TW202313439A - Mobile hose reel assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A hose reel assembly includes a frame rotatable along a central axis of the hose reel assembly. A reel is rotatably arranged within the frame such that the rotational axis of the reel is substantially parallel to the central axis. Further, one or more ground supports are rotatably coupled with the frame to allow mounting of the hose reel assembly on a level surface. The hose reel assembly further includes one or more wheels adapted to propel the hose reel assembly on the level surface. The hose reel assembly is characterized in that the one or more wheels are rotatably mounted on the frame. The hose reel assembly defines an operational position and a driving position such that the one or more wheels directly touch the frame in the operational position and the one or more wheels directly touch both the level surface and the frame in the driving position.

Description

Mobile Hose Reel Assemblies

The present invention relates to a hose reel assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mobile hose reel assembly that allows efficient and user-friendly operation.

Hose reel assemblies are used to provide a flow of fluids such as water in spaces such as lawns, parks and the like. Typically, the hose reel assembly is fixedly mounted on a wall or floor, or can be moved to a different location on the floor using a trolley. The hose reel assembly may have a free-standing unit on the ground such that the hose reel assembly is not fixedly mounted on the ground. Freestanding hose reel assemblies are known that have a rotatable frame that can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the ground.

However, conventional hose reel assemblies present implementation challenges due to the inability to access the hose from various positions and angles relative to the hose reel assembly. Furthermore, such hose reel assemblies are bulky and not ergonomic due to the limited availability of the hose from a cart or other ground engaging device.

One example of a hose reel assembly is provided in European Patent 3,403,963 (hereinafter the '963 reference). The '963 reference provides a hose reel having a ground support for supporting the hose reel from a base. The ground support is attached to the lower part of the frame by means of annular plates and screws. With this attachment structure, the ground support is rotatably sandwiched between the lower part of the frame and the annular plate. This allows the frame of the hose reel to rotate relative to the ground support. However, the '963 reference does not appear to disclose a hose reel assembly (or hose reel) that is portable and removable to different locations for watering, storage, or any other application.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved hose reel assembly that is simple, portable, and ergonomic to operate.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to solve or at least alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages. This object is at least partly achieved by a hose reel assembly. The hose reel assembly includes a frame rotatable about a central axis of the hose reel assembly. The reel is rotatably disposed within the frame such that the axis of rotation of the reel is substantially parallel to the central axis. The hose reel assembly includes one or more ground supports rotatably coupled to the frame. One or more ground supports allow the hose reel assembly to be mounted on a level surface. The hose reel assembly also includes one or more wheels adapted to propel the hose reel assembly on a horizontal plane. The hose reel assembly features one or more wheels rotatably mounted on the frame. The hose reel assembly also defines an operating position and a travel position such that the one or more wheels directly contact the frame in the operation position and the one or more wheels directly contact both the horizontal surface and the frame in the travel position.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a hose reel assembly that includes one or more wheels to facilitate movement of the hose reel assembly from one location to another. This eliminates the need for the cart typically used to move traditional hose reel assemblies. Additionally, one or more wheels are coupled to the rotatable frame of the hose reel assembly. Additionally, as the frame rotates, therefore, the one or more wheels also rotate with the frame. This ensures that as the frame rotates, the one or more wheels do not impede the movement of the hose while it unfurls. Accordingly, the one or more wheels may be of any size to facilitate easy and convenient movement of the hose reel assembly over any type of surface.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the frame is 360 ^° rotatable. Thus, when accessing the hose from the hose reel, the frame can be rotated into a position where the hose faces the user.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the frame further comprises a handle. The handle rotates with the frame and avoids any obstruction during hose work. Additionally, the handle makes it easier to hold and move the hose reel assembly from one location to another.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle is pivotable relative to the frame to a pivotable position. The pivotable handle makes it easier to put down and pick up the hose reel assembly, for example from the ground. When the hose reel assembly is in the parked position, the pivotable handle can be raised to allow easy access by different persons. The pivotable handle also makes the hose reel assembly more compact for easy packaging, storage and transport.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the handle includes a locking mechanism to lock the handle in the pivotable position. The locking mechanism provides safe and trouble-free operation by inhibiting any accidental movement of the pivotable handle.

