TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hose storage unit for storing a hose.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A hose storage device for storing a hose, specifically a water hose, is well-known.
Such hose storage devices are generally mounted on a wall, a cabinet, and the like,
which may increase components associated with the hose storage devices. This additional
mounting of such components of the hose storage device may be challenging in some
situations. The hose storage device typically includes a hose trolley or a hose box.
The hose trolleys or the hose boxes require increased space on a floor or may have
to be firmly mounted to the wall. Typically, such arrangements are not useful for
short hoses. Further, the hose trolleys or the hose boxes are expensive which increase
an overall cost associated with the hose storage device.
[0003] Additionally, different hose storage devices have been developed for storing the
water hose around a water tap. Such hose storage devices generally include a hose
holder or hanger which is coupled to the water tap. However, such hose storage device
also face constraints due to involvement of a large number of components, connection
joints, attachments, and the like. The hose holder or hanger may also put pressure
on connection of the hose storage device with the tap. Thus, there is a need for an
improved design of the hose storage device which provides a simple and cost-effective
means for hose storage and can be used for different (say short) hoses.
[0004] An example of a hose holder is provided in
WO Patent Application 2017/148,522 (hereinafter referred to as '522 reference). The '522 reference discloses the hose
holder for storing a hose at a water tap. The hose holder includes a connection portion
for connecting a holding device with the water tap and a holding portion for receiving
the hose. The connection portion includes a tap connection portion for mechanically
and fluidly coupling the hose holder with the water tap. The holding portion includes
a hose receiving area for supporting the coiled hose in a hanging position such that
the windings of the coiled hose are arranged in a vertical plane. However, in this
type of the hose holder a weight of the hose is directly supported by the tap connection
portion, which may lead to unintended disassembly or accidents. Moreover, hoses having
a longer length are generally heavier which may damage the tap connection portion
leading to leakage or complete break-off.
SUMMARY
[0005] In view of the above, it is an objective of the present disclosure to solve or at
least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved
by a new design of a hose storage unit for storing a hose at a tap. The hose storage
includes a storage hook to receive the hose. The hose storage also includes a tap
connector to fluidly connect the hose and the tap. The hose storage unit is characterized
in that an adaptor is removably coupled with the tap and engaged with the tap connector.
The adaptor fluidly couples the tap with the tap connector. Further, the storage hook
is associated with the adaptor.
[0006] The present disclosure provides an improved design of the hose storage unit which
allows quick and easy installation of the hose at the tap. The new design of the hose
storage unit can be installed in a compact space and is readily compatible. Further,
the hose storage unit does not require an external structure such as a wall for mounting
the hose storage units or components thereof. The hose storage unit includes fewer
parts thus making the assembly simple and cost effective. Further, the storage hook
is directly connected to the adaptor which acts as a screw element. Therefore, a liquid
can be fed directly into the hose through the adaptor, and the tap connector. A circular
arrangement of the hose storage unit allows the storage hook to rotate around a central
axis of the adaptor which makes the hose storage unit user friendly and provides improved
ergonomics. Further, the tap connector includes a sealing element that provides tightness
of the hose storage unit with an existing tap. Moreover, the hose is stored on the
storage hook which is associated (or coupled) to the adaptor hence a weight of the
hose is supported by the adaptor which prevents damage and breakdown at the hose connection.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook is associated
with the adaptor by coupling the storage hook (106) around the adaptor (130). This
may allow implementation benefits along with ease of assembly or disassembly of the
storage hook with the adaptor.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook is associated
with the adaptor by fixing the storage hook with the adaptor. The fixing of the storage
hook with the adaptor may include application of one or more of a glue, fasteners,
and the like.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook is associated
with the adaptor by having the storage hook to be integral with the adaptor. This
may lead to manufacturing and service benefits, for application of the storage hook
and the adaptor.
[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling between the adaptor
and the tap connector is a thread coupling. The coupling may be any type of coupling
such as the thread coupling which provides ease in assembly and rigidity to a connection
between the adaptor and the tap connector.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adaptor is threadably coupled
with the tap. The thread coupling provides ease in assembly and rigidity to a connection
between the adaptor and the tap, though the coupling may be any coupling such as snap-fit,
press-fit or any other as used or known in the art.
