Hose storage unit for storing a hose

Abstract

A hose storage unit (100) for storing a hose (102) at a faucet (104). The hose storage unit (100) includes a storage hook (106) for receiving the hose (102). The hose storage unit also includes a faucet connector (134) for fluidly connecting the hose (102) with the faucet (104). The hose storage unit (100) is characterized by having an adapter (130) that removably couples with the faucet (104) and engages with the faucet connector (134). The adapter (130) fluidly couples the faucet (104) with the faucet connector (134). Further, the storage hook (106) is associated with the adapter (130).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hose storage unit for storing a hose. BACKGROUND

[0002] Hose storage devices for storing hoses, particularly water hoses, are well known. Such hose storage devices are often mounted on walls, cabinets, etc., which can add components associated with the hose storage device. The additional installation of these components of the hose storage device can pose challenges in some cases. The hose storage devices often include a hose cart or a hose box. The hose cart or the hose box requires an increase in space on the floor or can have to be firmly installed to the wall. Typically, such an arrangement is not suitable for short hoses. Further, the hose cart or the hose box is expensive, which increases the overall cost associated with the hose storage device.

[0003] Further, different hose storage devices have been developed for storing water hoses around a faucet. Such hose storage devices typically include a hose holder or a hanger for coupling to the faucet. However, such hose storage devices also face various limitations due to the involvement of a large number of components, connection joints, accessories, etc. The hose holder or the hanger can also exert pressure on the connection of the hose storage device with the faucet. Therefore, there is a need for an improved design of a hose storage device that provides a simple and cost-effective way for hose storage and can be used for different (e.g., short) hoses.

[0004] Korean Patent No. 20110024876 reference (hereinafter referred to as the '876 reference) discloses a fire hose hanger including a cylindrical rotating body at one end of a long support frame. Further, a tubular hanger portion is formed at the other end of the support frame to hang the tubular portion. A fire hose is disposed between the cylindrical rotating body and the tubular hanger portion. The fire hose hanger is mounted on the cylindrical rotating body. However, the '876 reference relies on an auxiliary component such as a spring and an anti-separation ring for assembling the coupler with the fire hose hanger and the fire hose.

[0005] US 2,569,857 patent reference discloses a body and hose support assembly. The body includes a fluid discharge portion and two shape corresponding flanges. The flanges are substantially disposed in the same plane and each flange has an aperture to receive a bolt member. Each bolt member extends into a wall. A hose support is attached to the body via the two shape corresponding flanges. The support is preferably formed by bending a single elongated rod in the middle of both ends of the single elongated rod to form a cradle for receiving and supporting a coiled hose. Further, US 2,111,811 reference discloses a fire hose support. The hose support includes a standpipe outlet valve which is assembled with a wall. The standpipe outlet valve controls the flow of water from the standpipe by a nipple or a union. The union which passes through a hole provided in a frame also supports a U-shaped frame and a hose which will be held in place by a spring when in place. The hose support is adapted to swing around the union in a horizontal plane. The hose is secured to the union by a coupling. A nut is threaded to one end of the union and is used to support the frame. The frame is provided with a pin extending from one arm of the frame to the other arm which is used to lock the spring in the frame.

[0006] An example of a hose holder is provided in WO patent application No. 2017 / 148,522 (hereinafter referred to as the '522 reference). The '522 reference discloses a hose holder for storing a hose at a faucet. The hose holder includes a connecting portion for connecting the holding device with the faucet and a holding portion for receiving the hose. The connecting portion includes a faucet connecting portion for mechanically and fluidly coupling the hose holder with the faucet. The holding portion includes a hose receiving area for supporting a coiled hose in a hanging position such that the coiled hose is disposed in a vertical plane. However, in this type of hose holder, the weight of the hose is directly supported by the faucet connecting portion which can result in accidental disengagement or accidents. Further, hoses having a longer length are generally heavier which can damage the faucet connecting portion resulting in leakage or complete breakage. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to address or at least mitigate the disadvantages discussed above. This object is at least partially achieved by a new design of a hose storage unit for storing a hose at a faucet. The hose storage includes a storage hook for receiving the hose. The hose storage further includes a faucet connector for fluidly connecting the hose with the faucet. The hose storage unit is characterized by having an adapter removably coupled with the faucet and engaged with the faucet connector. The adapter fluidly couples the faucet with the faucet connector. Further, the storage hook is associated with the adapter.

