Storage device for an extractable hose, hose storage assembly and method for producing such a storage device

Abstract

A storage device for an extractable hose arranged in an installation space. The storage device comprises a first housing member defining a first storage compartment. The first storage compartment is configured to house at least a portion of the hose which is extractable from the first storage compartment via a hose port arranged at the first housing member. The first housing member has at least one spatial curved wall section eluding the contour of at least one module extending into the installation space.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0001]The present invention is directed to a storage device and system for an extractable hose, in particular for a hose being used in an air vehicle. The invention is further directed to a method for designing and manufacturing of a storage device as well as to a hose storage assembly.Discussion of Related Art[0002]Hand-held extendable water faucets and hand-held shower heads are used among others in the sanitary area for e.g. sinks, showers, bidets and water-closets. In most applications, they comprise an extendable spout with a handpiece, such as a shower head or bidet spray, that is placed in a holder while not being used and is removed from there while pulling a water hose connected to the handpiece for a more comfortable utilization in a certain distance from the holder. In order to allow such manipulation of the hose, several approaches are known for domestic use.[0003]U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,782 was published on 16 Jan. 2007 on be...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The storage device described in this patent offers a retractable hose that works well in vehicles that undergo sudden acceleration and deceleration. It has a mechanism for reducing friction between the hose and the housing, making it easier for operators to use. The device can be customized to different installation spaces and can also be used for beverage dispensing. It is designed to minimize noise and has sound- and vibration-damping material. Overall, this storage device provides a reliable and convenient solution for retractable hose storage and usage.

Problems solved by technology

Whereas the systems described above may be suited for domestic use, very specific problems emerge if used in certain types of vehicles where space for storage of a hose oftentimes is highly constricted and does not have the spatial dimensions that would be needed in order to ensure proper functioning of a retraction mechanism.

Such an arrangement typically causes a narrow free space where a hose providing the handpiece with liquid has to be arranged when stored.

Inserting the hose in such a spatially limited space by means of gravity only may cause certain problems as the hose may touch obstacles inside of the storage space and consequently will not be fully retracted into the storage space by gravity.

Often the residual portion of the hose has to be pushed manually in the storage space by applying force, which may cause damage to the tube due to buckling or bending below a critical minimum bending radius.

In addition, vehicles, in particular aircraft, are usually prone to abrupt acceleration and deceleration during operation, which may not only impede retraction of the hose driven by gravity-only, but may also affect the alignment of the hose when being in the storage space.

This may lead to undesired knocking noise.

As well the hose may become tangled with obstacles (e.g. electrical, mechanical or plumbing modules) arranged in the storage space such that the hose becomes trapped in the storage space.

Even worse, such tangling may cause kinks to develop in the hose, which may interrupt or retard the flow within the hose or even lead to failure of the hose.

In contrast to domestic use, leakage of water in aircraft may not only cause significant damage to the installation space but may also critically interfere with vehicle safety.

This in particular holds true if the storage space for the hose is not easily accessible for inspection.

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