[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook is removably
coupled around the adaptor and the tap connector. Such a removable coupling provides
flexibility to use the hose storage unit for different taps thereby providing a versatile
and modular hose storage unit. Further, the hose storage unit may be quickly dissembled
when not in use.
[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook includes a
hose receiving portion to receive the hose. The hose receiving portion allows the
user to store (say winding or looping) the hose on the storage hook.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hose receiving portion
of the storage hook is substantially horizontal. The substantially horizontal hose
receiving portion provides a larger and stable area for holding of the hose in a horizontal
configuration.
[0015] 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. Such
an inclined hose receiving portion allows the hose to be stored in an inclined configuration
which provides easy and secure storage of the hose.
[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook has a "U"
shape. The storage hook may have any shape (say "V", "L" and like shapes), size, type
as per application requirements. This arrangement (i.e., the "U" shape of the present
disclosure) of the storage hook may provide easy, stable, and secure storage of the
hose.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage hook includes a
hole to receive the adaptor. This arrangement provides easy assembly of the storage
hook around the adaptor and thereby with the tap.
[0018] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following
description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings,
wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a hose storage unit, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the hose storage unit, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the hose storage unit, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the hose storage unit and a tap in a first position,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the hose storage unit and the tap in a second position,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the hose storage unit and the tap in a third position,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the hose storage unit and the tap in a fourth position,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the hose storage unit and a hose, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure incorporating
one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. This 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 disclosure
to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure
may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods.
In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
[0021] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as
a limitation on the disclosure. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side",
"longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward",
"sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer",
"inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle",
"intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote",
"radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown
in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology,
therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a hose storage unit
100 for storing a hose
102 (as shown in
FIG. 5) at a tap
104 (as shown in
FIG. 5). The hose storage unit
100 may be used to store hoses
102 having different lengths and types. The length and the type of the hose
102 may vary depending upon application requirements. The hose
102 may be used for a number of indoor and outdoor applications. Further, the tap
104 may supply any type of liquid, without limiting the scope of the present invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, the tap
104 supplies water. In application, water from the tap
104 may flow through the hose
102. The tap
104 may include any type of tap such as a wall mounted tap, a pillar tap, a mixer tap,
and the like.
[0023] The hose storage unit
100 includes a storage hook
106 to receive the hose
102. The storage hook
106 has a substantially 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 and second ends
108, 110. The storage hook
106 also includes a first surface
114 and a second surface
116. The first surface
114 and second surface
116 include a generally curved shaped profile. The first end
108 defines a first thickness
"T1". The storage hook
106 defines a through hole
118 (as shown in
FIG. 3) proximate the first end
108 to receive a screw lock
120 (as shown in
FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the screw lock
120 may allow selective locking i.e., rotational locking of the storage hook
106. The screw lock
120 may allow selective locking of the storage hook
106 at any angular position or orientation with respect to a central axis "
A1" of an adaptor
130. In some embodiments, the screw lock
120 may be movable within the through hole
118 to allow locking of the storage hook
106 with one or more of the adaptor
130, and the tap
104.
[0024] The second end
110 defines a second thickness
"T2". Further, in some embodiments, the second thickness
"T2" is greater than the first thickness
"T1". Alternatively, the second thickness
"T2" may be equal to the first thickness
"T1". The storage hook
106 may be manufactured using a material such as a synthetic plastic, a metal alloy,
and the like. It should be noted that the material of the storage hook
106 does not limit the scope of the present invention.
[0025] The storage hook
106 further includes a hose receiving portion
122 to receive 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 may include a rough surface (or elements or features such as knurling) to promote
gripping and/or 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 may be folded into a number 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 with respect to the central axis "
A1" of an adaptor
130 (as shown in
FIG. 2). Further, the inclination of the hose receiving portion
122 with respect to the central axis "
A1" may vary between 0 degree to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the inclination of
the hose receiving portion
122 with respect to the central axis "
A1" may lie between 35 degrees and 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the hose receiving
portion
122 of the storage hook
106 is substantially horizontal. In such an example, the hose receiving portion
122 may be substantially perpendicular to the vertical portion
112. In yet other embodiments, the storage hook
106 has a "U" shape. In such an example, the second end
110 may be disposed substantially parallel to the vertical portion
112.