According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more wheels are detachably coupled to the frame. One or more wheels may be removable to allow easy repair or even replacement of the one or more wheels. Additionally, the removable feature of one or more wheels allows for more compact packaging of the hose reel assembly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the frame further comprises a central water connection along the central axis. The central water connection may be located anywhere on the hose reel assembly depending on the application. At a position along the central axis, the central water connection allows avoiding any obstruction or hindrance to the handle, the wheel(s) and the ground support(s).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame also includes one or more integrated or attachable irrigation sprinklers. This setup with one or more irrigation sprinklers retrofitted in the frame allows for the use of different types of sprinklers such as, but not limited to, round sprinklers, oscillating sprinklers, contour sprinklers, and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame further includes a plurality of water plugs. Multiple water plugs can allow different water products/accessories to be attached to the frame, making the hose reel assembly widely applicable.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hose reel assembly defines a parked position such that in the parked position the one or more wheels directly contact both the horizontal surface and the frame. Additionally, the frame of the hose reel assembly includes brackets. The stand in combination with the one or more wheels is substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the hose reel assembly and allows the hose reel assembly to be parked on a level surface. A stand in combination with one or more wheels may allow for vertical storage or parking and prevent accidental falls or movement of the hose reel assembly on the ground.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. However, this invention may 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 its scope to the present invention. field technicians. For example, one or more aspects of the invention can be used in other embodiments, and even in other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

Certain terms are used herein for convenience only and are not to be taken as limitations of the invention. For example, "up", "down", "front", "back", "side", "portrait", "sideways", "landscape", "up", "down", "forward", " Backwards, Sideways, Left, Right, Horizontal, Vertical, Upward, Inner, Outer, Inward, Outward, Top", "Bottom", "Higher", "Above", "Below", "Center", "Middle", "Center", "Between", "End", "Near", "Near", "Proximal", "adjacent", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential" and the like describe only the configurations shown in the drawings. In fact, components may be oriented in any direction, and thus terms should be understood to include such variations unless otherwise stated.

1 and 2 illustrate a hose reel assembly 100 . The hose reel assembly 100 of the present invention can be applied in various technical fields, for example, the technical fields belonging to fire protection, gardening, surface cleaning and the like. The hose reel assembly 100 includes a frame 110 . The frame 110 is rotatable about the central axis XX' of the hose reel assembly 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ). The frame 110 may have a circular, rectangular or any other shape without limiting the scope of the present invention. Frame 110 may be made of metal, fiberglass or plastic. The frame 110 includes a front portion 112 and a rear portion 114 . Front portion 112 and rear portion 114 may be temporarily or permanently attached to each other, such as by fasteners, screws, any suitable means used or known in the art. Front portion 112 of frame 110 may be used to attach accessories to hose reel assembly 100 such as, but not limited to, irrigation sprinkler 190 (shown in FIG. 5 ), water plug 200 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The rear portion 114 of the frame 110 includes one or more ground supports 122 rotatably coupled with the frame 110 . The one or more ground supports 122 allow the hose reel assembly 100 to be mounted on a horizontal surface 124 , such as may alternatively be referred to as the ground 124 .

One or more ground supports 122 are coupled to frame 110 via turntable 120 . One or more ground supports 122 are coupled to a turntable 120 , which is further coupled to the rear portion 114 of the frame 110 . The coupling between turntable 120 and frame 110 allows frame 110 to rotate on turntable 120 (360 ^° in some embodiments). Thus, the frame 110 may be rotated to a position (or angled relative to the turntable 120 ) where the hose 130 may be easily directed toward the user when approached from a reel (not shown) of the hose reel assembly 100 .

