Storage components

Abstract

A storage assembly (100) for a flexible tubular component (106). The storage assembly (100) includes an axle (102). The axle (102) is provided with one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122). The storage assembly (100) includes a reel (104). The reel (104) is rotatably mounted around the axle (102) to allow the tubular component (106) to be wound around the reel (104). The reel (104) is made of a plastic material. The storage assembly (100) is characterized in that the one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122) are two shaft end pieces and at least partially surround at least one cylindrical metal element (118) therein. The cylindrical metal element (118) has a length that is longer than the total length of the two shaft end pieces (116, 122).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a storage assembly having improvements that allow higher loads to be handled. Background Art

[0002] The storage assembly may be any housing that allows for storage of a component. The component may be of any material, such as a hose, a rope, a line, etc. For example, the storage assembly may be a hose box. The hose box allows the hose to be in place of a reel on which it is wound. The reel may be provided with one or more bearings.

[0003] However, there may be circumstances that may prevent the bearing from being seated directly at the housing. During movement of the bearing, such as towards or away from the interior of the storage box or by positioning the spring, winding of the reel may occur or bending moments may be generated. These problems are associated with conventional storage assemblies and need to be addressed to suit user expectations.

[0004] An example of a storage assembly-like device is provided in German patent application GB 2,256,632 (hereinafter referred to as the '632 reference). The '632 reference discloses a reel for storing, dispensing and winding flexible items (such as hoses, conduits and cables). A metal axle or shaft is integrally molded into the reel. The axle or shaft may include at least one lateral projection also molded into the reel. The axle or shaft may be hollow, and the lateral projection is also hollow so as to communicate with the hollow interior of the axle or shaft, thereby forming a passage for liquid or a hose, cable or conduit. The axle or shaft may be supported at either end. However, the '632 reference discloses obtaining a bond between the axle and the housing plastic, which includes preferably heating the axle before placing the axle in a mold or starting a molding operation. This may limit the applicability and usability of the reel, and may make its manufacture and maintenance more cumbersome and expensive. In addition, the reference does not seem to provide a removal and / or user-friendly arrangement between the metal axle or shaft and the plastic. Furthermore, the scroll of this reference does not appear to describe the length, arrangement, or assembly of the metal axle or shaft relative to the plastic.

[0005] Reference US5238201 discloses a mobile handheld device for feeding and retrieving pipelines. The device includes a base member, a shaft extending from the base member, and a spool rotatably mounted on the shaft. The spool is rotatably mounted on the shaft through a first bushing and a second bushing. In some embodiments, the bushing including the flange is made of nylon material. In addition, the spool of the reference does not seem to describe details about the length, arrangement, and assembly of the shaft relative to the bushing. In addition, this reference does not seem to mention the locking and protection of the connector (such as a snap-on connection) between the spool and the bushing.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved storage assembly that provides a rigid, adjustable reel that can be tailored to the loading requirements of the storage assembly. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to solve or at least reduce the above disadvantages. This object is at least partially achieved by a storage assembly. The storage assembly is used for flexible tubular components. The storage assembly includes an axle. The axle is provided with one or more shaft end pieces. In addition, the storage assembly includes a reel. The reel is rotatably mounted around the axle to allow the tubular component to be wound on the reel. The reel is made of plastic material. The storage assembly is characterized in that the one or more shaft end pieces are two shaft end pieces and at least partially surround at least one cylindrical metal element therein. The cylindrical metal element has a length that is longer than the total length of the two shaft end pieces. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a simple storage assembly that allows the reel to withstand heavy loads or forces so that it remains unbent during the adjustment of the reel in the storage assembly.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage assembly is a hose box. The hose box allows easy handling and storage of hoses.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tubular member is one or more of a hose, a cable, an electric wire mesh, a power cord, a rope, etc. The flexible tubular member allows efficient winding on a reel.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage assembly further comprises one or more bearings at each end of the axle. The one or more bearings allow the wound tubular component to be retained within the storage assembly.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylindrical metal element is one or more of a tube, a rod and a pipe. This provides the desired strength to the reel according to the user's requirements.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft end piece is connected to the cylindrical metal element. This provides a secure connection between the cylindrical metal element and the one or more shaft end pieces.