[0008] The present disclosure provides an improved design of a hose storage unit that allows for quick and easy installation of a hose at a faucet. The new design of the hose storage unit can be installed in a compact space and is easily compatible. Further, the hose storage unit does not require an external structure (such as a wall) for installation of the hose storage unit or its components. The hose storage unit includes fewer parts, thereby making assembly simple and cost effective. Further, the storage hooks are directly connected to an adapter that functions as a screw element. Thus, liquid can be directly fed into the hose through the adapter and the faucet connector. The circular arrangement of the hose storage unit allows the storage hooks to rotate around the central axis of the adapter, which makes the hose storage unit user friendly and provides improved ergonomics. Further, the faucet connector includes a sealing element that provides tightness between the hose storage unit and the existing faucet. Further, the hose is stored on the storage hooks that are associated with (or coupled to) the adapter, thus the weight of the hose is supported by the adapter, which prevents damage and breakage at the hose connection.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hooks are associated with the adapter by coupling the storage hooks (106) around the adapter (130). This can bring about implementation advantages as well as ease of assembly or disassembly of the storage hooks from the adapter.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hooks are associated with the adapter by fitting the storage hooks with the adapter. The fitting between the storage hooks and the adapter can include one or more of applying an adhesive, fasteners, etc.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hooks are associated with the adapter by forming the storage hooks in one piece with the adapter. This can bring about manufacturing and maintenance advantages for the application of the storage hooks and the adapter.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling between the adapter and the faucet connector is a threaded coupling. The coupling can be any type of coupling (such as a threaded coupling) that provides ease of assembly as well as rigidity for the connection between the adapter and the faucet connector.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter can be threadably coupled with the faucet. The threaded coupling provides ease of assembly as well as rigidity for the connection between the adapter and the faucet, although the coupling can be any coupling such as a snap fit, a press fit, or any other manner used or known in the art.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook is removably coupled about the adaptor and the faucet connector. This removable coupling provides flexibility in using the hose storage unit for different faucets, thereby providing a universal and modular hose storage unit. Further, the hose storage unit can be quickly disassembled when not in use.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook includes a hose receiving portion for receiving the hose. The hose receiving portion allows the user to store (e.g. wind or coil) the hose on the storage hook.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hose receiving portion of the storage hook is substantially horizontal. This substantially horizontal hose receiving portion provides a larger and stable area for holding the hose in a horizontal configuration.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hose receiving portion of the storage hook is inclined with respect to the central axis of the adaptor. This inclined hose receiving portion allows the hose to be stored in an inclined configuration, thereby making it easy and safe to store the hose.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook has a "U" shape. The storage hook can have any shape (e.g. "V" shape, "L" shape, etc.), size and type as per the application requirement. This arrangement of the storage hook (i.e. the "U" shape of the present disclosure) can make it easy, stable and safe to store the hose.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook includes a hole for receiving the adaptor. This arrangement makes it easy to assemble the storage hook about the adaptor, and hence, the faucet.

[0020] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The present disclosure will be described in more detail by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A side view of a hose storage unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 An exploded view of a hose storage unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A top view of a hose storage unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 4A A perspective view of a hose storage unit and a faucet in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 4B a perspective view of a hose storage unit and a faucet in a second position is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 4C a perspective view of a hose storage unit and a faucet in a third position is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4D a perspective view of a hose storage unit and a faucet in a fourth position is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 5 a perspective view of a hose storage unit and a hose is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and / or methods. In the drawings, the same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same elements.

[0031] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and does not limit the present disclosure. For example, “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “transverse,” “upward,” “downward,” “forward,” “rearward,” “lateral,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “inward,” “outward,” “top,” “bottom,” “higher,” “above,” “below,” “central,” “intermediate,” “centered,” “between,” “end,” “adjacent,” “proximal,” “near,” “distal,” “remote,” “radial,” “circumferential,” and the like merely describe the configuration shown in the drawings. The components can be oriented in any direction and, therefore, such terminology should be understood as encompassing such variations unless otherwise indicated.

[0032] Figure 1 a perspective view of a hose storage unit and a faucet in a second position is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 a perspective view of a hose storage unit and a faucet in a second position is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5The hose storage unit 100 is shown in the diagram. The hose storage unit 100 can be used to store hoses 102 of different lengths and types. The length and type of hose 102 can vary depending on application requirements. The hose 102 can be used for various indoor and outdoor applications. Furthermore, the faucet 104 can supply any type of liquid without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet 104 supplies water. In application, water from the faucet 104 can flow through the hose 102. The faucet 104 can include any type of faucet, such as a wall-mounted faucet, a pillar faucet, a mixer faucet, etc.

