Expandable hose storage box

Abstract

The invention is a hose storage box for expanding garden hoses. The expanding hose storage box includes a rear panel having integrally connected side panels, as well as integrally connected top and bottom panels. The panels include integral connectors for hingedly connecting a front panel by engaging a snap type pin connector along the sides of the connected panels. The rear panel also includes a keyhole aperture for mounting the expanding hose storage box on a hose bib. The center portion of the keyhole aperture is sized to allow the rear panel to pass over the hose bib and thereafter be slid up or down to lock the box in position on the hose bib. The panels are constructed from injection molded plastic or resin material to form solid panels having integral stiffening supports, ribs and gussets to provide a robust construction.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to storage boxes for garden hoses. More specifically, the present invention provides a box that cooperates with a hose bib to store an expandable garden hose.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Garden hoses are typically used to transport water for purposes such as gardening, landscaping, lawn care or the like; they are also used for outdoor cleaning of items such as vehicles, building exteriors, animals, etc. A spigot, sillcock or hose bib is connected to a source of pressurized water and positioned outside or on the exterior of a building for connection to the hose. Garden hoses are typically connected to the hose bib using a threaded male / female connection. This is referred to as a “hose union”. Other hoses may utilize bayonet mounts, quick connectors and the like for connection of hoses to a hose bib so long as they provide a watertight connection.

[0003] Garden hoses are typically made of extruded synthetic rubber or soft plastic including a web of internal fibers to provide reinforcement to prevent bursting in response to the pressurized water. Each distal end of the hose is provided with a threaded coupler which allows one end of the hose to be connected to a hose bib, while a spray tool of some type is typically connected to the other, distal, end of the hose. The hose bib typically includes a valve for turning the flow of pressurized water on and off as desired.

[0004] Expandable hoses are typically constructed of a soft rubber tube surrounded by a woven cloth cover that restricts the expansion of the inner rubber tube. Thus, these hoses expand in length and diameter when pressurized water is applied to them. When the pressurized water is released, the hose reduces in length and diameter and becomes very flexible and lightweight when compared to standard hoses.

[0005] One drawback associated with the expandable hoses is that they don't function properly with standard reel type hose storage devices. The changing length of the hose causes issues when pressurized water is applied to the hose wrapped around the drum of the hose reel.

[0006] Another drawback associated with expandable garden hoses is their known degradation when stored in the sun. The internal tubes in the expanding hoses are susceptible to UV deterioration.

[0007] Thus, the present invention provides a hose storage box that is specifically constructed for storing expandable garden hoses. The hose storage box includes integrally formed side and rear panels and a pivoting front panel for inserting or removing the expandable hose. The rear panel of the hose storage box includes a keyhole sized and shaped to be placed over a hose bib where the hose bib supports and positions the hose storage box. The hose storage box of the present invention not only provides for relative ease in the assembly, but also permits a lightweight overall structure that can withstand weathering while positioning the expandable hose at the hose bib. The structure also allows the expandable hose to remain attached to the hose bib while storing the hose inside of the hose storage box and out of the sun to increase the functional life of the hose.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly, the invention involves a hose storage box for expanding garden hoses. The expanding hose storage box includes a rear panel having integrally connected side panels as well as integrally connected top and bottom panels. The interconnected panels reduce assembly and provide watertight connection between the panels. The panels include integral connectors for hingedly connecting a front panel. In this manner, the expandable hose storage box may be shipped fully assembled or, alternatively, the front panel can be shipped as a separate component and may thereafter be assembled into a complete expandable hose storage box by engaging a snap type pin connector along the sides of the connected panels. The rear panel also includes a keyhole aperture for mounting the expanding hose storage box on a hose bib. The center portion of the keyhole aperture is sized to allow the rear panel to pass over the hose bib and thereafter be slid up or down to lock the box in position on the hose bib. The panels are constructed from injection molded plastic or resin material to form solid panels having integral stiffening supports, ribs and gussets to provide a robust construction.

[0009] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an expanding hose storage box.

[0010] It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an expanding hose storage box having integrally connected panels with hinges that allow for the front panel to be pivoted into an open position for insertion of an unpressurized expanding garden hose.

[0011] It is yet a further objective of the present invention to provide an expanding hose storage box than can be assembled without the use of push in snap lock fasteners.

