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...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.

[0014]As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other.

[0015]As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. The fixed components may, or may not, be directly coupled.

[0016]As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

[0017]As used herein, “temporarily coupled” means that two components are coupled in a manner that allows for the components to be easily decoupled without damaging the components.

[0018]As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized to engage each other with...

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...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.

[0014]As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other.

[0015]As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. The fixed components may, or may not, be directly coupled.

[0016]As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

[0017]As used herein, “temporarily coupled” means that two components are coupled in a manner that allows for the components to be easily decoupled without damaging the components.

[0018]As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized to engage each other with...

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