[0033] The hose storage unit 100 includes a storage hook 106 for receiving a hose 102. The storage hook 106 has a generally C-shaped or U-shaped structure. The storage hook 106 includes a first end 108, a second end 110, and a vertical portion 112. The vertical portion 112 extends between the first end 108 and the second end 110. The storage hook 106 also includes a first surface 114 and a second surface 116. The first surface 114 and the second surface 116 have a generally curved profile. The first end 108 defines a first thickness “T1”. The storage hook 106 defines a through-hole 118 near the first end 108 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (as shown), to receive screw locking member 120 (as shown) Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). In some embodiments, the screw locking member 120 may allow selective locking, i.e., rotational locking of the storage hook 106. The screw locking member 120 may allow selective locking of the storage hook 106 relative to the central axis "A1" of the adapter 130 at any angular position or orientation. In some embodiments, the screw locking member 120 may be movable within the through hole 118 to allow the storage hook 106 to lock with one or more of the adapter 130 and the tap 104.

[0034] The second end 110 defines a second thickness "T2". Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second thickness "T2" is greater than the first thickness "T1". Alternatively, the second thickness "T2" can be equal to the first thickness "T1". The storage hook 106 can be manufactured using materials such as synthetic plastics or metal alloys. It should be noted that the material of the storage hook 106 does not limit the scope of the invention.

[0035] The storage hook 106 also includes a hose receiving portion 122 for receiving the hose 102. The hose receiving portion 122 is disposed proximate the second end 110 of the storage hook 106. The hose receiving portion 122 can include a roughened surface (or element, or feature, such as knurling) to facilitate retention and / or avoid inadvertent movement of the stored hose 102. Further, the hose receiving portion 122 receives the hose 102 in a coiled or wound form. The hose 102 can be folded into a plurality of coils to store the coiled hose 102 on the hose receiving portion 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the hose receiving portion 122 of the storage hook 106 is inclined relative to the central axis "Al" of the fitting 130 (as shown in FIG. 1). Further, the inclination of the hose receiving portion 122 relative to the central axis "Al" can vary between 0 degrees and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the inclination of the hose receiving portion 122 relative to the central axis "Al" can be between 35 degrees and 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the hose receiving portion 122 of the storage hook 106 is substantially horizontal. In this instance, the hose receiving portion 122 can be substantially perpendicular to the vertical portion 112. In yet another embodiment, the storage hook 106 has a "U" shape. In this instance, the second end 110 can be disposed substantially parallel to the vertical portion 112. Figure 2

[0036] With reference to FIG. 1, the storage hook 106 includes a hole 132 for receiving the fitting 130. The hole 132 can be implemented as a through hole. The hole 132 can define an internal thread (not shown). The hole 132 can include a countersink, a counterbore, or the like. The hole 132 is disposed proximate the first end 108 of the storage hook 106. The hole 132 defines a hole diameter "Dl". The shape and size of the hole 132 are designed based on the shape and size of the fitting 130. Figure 2 The hose storage unit 100 also includes a faucet connector 134 for fluidly connecting the hose 102 (see FIG. 1) with the faucet 104 (see FIG. 1). The faucet connector 134 includes a first coupling portion 138 to couple the faucet connector 134 with the fitting 130, and a second coupling portion 140 forming a liquid outlet. The second coupling portion 140 receives a hose connector 142 (as shown in FIG. 1). Further, a gasket 136 can be disposed within the first coupling portion 138 to provide a liquid tight connection between the faucet connector 134 and the fitting 130.

[0037] Figure 5 Figure 5 Figure 5

[0038] ​​​​​The hose storage unit 100 also includes an adapter 130. The adapter 130 fluidly couples the faucet 104 with the faucet connector 134. The adapter 130 is removably coupled with the faucet 104 and engages with the faucet connector 134. In particular, the adapter 130 can be threadably coupled with the faucet 104. The adapter 130 receives the outlet portion 144 (as shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) of the faucet 104. Further, the coupling between the adapter 130 and the faucet connector 134 is a threaded coupling or any other coupling used or known in the art, such as a press fit, snap fit, etc.

