Hose reel spring adjustment

Abstract

An enclosed hose reel 10 consists of a spool and two enclosure halves 14 comprising the frame 16. The power spring 18 is contained in the spool 12. Tension on the power spring 18 is transmitted to the frame 16 via a shaft 20 with a spring 30 loaded ratchet 22. The ratchet mechanism 24 engages the frame 16 via protrusions 26 that fit into cutouts 28 within the enclosure 14. The protrusions and cutouts 28 are designed so that a clockwise rotation is allowed to increase the tension of the power spring 18.

1 . A hose reel comprising:
 a spool;   first and second enclosure halves forming a frame;   a power spring contained in said spool;   a shaft; and   a spring loaded ratchet whereby tension on said power spring is transmitted to said frame via said ratchet, said ratchet comprising a plurality of protrusions and said enclosure comprising a plurality of cutouts, said ratchet engaging said frame with said protrusions that fit into said cutouts within said enclosure.   
     
     
         2 . The hose reel of  claim 1  wherein said ratchet is spring loaded to allow for axial movement of said ratchet on said shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The hose reel of  claim 1  wherein said ratchet has an externally exposed hex shape and an internal square drive socket.