Hose draining device

Abstract

To provide a water draining device that allows one worker to easily drain water from a hose. [Solution] The hose draining device 1 according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a lower frame portion 3 having a shaft portion 31 and a lower roller 32 that can rotate around the shaft portion 31; a side frame portion 4 having a bendable string-like body 41 connected to one end of each of the shaft portion 31 of the lower frame portion 3, and a side roller 42 that can rotate around the string-like body 41; and a handle portion 2 to which the other end of the string-like body 41 of the side frame portion 4 is detachably connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water draining device for draining water remaining in a fire hose.

Background Art

[0002] After water is discharged in a fire fighting operation or the like, it is necessary to drain the water remaining in the hose. If this water is not drained, mold and various bacteria may grow in the hose, which may shorten the life of the hose. Also, in cold regions, the water remaining in the hose may freeze, which may cause the hose to break.

[0003] Among fire hoses, especially the hose called a suction hose, which takes water from low-pressure or non-pressure water sources such as fire hydrants, rivers, and water storage tanks and supplies the water to a fire truck or a portable pump, is a hose formed of a highly rigid material and always maintains a cylindrical shape. The water draining operation of such a hose was generally performed as follows.

[0004] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional method for draining water remaining in a fire hose H. As shown in FIG. 5, conventionally, an operator W moves while lifting the fire hose H from the rear end side in the water discharge direction F (when the hose H is a suction hose, it is the fire truck or portable pump side) toward the front end side (the opening side of the hose), and the water remaining in the hose H is sent in the water discharge direction F, and finally the water is drained through an opening (not shown) on the front end side in the water discharge direction F, thereby draining the water.

[0005] However, the conventional water draining operation shown in FIG. 5 requires the operator W to move while sequentially lifting the hose H in a bent state, which places an excessive burden on the operator W's waist and requires a great deal of labor. Moreover, considering that this operation is performed after a fire fighting operation, the burden on the operator W is considerable. Also, there was a risk that the hand would slip during the operation and the hose H would fall onto the operator W's foot, and especially that the operator W would be injured by the fittings of the hose H.

[0006] Therefore, various devices have been developed to assist in draining water from such hoses. For example, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, a water draining roller is used to assist in draining water from fire hoses. This water draining roller in Non-Patent Document 1 is a device in which a roller with an H-shaped cross-section, formed by a plane parallel to the axial direction of the rod-shaped member, is attached to the center of a rod-shaped member that serves as the axis of rotation.

[0007] Furthermore, the water drainage using the water drainage roller described in Non-Patent Document 1 is performed by placing a hose on the roller and having two workers lift both ends of a rod-shaped member and move it in the direction of water discharge. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Iwasaki Seisakusho, Water drain roller for fire / watering hoses, [online], Monotaro Mail Order, [Searched October 9, 2024], Internet [https: / / www.amazon.co.jp / %E5%B2%A9%E5%B4%8E%E8%A3%BD%E4%BD%9C%E6%89%80-%E3%83%9B%E3%83%BC%E3%82%B9%E6%B0%B4%E6%8A%9C%E3%81%8D%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%A9%E3%83%BC / dp / B07DJ4GSN5] [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, the aforementioned drain roller requires two workers to operate. If one worker attempts to operate it, their arm or arm and leg must straddle the hose, forcing them to work in an awkward position.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a water draining device that allows a single worker to easily drain water from a hose in a comfortable posture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention is a hose draining device comprising: a lower frame portion having a shaft portion and a lower roller rotatable around the shaft portion to support a hose to be drained; a pair of side frame portions having a bendable string-like body with one end connected to each end of the shaft portion of the lower frame portion, and a side roller rotatable around the string-like body, which works in cooperation with the lower frame portion to surround the hose; and a handle portion to which the other end of the string-like body of the side frame portion is detachably connected.

