EP2978689A1

EP2978689A1 - Package for hose coil

Info

Publication number: EP2978689A1
Application number: EP13713152.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Aleksandar Tatic
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2013-03-26
Filing date: 2013-03-26
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: WO2014154247A1; AU2013384433B2; CN105102346B; CA2902185C; CA2902185A1; AU2013384433A1; RU2015145506A; ZA201507909B; CN105102346A

Abstract

The present invention discloses a package (200, 300, 400, 500) for a hose coil(100), the package including a cartridge(202, 202A, 202B, 700) configured to at least partially conform to a circumferential surface (104) of the hose coil; and at least one fastening member (204) configured to detachably secure the cartridge to the hose coil. Further, a support structure (210) provided on the cartridge (202, 202B) is configured to stably position the hose coil on a substantially flat surface.

Description

PACKAGE FOR HOSE COIL

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a package for a hose coil.

BACKGROUND

Flexible hoses, used with various hose accessories, are used for watering lawns and gardens. Hoses are generally presented in hose packages for sale to a user. Prior art hose packages typically include hose coils provided with a board (For example, a disc) containing various types of information and/or figures. Hose straps may be provided to retain the hose in a coiled form. Hose straps may also connect the disc to the hose coil.

For example, US Patent 6,135,282 granted on Oct. 24, 2000 and assigned to 'Dayco Products, Inc." disclose a hose package comprising a coiled hose. Straps retain the hose in coiled form. Further, a hose board is connected to the coiled hose via a strap.

A hose coil may get deformed from an approximately cylindrical shape when placed on a surface during transportation, storage and/or display. For example, the hose coil may get deformed while being placed on a shelf for display. The hose straps may not be able to prevent such deformation of the hose coil. The hose coil may get deformed to an oval shape which may not be aesthetically appealing to a user. Further, the deformation may also damage the hose. For example, the hose may develop one or more kinks. Consequently, a saleability of the hose coil may be affected negatively.

A user may have to buy the various hose accessories separately for use with the hose. In certain cases, a user may inadvertently procure hose accessories that may be incompatible with the hose. This may be inconvenient and frustrating for a user.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing, there is a need for an improved packaging for a hose coil. SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the problems discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved according to a package for a hose coil, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The package for the hose coil includes a cartridge configured to at least partially conform to a circumferential surface of the hose coil, and at least one fastening member configured to detachably secure the cartridge to the hose coil. Further, a support structure is provided on the cartridge, the support structure being configured to stably position the hose coil on a substantially flat surface. The support structure may facilitate transportion and handling of the hose coil. The support structure may also allow stacking and efficient packing of multiple hose coils in a warehouse or godown. The support structure may also facilitate display of the hose coil on a rack, a shelf or the like.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge includes at least two first contact surfaces configured to at least partially conform to the circumferential surface of the hose coil, and wherein the support structure extends from the at least two first contact surfaces. The cartridge may prevent deformation of the hose coil, and avoid stretching and straining of the hose. According to a further embodiment, the cartridge includes at least one second contact surface laterally extending from the at least two first contact surfaces and the support structure, the at least one second contact surface being configured to at least partially cover an annular surface of the hose coil. The at least one second contact surface may axially retain the cartridge on the hose coil.

According to a further embodiment, each of the fastening members includes a strap. According to an embodiment, the cartridge further includes one or more recesses extending on opposite faces of the first contact surfaces and an opposite face of the second contact surface, the one or more recesses being configured to receive the fastening members.

According to an embodiment, the package further comprises two of the cartridges disposed in a substantially diametrically opposite manner to at least partially conform to the circumferential surface of the hose coil. It is obvious to the one skilled in the art, that in case of the deposition of more than one cartridges with one single hose coil not all of the cartridges need necessarily be provided with a support structure that is configured to stably position the hose coil on a substantially flat surface; but it is sufficient that only one of the cartridges is provided with this kind of a support structure.

According to an embodiment, the package further includes a gripping member attached to the cartridge. The gripping member may facilitate lifting and transportation of the hose coil and also allows hanging the hose coil on a vertical surface, such as wall. It is obvious to the one skilled in the art, that in case there are more than one cartridges deposited with one single hose coil, the gripping member may be facilitated with one of these cartridges that has no support structure formed on it, that would allow to stably position the hose coil on a substantially flat surface.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge is manufactured by pulp moulding process. The cartridge therefore may be easy to manufacture, easy to use, environmentally friendly, and cost effective. According to a further embodiment, the package further includes a display member is attached to the cartridge. According to yet another embodiment, the display member is attached to the cartridge by an adhesive. In addition or alternatively the display member may be attached to the cartridge by use of staples or rivets. In case the display member extends over the support structure it might also be attached to the cartridge by crimping its tailing ends it over the cartridge's outer edge. The display member may be suitable for displaying labelling information about the hose. Exemplary labelling information may include length and pressure rating of the hose.

