RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CABLE AND HOSE STORAGE REEL

Abstract

A recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel includes a shaft having an axis and a support drum rotatably mounted on the shaft for rotation about the axis. The support drum includes a central cylindrical support housing through which the shaft extends. A pair of end flanges are disposed at opposite ends of the central cylindrical support housing. One or more intermediate flanges are disposed along the central cylindrical housing between the pair of end flanges at spaced intervals and defining two or more reel segments. One or more apertures extend through the central cylindrical support housing along each reel segment that is configured to receive and retain an end of an elongated article to be wound about the reel segment. A bracket connects to the shaft and is configured to mount the shaft to a support structure. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the storage of cables and hoses used in connecting a recreational vehicle to sources of electrical power and water, and more particularly, relating to a cable and hose storage reel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational vehicles require the use of power cables and water hoses to connect the recreational vehicle to a “hook-up” including a source of electrical power generally in form of an electrical outlet and a source of water generally in the form of a water tap. Recreational vehicles are provided with limited storage space. The storage space that is available can be difficult to access. Thus, storage of the power cables and water hoses when not being used presents a challenge. Accordingly, there is a need to provide better storage of recreational vehicle cables and hoses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention addresses this need by providing a recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel that provides convenient storage of such cables and hoses with quick and easy access while preventing entanglement and damage.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel that is easily attached to a supporting structure of the recreational vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel having bracket configurations that are easily attached to various supporting structure of the recreational vehicle.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel that can accommodate cables and hoses of various lengths.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel of an improved and simplified construction.

To achieve these and other advantages, in general, in one aspect, a cable and hose storage reel is provided. The cable and hose storage reel includes a shaft having an axis and a support drum rotatably mounted on the shaft for rotation about the axis. The support drum includes a central cylindrical support housing through which the shaft extends. A pair of end flanges are disposed at opposite ends of the central cylindrical support housing. One or more intermediate flanges are disposed along the central cylindrical housing between the pair of end flanges at spaced intervals and defining two or more reel segments. One or more apertures extend through the central cylindrical support housing along each reel segment that is configured to receive and retain an end of an elongated article to be wound about the reel segment. A bracket connects to the shaft and is configured to mount the shaft to a support structure.

In general, in another aspect, an embodiment of the cable and hose storage reel includes a plurality of apertures through one or more of the one or more intermediate flanges at spaced intervals about a circumference of the intermediate flange. One or more tethers configured to secure an end of an elongated article wound about a reel segment to an intermediate flange through engagement with one of the plurality of apertures.

In general, in another aspect, an embodiment of the cable and hose storage reel includes one of the intermediate flanges includes a slot extending from an outer edge thereof to the central cylindrical support housing, the slot adjoining juxtaposed reel segments and having a width sufficient for the passing length of an elongated article from between the juxtaposed reel segments.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel attached to a recreational vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment storage reel;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the storage reel;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view an embodiment of the storage reel and a cable/hose being wound onto the storage reel;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a lock of the storage reel;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the storage reel and a cable/hose tether;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket configuration of the storage reel; and

FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views of another embodiment including spacers, wherein:

FIG. 14 illustrates a spacer positioned above a mounting structure; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a spacer positioned below a mounting structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of the present cable and hose storage reel 10 (hereinafter storage reel) is shown in perspective and secured to a tow hitch 12 of a recreational vehicle 14. The storage reel 10 is particularly useful in the storage of power cables and water hoses that are routinely used in connecting a recreational vehicle to a source of water and electrical power when parked. The storage reel 10 provides convenient storage of such power cables and water hoses with quick and easy access while preventing entanglement and damage. As depicted in FIG. 1, the storage reel 10 has three separate power cables and/or water hoses wound about an equal number of reel segments. As will be discussed below and as illustrated in the drawings, the storage reel 10 may include several different reel segment configurations as desired. A protective cover 16 is further depicted in FIG. 1 exploded from the storage reel for clarity. Cover 16 is placed over the storage reel 10 to enclose and shield the power cables and/or water hoses when not being used, particularly during storage and transport of the recreational vehicle. Cover 16 may be comprised of a flexible fabric material and open at one end for placement over the storage reel 10. The cover 16 may be fitted with a drawstring or other fastening arrangement to cinch the open end around the storage reel 10.

FIG. 2 shows a generally top view of an embodiment of the storage reel 10 secured a supporting structure 12 of a recreational vehicle, such as the tow hitch of FIG. 1. Here, the storage reel 10 is shown as having two power cables and/or water hoses 18a and 18b, each wound about two interconnected reel segments. As will be further described below, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 can accommodate up to four power cables and/or water hoses of 25-feet in length, or up to two power cables and/or water hoses of 50-feet, as shown. Storage reel 10 further comprises a shaft 20 which support drum 22 is rotatable. Shaft end 24 of shaft 20 is attached to bracket 25 by one or more fasteners 26, such as security fasteners, bolts, or the like. Bracket 25 is secured to the supporting structure 12 of the recreational vehicle by one or more fasteners, such as bolt 106.

