US20040232276A1

US20040232276A1 - Garden hose and cord guide

Info

Publication number: US20040232276A1
Application number: US10/849,103
Authority: US
Inventors: Mitch Ferris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-19
Filing date: 2004-05-18
Publication date: 2004-11-25

Abstract

A garden hose and cord guide has been developed which can be inserted into the ground and keeps the hose or cord from damaging the garden environment. The garden hose and cord guide has the advantages of being easy to use, height adjustable, and allows for free and natural movement of the cord or hose if needed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional application 60/471,891, filed May 19, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a garden hose and cord guide which positions a hose or cord. For example, the guide may position a hose or cord away from plants to reduce damage to the garden environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Damage can easily occur to plants, soil, and even garden equipment, when garden hoses and equipment containing cords are used in the garden environment. For example, as plants grow in a yard, they need to be trimmed and watered. This normally involves dragging a garden hose or carrying a weed trimmer cord through the yard. When this is done it is very easy to damage delicate plants. In a matter of seconds, very expensive plants can be easily bent over and severely damaged by hoses and cords. As watering or weed trimming progresses, there is usually a need to pull more hose or cord in order to reach the entire distance of the yard. The hose and cord are jerked and pulled in order to extend them to the proper length. The jerking and pulling can further damage plants. Previous equipment and methods to reduce this type of damage suffer from one or more of the following problems and inconveniences; they are hard to remove once inserted into the ground, they are low to the ground; they require extra help and concentration to guide the hose between rocks, plants, etc.; they are hard to spot and can be easily tripped over; they come out of the ground easily; and the hose or cord can easily become disengaged from the equipment. Thus, a better method for protecting the garden from damage is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment is a garden hose and/or cord guide, which has a head with a channel guide and a body attached to the head. In a further embodiment, the garden hose and/or cord guide may also have a foot bar. In a further embodiment, the garden hose and/or cord guide may also have an end spike, wherein the end spike allows insertion and removal of the garden hose and or cord guide into a material so as to stabilize it. In a further embodiment, the channel guide may also have at least one roller. In a further embodiment, the channel guide may also have an open channel. Further embodiment of the garden hose and/or cord guide may also have a handle attached to the head. Further, in some preferred embodiments, the body may be height adjustable. The head and/or body may be swivelable.

One embodiment is a garden hose and/or cord guide, comprising a head comprising a channel guide; and a body attached to the head. In one aspect of the embodiment, the garden hose and/or cord guide can further comprise a foot bar, and/or an end spike. In a further aspect of the embodiment, the channel guide can further comprise at least one roller, and/or an open channel. In a further aspect of the embodiment, the garden hose guide can further comprise a handle attached to the head. In a further aspect of the embodiment, the body may be height adjustable and the head and or body may be swivelable. In a further aspect, the garden hose guide may further comprise additional stabilizers. In a further aspect of embodiment, the handle may be part of the head. In a further aspect of the embodiment, the garden hose guide can further include an opening for insertion and removal of the hose and/or cord. In one aspect the head may be swivelable by the use of threads.

