Hose loader

Abstract

A hose loading/unloading device which includes generally, a pair of rollers, a frame and a cradle assembly for attaching the frame to a vehicle. The frame consists of two pieces of rectangular steel tubing held in a parallel position by cross members. Two rollers are mounted between the side rails of the frame. The distance between the rollers is set to accept a coil of fire hose. This roller/frame assembly is attached to the underside of a vehicle by way of two cradle assemblies. They form a channel for the roller/frame assembly to open and close. They provide for support and storage of the roller/frame assembly. Additionally, a mechanical locking mechanism is attached to the rear cradle assembly. This permits the locking in place of the roller/frame assembly when it is not in use. A handle is attached to one end of the roller/frame assembly. This facilitates the opening and closing of the loader. Fire hose can be loaded onto a fire truck bed by placing a coil of fire hose upon the roller/frame assembly while in its open position. The free end of the coil is directed down and toward the loading area. The free end is then pulled causing the rollers to rotate and the coil to unwind. As the hose is pulled from the coil it is stacked into the loading area.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.