[0012] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top, front, left perspective view of one embodiment of an expanding hose storage box utilizing the integrally connected panels;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top, rear, right perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a left side view thereof;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side view thereof;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom, front, left perspective view thereof;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom, rear, right perspective view thereof;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a top, front, left perspective view thereof illustrated with the front panel in an open position;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a top, rear, right perspective view thereof;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a front view, partially in section, illustrating the front panel in an open position and the hinge pin;

[0026] FIG. 14 is a rear view, illustrating the front panel in an open position;

[0027] FIG. 15 is a left side view thereof;

[0028] FIG. 16 is a right side view thereof;

[0029] FIG. 17 is a top view, illustrating the front panel in an open position;

[0030] FIG. 18 is a bottom view thereof;

[0031] FIG. 19 is a bottom, front, left perspective view, illustrating the front panel in the open position; and

[0032] FIG. 20 is a bottom, rear, right perspective view thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0034] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-20, a hose storage box 100 is illustrated. The hose storage box 100 includes a rear panel 10, the rear panel having a plurality of depending panels including a top panel 12 and a bottom panel 14, a left panel 20, and a right panel 22, and a pivoting front panel 16. The left and right panels 20, 22 each including an integrally formed hinge aperture 24 constructed and arranged to cooperate with a hinge pin 26 and the front panel 16 to allow the front panel 16 to rotate about each respective hinge pin 26 between a first position that is parallel to the rear panel 10 and a second position that is angular with respect to the rear panel 10. The front panel 16 is pivotably engageable to the left and right panels 20, 22 and the rear panel 10 with the insertion of a pair of hinge pins 26 which require a simple linear translation with respect to the side panels and front panel. Hinge pin apertures 24 in the left and right panels 20, 22 are aligned with front panel hinge apertures 28. The hinge pins are constructed and arranged to include a hinge pin head 30, hinge pin shank 32 and hinge pin snap lock 34. The hinge pin head 30 prevents the pin from being inserted too far, while the shank 32 provides a smooth shaft for long wear and easy opening. The snap lock 34 is constructed to include at least two prongs 36 that are suitably resilient to allow the prongs to flex inwardly toward each other for passage through the hinge apertures 24. Once the prongs 36 have passed the apertures they spring back, so that hinge pin catches 38 on the end of the prongs 36 prevent the pins 26 from being pulled out of the hose storage box 100. In this manner, the hose storage box 100 can be assembled without tools.

[0035] Still referring generally to FIGS. 1-20, the front panel 16 includes an integrally formed basket 40 for holding the expandable hose when not expanded. The basket 40 utilizes the inner surface of the front panel 16 and includes a pair of basket side panels 42, a basket base panel 43, and a basket rear panel 44, all integrally formed together at the edges of the respective panels. The perimeter 46 of the front panel 16 is sized to overhang 47 the perimeter edge 48, while the perimeter edge 48 is constructed to include an outwardly extending lip 50. This construction resists water from entering the hose storage box 100. The basket base panel 43 includes at least one drain aperture 52 to allow water to drain from the expanding hose during storage. The basket rear panel 44 includes a hose bib notch 54 sized and shaped to allow the front panel 16 to pivot open when the hose storage box is mounted around a hose bib. Thus, the hose can remain connected to the hose bib for storage. The user need only open the front panel and remove the expanding hose before turning on the hose bib.

[0036] Still referring generally to FIGS. 1-20, the rear panel 10 includes a perimeter standoff 56 that extends around the perimeter of the rear panel 10. The standoff 56 allows the rear panel 10 to accommodate uneven surfaces while still allowing the standoff 56 to set against an outer surface of a dwelling. A central portion of the rear panel includes a keyhole 58. The keyhole 58 includes a center aperture 60 sized to allow the rear panel to pass over a typical hose bib. A keyhole slot 62 extends both up and down with respect to the center aperture 60 which allows the hose storage box to drop over the water pipe feeding the hose bib. This allows the hose storage box 100 to be mounted for use without tools. The rear panel 10 also includes fastener apertures 64 if the user wants to secure the hose storage box either around the hose bib or adjacent the hose bib to a wall surface. Back panel drains 66 are also provided to prevent water from being captured behind the hose storage box 100 when secured to a wall surface.

