Field

The present invention relates to a hose deployment device and in particular to a device to rapidly and reliably deploy a lay flat expanding hose in a linear or coiled fashion

Background

Hoses are used throughout the world to transport fluid between different locations. For example, industrial hoses are typically used between various machines and in process plants. Hoses are also used around swimming pools, gardens and by firefighters and other emergency personnel to extinguish fires and direct water streams.

While firefighters and emergency personnel will often carry their own hoses to a location where a fire is to be extinguished there are often onsite lay flat hoses made ready for onsite personnel usually referred to as the Emergency Response team (or ERT) to use on discovery of a fire.

A fire hose is easy to manipulate while dry. As soon as water is introduced into the hose, it expands and it becomes harder, more strenuous and more time consuming to maneuverer and to direct the resultant water stream. To be effective the hose must allow the water to flow at the optimum flow rate.

To this end a hose should not be pressurized with water until it is correctly laid out. It takes the operator a considerable amount of time to correctly deploy a hose in a confined space i.e. fire stairs and terrace style courtyards or the like. The extra time causes significant delays in extinguishing fires and rescuing people.

The onsite ERT will deploy hose that is stowed on a hose rack in a flaked or zig-zag fashion. This requires the hose to be completely stretched before the introduction of water and usual complications include unnecessary water damage and burst hoses from erroneous pressure build-up. Typically, three factors contribute to the correct deployment of a fire hose. Firstly, hose preparation or how a hose is folded is critically important as correct stowage results in reliable deployment. To avoid kinking a person using a fire hose needs a lineal space, usually at least a minimum of 15 meters to deploy the hose. Secondly, hose deployment or the functionality of the hose is important as it affects the nature of the water travelling through the hose. Lastly, the hose lay or the nature the hose is made ready is important as the hose needs to be laid straight out along a surface and organized.

Common to all events where hose lay is required; there are two standard needs that must be met. The first being a need to 'stretch' a hose from a pressurized water supply to a point at or near to the entry of a fire where it can then be connected to the second hose, which is deployed into a 'coiled' hose ready to advance into a room, compartment or area involved in the fire.

In an attempt to address the above problems some fire fighters use a High Rise or Remote Access Kit to convey hose to a hydrant in a point too far from the fire truck. However, the High Rise or Remote Access Kit is simply a typical backpack that is large enough to hold the equipment required and does not assist the fire fighter in the correct deployment of a hose.

In the event of a fire that is within a hose length from the fire appliance, hose can be used directly from the fire appliance's pump where practical.

Lay flat hoses can be stored in the rear or sides of a fire appliance (fire engine/fire truck). The hose can be stored in a rolled or "flaked" configuration. The flaked configuration is laid up and back in a "hose tray" in a zigzag or concertina fashion.

A flaked hose is stored in a flaked tray which can be horizontal or vertical. The flaked tray is designed to allow a firefighter or ERT member to grab a non-defined number of flakes (bites of hose) and proceed to the entry point, ready to request pressurized water.

In transit from the fire engine to the fire, firefighters drape this loose hose over their shoulder or hold in their hands along with other equipment. The hose is dragged from the fire appliance to the entry point. The hose is usually connected to and pressurized by the fire appliance which becomes the "pumping appliance".

This hose is usually dropped near the entry point and organized into a configuration that will allow the hose to fill with water. There are many different techniques to achieve this from methodical organization that is time consuming to a 'quick flick' that is unreliable and can result in more kinks and tangles.

In AU2012212405 is shown a device to store and transport a fire hose in a coiled configuration. This device stores the hose in a pack or bag, manufactured with fabric, ready for transport over a long distance and not usually used directly from the fire appliance.

In US 6,267,319 is shown an apparatus and method of rolling a fire hose. However, this device rolls the hose in a coil about a large, fixed metal structure. It is not in a pack, bag, or other easily portable device. The structure is also heavy, requires considerable storage space and still requires manual handling of deployed and undeployed fire hose.

The benefits of a coiled lay flat hose include an ability to charge lay flat hose on the spot and advance it into the fire compartment.

The coiled lay flat hose can be susceptible to tangles if not transported carefully from the pumping appliance to the entry point of the fire compartment. If it is not secured and it is dropped or shaken, then the resultant coil could tangle causing delays in firefighting operations.

A poorly deployed coiled lay flat hose can form a "thumb knot" when one end of the hose knots with one or more coils.

When a coiled lay flat hose is pressurized with water, the outlet end of the hose must be on top of the charged coils or the hose will not advance. A coiled lay flat hose has a top and a bottom. If the coiled hose is deployed correctly, the nozzle will depart the coil from the top of the coiled hose. If the coil is coiled upside down, the nozzle will be dragged from under the load. At best this is slightly harder due to the weight of the hose, at worst the hose will form a hitch and knot around itself.