A further embodiment is a garden hose and/or cord guide, comprising a head comprising a channel guide; a body attached to the head; a handle attached beneath the head; a foot bar attached near the bottom of the body; and wherein the head is swivelable and comprises rollers for movement of the garden hose and/or cord through the channel guide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the garden hose guide. [0007]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the garden hose guide in accordance with a preferred embodiment. [0008]
FIG. 3A is an enlarged plan view of the head of the garden hose guide in accordance with an embodiment containing an open channel. [0009]
FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view of the head of the garden hose guide in accordance with an embodiment with no channel. [0010]
FIG. 3C is an enlarged plan view of the head of the garden hose guide in accordance with an embodiment showing one of the possible directions of movement of several of the rollers. [0011]
FIGS. [0012] 4A-C are plan views of the garden hose guide in accordance with a preferred embodiment showing the body details.
FIGS. [0013] 5A-D are plan views of several different embodiments of the foot bar for the garden hose guide.
FIGS. [0014] 6A-E are plan views of embodiments of the garden hose guide comprising an optional swivel neck design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The garden saver, also referred to herein as a garden hose guide, a garden cord guide, and a garden hose and cord guide, protects the garden from being damaged by such equipment as weed trimmers and garden hoses. This tool is used to guide garden hoses and electrical cords up and away from plants in the yard. Although other applications will be apparent to the user, it is portable and can typically be easily placed in or on the ground anywhere in the yard, and adjusted to a height such that it cradles and guides hoses and cords in a desired direction, for example, away from plants. When present, the optional swiveling neck moves with the natural motion of a hose or cord, thus replacing the need for an extra person standing and holding the swiveling hose or cord in their hands. The vertical upright design makes it easy to find and work with in the yard. When present, the rollers allow for easy movement of the cord or hose through the garden hose guide. [0015]
Although discussed herein in relation to a garden hose or electrical cord, one of skill in the art will recognize that the garden saver may be used for any type of cordage, including, for example and without limitations, garden hose, rope, string, twine, electrical cord, Christmas light cord, cable, and fiber. The garden hose guide may be made to be ornamental in addition to its utility by adding sculptures, molding or painting and drawings. For example, the garden hose guide can be decorated with garden motifs, Christmas motifs, or any type of decorative motifs. The garden hose guide may be used alone, in multiples, or in combination with other guides. [0016]
In addition, although described with respect to its utility in the garden, it will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the guide may be used in many different applications and settings, including but not limited to: golf courses, factories, landscaping, pool areas, and restaurants. [0017]
General Description [0018]
Generally, the garden hose guide is comprised of a channel guide and a body. The channel guide allows for the movement of the hose or cord through the garden hose guide. The body allows for the attachment of the garden hose guide into or on a surface in a desired position. In addition, the garden hose guide may further contain one or more of the following: a handle for easier insertion and/or movement; a foot bar to allow use of the foot to insert the garden hose guide into the ground or other surface; an end spike for easier insertion into the ground; height adjustment; and a swivelable head or channel guide. Further additions or alternatives may be envisioned by one of skill in the art. [0019]
Generally, the [0020] garden hose guide 1 can be constructed from a variety of material alone or in combinations, including, but not limited to metal, such as aluminum, steel, iron, plastic, fiberglass, and rubber.
Top Handle Grip and Head [0021]
With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, [0022] 3A, 3B, and 3C the Top Handle 10 can be made from a metal tubing, solid steel welded together, fiberglass, copper tube, aluminum or strong plastic. It can be a solid or hollow rod. The top handle may also include rubber handle grips 15. The top handle 10 can be welded or threaded to the roller channel guide 150. The head 100 may be composed of a variety of materials depending on the embodiment produced. The rollers 51, if used, can be made, for example, from smooth hard plastic, or a non-corrosive metal.
Swivel Neck [0023]
With reference to FIGS. 6A-6E, the [0024] swivel neck 110, if used, can be made, for example, from steel with bearings that move freely, or any metallic joint that would allow a movement of preferably≧10°, more preferably≧45°, more preferably≧90°, more preferably≧120°, more preferably≧180°, and even a free 360° movement. The swivel neck 110 can lock down or move freely. The swivel neck can include a separate locking mechanism to prevent movement if not desired. If a heavier metal pipe is used this neck 110 could be made from the simple joining of two threaded pieces of pipe material. To create the swivel effect, the threads could simply be turned counter-clockwise. The joint can be secured with a metal pin that would keep the Roller Channel guide 150 secured to the swivel neck 110.
Main Shaft [0025]