[0012] Preferably, the lower roller is composed of a single roller, ensuring sufficient strength to support the hose to be drained from below.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that multiple side rollers are attached to the string-like body. This is to allow for flexible adaptation to the outer shape, size, etc., of the hose to be drained.

[0014] More preferably, each of the multiple side rollers can be made movable along the string-like body, allowing for even greater flexibility. Furthermore, by providing a movement limiting portion on the string-like body that restricts the range of movement of the side rollers, contact between the side rollers and the handle or the lower roller can be prevented.

[0015] Furthermore, the handle portion has an annular carabiner portion with an opening and closing section, and a grip portion provided on the carabiner portion at a position opposite to the opening and closing section, allowing the other end of each side frame to be easily attached and detached, and making it easy for the worker to grasp with one hand. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the water draining device of the present invention, a single operator can easily perform the water draining operation of the hose in a comfortable posture with the waist extended.

[0017] In addition, since the work can be performed while surrounding the hose with the lower frame portion and the pair of side frame portions, the work can be safely performed without dropping the hose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a water draining device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a state in which one string-like body of the side frame portion is removed from the handle portion of the water draining device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which the water draining device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a hose. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which the water draining of the hose is performed using the water draining device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a conventional method for draining water remaining in a fire hose.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the water draining device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings unless otherwise specified. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are not limited to the illustrated ratios.

[0020] <Basic Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a water drainage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This water drainage device 1 is used by being attached to a hose H when draining water from the hose H (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1, the water drainage device 1 includes a lower frame portion 3 that supports the hose H from below, and a pair of side frame portions 4 whose one ends are respectively connected to both ends of the lower frame portion 3 and cooperate with the lower frame portion 3 to surround the hose H, and a handle portion 2 to which the other ends of the respective side frame portions 4 are detachably connected. Therefore, at least the work can be performed while surrounding the hose H with the lower frame portion 3 and the pair of side frame portions 4, so that a single operator can perform the work safely without dropping the hose H.

[0021] <Configuration of the lower frame portion> The lower frame portion 3 includes a columnar shaft portion 31 and a lower roller 32 that can rotate around the shaft portion 31.

[0022] In order to support the hose H without bending the shaft portion 31, the shaft portion 31 is formed of a material having sufficient strength, such as a hard resin or metal. A connecting mechanism (not shown) is provided on the shaft portion 31, and one end side of the side frame portion 4 is connected to the shaft portion 31 via the connecting mechanism. This connecting mechanism is, for example, a hole portion formed near both ends of the shaft portion 31, and it is possible to tie the string-like body 41 of the side frame portion 4 through this hole portion.

[0023] The lower roller 32 is a roller that rotates around the shaft portion 31 as a rotation axis. A single lower roller 32 is attached to the shaft portion 31. The lower roller 32 has a length that covers more than half, preferably 70% or more, of the total length of the shaft portion 31. By configuring the lower roller 32 with a single roller in this way, the shaft portion 31 that supports the hose H can be reinforced, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the shaft portion 31 from bending due to the weight of the hose H, and thus the hose H can be reliably supported from below.

[0024] Furthermore, the lower roller 32 is longer than the outer dimensions of the hose H used for draining water, and has enlarged diameter portions 32a at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and its cross-sectional shape, formed by a plane parallel to the shaft portion 31, is H-shaped. This prevents the hose H placed on the lower roller 32 from shifting away from the lower roller 32 when the draining device 1 is in use, and allows the lower roller 32 to roll smoothly along the underside of the hose H.

[0025] <Structure of the side frame> Each of the pair of side frame sections 4 is equipped with a bendable string-like body 41 and a side roller 42 that can rotate around the string-like body 41.

[0026] The string-like body 41 is a flexible wire whose one end is connected to the vicinity of both ends of the shaft portion 31 of the lower frame portion 3 via connecting mechanisms. The other end of the string-like body 41 is connected to the handle portion 2. The string-like body 41 can be made of any material, such as metal wire, chain, synthetic resin fiber, or cotton, as long as it is flexible enough to conform to the outer shape of the hose H and can support the weight of the hose H.