[0039] The adapter 130 includes a first portion 146 defining a diameter “D2” and a thickness “T3”. The first portion 146 can define a blind hole that receives the screw lock 120 (see Figure 3 ). The first portion 146 can also define a plurality of internal threads (not shown). The adapter 130 also includes a second portion 148 defining a diameter “D3” and a thickness “T4”. Further, the diameter “D2” of the first portion 146 is greater than the diameter “D3” of the second portion 148. Further, the second portion 148 defines a plurality of external threads 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the faucet connector 134 receives the second portion 148 of the adapter 130. The adapter 130 also includes a sealing element 154 disposed between the first portion 146 of the adapter and the outlet portion 144 of the faucet 104 for a leak-proof coupling between the adapter 130 and the faucet 104. The sealing element 154 can include one or more gaskets, seals, etc. and provide water tightness and connection tightness at the connection between the adapter 130 and the faucet 104.

[0040] As Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown in the middle, the storage hook 106 can be secured to the adapter 130 using a screw lock 120. Further, the storage hook 106 is associated with (e.g., coupled around) the adapter 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage hook 106 is removably coupled around the adapter 130 and the faucet connector 134. More specifically, the storage hook 106 is coupled around the adapter 130 proximate the first end 108 of the storage hook 106. The adapter 130 is received by the bore 132 of the storage hook 106 because the diameter “D2” of the first portion 146 of the adapter 130 is approximately equal to the bore diameter “D1” of the bore 132. Because the thickness “T3” of the first portion 146 of the adapter 130 is greater than the thickness “T1” of the first end 108 of the storage hook 106, the bore 132 can partially receive the adapter 130. Further, the countersunk or countersunk profile of the bore 132 can receive the second portion 148 of the adapter 130. The combined thicknesses “T2”, “T3” of the adapter 130 are greater than the first thickness “T1” of the first end 108 of the storage hook 106. Further, the portion of the adapter 130 at the first portion 146 partially protrudes from the storage hook 106 in an upward direction to couple with the outlet portion 144 of the faucet 104, and the portion of the adapter 130 at the second portion 148 partially protrudes from the storage hook 106 in a downward direction to receive the faucet connector 134 (see Figure 5 ). Further, the thickness “T4” of the second portion 148 of the adapter 130 is greater than the thickness “T1” of the first end 108 of the storage hook 106.

[0041] In some embodiments, the storage hook 106 can be coupled around the adapter 130. This can bring about implementation advantages as well as ease of assembly or disassembly of the storage hook 106 from the adapter 130. In some embodiments, the storage hook 106 can be fitted together with the adapter 130. The fitting between the storage hook 106 and the adapter 130 can allow for selective locking or rotation of the storage hook 106 relative to the adapter 130. Further, the fitting between the storage hook 106 and the adapter 130 can include one or more of applying an adhesive, fasteners, etc., as well as any fastening means used or known in the art. In some embodiments, the storage hook 106 can be integral with the adapter 130. This can bring about manufacturing and maintenance advantages for the storage hook 106 and the adapter 130. The present disclosure allows for any association, arrangement, coupling, securing, etc., between the storage hook 106 and the adapter 130, and all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 4C and Figure 4D shows the hose storage unit 100 with the faucet 104 (see Figure 5) of the assembly. Reference is made to Figure 4A In the first position, the adaptor 130, the storage hook 106, the faucet connector 134 and the faucet 104 are shown in an unassembled configuration. Reference is made to Figure 4B In the second position, the adaptor 130 can be threadably coupled to the outlet portion 144 of the faucet 104. The outlet portion 144 of the faucet 104 can define external threads (not shown) for threadable coupling with the adaptor 130. Reference is made to Figure 4C In the third position, the storage hook 106 is coupled around the adaptor 130. This removable coupling of the storage hook 106 allows the storage hook 106 to rotate 360 degrees around the central axis "Al" of the adaptor 130. Reference is made to Figure 4D In the fourth position, the faucet connector 134 can be threadably coupled to the second portion 148 of the adaptor 130 to fluidly connect the faucet connector 134 and the faucet 104 (and thus the hose 102 and the faucet, see Figure 5 ). As shown in Figure 5 The hose connector 142 is coupled to the second coupling portion 140 of the faucet connector 134. The hose connector 142 can include a body portion (not shown) having an arrangement such as threads to allow engagement of the hose 102 with the hose connector 142.