The reel is rotatably disposed within the frame 110 such that the axis of rotation of the reel is substantially parallel to the central axis XX'. One or more ground supports 122 may be positioned geometrically or symmetrically on turntable 120 for desired support, orientation, balance and rotation, among other considerations. The geometry of the ground supports 122 may be triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other geometric shape to stabilize the frame 110 on the ground 124 . The one or more ground supports 122 may be made from a material selected from polymer (rubber), plastic, metal, or any other material having the desired stability, rigidity, or the like.

The one or more ground supports 122 also include one or more clips 150 (shown in FIG. 2 ) attached thereto. One or more clips 150 may be used to hold and store another hose 140 (connected to any external water source) around the rear 114 of the frame 110 after use or for any other purpose. The hose 140 is connected to a central water connection 180 along a central axis XX'.

The hose reel assembly 100 also includes one or more wheels 160 and includes a handle 170 . The present invention shows a pair of wheels 160 . Both the handle 170 and the one or more wheels 160 are coupled with the rotatable frame 110 of the hose reel assembly 100 . The frame 110 defines a top end 116 and a bottom end 118 . One or more wheels 160 are disposed about the bottom end 118 of the frame 110 , while the top end 116 of the frame 110 includes a handle 170 .

In some embodiments, central water connection 180 may be located anywhere on hose reel assembly 100 depending on the application. At a location along the central axis X-X', the central water connection 180 may allow avoiding any obstruction or obstruction to the handle 170, the one or more wheels 160 and the one or more ground supports 122.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the bottom end 118 of the frame 110 includes a pair of downwardly extending legs 162 spaced a distance D apart. The distance D may generally be less than (or in some embodiments equal to) the width W of the frame 110 . These legs 162 may be separate components attached to the bottom end 118 of the frame 110 or may be integrally formed with the frame 110 . In some embodiments, the legs 162 may be telescopic, or adjustable, to change the height of the hose reel assembly 100 . In addition, the shaft 164 is rotatably coupled with the ends of the pair of legs 162 . One or more wheels 160 are rotatably coupled to an axle 164 . Accordingly, one or more wheels 160 are rotatably mounted on frame 110 to propel hose reel assembly 100 on horizontal plane 124 (or ground 124 ). The one or more wheels 160 help to facilitate the support and movement of the hose reel assembly 100 on the ground 124, or to improve portability between different locations/installations.

Additionally, the hose reel assembly 100 defines an operating position P1 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and a travel position P2 (shown in FIG. 6 ). In the operating position P1 , the one or more ground supports 122 allow the hose reel assembly 100 to be mounted on a horizontal surface 124 and subsequent reeling and unwinding operations of the hose 130 may be performed. In the operating position P1 , the one or more wheels 160 are in direct contact with the frame 110 . The one or more wheels 160 are coupled with the rotatable frame 110 of the hose reel assembly 100 such that the one or more wheels 160 rotate with the frame 110 . This ensures that when the frame 110 is rotated, the one or more wheels 160 can be deployed without any hindrance to the movement of the hose 130 .

Furthermore, in the travel position P2, the one or more wheels 160 are in direct contact with both the horizontal surface 124 and the frame 110 . In the travel position P2 , the hose reel assembly 100 is supported on the horizontal plane 124 by means of only one or more wheels 160 . In the travel position P2 , one or more wheels 160 may operably engage the horizontal surface 124 . In travel position P2, one or more wheels 160 may rotate on level 124 such that hose reel assembly 100 may be easily and conveniently transported on level 124 from one location to another. In some embodiments, the one or more wheels 160 may be of any size, shape, type to facilitate easy and convenient movement of the hose reel assembly 100 over the ground 124 or for any other application requirement.