[0037] Still referring generally to FIGS. 1-20, the bottom panel 14 includes front panel stop 68 which cooperate with a bottom surface of the front panel to limit the opening movement of the front panel 16. The bottom panel 14 also includes at least one drain aperture 70 for draining liquid away from the interior of the hose storage box 100. The present device is preferably constructed from resin or plastic materials by the process of injection molding, while other molding techniques may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0038] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings / figures included herein.

[0039] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hose storage box assembly comprising:a rear panel (10), the rear panel having a plurality of depending panels integrally formed thereto, including a top panel (12) and a bottom panel (14), a left panel (20), and a right panel (22) forming a parallelepiped having one open side, a pivoting front panel (16) positioned in the open side, the left end and right panels (20), (22) each including an integrally formed hinge aperture (24), the front panel (16) also including a pair of front panel hinge pin apertures (18) positioned to align with the left and right hinge pin apertures (24), a respective hinge pin (26) inserted through the respective aligned hinge pin apertures (18) to allow the front panel (16) to rotate about each respective hinge pin (26) between a first position that is parallel to the rear panel (10) and a second position that is angular with respect to the rear panel (10).

2. The hose storage box assembly of claim 1 wherein the hinge pins (26) are constructed and arranged to include a hinge pin head (30), a hinge pin shank (32) and hinge pin snap lock (34), the hinge pin head (30) preventing the hinge pin (26) from being inserted too far, while the hinge pin shank (32) provides a smooth shaft for easy opening of the front panel (16), the snap lock (34) is constructed to allow for hand insertion of the hinge pins (26).

3. The hose storage box assembly of claim 2 wherein the snap lock (34) is constructed to include at least two prongs (36) that are suitably resilient to allow the prongs to flex inwardly toward each other for passage through a respective hinge aperture (18) so that once the prongs have passed the aperture, they spring back, wherein the hinge pin catches (38) on the distal end of each prong (36) prevent the pin (26) from being pulled out of the hose storage box.

4. The hose storage box assembly of claim 1 wherein the front panel (16) includes an integrally formed basket (40) on an inner surface thereof for holding an expandable garden hose when not expanded, the basket (40) utilizing the inner surface of the front panel (16) and includes a pair of basket side panels (42), a basket base panel (43), and a basket rear panel (44), all integrally formed together at the edges of the respective panels to form the basket (40).

5. The hose storage box assembly of claim 4 wherein the basket rear panel (44) includes a hose bib notch (54) sized and shaped to allow the front panel (16) to pivot open when the hose storage box (100) is mounted around a hose bib, wherein the hose can remain connected to the hose bib for storage within the hose storage box (100).

6. The hose storage box assembly of claim 4 wherein a perimeter (46) of the front panel (16) includes an overhang (47) sized to overlap the perimeter edge (48) of an outwardly extending lip (50) positioned around the perimeter of the hose storage box (100) to resist water from entering the hose storage box (100) in a closed position.

7. The hose storage box assembly of claim 4 wherein the basket base panel (43) includes at least one drain aperture (52) to allow water to drain from the expanding hose during storage.

8. The hose storage box assembly of claim 1 wherein the rear panel (10) includes a perimeter standoff (56) that extends around the perimeter of the rear panel (10), wherein the standoff (56) accommodates uneven surfaces while still allowing the standoff (56) to set against an outer surface of a dwelling.

9. The hose storage box assembly of claim 8 wherein a central portion of the rear panel (10) includes a keyhole (58), the keyhole includes a center aperture (60) sized to allow the rear panel (10) to pass over a hose bib, a keyhole slot (62) extends both up and down with respect to the center aperture (60) which allows the hose storage box (100) to drop over the water pipe feeding the hose bib so that the hose bib is located inside of the hose storage box (100).

10. The hose storage box assembly of claim 6 wherein an inner surface of the bottom panel (14) includes at least one front panel stop (68) which cooperates with the overhang (47) of the front panel (16) to limit the opening movement of the front panel.

11. The hose storage box assembly of claim 4 wherein the bottom panel (14) includes at least one drain aperture (70) for draining liquid away from the interior of the hose storage box (100).

12. The hose storage box assembly of claim 4 wherein the hose storage box (100) is constructed from plastic by the process of injection molding.

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