A pre-coiled lay flat hose should not be extended without water in it. This results in a twist for each coil and ultimately a collection of kinks when water pressure is applied, therefore the precoiled hose should be transported to the entry point of the fire prior to the application of pressurized water.

A hose rack or roller can also aid in deploying hose; however this still requires a long space to stretch the kinks out of the hose before the water can be turned on.

When rolling out a rolled hose, a minimum linear space of 15 meters is ideal. When deploying a hose from a hydrant in a stairwell of a high rise building the hose needs to be rolled down the stairs to achieve the 15 meters. This adds significant weight for the fire fighter to move when the hose is pressurized with water.

Control of water flow at the fire end of the hose is important to firefighting operations. A gate- flow-valve type tool used to manage this is effective however it's considered too expensive by the market and considered too heavy by end users.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device to assist fire fighters or other emergency personnel to easily and quickly prepare, deploy and lay a fire hose or the like in a confined space directly from the fire appliance / pumper. In particular, to reliably deploy a hose with no kinks or tangles while increasing the speed of water exiting the hose, while decreasing the physical exertion of the fire fighter or other emergency personnel. Object of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary of Invention

There is firstly disclosed herein, a hose deployment device including a container having a handle, a base and sides which are fixed in position to form a compartment with an opening to receive a hose, attached to the container are fastening, tensioning and securing means to store, transport and release a lay flat hose; said fastening means work in combination with said tensioning means to secure a hose; said secure/release mechanism secures and releases a hose; whereby upon manual activation of the securing mechanism, said hose is released from said container though said opening and from said sides, deploying said hose into a configuration that is ready to be pressurized with water.

Preferably, said master fastening means used to secure a portion of hose inside the container;

Preferably, said secondary fastening means used to secure a portion of hose along either side of the container;

Preferably, said master fastening means tensions and secures the hose inside the compartment's opening to prevent excess movement;

Preferably, said master fastening means secures and released the secondary fastening means;

Preferably, said hose is deployed in a coiled configuration to avoid kinking.

Preferably, said coiled configuration is within the size of the device or greater. Preferably, said hose is deployed from said device in a coiled configuration until such time as a user moves a portion of the hose away from the device.

Preferably, whereby in use the manual operation includes opening the device by hand.

Preferably, said device includes means to attach said device to a user.

Preferably, whereby in combination, the device, an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a hose to be deployed.

Preferably, said securing mechanism can be moved by various means.

Preferably, said container is held by the user by a dedicated handle.

Preferably, said hose to be transported and deployed by said device.

Preferably, said container is marked to indicate the top side of the hose load to avoid an upside-down deployment of the stored hose.

Preferably, said secure/release mechanism is not easily accessed from the incorrect side, preventing incorrect deployment

A method of deploying a hose, including the steps of: carrying a hose deployment device according to Claim 1 to a location of use; holding said device; releasing said hose using said secure/release mechanism pressuring said hose with water said pressurized hose deploying said hose in a coiled configuration; a user moving said outlet nozzle towards a fire to be extinguished. A method of controlling the flow of water, including the steps of: carrying a hose deployment device according to Claim 1 to a location of use; placing said hose and said device on a surface; attaching a water source to said hose; pressuring said hose; said hose will be pressurized up until said the hose deployment device according to claim 1; user releasing said hose using said secure/release mechanism at their discretion; deploying said hose in a coiled configuration; a user moving said outlet nozzle towards a fire to be extinguished.

Preferably, said fastening means can withstand water pressure up to 2000kpa.

Preferably, said method serves as a flow-control function.

Brief Description of Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows the front elevation of a hose deployment device

Figure 2 shows the rear elevation of a hose deployment device of Figure 1 and master fastener of Figure 9

Figure 3 shows the side elevation of a hose deployment device of Figure 1

Figure 4 shows the side elevation of a hose deployment device of Figure 1

Figure 5 shows hose stowed vertically on a fire appliance

Figure 6 shows hose stowed horizontally on a fire appliance

Figure 7 shows the device of Figure 1 with the master fastening means of Figure 9, fixed in place by the securing mechanism of Figure 12

Figure 8 shows an alternate tensioning means fastening means

Figure 9 shows the master fastening means

Figure 10 show the device of Figure 1 with master fastening means of Figure 9 in position

Figure 11 shows the device of Figure 1 with master fastening means of Figure 9 removed

Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 1 and various components of the secure/release mechanism seen best in Figures 10 and 11 Figure 13 shows each component of the secure/release mechanism of Figure 12.