[0013] The cylindrical metal element and the one or more shaft end pieces are connected by a snap connection. The snap connection helps to avoid unintentional movement of the reel relative to the one or more shaft end pieces.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the material of the cylindrical metal element has a higher toughness than the material of the shaft end piece. This helps the cylindrical metal element to absorb some of the forces and reduce the bending moment experienced by the winding shaft.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cylindrical metal element is fixed to the reel. This prevents bending of the reel, even when winding heavy tubular components.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylindrical metal element is detachably assembled with the reel, which allows the user to select a suitable material for the cylindrical metal element according to application requirements.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the tubular component is made of one or more materials selected from polymers, plastics and metals. This provides the tubular component with unique features, such as flexibility, cost efficiency, heat resistance and vibration resistance.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage assembly is mounted on a wall, which enables the storage assembly to be widely used in outdoor and indoor applications, such as gardens, parks, buildings, etc.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage assembly is installed on the ground, which also enables the storage assembly to be widely used in outdoor and indoor applications, such as gardens, parks, and buildings.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft end piece is detachable from the reel. This allows the cylindrical metal element to be removed as required.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft end piece is fixed to the reel.The fixed shaft end piece or pieces provide stability to the reel even when heavy loads are introduced.

[0022] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a storage assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 A half-section view showing one or more shaft end pieces within a storage assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 3 A half-section view of one or more shaft end pieces having a snap-fit ​​connection according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be used in other embodiments, and may even be used in other types of structures and / or methods. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0028] Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "lateral", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "center", "middle", "in between", "end", "adjacent", "adjacent", "near", "distal", "far away", "radial", "circumferential", etc. only describe the configurations shown in the figures. In fact, components can be oriented in any direction, and therefore, the terms should be understood to include such variations unless otherwise specified.

[0029] Figure 1 A storage assembly 100 is shown. The storage assembly 100 of the present disclosure may be any device applied in an outdoor or garden setting to hold any object, such as a hose wound on a reel, a rope, etc. The storage assembly 100 is a hose box. The hose box allows for easy handling and storage of the hose. The storage assembly 100 may be mounted on a wall or on the ground. Mounting the storage assembly 100 on a wall / ground provides a wide range of uses in outdoor and indoor applications, such as gardens, parks, buildings.

[0030] The storage assembly 100 is used for flexible tubular components 106, such as hoses, cables, electric wire mesh, power cords, ropes, etc. The storage assembly 100 includes an axle 102. The storage assembly 100 also includes a reel 104. In addition, the reel 104 is rotatably mounted around the axle 102 to allow the tubular component 106 to be wound on the reel 104. The reel 104 is used to store, pay out and wind a variety of flexible tubular components 106. The reel 104 is made of a plastic material.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the axle 102 includes one or more bearings, namely a first bearing 108 and a second bearing 110, one at each end of the axle 102. The first bearing 108 faces the first housing side 112. Similarly, the second bearing 110 faces the second housing side 114. Hereinafter, the first bearing 108 and the second bearing 110 are referred to as one or more bearings 108, 110. The one or more bearings 108, 110 allow the wound tubular member 106 to be retained within the storage assembly 100. The one or more bearings 108, 110 can be ball bearings, roller bearings, ball thrust bearings, roller thrust bearings, tapered roller thrust bearings, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the tubular member 106, such as a hose, cable, electric wire mesh, power cord, rope, etc., can be made of materials such as, but not necessarily, nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic or natural rubber, cotton, abaca, jute, metal. The tubular member 106 can be flexible, lightweight, cost-effective, heat-resistant, and vibration-resistant. These properties provide for efficient winding of the tubular member 106 around the reel 104.

[0033] The reel 104 can be made of a suitable plastic material into a plurality of parts, which can then be assembled. The reel 104 can be located on a separate axle. Additionally or alternatively, the reel 104 can be made of a plastic material in a molded form and substantially in a single piece. In a preferred form, the axle 102 is integrally molded into the reel 104. The reel 104 can even be made of materials such as wood, fiberglass or metal (e.g., heavy gauge steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.).