The design of the [0026] garden hose guide 1 preferably comprises a main shaft. The main shaft (body 200) is preferably a cylindrical body 200 composed of a single tube or rod or composed of two or more tubes which fit within each other to allow for height adjustment. The metal body 200 can have several height adjustment holes 230 positioned thereon so it can be raised or lowered as needed. The body 200 can be made of any material which is strong enough for the type of hose or cord which will be held, including but not limited to: aluminum, steel, fiberglass or plastic and can be a solid or hollow tube. In other embodiments, the body 200 is a tube which is rectangular, square, triangular or any shape which is known to one of skill in the art. The body 200 can be any height which allows it to “clear” the substance or thing to be protected. In one embodiment, the body 200 is preferably from about 2 inches high to about 6 feet in length in order to hold the hose or cord above plants and at a comfortable level for the user, including but not limited to, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 7.5 inches, 10 inches, and 11 inches. In a further embodiment, the body is preferably from about 1 foot to about 6 feet, including but not limited to, 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, 3 feet, 3.5 feet, 4 feet, 4.5 feet, 5 feet, and 5.5 feet in length. Of course, the height of the body 200 can vary depending upon what it is being used for and may even be as long as about 10 feet.
Foot Bar [0027]
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the [0028] foot bar 300 can be made of metal, fiberglass or other material that is strong enough to support the weight and pressure of someone pushing it into the ground with one or both feet. The foot bar can be flat with optional foot gripping metal slits, or may simply be a tube or rod attached or continuous with the main body 200. The foot bar can also have small protruding mini spikes 210 that dig into the ground to help stabilize the unit.
End Spike [0029]
With reference to FIGS. 5B and 5D, the [0030] optional end spike 400 of the garden hose guide 1 can be a solid or hollow spike that preferably has a point on the end allowing it to be easily pushed into the ground to keep the hose guide 1 firmly in place. This spike 400 can be permanently attached to the body 200 (for example, by welding) or may be removeably attached, for example, threaded onto the foot bar 300 section.
General Construction [0031]
The garden hose guide can be made from a variety of materials including combinations of metal, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, steel and rubber. Parts of the garden hose guide can be made from different materials and attached by any method known to one of skill in the art, including, but not limited to molding, melting, casting, gluing, cementing, soldering, and pressure sealing. Further, parts of the garden hose guide can be treated to be slicker, for example the [0032] spike 400 or body 200 to allow it to move more freely into the ground, or may be rubberized. Other parts may be rubberized, for example, to prevent slipping, including hand grips and foot grips. Alternatively, the entire garden hose guide can be cast of entirely the same material. With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B one embodiment of the garden hose guide 1 is exemplified and the construction and use will be described in relation to this embodiment. It is to be understood that different embodiments may allow alternative construction methods known to one of skill in the art.
Top Handle Grip [0033]
The top of the garden hose guide can be used as a [0034] handle 10 for gripping in order to push the garden hose guide 1 into the ground. This handle 10 can be attached to a metal neck that swivels 110. This allows the handle 10 to move with the motion of the garden hose or electric cord.
Channel Guide [0035]
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the channel guide [0036] 150 (or roller channel guide) can have special rollers 51 that move freely. The rollers 51 can spin and provide a smooth gliding function as a garden hose or electric cord passes through the roller channel guide 150. The channel guide 150 can include a convenient opening (see FIG. 3A, number 30 and FIG. 6D number 30) built in to allow a garden hose or electric cord to be inserted or removed at any time without having to completely pull the garden hose or electric cord through the channel guide 150. The roller channel guide 150 may be optionally constructed in a variety of ways, two examples of which are shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A. In FIG. 1 the roller channel guide 150 is circular. A roller channel guide 150 with a circular shape can aid in the smooth movement of a hose or cord through the roller channel guide 150.
Swivel Neck [0037]
With reference to FIGS. 6A-6E, the [0038] swivel neck 110 below the channel guide 150 can allow the entire top section including the handle 10 and the channel guide 150 to move laterally up to 360°, including but not limited to 45°, 90°, 120°, 180°, 240° and 300°. This movement can allow the entire top of the garden hose guide 1 to move with the natural motion and movements of a garden hose or electric cord.
Main Shaft [0039]
With reference to FIGS. 4A-5C, the [0040] body 200 or main shaft, can be a cylindrical rod and can optionally allow the garden hose guide 1 to be raised or lowered as needed. For example: for garden hose use, a shorter height works best because of the extra weight of a water-filled garden hose. For electrical cord use, a taller height works well because electric cords are normally lighter than water-filled garden hoses. The body 200 can be strong but can also be slightly flexible in order to provide stability to the garden hose guide 1.
Foot Bar [0041]
With reference to FIGS. 4A-5D, the bottom of the garden hose guide can be equipped with a horizontal bar used for foot placement to push the [0042] garden hose guide 1 into the ground. The Foot bar 300 makes contact with the ground and stabilizes the garden hose guide when the garden hose guide is pushed into the ground.
End Spike [0043]
