HOSE REEL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY 5 10 COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 15 PATENTS ACT 1990 20 The invention is described in the following statement: 25 30 1 HOSE REEL MOUNTING ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND 5 The present invention relates to mounting assemblies for hose reels including fire hose reels employed in fire prevention in buildings. More particularly the invention relates to an assembly which allows detachable mounting of a hose reel to plumbing infrastructure to avoid integration with such infrastructure early in construction to 10 minimise risk of impact damage to the reel. The present invention further relates to a spigot which allows releasable attachment of a hose reel to plumbing at any time during construction. The assembly according to the invention is convenient to install and disassemble, uses a minimum of parts and is economic to manufacture. The present invention also relates to a method of connection of a fire hose reel to a 15 water supply fitting using a mounting assembly including a spigot which engages plumbing infrastructure for water delivery to the hose. The present invention is particularly advantageous where early installation of fire prevention infrastructure in a building would otherwise be required before other major building works are completed reducing risk of damage to new apparatus and equipment. The present 20 invention by inclusion of a detachable spigot connection allows the fire hose reels to be installed at any time during construction and not necessarily immediately after installation of supply plumbing but preferably at the end of major construction works. PRIOR ART Fire prevention is a major component in the design and constructions of industrial and 25 other buildings necessitating installations of fire reticulation networks including water supplies, alarms and firefighting equipment such as extinguishers and fire hoses. In a typical construction a fire hose reel and associated hose is a fixture. Since plumbing infrastructure is usually an early part of building construction the fire prevention fittings are usually installed at the plumbing stage. Typically, a water reticulation 30 network for a fire safety system is terminated at key locations in a building. Some terminations accommodate hose reels which are adapted for permanent connection to a water supply for delivery of water via a hose in the event of a fire. The current 2 method of connection of a hose reel requires a mains water supply line to first be terminated at the location of the reel. A wall bracket is typically used to mount the supply line to a wall surface. The supply line includes an inlet pipe which terminates at and connects to an elbow bracket. A water supply to the inlet pipe is controlled by a 5 ball valve which is capable of isolation of the water supply. A ball valve is connected to the inlet pipe via a union coupling. The elbow bracket is supported by a wall bracket which contributes to support of the whole assembly. The elbow bracket is usually slot fitted to the wall bracket. The wall bracket is usually fitted to a wall or in some cases to a support post. The inlet pipe communicates between the ball valve and 10 the elbow bracket and delivers water to the angle pipe which is also connected to the elbow bracket. The half inch ( 25mm) angle pipe associated with the reel is inserted into an open end of the elbow bracket. Elbow bracket includes a collar and bush, the former fitted via a set screw to the elbow bracket. At the opposite end of the angle pipe is a mounting bracket which is secured to the hose reel via blind rivets. The 15 mounting bracket receives via an opening therein an end of the angle pipe which is sealed via one or more 0 rings. The angle pipe described thus far is mounted inside a spacer of a hose drum, has a diameter about 9 inches ( 125mm) which is bolted to a bush plate which forms the hose reel. The spacer receives a hose mounted thereabout. A hose guide typically extending from the drum, controls deployment of the fire hose. 20 The hose reel is formed by bolting opposing bracket plates to either end of the spacer thereby forming a reel having a generally H shaped cross section. Also located inside the spacer is a T bush which terminates in an elbow bush which is sealed to the elbow via one or more 0 rings. The aforesaid hose reel assembly is typically fitted by plumbing contractors at the 25 time of installation of the supply inlet line since the connections of the hose reel are intended as permanent and integrally fitted to the termination of the plumbing at the location of each hose reel. Since this occurs early in building constructions hose reels become prone to damage during completion of major building works. This is unacceptable since damage may cause a hose reel installation to become non 30 compliant with standards, it can damage the aesthetic appearance of the reels and can increase the cost of the installation if reels are so damaged they must be replaced and thus reinstalled.