FIG. 3 shows a generally front view of an embodiment of the storage reel 10 secured to a supporting structure 12 of a recreational vehicle, such as the tow hitch of FIG. 1, by bracket 25. Storage reel 10 includes a support drum 22 including a central and cylindrical support housing 28. Shaft 20 extends through the support housing 28. The support drum 22 is rotatably mounted on shaft 20 by bushings 30 and 32 disposed within collars 34 and 36 for rotation about axis 38 of the shaft. Support drum 22 is secured to shaft 20 against removal therefrom by retaining washer 40 and retaining pin 42. A pair of end flanges 44 and 45 are disposed at opposite ends of the support housing 28. Shaft end 24 projects outward beyond end flange 44. Intermediate flanges 46a, 46b, 46c are disposed along the central cylindrical housing 28 between end flanges 44 and 45 at spaced intervals.

Intermediate flanges 46a, 46b, 46c divide the length of the support housing 28 into reel segments 48a, 48b, 48c and 48d. More or less intermediate flanges may be provided as desired. Intermediate flanges 46a and 46c each include a slot 50a and 50b which radially extend from an outer edge the flange to the surface of the support housing, as best seen in FIG. 4. Slot 50a connects reel segments 48a and 48b for the winding of a single power cable/water hose between reel segments 48a and 48b. Slot 50b connects reel segments 48c and 48d for the winding of a single power cable/water hose between reel segments 48c and 48d. Slots 50a and 50b are of a sufficient width to permit the passage of a length of power cable/water hose therethrough between the interconnected reel segments, as best seen in FIG. 2. To this end, a power cable/water hose may be wound about the support housing 28 within a first reel segment 48a, 48c and as that reel segment becomes filled the power cable/water hose can be passed through the interconnect slot 50a, 50b and continued to be wound about a second reel segment 48b, 48d.

An embodiment of the storage reel 10 may include one or more apertures 52 through the support housing 28 along each reel segment that is configured to receive and retain an end 54 of power cable/water hose 56 to be wound about the reel segment, as best seen in FIG. 4. Aperture 52 can be configured for either right-handed or left-handed operation. In other words, aperture 52 can be configured to receive and retain an end 54 of the power cable/water hose 56 in either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of support drum 22.

An embodiment of the storage reel 10 may include a lock 60 that is operable to engage the support drum 22 to prevent rotation of the support drum about the shaft 20. As best seen in FIG. 5, lock 60 may include a knob 62 having a threaded shaft 64 that is threadably received by a threaded bore 66 extending through reinforcement strip 68 and circular disk 70. End flange 44 can include an aperture 72 that is positioned by rotation of support drum 22 to be in alignment with threaded bore 66, such that threading shaft 64 by turning knob 62 advances the threaded shaft 64 into aperture 70. With threaded shaft 64 disposed within aperture 72, the support drum 22 is prevented from rotating. Alternatively, threaded shaft 64 may be caused to simply press against end flange 44 to frictionally retain the support drum 22 from rotating.

An embodiment of the storage reel 10 may include an elastic tether 74 for securing the free end of the wound power cable/water hose, as best seen in FIG. 6. On end of the tether 74 is secured the free end of power cable/water hose 56 and the opposite end includes a hook 76 for insertion into one of the apertures 78 disposed around a circumference of an intermediate flange 46b (as shown). Any number of the intermediate flanges or end flanges may include similar apertures for securing a free end of a wound power cable/water hose.

In FIG. 7, a perspective view of bracket 25 and the end 24 of shaft 20 is shown. Bracket 25 includes a vertical web 80 having a pair of vertically spaced tabs 82 and 84 extending from one side thereof, and a pair of vertically spaced tabs 86 and 88 extending from a side opposite of tabs 82 and 84. Tabs 86 and 88 could be replaced by a tubular section. Tabs 86 and 88 are swept or angled relative to tabs 82 and 84 to position the support drum 22 generally parallel with a surface of the recreational vehicle. Tabs 82 and 84 include coaligned apertures 90 and 92. Tabs 86 and 88 include coaligned apertures 94 and 96, and coaligned slots 98 and 100. Tabs 86 and 88 are spaced to receive therebetween end 24 of shaft 20 with bores 102 and 104 cooperatively aligned with aperture pair 94, 96 and slot pair 98 and 100, respectively. Fasteners 26, such as security fasteners secure shaft end 24 to tabs 86 and 88. Slots 98 and 100 permit the pivoting of shaft 20 about the bracket 25 to be better aligned with a surface of the recreational vehicle.

Tabs 82 and 84 are spaced to receive therebetween supporting structure 12, as best seen in FIG. 3. A bolt 106 is inserted through apertures 90 and 92 and secured therein by nut 108, thereby securing the bracket 25 to the supporting structure. Bolt 106 may have a provision, such as a transverse bore for receiving a paddle lock 110 to prevent removal of the bolt.