Figure 14 shows the pin and handle of the secure/release mechanism of Figure 12

Figure 15 shows the pin housing of the secure/release mechanism of Figure 12

Figure 16 show the device of Figure 1 and master fastener of Figure 12 in a fully stowed configuration

Figure 17 show the first stages of a hose deployment of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 18 show the final stages of a hose deployment of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 19 shows a lay flat canvas or rubber hose that is ready to be pressuired with water

Figure 20 shows a coiled lay flat hose

Figure 21 shows the device of Figure 1 and the secondary fastener pins in closed state

Figure 22 shows the device of Figure 1 and the secondary fastener pins in open state

Figure 23 shows the device of Figure 1 and the secondary fastener spigots in closed state with secondary fasteners of Figure 27 in position

Figure 24 shows the device of Figure 1 and the secondary fastener spigots in open state with secondary fasteners of Figure 27

Figure 25 shows low-profile buckle, used to secure the secondary fasteners of Figure 27

Figure 26 shows low-profile buckle, used to secure the secondary fasteners of Figure 27

Figure 27 the positioning of the secondary fasteners, secured to the device of Figure 1

Figure 28 Ratchet cam buckle fixed to the device of Figure 1 Figure 29 shows fire attack hoses deployed at an example of a factory / industrial fire

Figure 30 show fire attack hoses deployed at an example of a fire inside a building

Figure 31 shows fire attack hoses deployed at an example of a house fire

Figure 32 shows fire attack hoses deployed at an example of a marina / port fire

Figure 33 shows fire hoses laid at a structural fire

Figure 34 shows fire hoses deployed at a wild/bush/scrub fire

Figure 35 shows fire hoses deployed at an example of a low-rise building fire

Description of Embodiments

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a first embodiment of a hose deployment device 1, including a container 2 having four sides and an opening 3, forming a compartment to receive and secure a portion of a lay flat hose 10. Strap means 12, 121, 122 secure the hose 10 to the device as best seen in Figure 16.

Upon release of the securing mechanism (see Figure 10 and 11) and application of a fluid pressure to the inlet valve (not shown) will result in a compact and kink-free coil of lay flat hose as best seen in Figure 20.

As best seen in Figure 1, the device 1 can deploy the hose 10 within a small area such as 2m ² in a coiled configuration. This is particularly advantageous in stairwells or the like. In a preferred form, the container is metal and each side is also metal extending away from the base to create an opening. The activation of the securing mechanism will release the strap means 12, urging the hose to fall away from the device. The device 1 further includes means 20, such as handles, straps or the like so that the device 1 can be carried or dragged by a user and used to remove the released device from the lay flat hose.

In a preferred form, the device 1 including steal container and fixtures 12 should withstand water pressures up to at least 2000 kpa. Allowing water to be pressurised from the water source and released into the contained hose by activation of the secure/release mechanism 31 by the user.

The device 1 could also include luminescent strips or writing or the like.

There is also provided herein a method of deploying a hose 10 by a hose deployment device 1. The steps for deploying a hose 10 from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration. The steps in the preferred form would include carrying the hose deployment device 1 by a strap or handle 20 to a location of use, such as a stairwell or the like. Holding the device 1 on a surface and laying out the nozzle 27 and releasing the securing mechanism's pin of Figure 12. Accordingly, there is shown herein a hose deployment device 1 that deploys a hose 10 reliably, quickly, efficiently directly from the fire appliance (fire truck / engine) and with less movements to current methods and firefighting procedures. That is, a simple plug and play device 1 with no unrolling, or unkinking (as best seen in various but not exhaustive applications demonstrated in Figures 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33). There are also, once released from the hose deployment device, no sharp angles for the water to jam or kink.

The device 1 can be hoisted to a high point or carried to any location by strap or handle 20. The device 1 can be deployed in tight areas like stairwells or the like, is easily carriable on a back or by hand and provides fire fighter or other emergency personnel a more strategic option when considering how to fight a fire, including but not limited to handing hose over or under a fence, up or down a ladder or through a window or other gap.

As best seen in Figures 23 the hose deployment device 1 is comprised of a master fastening means 12 and two secondary fixtures 121 and 122 which secure the hose more compactly.

The secondary fasteners 121, 122 are held in place by two spigots 125 and 126 as best seen in an open configuration in Figure 24 and closed configuration in Figure 22.

Both spigots 125 and 126 are held closed by a securing ring 123 which is attached to the fastening means 12, as best seen in Figure 9.

When the fastening means 12 is released from the securing mechanism 30, the securing ring 123 is pulled from the spigots, allowing them to pivot open from their fixed end, releasing the secondary fasteners.