According to an embodiment, the package further includes an accessories storage member. According to a further embodiment, the accessories storage member includes an inner side with one or more access pockets to store one or more hose accessories. According to yet another embodiment, the inner side is adapted to adjoin the display member to restrict an access to the hose accessories. According to another embodiment, the one or more access pockets projects out of an outer side of the accessories storage member, the one or more access pockets being adapted to be disposed within an opening of the hose coil. According to an embodiment, the accessories storage member is made of a flexible transparent sheet and is adapted to provide a view of the one or more hose accessories through the opening of the hose coil. The accessories storage member may enable a display of the hose accessories, but at the same time, prevent unauthorized access to the hose accessories from the outer side of the accessories storage member through the opening of the hose coil. According to another embodiment, wherein the accessories storage member includes a pair of ledge members folded substantially parallel to the inner side, the pair of ledge members defines a channel such that edges of the display member are received within the channel. The display and packaging of the hose accessories, such as, hose connectors, the spray nozzles, or the like along with the hose coil may improve a saleability of the hose coil since a user may not have to procure hose accessories separately. Further, the hose accessories provided with the hose coil are compatible with the hose. Thus, a user may not have to go through the process of searching for compatible hose accessories. Moreover, a user may be prevented from procuring incompatible hose accessories by mistake.

According to an embodiment, the cartridge further includes inner ribs provided on the first surfaces to at least partially contact the circumferential surface of the hose coil.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a package for a hose coil, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of a cartridge of the package of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a package for the hose coil, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a package for the hose coil, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a package for the hose coil, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the package of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge of a package for the hose coil, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "lateral", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a package 200 for a hose coil 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hose coil 100 includes a hose 102 warped to define a circumferential surface 104 having a first radius of curvature R1 , a laterally disposed annular surface 106, and an opening 108 subatantially concentric to the circumferential surface 104. In various other embodiments, the package 200 may also be used for handling and storing the coils of any flexible elongated articles other than hoses, for example, but not limited to, cables, ropes etc.

The package 200 includes a cartridge 202. The cartridge 202 partially conforms with the circumferential surface 104 of the hose coil 100. The cartridge 202 provides supports to the hose coil 100 to avoid slackening and loosening of the hose 102 in the hose coil 100. Further, the cartridge 202 may also prevent deformation of the hose coil 100, and avoid stretching and straining of the hose 102. In an embodiment, the cartridge 202 may be manufactured by pulp moulding process using pulp from wood, fibre crops or paper. Thus, the moulded catridge 202 may therefore be simple in design, easy to manufacture, easy to use, environmentally friendly, and cost effective. In an alternative embodiment the cartridge 202 may be manufactured from plastics material, preferably made of biodegradable plastic and/or recyclable plastic. The cartridge 202 may therefore be disposed in an environmentally friendly manner.

The package 200 further includes and one or more fastening members 204 to detachbly secure the cartridge 202 to the hose coil 100. In an embodiment, the fastening members 204 includes one or more straps 206, which are made of nylon, polypropylene, polyester. Further, each of the fastening members 204 include a tie-down mechanism 208 such as a buckle, a rachet-cam system, or velcro. In various other embodiments, the fastening members 204 may include a wire, a cable tie, or a twist tie. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, one or more plastic films wrapped over the cartridge 202 to act as the fastening members.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a support strcuture 210 is provided on the cartridge 202 to stably position the hose coil 100 on a substantially flat surface, such as a ground surface. Moreover, the support structure 210 may facilitate transportion and handling of the hose coil 100. The support structure 210 may also allow stacking and efficient packing of multiple hose coils, such as the hose coil 100, in a warehouse or godown. The support structure 210 may also facilitate display of the hose coil 100 on a rack, a shelf, or the like.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of the cartridge 202 of the package 200 of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the cartridge 202 includes two first contact surfaces 212A, 212B configured to partillay conform to the circumferential surface 104 of the hose coil 100. In an embodiment, a second raduis of cuvature R2 of each of the first contact surfaces 212A, 212B is substnatially equal to the first radius of curvature R1 of the the circumferential surface 104. In an embodiment, the second raduis of cuvature R2 is pre- defined and sleeted in a range to allow the cartridge 202 to conform to the circumferential surface 104 of different size hose coils 100.

Further, intermediate walls 214A, 214B extends outward from the first contact surfaces 212A, 212B such that the support structure 210 is disposed between the intermediate walls 214A, 214B. In an embodiment, the cartridge 202 further includes a second contact surface 216 laterally extending from the first contact surfaces 212A, 212B and the support strcuture 210. The second contact surface 216 is configured to at least partially cover the annular surface 106 of the hose coil 100. The second contact surface 216 may axially retain the cartridge 202 on the hose coil 100. However, the cartridge 202 may be envisioned without the second contact surface 216.