There is a long felt want in the industry to provide a method of installing fire hose reels which allows them to be fitted late in construction to minimize risk of damage during completion of construction. To meet that objective necessitated a re design of the fittings which enable a detachable connection of a hose reel assembly to a 5 plumbing termination in a building. This also involves consideration of many materials of construction such as metal, plastics and nylons, for components which must be arranged to provide a satisfactory solution without compromise to structural integrity of the assembly and to ensure that all seals are fit for the purpose. 10 INVENTION The present invention seeks to ameliorate the problems with the prior art hose reel assemblies described above. The invention provides a mounting assemblies for hose reels including fire hose reels employed in fire prevention in buildings and which allows detachable mounting of a hose reel to plumbing infrastructure to avoid 15 integration with such infrastructure early in construction to minimise risk of impact damage to the reel. The present invention further provides a spigot which allows releasable attachment of a hose reel assembly to plumbing at any time during construction, which is convenient to install and disassemble, uses a minimum of parts and is economic to manufacture. The present invention also provides a method of 20 mounting on and connection of a fire hose reel to a water supply line using a mounting assembly including a spigot which engages plumbing infrastructure for water delivery to the hose. The present invention also provides a kit for enabling convenient installation of a hose reel assembly which can be retro fitted once plumbing infrastructure is installed but at 25 any time after such installation and up to shortly before completion of a building. The present invention is particularly advantageous where early installation of fire prevention infrastructure in a building would otherwise be required before other major works are completed risking damage to new apparatus and equipment. 4 Although the invention will be predominantly described with reference to its application in building installations of hose reels, it will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that the invention has a wide variety of applications beyond those limited to building fire safety to be described by way of example. For instance, the 5 assembly enabling detachable fitment of the hose reel is also suitable for field mounted hose reels such as are found in public places including large retail establishments, department stores, malls and the like. . In one broad form the present invention comprises: a hose reel assembly of the type including a drum formed from a spacer and opposing 10 bracket plates and which receives and retains thereabout a hose; means connecting one end of the hose to a source of water extending through said spacer; a spindle having a first end in communication with a water supply inlet pipe and a second end which is in communication with said connection means to said hose; 15 locking means to secure said spindle so that the first end communication with a water supply and second end communication with said connection means to said hose is maintained; the locking means enabling detachable fixation of the hose assembly to the water supply inlet pipe. In its broadest form the present invention comprises: 20 a hose reel assembly of the type including a drum which receives and retains thereabout a hose; a source of water in communication with the hose reel, a control valve to regulate the delivery of water to the hose reel; a mounting member connected to the hose reel and including an opening therein 25 which receives a spigot, locking means to releasably retain said drum to said spigot and enabling detachable fixation of the drum from the spigot. 5 Preferably, the mounting member comprises a T shaped bush having a passage therein which allows passage of water form the water source to the hose. According to a preferred embodiment the spigot includes an orifice which is capable of alignment with the passage in the bush to allow passage of water to the hose via the spigot and 5 bush. The locking means preferably comprises a locking nut which engages a free end of the spigot. In a broad form of a method aspect the present in comprises: a method of installation of a hose reel assembly of the type comprising; 10 a drum which receives and retains thereabout a hose; means on the hose reel in communication with a source of water for delivery to the hose reel; a control valve to regulate the delivery of water to the hose reel; a mounting member connected to the hose reel and including an opening therein which receives a spigot, locking means to releasably retain said drum to said spigot and enabling detachable 15 fixation of the drum from the spigot; the method comprising the steps of; a) providing a water supply inlet pipe and securing the pipe to a wall via a mounting bracket, b) fitting a spigot via a first end to said inlet pipe; 20 c) taking the drum and fitting the drum over the spigot via an opening in the drum; d) aligning an outlet in the spigot with an inlet fitting which delivers water to the hose; e) locking the drum to the spigot via a locking nut. 25 In another broad form of a method aspect the present invention comprises; 6 a method of installation of a hose reel assembly of the type comprising; a drum formed from a spacer and opposing bracket plates and which receives and retains thereabout a hose; means connecting one end of the hose to a source of water extending through said 5 spacer; and a spigot including a