The [0044] end spike 400 of the garden hose guide consists of a solid or hollow metal spike that has a point on the end allowing it to be easily pushed into the ground to keep the garden hose guide firmly in place. It will be understood that there are a wide variety of means for attaching the garden hose guide 1 to other types of surfaces for which it may be placed. For example, a flat stand or base may allow it to be more easily put on solid surfaces, a suction cup could be used for glass surfaces, etc.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-6, preferred embodiments of the [0045] garden hose guide 1 arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail. The garden hose guide is generally configured to contain a head 100 with a handle 10, a body 200, a foot bar 300, and an end spike 400. Generally, when in use, one can grasp the handle 10 and push the end spike 400 into the ground or another soft substance. The foot bar 300 can be used to push the end spike 400 into the ground. The garden hose guide 1 is preferably inserted far enough into the ground or other surface so that the foot bar 300 stabilizes the garden hose guide 1 and helps to keep it from tipping or moving. The hose can be placed through the channel guide 150 and optional rollers 51 can be added to allow for smoother movement of the hose or cord through the head 100. Further embodiments may contain an opening 30 in the channel guide 150 to allow for convenient hose or cord insertion. Further embodiments may contain an adjustable body 200 to allow for height adjustment (see also FIG. 4C). The embodiment of the garden hose guide 1 shown in FIG. 4C allows for changing the height of the garden hose guide by changing the length of the body 200. In this embodiment, this is accomplished with the use of two discontinuous parts 210 and 220 of the body 200 which fit together and may include holes 230 and pegs 250 for movement of one in relation to the other. Further embodiments may contain a swivelable head 100 or body 200 to allow for movement with the hose. Alternatively, the head 100 and/or body 200 may be locked in place. A number of alternatively embodiments will now be described with reference to the related Figures.
FIG. 1 provides one preferred embodiment of the [0046] garden hose guide 1. FIG. 1 presents an embodiment providing a rigid body 200, a foot bar 300 containing spikes 210 (see also FIG. 5B) to allow for more stable attachment, a handle 10 with grips. In this embodiment, the handle 10 is positioned below the swivel head 100 to the ground. Further the channel guide 150 is circular and contains an opening 31. This embodiment could be advantageously constructed of solid materials allowing for a thinner body 200. The channel guide 150 also contains rollers 51 to allow for easier movement of the hose or cord through the channel guide 150. It is envisioned that the rollers may be of any configuration which would allow easier movement without catching the hose or cord. For example, a series of rollers may be used as shown in the figure or alternatively a single roller which extends substantially the length of the channel guide 150 could be used. For example, depending on the length of the roller 51, between 1 and 30 rollers could be used, including but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 25, 28, and 30. The rollers 51 may actually roll with the movement of the hose or cord, or alternatively, they may just provide reduced friction. In a further embodiment, the channel guide 150 can also include rubber spacers 31 or other stopping mechanisms at either side of the channel 30. These can be removable or permanent to keep the hose or cord from exiting the channel 30. Alternatively, the rubber stoppers 31 may be flexible to open the channel 30 as the hose is inserted and then spring back to close it after insertion.
With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the [0047] head 100 comprises the handle 10, the neck 110, and the channel guide 150. In FIG. 3A, the channel guide 150 contains an opening 30. The opening 30 allows one to insert or remove the hose or cord more easily than having to snake the hose or cord through the space 20 in the center of the head 100. The handle 10 may be configured in any shape which allows for easy and comfortable grasping. In one embodiment the handle 10 is a bar that is straight. However, other embodiments may be, for example, curved, circular, oval and may also contain grips or handles which are ergonomically shaped. The handle 10 can be thick for easier grasping or can be thinner. In some embodiments the handle 10 is a continuous unbroken bar from one end to the other. However, it can alternatively have spaces or discontinuities. The handle 10 can also be continuous with either side 25 of the channel guide 150. In FIG. 3B, the channel guide 150 is continuous and has no openings 30. However, when the opening 30 is present as in FIG. 3A, it can be envisioned that the opening 30 may be of a wide variety of sizes depending on the use. It can be made large enough to insert a cord but small enough to keep the cord from easily coming out of the channel guide 150. Alternatively, the opening 30 may be made of a size large enough to insert a hose, but small enough that the hose will not easily come out of the channel guide 150. The opening 30 may further comprise a retractable lever, such as that seen in carabiners for the insertion of ropes. The channel guide 150 may be any shape which allows for the insertion of a hose or cord, including but not limited to square, circular, rectangular, triangular, and oval. The channel guide 150 shown in FIG. 3B is of a square or rectangular shape and comprises four bar 25, however one of skill in the art can envision a variety of sizes and shapes for the channel guide 150 which may vary depending on the type of cord or hose and the use. Other embodiments can be seen in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 the roller channel guide 150 is circular which can aid in the smooth movement of a hose or cord through the roller channel guide 150.