In some embodiments, one or more wheels 160 may be casters. Casters may facilitate easy maneuvering of the hose reel assembly 100 on the ground 124 . In some embodiments, the one or more wheel 160 and axle 164 assemblies may be provided with shock absorbers (not shown) to avoid vibrations due to movement over any uneven surfaces, among other considerations. In some embodiments, one or more wheels 160 may be powered by a motor (not shown) or any other power means.

In some embodiments, one or more wheels 160 may be detachably coupled to frame 110 . One or more wheels 160 may be removable to allow for easy repair or even replacement of one or more wheels 160 . Additionally, the detachable feature of one or more wheels 160 allows for more compact packaging of the hose reel assembly 100 .

3 and 4 illustrate the handle 170 around the top end 116 of the frame 110 . As shown with reference to these two figures, the handle 170 is rotatable with the frame 110 . As shown in FIG. 4 , this rotatable arrangement of the handle 170 allows for easy storage, and may also help avoid any obstructions during operation of the hose 130 . Additionally, the handle 170 includes a grip portion 172 . The grip portion 172 of the grip handle 170 may provide better grip and safe working as well as mobility of the hose reel assembly 100 between multiple positions. In some embodiments, the grip portion 172 may be defined as an inverted U-shaped portion of the handle 170 . The material used for the grip portion 172 may preferably but not necessarily be PVC or nitrile rubber or any other plastic or polymer to suit the application.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the handle 170 is pivotable relative to the frame 110 to a pivotable position. The pivotable handle 170 may make it easier and safer to put down and pick up the hose reel assembly 100 , such as from the ground 124 . When the hose reel assembly 100 is on the ground in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the pivotable handle 170 can be raised to allow easy access by different people. The pivotable handle 170 also makes the hose reel assembly 100 more compact for packaging, storage, and transportation.

In some embodiments, the handle 170 may be a telescoping handle 170 to allow its length to be varied and further improve ergonomics when picking up the hose reel assembly 100 . In some embodiments, handle 170 includes a locking mechanism 174 to lock handle 170 in a pivotable position. The locking mechanism 174 provides safe and trouble-free operation by inhibiting any unintentional movement of the pivotable handle 170 . Locking mechanism 174 may be a rod, such as a ring rod, to allow easy locking/unlocking of handle 170 .

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 , the frame 110 includes one or more integrated or attachable irrigation sprinklers on the front portion 112 . This arrangement of using/retrofitting one or more irrigation sprinklers 190 within the frame 110 allows for the use of different types of sprinklers such as, but not limited to, round sprinklers, oscillating sprinklers, contoured sprinklers, and the like.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the front portion 112 of the frame 110 includes an adjustable angle retainer 210 . Adjustable angle holder 210 may allow for easy storage of various watering accessories that may be detachably attached to hose 130 , such as nozzles.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the front portion 112 of the frame 110 includes a plurality of water plugs 200 . Multiple water plugs 200 may allow different aquatic products/accessories to be attached to the frame 110, making the hose reel assembly 100 widely applicable.

FIG. 9 shows the hose reel assembly 100 in a parked position P3 on the ground 124 . In park position P3, one or more wheels 160 are in direct contact with both horizontal surface 124 and frame 110 . Additionally, the hose reel assembly 100 includes a bracket 220 attached to the front portion 112 of the frame 110 for storage in the park position P3. In parked position P3 , hose reel assembly 100 is supported by bracket 220 and wheels 160 . A stand 220 in combination with one or more wheels 160 allows the hose reel assembly 100 to be parked on a horizontal plane 124 substantially perpendicular to the central axis X-X' or at any angle. The stand 220 in combination with the one or more wheels 160 may allow for vertical storage or parking and prevent the hose reel assembly 100 from accidentally falling or moving on the ground.

In some embodiments, each of the wheels 160 and the bracket 220 may be pivotable relative to the frame 110 . This can further free up space around the frame 110 so that moving (winding/unwinding) the hose 130 around the frame 110 is easy. Additionally, the wheels 160 and bracket 220 may be provided with a locking mechanism (similar to the locking mechanism 174 ) to ensure safe and user-based pivoting of the wheels 160 and bracket 220 .