[0034] In some embodiments, reel 104 can be a spinning reel, a baitcasting reel, a spinning casting reel, a surf fishing reel, a trolling reel, an offshore reel, a fly fishing reel. Reel 104 can have a straight axis, a double vertical axis, a full vertical axis or any other device known or used in the art. Alternatively or additionally, reel 104 can be a fixed reel, a mobile reel, a reel cart, a hidden passage, a spring-loaded reel, an air hose reel. Reel 104 can be selected according to the assembly characteristics of reel 104 during accommodating reel 104 so that reel 104 itself can allow to avoid bending.

[0035] In some embodiments, the one or more bearings 108, 110 may be difficult to assemble directly at the storage assembly 100. The one or more bearings 108, 110 may move toward or away from the storage assembly 100. These movements may cause bending moments. In order to overcome this bending moment, a spring (not shown) may be provided to allow the one or more bearings 108, 110 to be assembled into the storage assembly 100. In addition, the spring may allow benefits known in the relevant art, such as facilitating the winding of the reel 104.

[0036] Figure 2 A wheel axle 102 is shown that is configured with one or more shaft end pieces (i.e., a first shaft end piece 116 and a second shaft end piece 122). Hereinafter, the first shaft end piece 116 and the second shaft end piece 122 are referred to as the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 at least partially surround at least one cylindrical metal element 118 in its interior. The cylindrical metal element 118 has a length that is longer than the total length of the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. This helps to tailor the total length of the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 that surround the cylindrical metal element 118. In addition, the material of the cylindrical metal element 118 can have a higher toughness than the material of the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be made of materials such as plastic, rubber, and the cylindrical metal element 118 can be made of copper, aluminum, nickel, iron, or any other such material used or known in the art. The cylindrical metal element 118 helps absorb some of the forces and reduce the bending moments experienced by the reel 104 .

[0037] The cylindrical metal element 118 helps absorb some of the forces and reduce the bending moments borne by the reel 104. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 are connected to the cylindrical metal element 118. This provides a strong connection between the cylindrical metal element 118 and the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. In addition, the cylindrical metal element 118 helps the reel 104 withstand large forces and maintain its natural shape / arrangement. In some embodiments, the cylindrical metal element 118 is one or more of a tube, a rod, and a pipe. This provides the desired strength to the reel 104 according to the user's requirements.

[0038] The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be made of any material, such as polymers, metals, plastics, etc. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be made using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, manufacturing, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be made by three-dimensional printing (also known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing). In some embodiments, the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be one or more of an elliot shaft end piece, a reverse elliot shaft end piece, a lamoine shaft end piece, a reverse elliot shaft end piece, etc.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 may be integrally molded into the reel 104. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 may be manufactured separately. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 may further be connected to an axle.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cylindrical metal element 118 can be replaced by many smaller cylindrical metal elements. The length, thickness, width and other dimensions of the cylindrical metal element 118 can be adjustable. The strength of the cylindrical metal element 118 can be varied by changing these dimensions accordingly.

[0041] Figure 3 The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 of the storage assembly 100 are shown. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 are connected to the reel 104 using a snap connection (not shown). The snap connection prevents the reel 104 from moving away from the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. The snap connection is located on the cylindrical metal element 118. During implementation of the storage assembly 100, the reel 104 locks the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 using the snap connection. The snap connection prevents rotation even after any attachments or accessories (not shown) associated with the storage assembly 100 or the tubular member 106 have been installed. In one embodiment, when the cylindrical metal element 118 is inserted into the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122, it locks and protects the snap connection between the reel 104 and the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 In some embodiments, the cylindrical metal element 18 locks and secures the snap-fit ​​connection between the cylindrical metal element 118 and the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122, such as Figure 3 As shown. Additionally or alternatively, the metal element 118 can be fixed or free to move between the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122; for example, to better distribute the load between the one or more metal elements 118 and the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. In some embodiments, one or more of the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be adjusted or moved to surround / cover different lengths on any end of the metal element 118. In addition, the metal element 118 can be detachably coupled so that any of the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be removed from the left or right side of the metal element 118 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 ) to easily access and / or remove the metal element 118.