[0027] One end of the string-like body 41 is connected to the shaft portion 31 of the lower frame portion 3 via a connecting mechanism (not shown) as described above. The other end of the string-like body 41, that is, the end opposite to the end connected to the lower frame portion 3, has an annular portion (not shown) that can be attached to the handle portion 2.

[0028] The side rollers 42 are rollers that rotate around the string-like body 41 as their axis of rotation, and multiple (two in this embodiment) side rollers 42 are attached to each string-like body 41. Because multiple side rollers 42 are attached to each string-like body 41 instead of a single side roller 42, the string-like body 41 is more easily deformed to conform to the outer shape of the hose H.

[0029] Furthermore, the multiple side rollers 42 are not fixed to a specific position on the string-like body 41, but are movable along the string-like body 41. As a result, even if the string-like body 41 bends to conform to the outer shape of the hose H, the side rollers 42 spontaneously move to positions where they can maintain their rolling motion, enabling smooth rolling of the side rollers 42 along the sides of the hose H.

[0030] More preferably, while the side roller 42 is made movable along the string-like body 41 as described above, a movement limiting portion 41a is provided to restrict its range of movement to a certain range. This is because if the side roller 42 gets too close to the handle 2 or too close to the lower roller 32 of the lower frame portion 3, the side roller 42 may not be able to roll properly. As for the movement limiting portion 41a, there are no particular restrictions as long as the movement of the side roller 42 can be restricted, and known retaining means can be used. For example, a knot can be made in the string-like body 41, and this knot can serve as the movement limiting portion 41a.

[0031] <Handle section configuration> The handle portion 2 is the part that the worker W holds, and the other end of the string-like body 41 of the side frame portion 4 is detachably connected to it. The handle portion 2 has an annular carabiner portion 21 and a grip portion 22 attached to the carabiner portion 21.

[0032] The carabiner portion 21 is an annular member having an opening / closing portion 211 that can be opened inward. A commercially available carabiner can be used as the carabiner portion 21, and its size and shape can be adjusted as appropriate. By opening the opening / closing portion 211, the other end of the string-like body 41, where the annular portion is formed, can be attached to and detached from the carabiner portion 21. In addition, the other end of the string-like body 41 can be movably connected along the shape of the carabiner portion 21, making the connection work easier and ensuring the smooth rolling of the side roller 42.

[0033] The grip portion 22 is a cylindrical structure attached to the carabiner portion 21 at a position opposite the opening / closing portion 211 of the carabiner portion 21, and is the part that the worker W holds. The grip portion 22 has a predetermined thickness that is thicker than the carabiner portion 21 so that it is easy for the worker W to hold. Furthermore, it is preferable that the grip portion 22 is made of a material with high friction and that does not slip easily, and that it has a surface treatment such as bumps and grooves that do not slip easily, so that it is easy for the worker W to hold.

[0034] <How to use> Next, a method for draining water from hose H using the draining device 1 described above will be explained. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the draining device 1 of Figure 1 with the string-like body 41 of one side frame part 4 removed from the handle part 2. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the draining device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to hose H.

[0035] When using the draining device 1, first open the opening / closing part 211 of the handle part 2 inward as shown in Figure 2, and remove the string-like body 41 of one of the side frame parts 4 from the carabiner part 21.

[0036] Next, after wrapping the draining device 1, as shown in Figure 2, around the hose H, the string-like body 41 that had been removed from the carabiner part 21 is reattached to the carabiner part 21, as shown in Figure 3, and the opening / closing part 211 is closed. This completes the installation of the draining device 1 on the hose H, with the lower frame part 3 and the pair of side frame parts 4 surrounding the hose H. Note that the installation of the draining device 1 is performed at the rear end of the hose H in the direction of water discharge.

[0037] At this time, the string-like body 41 of the side frame 4 is bent along the outer shape of the hose H, as shown in Figure 3.