In FIGS. 3A, 3C and [0048] 6A one advantageous aspect of a preferred embodiment of the channel guide 150 may be seen. Although not necessary for working of the garden hose guide 1, the addition of one or more rollers 51 to the channel guide 150 may be particularly advantageous. It can be envisioned that as the hose is moved through the channel guide 150 for example, toward or away from the garden hose guide 1, one or more rollers 51 can aid in the smooth movement of the hose. Alternatively, a slick material may be used to make or coat the channel guide 150 to allow for a smoother movement of the hose or cord. When rollers 51 are included on the side of the channel guide 150 closest to the handle 10, it may be advantageous to include a gap 21 between the roller and the handle 10. In other embodiments one handle serves as the top to the channel guide 150 and the roller 51 may be attached thereto. The gap allows for unrestricted movement of the roller 51. Further if a roller 51 is included between the body 200 and the channel 20, a gap 22 may be included to allow unrestricted movement of the rollers 51. In either case, the gap (22 or 21) can be produced by continuing the bars 25 making up the channel guide 150 vertically or alternatively, separate bars 25 may be introduced.
With reference now to FIGS. 1, and [0049] 4A-4C, the body 200 of the garden hose and cord guide 1 can be a wide variety of lengths from about 2 inches to about 6 feet depending on the particular application, including the type of hose or cord it will be used for. In a further embodiment, the body 200 is from about 6 inches to about 4 feet, including but not limited to 8 inches, 10 inches, a foot, 1.5 feet, 2 feet, 2.5 feet, 3 feet, and 3.5 feet. However, it should be clear to one of skill in the art that the length can be varied almost infinitely depending on the use and/or the size of the hose or cord. Further, the body 200 may be constructed of any material which is strong enough to resist bending, breaking or falling out under the weight of the cord or hose and may vary depending on the size and type of cord or hose. With reference to FIG. 4A, the body 200 may be a hollow tube and may be constructed of a material which allows enough strength that it will not bend under stress. In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the body 200 is solid. Materials which my be used for the body 200 include, but are not limited to aluminum, wood, steel, plastic, metal, fiberglass and various metal and plastic mixtures. In one embodiment, the body 200 and head 100 are made of the same materials and may be continuous. In a further embodiment, different parts of the hose guide 1 are made of different materials. In a further embodiment, the body 200 may be configured such that the length can be changed and may further comprise a method and configuration for changing the length. In one embodiment, the length may be changed by having two discontinuous parts 210 and 220 of the body 200 which fit together and may include holes 230 and pegs 250 for stabilizing the outer part in relation to the inner part of the body 200 for movement of one in relation to the other. Alternatively, any method known to one of skill in the art which allows movement of one section to a desired height and then locking or fixing at that height may be used.
With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5D the [0050] optional foot bar 300 is illustrated. The foot bar 300 can increase stability and ease of use. The foot bar 300 may be configured to be of a length suitable for its intended use. It is envisioned that in most instances, the length of the foot bar 300 not be more than about twice the length of the body 200, including, but not limited to about, 11.5X and 1X. The foot bar 300 may be constructed of the same material as the body 200 or of a different material. The foot bar 300 may be flat or rounded and may be patterned for better friction. With reference to FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, the foot bar 300 contains at least one spike 210 to allow for better attachment to the soil, grass, gravel or other substance that the end spike 400 is inserted into. With reference to FIG. 5C, in a further embodiment, the foot bar 300 is constructed to be of a length to increase stability. With reference to FIG. 5B, the foot bar 300 may further comprise a rubberized material which is patterned or smooth to allow for a better grip of the foot or shoe on the foot bar 300. With reference to FIG. 5D, the foot bar 300 may optionally contain more than two stability bars 310 extending horizontally from the body 200, including but not limited to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 stability bars 310. In some embodiments, the bar may extend at a 90° angle from the body 200 or can be slightly angled toward the spike 400.
With reference now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and [0051] 6A-6E the garden hose guide can optionally include a swivel head 100. The swivel head 100 can allow the hose guide to swivel with the movements of the hose from side to side or right to left in relation to the hose guide 1. The guide may swivel to any extent, from as little as 0 degrees to as far as 360 degrees, including, but not limited to, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 240 degrees or any angles between. The part of the hose guide 1 which can swivel may be restricted to the head 100 or may include a part or all of the body 200. In one embodiment, the head 100 alone swivels. In a further embodiment, the whole body 200 swivels from the foot bar 300 to the top of the guide. In a further embodiment, only a part of the body 200 swivels. The method of swiveling may be any method known to one of skill in the art, including, but not limited to: metal bonding, metal bearings, pressed metal, welding, pipe threading, and plastic molding and plastic joints. Smooth, hollow metal tubing can be riveted or welded to a small round piece of metal containing bearings which allow free movement (for example 360 degree movement). This is similar to the action of a bicycle pedal which spins freely. This method is also similar to a traditional “lazy Susan” which can be placed between two objects to allow free movement. Another method to allow swiveling would be to use a pipe threaded joint between the body 200 and swivel neck 110. The swivel action, allowing up to 360 degree or more movement could be achieved by turning the head 100 or the body 200 clockwise or counter-clockwise. The threaded joint would allow the parts connected to it free movement.
