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Title: Hose handling apparatus
Description: Description:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification and drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of the apparatus, shown in combination with a portion of a hose; FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an end elevation of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area 5--5 of FIG. 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Shown in the drawings is the preferred embodiment of hose handling apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes a body 12 which is of generally U-shaped cross-section, and which is curved in a downward arc on either side of its mid-point, along its longitudinal axis, so as to properly seat a portion 14 of a hose 16 therein without kinking or damage thereto. The body 12 includes reinforcing ribs 18 about the edges thereof for added rigidity and strength. The body 12 may with advantage be of molded reinforced fiberglass material, and includes flat steel members 20,22 embedded in the fiberglass material. The steel member 20 defines a loop 24 on one side of the body 12, and a connecting member 26 defines an aperture 28 through which is secured the loop 24 so that the connecting member 26 is non-removable therefrom, the connecting member 26 being on one side of the body. Disposed through the aperture 28 in the connecting member 26 is a flexible strap member 30 which is unbroken along its length so as to define a continuous loop. The strap member 30 also is disposed through a ring 32. The strap member 30, it will be seen, is slidable through the ring 32 and aperture 28 of the connecting member 26, and is non-removable from the connecting member 26, which is actually an enclosed member as shown. A connecting member 34 is disposed through a loop 36 defined by the other end of the steel member 20, so as to be non-removable therefrom. Such connecting member 34 is disposed on the other side of the body 12. The connecting member 34 defines an upper leg 38 ending in a down-turned end portion 40, and an opening 42 for allowing installation of the strap member 30 therein, or selective removal of the strap member 30 therefrom. The strap member 30, when disposed under the leg 38, is in a sliding relation with the connecting member 34. The steel member 22 has associated therewith connecting members (one shown at 44), similar to connecting members 26,34, on either side of the body 12, and a flexible strap member 46 is associated with these connecting members and disposed through ring 32. In the use of the apparatus 10, the strap members 30,46 are removed from the connecting members 34,44 through the openings provided, the entire apparatus remaining together as an assembly because of the construction described above. The body 12 may be disposed under a portion 14 of hose 16 and the hose portion 14 seated on the body 12. The strap members 30,46 are positioned under the legs (as at 38) of the connecting members 34,44 so that portions 48,50 of the strap members 30,46 extend generally across the body 12 and between the connecting members associated therewith, over the hose portion 14. That is, the hose portion 14 is positioned between the body 12 and the strap member portions 48,50. Upon lifting of the ring 32, the strap members 30,46 are allowed to slide to an extent relative to the connecting members, and act as means by which the body 12 and hose portion 14 may be supported. Upon such lifting, the strap portions 48,50 act as force applying means, applying a cinching or securing force to the hose portion 14 positioned on the body 12, tending to secure the hose portion 14 relative to the body 12. Upon completion of the hose supporting operation, the hose portion 14 may be lowered, and the strap members 30,46 removed from the connecting members 34,44 through the openings provided, and the body 12 and structure connected thereto may be easily and conveniently moved away from the hose 16. The strap members 30,46 are angled outwardly of the ring 32 in the direction of the body 12 to provide a stable carrying of the hose 16, as shown in FIG. 1. It will be seen that the overall apparatus 10 is extremely convenient and simple in use, in that it is maintained as a unit assembly, ready for use when appropriate. In such use, the apparatus 10 may be easily positioned, and connected up by the means described above, and it will be seen that upon lifting of the hose portion by the apparatus 10, an automatic hose portion cinching effect is provided, securing such hose portion relative to the body 12 of the apparatus 10. Other info: Inventors: Carpenter, Hubert T. (San Bruno, CA, US) Application Number: 464857 Filing Date: 1974-04-29 Publication_date: 1976-03-02 Assignee: Primary Class(es): 294/74 248/60, 248/75, 294/151 Other Classes: US Patent Ref:
Other Refs: Primary Examiner: Blunk, Evon C. Assistant Examiner: Nase, Jeffrey V. Attorney: Phillips, Moore, Weissenberger Lempio & Strabala |
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