Other bracket configuration are possible to secure the storage reel 10 to various support structures of the recreational vehicle.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative bracket 120 configuration particularly useful in securing the storage reel 10 to a bumper of a recreational vehicle. Bracket 120 includes a pair of opposed C-shaped channel sections 122, 124 that are clamped and secured about a bumper by bolts (not shown). A pair of tabs 126 and 128 extending from one section 124 and includes two pairs of aligned apertures positioned for cooperative alignment with the bores of shaft end 24. Alternatively, section 122 could be replaced by two U-bolts (not shown).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative bracket 130 configuration particularly useful in securing the storage reel 10 to a ladder rung 132 of a ladder 134 attached to the recreational vehicle 14. Bracket 130 comprises a pair of pipe-clamps 136 and 138 attached to shaft end 24 for example by welding, which in turn are secured to the ladder rung 132 in a conventional manner.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative bracket 140 configuration particularly useful in securing the storage reel 10 to conventional hitch receiver 142. Bracket 140 includes a hitch tube 144 having a plurality of spaced through holes 146 positioned to be aligned with holes 148 of hitch receiver 142 and to receive hitch pin 150 to secure hitch tube 144 to hitch receiver 142. A pair of tabs 152 and 154 extending from one section hitch tube 144 and includes two pairs of aligned apertures positioned for cooperative alignment with the bores of shaft end 24. Alternatively, shaft end 24 can be welded to tabs 152 and 154, as seen in FIG. 11. Alternatively, shaft end 24 can be welded directly to hitch tube 144, as seen in FIG. 12. Here shaft end 24 may include a bend.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of yet another bracket 160 configuration particularly useful in securing the storage reel 10 to conventional mounting support structure, such as the hitch frame 12 shown and discussed above. Similarly to the bracket 120 configuration of FIG. 8, bracket 160 includes a pair of opposed C-shaped channel sections 162, 164 that are clamped and secured about a hitch frame structure (not shown). A pair of tabs 166 and 168 extending from one section 164 and includes two pairs of aligned apertures positioned for cooperative alignment with the bores of shaft end 24. Alternatively, section 162 could be replaced by two U-bolts (not shown).

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in an embodiment one or more block shaped spacers 170 may be provided to fit the bracket 25 to the supporting structure by positioning between tabs 82 and 84 to fill any space between the tabs and the supporting structure 12. In FIG. 14, the spacer 170 is positioned above the supporting structure 12 and between the supporting structure and tab 82. In this arrangement, the storage coil 10 is shifted vertically upward with respect to the supporting structure 12. In FIG. 15, the spacer 170 is positioned below the supporting structure 12 and between the supporting structure and tab 84. In this arrangement, the storage coil 10 is shifted vertically downward with respect to the supporting structure 12. Spacer 170 can include an extension tab 172 through which bolt 106 may be passed to secure the spacer in position. Other configurations of the spacer 170 are possible and the spacer may be configured to be used with any one of the above described bracket configurations.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A hose and cable storage reel comprising:

a shaft having an axis;

a support drum rotatably mounted on said shaft for rotation about said axis, said support drum including a central cylindrical support housing through which said shaft extends;

a pair of end flanges disposed at opposite ends of said central cylindrical support housing;

one or more intermediate flanges disposed along said central cylindrical housing between said pair of end flanges at spaced intervals and defining two or more reel segments;

one or more apertures through said central cylindrical support housing along each reel segment that is configured to receive and retain an end of an elongated article to be wound about said reel segment; and

a bracket connected to said shaft and configured to mount said shaft to a support structure.

2. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of apertures through one or more of said one or more intermediate flanges at spaced intervals about a circumference of said intermediate flange; and

one or more tethers configured to secure an end of an elongated article wound about a reel segment to an intermediate flange through engagement with one of said plurality of apertures.

3. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, further comprising:

a lock configured to engage said support drum and prevent said support drum from rotating about said axis.

4. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 3, wherein said lock comprises:

a support fixedly mounted to said shaft;

a lock shaft supported by said support for movement between first and second positions; and

one of said end flanges configured to receive shaft lock shaft.

5. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, wherein:

one of said intermediate flanges includes a slot extending from an outer edge thereof to said central cylindrical support housing, said slot adjoining juxtaposed reel segments and having a width sufficient for the passing length of an elongated article from between said juxtaposed reel segments.

6. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, wherein:

said bracket is configured to mount said shaft to a ladder rung.

7. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, wherein:

said bracket is configured to mount said shaft to a hitch receiver.

8. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, wherein:

said bracket is configured to mount said shaft to a vehicle hitch or trailer frame.

9. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, wherein:

said bracket is configured to mount said shaft to bumper of a vehicle.

10. The hose and cable storage reel of claim 1, wherein:

said bracket is configured to permit adjustment of said shaft relative to said support structure.