Moreover, two recesses 218A, 218B are provided, which extend on opposite faces 215A, 215B of the first contact surfaces 212A, 212B and an opposite face 217 of the second contact surface 216 and are configured to receive the fastening members 204 (see FIG. 1 ). It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the number of the first contact surfaces 212A, 212B, the support structure 210, and the recesses 218A, 218B are exemplary in nature, the cartridge 202 may include any number of first contact surfaces, support structure, and the recesses based on the application and size of the hose coil 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cartridge 202 includes a pair of through openings 220A, 220B provided on the support structure 210 which are explained in conjuction with FIG. 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a package 300 for the hose coil 100, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The package 300 includes two of the cartridge 202A, 202B disposed in substantially diametrically opposite manner to at least partially conform to the circumferential surface 104 of the hose coil 100 and secured by the respective fastening members 204. Further, a gripping member 302 is attached to the cartridge 202A, the gripping member 302 may be a strap with the free ends received within the pair of through openings 220A, 220B and tied on an outer surface 304 of the support structure 210. In an embodiment, grommets or eyelets, made of metal, rubber or plastic, may be inserted into the through openings 220A, 220B to cover sharp edges of the through openings 220A, 220B, and thus prevent tearing or abrasion of the cartridge 202A. The gripping member 302 may facilitate lifting and transportation of the hose coil 100 and also allows hanging the hose coil 100 on a vertical surface, such as wall.

FIG. 4 illustrates perspective view of a package 400 for the hose coil 100, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The package 400 includes a display member 402 attached to the cartridges 202A, 202B. In an embodiment, an inner surface 404 of the display member 402 is adapted to attach with the opposite face 217 of the second contact surface 216 of the cartridges 202A, 202B and at least partially cover the opening 108 of the hose coil 100. The display member 402 may be attached by means of an adhesive. In an embodiment, the display member 402 include a substantially rectangular display surface 406 opposite to the inner surface 404, and foldable end portions 408A, 408B. The display surface 406 may be suitable for displaying labelling information about the hose 102. Exemplary labelling information may include length, and pressure rating of the hose 102. Further, the foldable end portions 408A, 408B adapted to attach with the outer surface 304 of the support structure 210.

Moreover, an opening, such a key hole 410 is provided on the display member 402 to allow the hose coil 100 to be hung using a nail or a hook member. In an embodiment, the display member 402 includes a pair of notches 412A, 412B are provided on each of edges 414A, 414B of the display surface 406. The notches 412A, 412B are further explained in conjuction with FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates perspective view of a package 500 for the hose coil 100, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The package 500 includes an accessories storage member 502 in which one or more hose accessories 504 are stored. In an embodiment, the accessories storage member 502 includes an inner side 506 with one or more access pockets, such as, a first access pocket 508A, and a second access pocket 508B to store the hose accessories 504. The inner side 506 is adapted to adjoin the display member 402 to restrict an access to the hose accessories 504 in the package 500. Further, the first and second access pockets 508A, 508B project out of an outer side 510 of the accessories storage member 502 and adapted to be disposed within the opening 108 of the hose coil 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the hose accessories 504 includes one or more hose connectors 511 , and a spray nozzle 512 which are stored within the first access pocket 508A, and the second access pocket 508B, respectively. However, in various other embodiments, the hose accessories 504 may include, for example, but not limited to, quick couplers, flow meters, couplings, flow control valves, etc.

In an embodiment, the accessories storage member 502 may be made of a flexible transparent sheet which is adapted to provide a view of the hose accessories 504 through the opening 108 of the hose coil 100. Moreover, the package 500 prevents any loss of the hose accessories 504, such as theft and/or misplacement. Moreover, the hose coil 100 may provide shielding and protection to the hose accessories 504 during transportation and handling of the package 500.

According to an embodiment, the accessories storage member 502 includes a pair of ledge members 514A, 514B folded substantially parallel to the inner side 506. The pair of ledge members 514A, 514B defines a channel 516 having a spacing S corresponding to a thickness T of the display member 402 such that edges 414A, 414B of the display member 402 are received within the channel 516. In an embodiment, the pair of ledge members 514A, 514B may be slidably received on the display member 402 or bendably inserted such that the notches 412A, 412B provided on the display member 402 may retain the accessories storage member 502 vertically. FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the package 500 of FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the accessories storage member 502 may enable a display of the hose connectors 511 and the spray nozzle 512, but at the same time, prevent unauthorized access to the hose connectors 511 and the spray nozzle 512 from the outer side 510 of the accessories storage member 502 through the opening 108 of the hose coil 100. The display and packaging of the hose accessories, such as, the hose connectors 511 and the spray nozzle 512 along with the hose coil 100 may improve a saleability of the hose coil 100 since a user may not have to procure hose accessories separately. Further, the hose accessories provided with the hose coil 100 are compatible with the hose 102. Thus, a user may not have to go through the process of searching for compatible hose accessories. Moreover, a user may be prevented from procuring incompatible hose accessories by mistake.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge 700 for a package for the hose coil 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cartridge 700 includes one or more inner ribs 702 provided on a first contact surfaces 704, to at least partially contact the circumferential surface 104 of the hose coil 100. The inner ribs 702 may also provided added stiffness to the cartridge 700 and sustain weight of the hose coil 100 while storage.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. Parts List:

100 Hose coil

102 Hose

104 Circumferential Surface of Hose Coil

R1 First Radius of Curvature of Hose Coil

106 Annular surface of Hose Coil

108 Opening of Hose Coil

200, 300, 400, 500 Package for Hose Coil

202, 202A, 202B, 700 Cartridge

204 Fastening Members

206 Straps

208 Tie-Down Mechanism

210 Support Structure

212A, 212B, 704 First Contact Surfaces

R2 Second Radius of Curvature

214A, 214B Intermediate walls

215A, 215B Opposite Faces of First Contact Surfaces 216 Second Contact Surface

217 Opposite Face of Second Contact Surface

218A, 218B Recesses

220A, 220B Through Openings

302 Gripping Member

304 Outer Surface of Support Structure

402 Display Member

404 Inner Surface of Display Member

406 Display Surface

408A, 408B Foldable End Portions

410 Key Hole

412A, 412B Notches

414A, 414B Edges

502 Accessories Storage Member

504 Hose Accessories 506 Inner Side of Accessories Storage Member

508A First Access Pocket

508B Second Access Pocket

510 Outer Side of Accessories Storage Member 51 1 Hose Connectors

512 Spray Nozzle

514A, 514B Ledge Members

516 Channel

S Spacing

T Thickness

702 inner ribs

Claims

1 . A package (200, 300, 400, 500) for a hose coil (100)

characterized in that it comprises:

a cartridge (202, 202A, 202B, 700) configured to at least partially conform to a circumferential surface (104) of the hose coil; and

at least one fastening member (204) configured to detachably secure the cartridge to the hose coil;

a support structure (210) provided on the cartridge (202, 202B), the support structure being configured to stably position the hose coil on a substantially flat surface.

2. A package according to claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises at least two first contact surfaces(212A, 212B, 704) configured to at least partially conform to the circumferential surface of the hose coil, and wherein the support structure extends from the at least two first contact surfaces.

3. A package according to claim 2, wherein the cartridge comprises at least one second contact surface (216) laterally extending from the at least two first contact surfaces and the support structure, the at least one second contact surface being configured to at least partially cover an annular surface (106) of the hose coil.

4. A package according to claim 3, wherein each of the fastening members comprises a strap (206).

5. A package according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge further comprises one or more recesses (218A, 218B) extending on opposite faces (215A, 215B) of the first contact surfaces and an opposite face (217) of the second contact surface, the one or more recesses being configured to receive the fastening members.

6. A package of claims 1 to 5 further comprises two of the cartridges (202A, 202B) disposed in a substantially diametrically opposite manner to at least partially conform to the circumferential surface of the hose coil.

7. A package of any of the preceding claims further comprises a gripping member (302) attached to the cartridge.

8. A package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge is manufactured by pulp moulding process.

9. A package according to any of the preceding claims comprises a display member (402) attached to the cartridge.

10. A package according to claim 9, wherein the display member is attached to the cartridge by an adhesive.

1 1 . A package according to any of the preceding claims further comprises an accessories storage member (502).

12. A package according to claim 1 1 , wherein the accessories storage member includes an inner side (506) with one or more access pockets (508A, 508B) to store one or more hose accessories (511 , 512).

13. A package according to claims 12, wherein the inner side is adapted to adjoin the display member to restrict an access to the hose accessories.

14. A package according to claims 12 to 13, wherein the one or more access pockets projects out of an outer side (510) of the accessories storage member, the one or more access pockets being adapted to be disposed within an opening (108) of the hose coil.

15. A package according to claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the accessories storage member is made of a flexible transparent sheet and is adapted to provide a view of the one or more hose accessories through the opening of the hose coil.

16. A package according to claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the accessories storage member includes a pair of ledge members (514A, 514B) folded substantially parallel to the inner side, the pair of ledge members defines a channel (516) such that edges of the display member are received within the channel.

17. A package according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge (700) further includes inner ribs (702) provided on the first contact surfaces (704) to at least partially contact the circumferential surface of the hose coil.