The present invention provides a hose reel assembly 100 , which has a frame 110 and wheels 160 , and the frame 110 is also provided with a handle 170 . Frame 110 is rotatable relative to turntable 120 to allow easy reeling/uncoiling of hose 130 housed in a rotatable reel within frame 110 . In addition, the handle 170 can pivot relative to the frame 110 to avoid any hindrance to the hose 130 while working. This allows for easy, trouble-free and safe operation of the hose 130 of the hose reel assembly 100 .

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the present invention, and although specific terms are used, these terms are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting of the claims The scope of the invention is illustrated.

100:Hose reel assembly 110: frame 112: Front 114: Rear 116: top 118: Bottom 120: turntable 122: ground support 124: Horizontal plane/ground 130: Hose 140: Hose 150: clamping part 160: wheels 162: legs 164: axis 170: handle 172: Grip part 174: locking mechanism 180: Central water connection 190: Irrigation nozzle 200: water plug 210: adjustable angle holder 220: Bracket D: distance W: width X-X': central axis P1: operating position P2: travel position P3: Parking position

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of a hose reel assembly according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the rear of a hose reel assembly according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the front of a hose reel assembly according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the side of a hose reel assembly according to an aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the side of a hose reel assembly with an integrated or attached irrigation sprinkler in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the front of a hose reel assembly according to an aspect of the present invention; 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a hose reel assembly having a plurality of water plugs in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 8 illustrates another side perspective view of a hose reel assembly having a plurality of water plugs in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; and 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a hose reel assembly in a parked position according to an aspect of the present invention.

100:Hose reel assembly

110: frame

112: Front

114: Rear

116: top

118: Bottom

120: turntable

122: ground support

124: Horizontal plane/ground

130: Hose

140: Hose

160: wheels

170: handle

210: adjustable angle holder

220: Bracket

X-X': central axis

Claims (11)

A hose reel assembly (100), comprising: a frame (110), said frame (110) being rotatable about a central axis (X-X') of said hose reel assembly (100); a reel rotatably disposed within the frame (110), wherein the axis of rotation of the reel is substantially parallel to the central axis (X-X'); one or more ground supports (122), the one or more ground supports (122) being rotatably coupled to the frame (110), wherein the one or more ground supports (122) enable The hose reel assembly (100) is mountable on a horizontal surface (124); and one or more wheels (160) adapted to propel said hose reel assembly (100) on said horizontal plane (124), It is characterized by: said one or more wheels (160) are rotatably mounted on said frame (110), Wherein, the hose reel assembly (100) defines an operating position (P1) and a travel position (P2) such that: In said operative position (P1), said one or more wheels (160) directly contact said frame (110); and In the travel position (P2), the one or more wheels (160) directly contact both the horizontal surface (124) and the frame (110). The hose reel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (110) is rotatable ^{at 360o} . The hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (110) further includes a handle (170). The hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein the handle (170) can pivot to a pivotable position relative to the frame (110). The hose reel assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the handle (170) includes a locking mechanism (174) to lock the handle (170) in the pivotable position. The hose reel assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more wheels (160) are detachably coupled to the frame (110). The hose reel assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame (110) further comprises a central water connection (180) along said central axis (XX') . The hose reel assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (110) further includes one or more integrated or attachable irrigation sprinklers (190). The hose reel assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (110) further comprises a plurality of water plugs (200). The hose reel assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hose reel assembly (100) further defines a parking position (P3), such that in the parking position (P3) , the one or more wheels (160) directly contact both the horizontal surface (124) and the frame (110). The hose reel assembly (100) according to claim 10, wherein the frame (110) further includes a bracket (220), wherein the bracket (220) is substantially perpendicular to the hose reel assembly (100) said central axis (XX') and enables said hose reel assembly (100) to be parked on said horizontal plane (124).

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