spindle having a first end in communication with a water supply inlet pipe and a second end which is in communication with said connection means to said hose; the method comprising the steps of; 10 a) providing a water supply inlet pipe and securing the pipe to a wall via a mounting bracket, b) fitting a spigot including a spindle via a first end to said inlet pipe; c) taking the drum and fitting the drum over the spigot via an opening in the drum; 15 d) aligning an outlet in the spindle with an inlet fitting which delivers water to the hose; e) locking the spigot to a wall of said spacer via a locking nut. According to a preferred embodiment the hose assembly may be removed from the spigot by releasing said locking nut. 20 The present invention provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. 25 These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of 7 the invention. In the accompanying illustrations, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 5 BRIEF SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side cross sectional elevation view of a prior art hose assembly; Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of a prior art hose assembly of the swing 10 mounted type; Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the assembly of figure 2 Figure 4 shows a side elevation view of a hose assembly showing a cross section through a coupling assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 15 Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the coupling arrangement of the spindle to wall bracket of figure 4. Figure 6 shows a front elevation view of the hose assembly of figure 4; Figure 7 shows a side elevation view of a swing mounted hose reel assembly showing a cross section through a coupling assembly according to an 20 alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a front elevation view of the swing mounted hose reel assembly of figure 7 displaced laterally. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 25 Although the present invention will be described with reference to its application in attachment of fire hose assemblies, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the assembly to be described below according to various embodiments may be adapted for use in other plumbing installations. 30 Figure 1 shows the current method of connection of a hose reel assembly I to a mains water supply line 2 terminated at the location of the reel assembly 1. Wall bracket 3 receives an elbow bracket 4 which enables mounting of assembly I to a 8 wall surface. The supply line 2 includes an inlet pipe 5 which terminates at and connects to elbow bracket 4. A water supply to the inlet pipe 5 is controlled by a ball valve 6 which is connected to delivery line inlet pipe 5 capable of isolating the water supply. Ball valve 6 is connected to the inlet pipe via a union coupling 7. The 5 elbow bracket 4 is supported by wall bracket 3 which contributes to support of the whole assembly 1. The inlet pipe 5 delivers water to angle pipe 8 via elbow bracket 4 in a coupling which receives angle pipe 8 via collar 9 and bush 10. Elbow bracket 4 includes a set screw 10 fitted to the elbow bracket 4. At the opposite end of the angle pipe 8 is a mounting bracket 11 which is secured to the hose reel 12 via blind 10 rivets 13. The mounting bracket 11 receives via an opening 14 therein an end 15 of the angle pipe 8 which is sealed via one or more 0 rings 18. The spacer 17 receives a hose mounted thereabout. A hose guide 18 controls deployment of the fire hose. The hose reel is formed by bolting opposing bracket plates to the spacer forming a reel having a generally H shaped cross section. Also located inside the spacer 17 is 15 a T bush 19 which terminates in an elbow bush 20 which is sealed to the elbow via one or more 0 rings 21 and 22. A major disadvantage of installations of the type described above is that the hose reel assembly must be supplied including angle pipe 8 elbow bracket 4 and inlet pipe 5. The whole assembly is then connected to the plumbing network via union coupling 7. The prior art does not allow a termination of 20 plumbing with a connection which enables simple retrofitting or releasable fitting of the assembly by use of a press fit and locking nut arrangement to receive and lock the hose reel assembly. Assembly 1 further comprises nozzle and bush hose clip 23, hose guide 24 and nozzle 25. Spacer 17 receives and retains bush plate 26 via nut and bolt assemblies 27 and 28. Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of a prior art 25 hose assembly of the swing mounted type. Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of a prior art hose reel assembly 30 of the swing mounted type. This is similar to the wall mounting arrangement as that described above except that hose reel assembly 30 includes an extension assembly 30 31 which allows reel assembly 30 to outstand from a mounting wall 32 so that the hose assembly 30 is able to swing laterally about pivot point 33. This arrangement includes extension pipe 34 which engages a first swivel connection 35 and second swivel connection 36. This provides two vertical axes about which the assembly 23 can swivel to enable the hose to track as required in a pulling direction. 