With reference to FIG. 6A, the swiveling [0052] head 100 may further include a lock 115 which allows for locking or fixing the head 100 at a certain angle. The locking method may include any method know to one of skill in the art including, but not limited to: fastening hardware, locks, bolts, and plastic molding. If a button is used for example, to lock the head 100, it may be a metal spring-loaded button similar to a screen door fastening lock and hardware. The locking method may alternatively be achieved using a metal pin that can be inserted and removed to lock and unlock the swivel head 100 as needed.
FIGS. 1, and [0053] 6C-6E present alternate embodiments of the swivel head 100 and channel guide 150. In these embodiments, the channel guide 150 is rounded and contains an opening 30 for inserting the hose or cord. The channel guide 150 may also include at least one stopper 31 to close or reduce the size of the channel after insertion of the hose or cord. In one embodiment, the stoppers are rubber and may be permanent or removable. FIGS. 6C-6E show various embodiments of the swivel head 100. In FIG. 6C, the head 100 is allowed to swivel because of a swivel neck 110 composed of a cylindrical base 90 attached to the body 200 and an insertion cylinder 80 which are constructed to allow for a swiveling motion. They may, for example contain cylindrical or ball bearings which allow movement. The cylindrical base 90 and insertion cylinder 80 may contain at least one pin enclosure 86 which is constructed to allow the insertion of a pin 85 to “lock down” the head 100 at a certain position. Alternatively, the neck 110 may contain more than one pin enclosure 86 to allow the lock to be locked in a variety of positions for the head 100. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6D comprises a cylindrical base 90 and an insertion cylinder 80. In this illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical base 90 and the insertion cylinder 80 contain threads 87. The threads 87 are positioned such that the head 100 can be swiveled up or down to a variety of positions and secured using the threads 87. FIG. 6E shows an alternate embodiment in which a metal clip 88 can be inserted into the insertion cylinder 80 at a position 89 such that the clip 88 will secure the neck 110 as well as allowing it to swivel. Although these embodiments provide advantageous examples of a swivel head 100 and methods for allowing the head 100 to swivel and to be secured, many alternative methods are known in the art to allow for the same general role and may be used in the hose guide as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan.
With further reference to FIGS. [0054] 4A-C, variations of an end spike 400 may be seen. The end spike 400 allows for the insertion of a part of the garden hose guide into a soft or movable material so that the garden hose guide 1 is stabley upright and stays in the same location. It can be envisioned that the further the hose guide 1 is inserted into the movable material, the more stable it will be. Thus, the length of the end spike 400 may vary considerably depending on the material it is to be used in and the amount of stability which is desired. The soft or movable material may be any material known to one of skill in the art and may include clay, soil, bark, gravel, sand, and grass. In one embodiment, the end spike 400 is tapered or pointed at the end to allow for easier insertion and removal. It is to be understood that other things can be attached to the body 200 to stabilize on other surfaces, including but not limited to a tripod, a weight, a flat base, a suction cup and Velcro.
The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods may be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. [0055]
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various features and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature or step, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein. [0056]
Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, but instead by reference to claims attached herein. [0057]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A garden hose and/or cord guide, comprising

a head comprising a channel guide; and

a body attached to the head.

2. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising a foot bar.

3. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising an end spike.

4. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said channel guide further comprises at least one roller.

5. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said channel guide further comprises an open channel.

6. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the head.

7. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said body is height adjustable.

8. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, wherein said head and/or body is swivelable.

9. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising additional stabilizers.

10. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 6, wherein the handle is part of the head.

11. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 1, further comprising an opening for insertion and removal of the hose and/or cord.

12. The garden hose and/or cord guide of claim 8, wherein said head is swivelable by the use of threads.

13. A garden hose and/or cord guide, comprising

a head comprising a channel guide;

a body attached to the head;

a handle attached beneath the head;

a foot bar attached near the bottom of the body; and

wherein said head is swivelable and comprises rollers for movement of the garden hose and/or cord through the channel guide.