[0043] The present invention provides an improved and simplified design of a hose storage unit 100 that is easy to install. The newly designed hose storage unit 100 can be accommodated in a compact space. Further, the hose storage unit 100 does not require an external structure (such as a wall) for installation of the hose storage unit 100 or its components and can be stored directly close to the faucet 104. The hose storage unit 100 includes fewer parts, thereby making the assembly simple and cost effective in design. Further, the storage hook 106 is directly connected to the adaptor 130 which is a screw element. Thus, the liquid can be directly fed into the hose 102 through the adaptor 130.

[0044] Further, the storage hook 106 can be rotated with respect to the faucet 104 around the central axis "Al" of the adaptor 130, thereby allowing the hose 102 to be stored at multiple positions with respect to the faucet 104. This design makes the hose storage unit 100 user friendly and improves ergonomics. Additionally, using the hose storage unit 100 described herein, the hose 102 can be quickly assembled and disengaged from the faucet 104. Further, the adaptor 130 includes a sealing element 154 that provides tightness between the hose storage unit 100 and the faucet 104. Further, the hose 102 is stored on the storage hook 106 which is coupled to the adaptor 130, thus the weight of the hose 102 is supported by the adaptor 130, thereby preventing damage and breakage at the hose connection.

[0045] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the disclosure, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

[0046] Element List:

[0047] 100 hose storage unit

[0048] 102 hose

[0049] 104 faucet

[0050] 106 storage hook

[0051] 108 first end

[0052] 110 second end

[0053] 112 upright portion

[0054] 114 first surface

[0055] 116 second surface

[0056] 118 through hole

[0057] 120 screw lock

[0058] 122 hose receiving portion

[0059] 130 adapter

[0060] 132 aperture

[0061] 134 faucet connector

[0062] 136 gasket

[0063] 138 first coupling portion

[0064] 140 second coupling portion

[0065] 142 hose connector

[0066] 144 outlet portion

[0067] 146 first portion

[0068] 148 second portion

[0069] 152 external thread

[0070] 154 sealing element

[0071] A1 central axis

[0072] D1 aperture diameter

[0073] D2 diameter of the first portion

[0074] D3 diameter of the second portion

[0075] T1 thickness of the first end

[0076] T2 thickness of the second end

[0077] T3 thickness of the first portion

[0078] T4 thickness of the second portion

Claims

1. A hose storage unit (100) for storing a hose (102) at a faucet (104), the hose storage unit comprising: a storage hook (106) adapted to receive the hose (102); a faucet connector (134) adapted to fluidly connect the hose (102) with the faucet (104); and an adapter (130) removably coupled with the faucet (104) and engaged with the faucet connector (134), wherein the adapter (130) fluidly couples the faucet (104) with the faucet connector (134), and wherein a portion of the adapter (130) at a first portion (146) partially protrudes from the storage hook (106) in an upward direction to couple with an outlet portion (144) of the faucet (104), and a portion of the adapter (130) at a second portion (148) partially protrudes from the storage hook (106) in a downward direction to receive the faucet connector (134); and wherein the storage hook (106) comprises a first end (108) and a second end (110), wherein a through hole (118) is provided proximate to the first end (108) and a hose receiving portion (122) is provided proximate to the second end (110); wherein the storage hook (106) further comprises a hole (132) for receiving an adapter (130), wherein the hole (132) is provided proximate to the first end (108) of the storage hook (106), characterized in that: wherein the storage hook (106) is associated with the adapter (130), whereby the weight of the hose (102) is supported by the adapter (130); a vertical portion (112) extends between the first end (108) and the second end (110), wherein the through hole (118) is configured to receive a screw lock (120) to allow selective locking of the storage hook (106), wherein the storage hook (106) further comprises a first surface (114) and a second surface (116), wherein the first surface (114) and the second surface (116) comprise a generally curved profile, and wherein the hose receiving portion (122) of the storage hook (106) is inclined with respect to a central axis ("Al") of the adapter (130).

2. The hose storage unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein The storage hook (106) is associated with the adapter (130) by coupling the storage hook (106) around the adapter (130).

3. The hose storage unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein The storage hook (106) is removably coupled around the adapter (130) and the faucet connector (134).

4. The hose storage unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein The storage hook (106) is associated with the adapter (130) by fitting the storage hook (106) together with the adapter (130).

5. The hose storage unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The coupling between the adapter (130) and the faucet connector (134) is a threaded coupling.

6. The hose storage unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, wherein The adapter (130) is threadably couplable with the faucet (104).

7. The hose storage unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, wherein The hose receiving portion (122) of the storage hook (106) is substantially horizontal.

8. The hose storage unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 - 4, wherein The storage hook (106) has a "U" shape.

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