9 Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the assembly of figure 2. Both of the above arrangements rely on fixed plumbing infrastructure and they are installed at the same time that plumbing is installed. This is undesirable for the reasons indicated 5 earlier as the assemblies become prone to damage during building works. Figure 4 shows a side elevation view of a prior art hose assembly 40 showing a cross section through a coupling assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 10 Assembly 40 comprises a hose reel assembly 41 including a drum 42 formed from a spacer 43 and opposing bracket plates 44 and 45. Drum 42 receives and retains thereabout spacer 43 a hose (not shown). Extending from spacer 43 is elbow bush 46 having a leading end 47 which receives a nozzle 48 to which is connected an inlet end of a hose ( not shown). Opposite end 49 of elbow bush 46 engages a T 15 bush 50 via one or more 0 rings 51 and 52. T bush 50 has a through passage 53 which communicates with passage 54. Assembly 41 further comprises inlet pipeline 55 from a mains supply, the delivery of which is regulated by means of ball valve 56 including operating handle 57 having on/off indication.. Valve 56 also includes a nozzle lock bracket 58. Ball valve 56 is connected to inlet line 55 via union coupling 20 59. Inlet line 59 further comprises an elbow 60 retained by a wall bracket 61. Extending from elbow 60 is a spigot 62. Spigot 62 engages passage 53 in T bush 50. Spigot 62 is sealed against passage 53 via 0 rings. Spigot 62 includes an opening 58 which aligns with passage 53 in T bush 50 thereby establishing communication between inlet pipe 55 and passage 44 of elbow bush 46 and hose 64. Once spigot 62 25 is inserted to engage passage 53 of T bush 50, drum 42 may be locked against nylon washer 65 and bush 66 by means of locking nut 68. Washer 65 and bush 66 lie against division 69 of spacer drum parts 70 and 71. Drum parts 70 and 71 are retained to the first drum part 64 via fastening bolts 72 and 73. Assembly 40 further comprises a hose guide 74 which is retained by inlet pipe 55 to guide hose 64 during 30 unfurling. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the coupling arrangement of the spigot 62 to T bush 50. Elbow 60, retained by wall bracket 61. As locking nut 68 is tightened this urges nylon washer 75 against wall bracket 61. Bush 76 engages T bush 50 and 10 nylon washer 75 and retains spindle collar 78. The above described arrangement enables convenient detachable fixation of the hose assembly to the water supply inlet pipe 55. 0 rings 79 and 79a seal spigot 62 against T bush 50. 5 Figure 6 shows with corresponding numbering a front elevation view of the hose assembly of figure 4. Figure 7 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation view of the mounted hose reel assembly 40 of figure 4 showing a cross section through a 10 coupling assembly and mounted on a swivel support swing assembly 80 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Corresponding parts are shown with corresponding numbering. Swivel support assembly 80 is arranged between inlet pipe 55 and elbow 60 and comprises a first swivel station 81 in engagement with inlet pipe 55 and second swivel station 82 in engagement with elbow 60. End 83 of 15 elbow 60 engages valve arm 84 which retains valve arm pipe 85. Pipe 85 is sealed against elbow 52 via 0 rings 86 and 87. Connection to Valve arm 84 provides an extension which is able to swivel relative to elbow 60 but relies on sealing provided by 0 rings 86 and 87. Valve arm member 84 has a through passage 88 which communicates with elbow 60 via opening 89 in valve arm pipe 84. At its opposite 20 end 90, valve arm pipe 84 terminates at swivel station 81. Swivel station 81 is supported by bracket 91 which engages wall bracket 92. Housing 93 receives inlet pipe 55 and allows fluid communication between inlet pipe 55 and passage 88 in valve arm member 84 via orifice 94. 25 Figure 8 shows with corresponding numbering, a front elevation view of the swing mounted hose reel assembly of figure 7 displaced laterally. It will be appreciated alternative fittings may be employed to the fittings described herein. The fittings described are preferred but variations can be made in 30 construction of the spigot assembly and to configurations or materials for the bush plate bracket plate elbow bush, T bush, 0 ring, bolts and nuts, wall brackets, elbows, locking nut, spacer drum spindle, ball valve, spindle collar, nylon washer, nozzle lock bracket, washer, union coupling, hose guide, nozzle, hydraulic clip, handle, sleeve handle, and hose. I 1 Drum 40 may be removed from spindle 63 by removal of nut 68. Once nut 68 is removed drum 40 can be urged in a direction away from elbow 60. The method of installation of the hose reel assembly according to one embodiment, allows placing of 5 the reel over a spigot 62 having a first end in communication with a water supply inlet pipe and a second end which is in communication with a connection to the hose. The drum is fitted over the spigot 62 via an opening in the drum and aligned on the spigot with an inlet opening which delivers water to the hose. The reel assembly is locked to the spigot 62 against a wall of the drum spacer via a locking nut 68. 10 The present invention obviates the disadvantages of the prior art and provides other advantages which are apparent from the description herein. It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention . 15 20 25 12