[0038] Furthermore, the hose H, which has a circular cross-sectional shape, makes point contact with the lower roller 32 of the lower frame 3 at contact point P1, and also makes point contact with the side rollers 42 of each side frame 4 at contact points P2 and P3. Although Figure 3 illustrates a hose H that is large enough to make contact with the side rollers 42 of both side frame 4, the draining device 1 according to the present invention can also perform the draining operation appropriately even if the hose H is smaller and only the side roller 42 of one of the side frame 4 makes contact with the hose H.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing how to drain water from hose H using a water draining device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. After attaching the water draining device 1 to hose H, as shown in Figure 4, the worker W can lift hose H in a comfortable, straight posture by holding the handle portion 2 of the water draining device 1 with one hand and lifting the water draining device 1.

[0040] Then, worker W, maintaining this comfortable posture, moves from the rear end to the front end of the water discharge direction F, lifting the fire hose H as he goes. At this time, the lower roller 32 and the side roller 42 that are in contact with the hose H roll, allowing the draining device 1 to be easily moved along the hose H. In this way, the water remaining in the hose H is sent to the water discharge direction F and finally discharged from the opening (not shown) at the front end of the water discharge direction F.

[0041] Furthermore, there are various types of fire hoses H. For example, there are intake hoses called suction pipes, which draw water from low-pressure or no-pressure water sources, and shape-retaining hoses, which are made of highly rigid material and always maintain a cylindrical shape. In these cases, there may be irregularities along the circumference of the entire length of the hose. Even if the hose H is such a hose, the lower roller 32 and the side roller 42 make point contact with the hose H, making it easier for the lower roller 32 and the side roller 42 to overcome the irregularities, allowing the worker W to easily move the water draining device 1 along the hose H.

[0042] Furthermore, because the string-like body 41 of the side frame 4 is flexible, even if the hose has undergone an irreversible predetermined bending deformation (crease), the worker W can easily move the draining device 1 along the deformed area.

[0043] With the draining device 1 having the configuration described above, one worker can easily drain the water from the hose in a comfortable, straight posture. Furthermore, the lower frame 3 properly supports the hose H from below, and the lower frame and the pair of side frames work together to surround the hose H, so the work can be performed safely without dropping the hose H.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the drainage device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be adopted without departing from the technical scope of the invention.

[0045] For example, in the embodiment described above, two side rollers 42 were provided for each string-like body 41. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any configuration that does not hinder the deformation of the side rollers 42 is acceptable, and one, three or more side rollers 42 may be provided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1...Water draining device, 2...Handle part, 3...Lower frame part, 4...Side frame part, 21...Carabiner part, 22...Grip part, 31...Shaft part, 32...Lower roller, 32a...Expanding part, 41...String-like body, 41a...Movement restricting part, 42...Side roller, 211...Opening / closing part, F...Water discharge direction, H...Hose, P1...Contact point, P2...Contact point, P3...Contact point, W...Worker.

Claims

1. A hose draining device comprising: a lower frame having a shaft and a lower roller rotatable around the shaft, supporting a hose to be drained; a pair of side frame parts having a pair of bendable string-like bodies connected at one end to each end of the shaft of the lower frame, and side rollers rotatable around each string-like body, working in cooperation with the lower frame to surround the hose; and a handle portion to which the other end of the string-like bodies of each side frame is detachably connected.

2. The hose draining device according to claim 1, wherein the lower roller is composed of a single roller.

3. The hose draining device according to claim 1, wherein each of the above string-like bodies is fitted with a plurality of the above side rollers.

4. The hose draining device according to claim 3, wherein each of the above-mentioned multiple side rollers is movable along the above-mentioned string-like body.

5. The hose draining device according to claim 4, characterized in that the string-like body is provided with a movement limiting portion that restricts the range of movement of the side roller.

6. The hose draining device according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion comprises an annular carabiner portion having an opening and closing portion, and a grip portion provided on the carabiner portion at a position opposite to the opening and closing portion.

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