Automatic hose reel

An apparatus for automatically winding a hose of the type which includes end couplers, said apparatus comprising:

• a frame having first and second side members;
• reel means rotatably and transversely coupled between said first and second side members for receiving said hose;
• a motor coupled on said frame;
• electrical switch means for coupling said motor to a source of power when in a first state, and for disconnecting said motor for said source of power when in a second state;
• clutch means coupled between said motor and said reel means for selectively and imparting rotary motion from said motor to said reel means;
• guide means coupled between said first and second side members for guiding hose to said reel means;
• and
• first means coupled to said guide means and responsive thereto for substantially simultaneously disengaging said clutch and turning off said motor;
• said guide means comprising an elongated externally threaded traversing screw journaled for rotation in said first and second side members and positioned substantially parallel to said reel means, second means coupled between said reel means and said traversing screw for rotating said traversing screw in response to rotation of said reel means, follower means mounted on said traversing screw and movable thereof on opposite directions during rotation of said traversing screw, and a guide assembly journaled for rotation in said first and second side members and positioned substantially parallel to said traversing screw for guiding hose to said follower means;
• said guide assembly comprising:
• a guide bar journaled for rotation in said first and second side members, and a yoke transversely slideable on said guide bar but rotatably fixed with respect thereto and having a transverse aperture therein of an inner diameter just sufficient to permit passage therethrough of said hose and insufficient to permit passage of said end couplers, said guide bar being caused to pivot when said yoke is engaged by one of said end couplers;
• said first means comprising a projecting member fixedly coupled on said guide bar and pivotable therewith, a slide member hingedly coupled to said projecting member so as to move translationaly when said projecting member pivots, and a lever arm pivotably coupled in said frame and capable of assuming first, second and third positions in response to movement of said slide member, said first position for maintaining said electrical switch means in said first state and for maintaining engagement of said clutch means, said second position for disengaging said clutch means, and said third position for placing said electrical switch means in said second state.