[0026] Referring to
FIG. 2, the storage hook
106 includes a hole
132 to receive the adaptor
130. The hole
132 may be embodied as a through-hole. The hole
132 may define an internal threading (not shown). The hole
132 may include a counterbore hole, a countersink hole, and the like. The hole
132 is disposed proximate the first end
108 of the storage hook
106. The hole
132 defines a hole diameter
"D1". A shape and a size of the hole
132 is designed based on the shape and size of the adaptor
130.
[0027] The hose storage unit
100 also includes a tap connector
134 to fluidly connect the hose
102 (see
FIG. 5) and the tap
104 (see
FIG. 5). The tap connector
134 includes a first coupling portion
138 to couple the tap connector
134 with the adaptor
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. 5). Further, a washer
136 may be provided within the first coupling portion
138 to provide a liquid-tight connection between the tap connector
134 and the adaptor
130.
[0028] The hose storage unit
100 further includes the adaptor
130. The adaptor
130 fluidly couples the tap
104 with the tap connector
134. The adaptor
130 is removably coupled with the tap
104 and engaged with the tap connector
134. In particular, the adaptor
130 is threadably coupled with the tap
104. The adaptor
130 receives an outlet portion
144 (as shown in
FIGS. 4A and
4B) of the tap
104. Furthermore, the coupling between the adaptor
130 and the tap connector
134 is a thread coupling, or any other coupling such as a press-fit, a snap-fit and like
coupling as used or known in the art.
[0029] The adaptor
130 includes a first portion
146 defining a diameter
"D2 and a thickness
"T3". The first portion
146 may define a blind hole to receive the screw lock
120 (see
FIG. 3). The first portion
146 may also define a number of internal threads (not shown). The adaptor
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. Moreover, the second portion
148 defines a number of external threads
152. In the illustrated embodiment, the tap connector
134 receives the second portion
148 of the adaptor
130. The adaptor
130 further includes a sealing element
154 disposed between the first portion
146 thereof and the outlet portion
144 of the tap
104 for a leak-proof coupling between the adaptor
130 and the tap
104. The sealing element
154 may include one or more washers, seals and the like and provides water as well as
connection tightness at a connection between the adapter
130 and the tap
104.
[0030] As shown in
FIGS. 1 and
3, the storage hook
106 may be secured to the adaptor
130 using the screw lock
120. Further, the storage hook
106 is associated with (say coupled around) the adaptor
130. in the illustrated embodiment, the storage hook
106 is removably coupled around the adaptor
130 and the tap connector
134. More particularly, the storage hook
106 is coupled around the adaptor
130 proximate the first end
108 of the storage hook
106. The adaptor
130 is received by the hole
132 of the storage hook
106 since the diameter
"D2" of the first portion
146 of the adaptor
130 is approximately equal to the hole diameter
"D1"of the hole
132. The hole
132 may partially receive the adaptor
130 since the thickness
"T3" of the first portion
146 of the adaptor
130 is greater than the thickness
"T1" of the first end
108 of the storage hook
106. Further, the counterbore or countersink profile of the hole
132 may receive the second portion
148 of the adaptor
130. A combined thickness
"T2", "T3" of the adapter
130 is greater than the first thickness
"T1" of the first end
108 of the storage hook
106. Further, a portion of the adapter
130 at the first portion
146 extends out partially in an upward direction from the storage hook
106 to couple with the outlet portion
144 of the tap
104 and a portion of the adapter
130 at the second portion
148 extends out partially in a downward direction from the storage hook
106 to receive the tap connector
134 (see
FIG. 5). Furthermore, the thickness
"T4" of the second portion
148 of the adaptor
130 is greater than the thickness
"T1" of the first end
108 of the storage hook
106.
