frame assembly.

[0007]This configuration provides the advantages of both configurations discussed above, without the disadvantages. That is, the unitary base assembly is strong and rigid and does not require fasteners to couple the cross members to the side members, while the separate side frame assemblies allow for easy coupling of the basket assembly to the frame assembly.

Problems solved by technology

Such a design process may, however, result in components that favor one aspect over the other.

That is, a component that is made to be easily assembled may result in reduced performance.

Conversely, a component designed for the best performance may be difficult to assemble.

Such hose reels are subjected to wear and tear both when the entire hose reel is moved about a yard and when the hose is being wound / unwound about the basket assembly.

Such wear and tear is exacerbated when the hose reel components are not held in place.

Metal frame assemblies tend to be more expensive and are prone to rust.

Further, there would be very few parts to track during the assembly process.

There are several problems with such a design, however.

This action would weaken the frame assembly.

Further, larger molds are expensive and difficult to make as well as difficult to use.

There are, however, several disadvantages to this configuration as well.

First, it is often difficult to couple plastic components in a rigid manner.

Further, such the metal components may wear on the plastic components, thereby increasing wear and tear during use.

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