The secondary fasteners are adjustable in nature. They can secure the hose tightly in place using two fixed attachments as best seen in Figure 25.

The secondary fasteners can also be adjusted with hook and loop type fasteners. As the device 1 only needs to be deployed within about two square meters it can be deployed in a foyer, roof, balcony, stairwell, or the like. The device 1 preferably is manufactured of stainless steel or other metal. In the preferred form, the device 1 is made of a number of metal panels folded and/or welded together to enclose a portion of the hose 10.

The device 1 can contain and reliably deploy a hose 10 immediately on arrival at a fire that would be fought using pressurized water, thus allowing an initially stretched hose line to be charged and the second hose 10 to coil on the spot. Giving the user the ability to move into the fire effected area more easily.

As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, the device 1 of Figure 1 can secure a hose 10 in a pre-coiled configuration and be stored in a fire appliance. Stowage may be in a vertical or horizontal hose locker or tray 50. The hose can be stored next to or on top of a hose in a flaked (zigzag / concertina) configuration. This stowage allows the pre-coiled and secured hose to be rapidly extended to the fire's entry point by extending the flaked hose from the fire appliance.

The device 1 could include a tracking device (not shown) to locate the fire fighter and/or the hose 10 during operations within buildings, underground or in low visibility. The device 1 could also include audible or visual warning devices. This could include a form of identification that could be located within thermal imaging or radio signals. A flashing strobe or similar device could also be included.

The device 1 further includes means 20, such as a handles to remove the device from the fire appliance and drag and/or carry the hose ready for use.

Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment the fixed and variable nature of the securing capability allow for different hose sizes, ranging from rubber to canvas hose.

Statistics for an embodiment of the invention. 1 hour time to train people in the use of the Cleaver. 60 seconds to reliably stretch and coil two lay flat hoses. 60m length of hose can be laid from a pumping appliance. 6 minutes to repack the Cleaver. Only lm space required to deploy the Cleaver's coil. 95% reduction in friction and catch points while advancing the Cleavers' coil. $0.00 spent on new equipment as all existing hoses will fit the compartment of the present invention.

The operating handle 20 of the device of Figure 1 is easily gripped by a gloved hand. Allowing the operator to drag the hose reliably.

As shown in Figure 12, the releasing pin's slider 31 is easily accessed by the gloved hand of an operator.

As shown in Figure 12 the secure/release mechanism (collectively 30) is comprised of a spring 32, a removable stopper 33 a hollow pin 35, a housing 34 and a pin handle 31. The pin handle is orientated outwardly and high enough for use by an operator with a gloved hand.

There is an adjustable hose securing capability. The tensioning means can be adjusted to fit rubber or canvas hose. There will be no need to change the device should someone transition from one type to another. With both canvas and rubber, the fire fighter can immediately adjust the fixture when required rather than attempt to source a bigger or smaller device.

Equipment is stowed tightly, minimizing bounce and is released with deliberate actions. The equipment will not come loose unless required. When it is required, it is released instantly.

The hose will push out into a coil unimpeded by any fasteners or the like.

There could be florescent release markings on both sides of the device. The purpose of the markings is to ensure the user is aware of the top and bottom of the device.

Deployment is performed by a deliberate activation of the securing pin, collectively 30.

The master fixture is adjusted and secured with a fixed cam buckle to the device of Figure 1, as best seen in Figure 28.

The main fixture can be threaded through the cam buckle ratchet 900 of Figure 28. The cam buckle ratchet is used to secure and release the main fixture to allow for the hose to be reloaded. The master fixture can alternatively be secured to the device of Figure 1 various other ways, including a fixed loop or a bolt passed through a sewn loop.

The securing pin is only accessible from one side to prevent upside-down deployment of the coil. Upside down deployment of the coil reduces efficiencies in advancing the hose once deployed. As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, the accessible side 200 allows a gloved user to easily access the pin handle 31. Conversely, the side of 201 prevents easy access to the pin handle.

It is also disclosed herein the application of pressure could be achieved with a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (not pictured).

There is herein disclosed a method to restow the device of Figure 1.

Steps include coil the hose 10 and insert a portion of hose into the opening of the device 3. Place the main fixture through the coil of hose and secure using the secure/release mechanism of 30 as best seen in Figure 10. The master fastening means 12 is secured by the secure/relase mechanism (collectively 30). The master fastening means is tensioned by the user to secure the hose in place through the application of manual tension which is maintained with the cam ratchet buckle 900. The master fastening means also secures the secondary fastening means as best seen in Figure 1. The secondary fastening means can be manually tightened and secured by the low-profile buckle of Figure 25.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.