[0031] In some embodiments, the storage hook
106 may be coupled around the adaptor
130. This may allow implementation benefits along with ease of assembly or disassembly
of the storage hook
106 with the adaptor
130. In some embodiments, the storage hook
106 may be fixed with the adaptor
130. The fixing of the storage hook
106 with the adaptor
130 may allow selective locking or rotation of the storage hook
106 with respect to the adaptor
130. Further, the fixing of the storage hook
106 with the adaptor
130 may include application of one or more of a glue, fasteners, and the like, or any
fastening means as used or known in the art. In some embodiments, the storage hook
106 may be integral with the adaptor
130. This may lead to manufacturing and service benefits, for application of the storage
hook
106 and the adaptor
130. The present disclosure allows any association, arrangement, coupling, fixing, and
the like between the storage hook
106 and the adaptor
130, and all such variations are well within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and
4D show the assembly of the hose storage unit
100 with the tap
104 (see
FIG. 5). Referring to
FIG. 4A, in a first position, the adaptor
130, the storage hook
106, the tap connector
134, and the tap
104 are shown in an unassembled configuration. Referring to
FIG. 4B, in a second position, the adaptor
130 is threadably coupled to the outlet portion
144 of the tap
104. The outlet portion
144 of the tap
104 may define external threads (not shown) for threadable coupling of the adaptor
130. Referring to
FIG. 4C, in a 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 be rotated at 360 degrees about the central axis "
A1" of the adaptor
130. Referring to
FIG. 4D, in a fourth position, the tap connector
134 is threadably coupled to the second portion
148 of the adaptor
130 to fluidly connect the tap connector
134 (and thereby the hose
102, see
FIG. 5) and the tap
104. As shown in
FIG. 5, the hose connector
142 is coupled to the second coupling portion
140 of the tap connector
134. The hose connector
142 may include a body portion (not shown) having an arrangement such as threads that
allow engagement of the hose
102 with the hose connector
142.
[0033] The present invention provides an improved and simplified design of the hose storage
unit
100 which allows easy installation. The new design of the hose storage unit
100 can be accommodated in compact spaces. Further, the hose storage unit
100 does not require an external structure such as a wall for mounting the hose storage
unit
100 or components thereof and can be directly stored proximate the tap
104. The hose storage unit
100 includes fewer parts thus making the assembly simple in design and cost effective.
Further, the storage hook
106 is directly connected to the adaptor
130 as a screw element. Therefore, a liquid can be fed directly into the hose
102 through the adaptor
130.
[0034] Moreover, the storage hook
106 can be rotated relative to the tap
104 around the central axis "
A1" of the adaptor
130, thereby allowing storage of the hose
102 at various positions relative to the tap
104. Such a design makes the hose storage unit
100 user friendly and improves ergonomics. Additionally, the hose
102 can be quickly assembled and disassembled from the tap
104 using the hose storage unit
100 described herein. Further, the adaptor
130 includes the sealing element
154 that provides tightness between the hose storage unit
100 and the tap
104. Moreover, the hose
102 is stored on the storage hook
106 which is coupled to the adaptor
130 hence the weight of the hose
102 is supported by the adaptor
130 thereby preventing damage and breakdown at the hose connection.
[0035] 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 the purpose of limitation
of the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.
LIST OF ELEMENTS
[0036]
- 100
- Hose Storage Unit
- 102
- Hose
- 104
- Tap
- 106
- Storage Hook
- 108
- First End
- 110
- Second End
- 112
- Vertical Portion
- 114
- First Surface
- 116
- Second Surface
- 118
- Through Hole
- 120
- Screw Lock
- 122
- Hose Receiving Portion
- 130
- Adaptor
- 132
- Hole
- 134
- Tap Connector
- 136
- Washer
- 138
- First Coupling Portion
- 140
- Second Coupling Portion
- 142
- Hose Connector
- 144
- Outlet Portion
- 146
- First Portion
- 148
- Second Portion
- 152
- External Threads
- 154
- Sealing Element
- A1
- Central Axis
- D1
- Hole Diameter
- D2
- Diameter of First Portion
- D3
- Diameter of Second Portion
- T1
- Thickness of First End
- T2
- Thickness of Second End
- T3
- Thickness of First Portion
- T4
- Thickness of Second Portion