[0042] The snap connection of the reel 104 and the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 helps to avoid the unintentional movement of the reel 104 with the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122. A single snap connection with desired features such as desired size, shape, connection quality, etc. can be used alone. Or many small snap connections can be used to provide the required strength. The snap connection can be an annular snap fit, a cantilever snap fit, a torsion snap fit, a circular clip. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the cylindrical metal element 118 itself and the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 are also connected by another snap connection. Alternatively or additionally, the cylindrical metal element 118 can be tied, glued to the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122, or any such known method can be used. It is also possible that the cylindrical metal element 118 can be screwed onto the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122.

[0043] The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 may be provided with a socket for receiving the cylindrical metal element 118. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 may be provided with some clamping areas. These clamping areas further help to firmly hold the cylindrical metal element 118. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 may have a special design to receive the cylindrical metal element 118. These features may prevent the use of additional sources such as snap connections, round clips, etc.

[0044] The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be detached from the reel 104. This allows the cylindrical metal element 118 to be removed as required. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be removed electromagnetically. A pry bar can be inserted between the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 and the cylindrical metal element 118. The one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be isolated by pulling the pry bar out. The shaft end pieces can be separated by removing the inserted circular clamp (if provided). Additionally or alternatively, the one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 can be fixed to the reel 104. The fixed one or more shaft end pieces 116, 122 provide stability to the reel 104 even when heavy loads are introduced.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cylindrical metal element 118 can be fixed to the reel 104. This prevents bending of the reel 104, even when heavy tubular components are wound. The cylindrical metal element 118 can also be removably assembled with the reel 104. During use of the storage assembly 100, the removably assembled cylindrical metal element 118 can be replaced by any other desired cylindrical metal element 118.

[0046] In the drawings and specification, preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention have been disclosed, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

[0047] List of components

[0048] 100 Storage Components

[0049] 102 Axle

[0050] 104 Scroll

[0051] 106 Tubular parts

[0052] 108 First bearing

[0053] 110 Second bearing

[0054] 112 first shell side

[0055] 114 Second shell side

[0056] 116 First shaft end piece

[0057] 118 cylindrical metal element

[0058] 122 Second shaft end piece

Claims

1. A storage assembly (100) for a flexible tubular member (106), the storage assembly (100) comprising: A wheel axle (102) is provided with one or more axle end pieces (116, 122); as well as a reel (104) rotatably mounted around the axle (102) to allow the tubular member (106) to be wound onto the reel (104), wherein the reel (104) is made of a plastic material; Features: The one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122) are two shaft end pieces and at least partially surround at least one cylindrical metal element (118) therein, wherein the cylindrical metal element (118) has a length that is longer than the total length of the two shaft end pieces (116, 122), The cylindrical metal element (118) locks and protects the snap-fit ​​connection between the reel (104) and the shaft end pieces (116, 122). The snap-fit ​​connection is located on the cylindrical metal element (118), the one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122) are connected to the reel (104) using the snap-fit ​​connection, and the snap-fit ​​connection prevents the reel (104) from moving away from the one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122).

2. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The storage assembly (100) is a hose box.

3. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tubular component (106) is one or more of a hose, a cable, an electric wire mesh, a power cord, and a rope.

4. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The storage assembly (100) also includes one or more bearings (108, 110) at each end of the axle (102).

5. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cylindrical metal element (118) is one or more of a tube, a rod, and a pipe.

6. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122) are connected to the cylindrical metal element (118).

7. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The cylindrical metal element (118) and the one or more shaft end pieces (116, 122) are connected by means of the snap-fit ​​connection.

8. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The material of the cylindrical metal element (118) has a higher toughness than the material of the shaft end pieces (116, 122).

9. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cylindrical metal element (118) is detachably assembled with the reel (104).

10. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tubular component (106) is made of one or more materials selected from polymers, plastics, and metals.

11. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shaft end pieces (116, 122) are detachable from the reel (104).

12. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The shaft end pieces (116, 122) are fixed to the reel (104).

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