TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hose reel assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a mobile hose reel assembly, which allows efficient and user-friendly operation.

BACKGROUND

A hose reel assembly is used to provide a flow of fluid, such as water, in spaces, such as lawns, parks, and the like. Generally, the hose reel assembly is fixedly mounted on a wall, or a ground, or may also be moved to different locations on the ground using a trolley. The hose reel assembly may have a freestanding arrangement on the ground such that it is not fixedly mounted on the ground. The freestanding hose reel assembly is known to have a rotatable frame that may rotate along an axis perpendicular to the ground.

However, there are implementation challenges with conventional hose reel assembly due to inability to access the hose from different positions and angles with respect to the hose reel assembly. Further, such hose reel assembly are cumbersome and non-ergonomic due to limitations to the accessibility of the hose by the trolley or other ground engaging means.

An example of a hose reel assembly is provided in European patent 3,403,963 (hereinafter referred to as ’963 reference). The ’963 reference provides a hose reel with a ground support for supporting the hose reel from a base. The ground support is attached to a lower part of a frame by a ring-shaped plate and screws. With such an attachment the ground support is rotatably clamped between the lower part of the frame and the ring-shaped plate. This allows the frame of the hose reel to rotate in relation to the ground support. However, the ’963 reference seems short of disclosing a hose reel assembly (or hose reel), which may be portable and movable to different locations for watering, storage or any other application.

Thus, there is a need of an improved hose reel assembly which allows easy, portable, and ergonomic operation. SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a hose reel assembly. The 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. The hose reel assembly includes one or more ground supports rotatably coupled with the frame. The one or more ground supports 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 with the frame. The hose reel assembly further 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.

Thus, the present disclosure provides a hose reel assembly that includes one or more wheels to ease the movement of the hose reel assembly from one location to the other. This obviates a need for a trolley, which in general is used for the movement of a conventional hose reel assembly. Further, the one or more wheels are coupled with the rotatable frame of the hose reel assembly. Further, as the frame rotate, consequently, the one or more wheels also rotates with the frame. This ensures that the one or more wheels do not pose any obstruction in the movement of a hose when the frame rotates, and the hose unwinding is simultaneously taking place. Consequently, the one or more wheels may be of any size to facilitate easy and convenient movement of the hose reel assembly on any type of ground.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame is rotatable by 360 degrees. The frame is thus rotatable into a position where the hose is directed towards a user when accessing the hose from the hose reel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame further includes a handle. The handle is rotatable with the frame and avoids any obstruction during working with the hose. Further, the handle makes it easier to hold and move the hose reel assembly from one location to the other.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the handle is pivotable to a pivotable position with respect to the frame. The pivotable handle makes it easier to put down and pick up the hose reel assembly, such as from the ground. The pivotable handle may be turned up while the hose reel assembly is in the parked position, leading to convenient access for different individuals. The pivotable handle also makes the hose reel assembly more compact for packaging, storage, and travel.

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

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more wheels are removably coupled with the frame. The one or more wheels may be removable to allow easy servicing, or even replacement, of the one or more wheels. Further, the removable feature of the one or more wheels makes the hose reel assembly more compact for packaging.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame further includes a central water connection along the central axis. The central water connection may be provided anywhere on the hose reel assembly as per the application. In the position along the central axis, the central water connection allows to avoid any obstruction or hindrance with the handle, the one or more wheels and the one or more ground supports.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame further includes one or more integrated or attachable irrigation sprinklers. This provision of retrofitting of the one or more irrigation sprinklers in the frame allows to use different types of sprinklers such as, but not limited to, circular sprinklers, oscillating sprinklers, contour sprinklers and the like. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame further includes a plurality of water plugs. The plurality of water plugs may allow to connect different water products/accessories to the frame leading to a universal applicability of the hose reel assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hose reel assembly defines a parking position such that the one or more wheels directly touch both the level surface and the frame in the parking position. Further, the hose reel assembly frame further includes a stand. The stand in conjunction with the one or more wheels allows parking of the hose reel assembly on the level surface substantially perpendicular to the central axis thereof. The stand in conjunction with the one or more wheels may allow vertical storage or parking and prevent accidental fall or movement of the hose reel assembly on the ground.

Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a hose reel assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from back of the hose reel assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from front of the hose reel assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from side of the hose reel assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from side of the hose reel assembly with an integrated or attached irrigation sprinkler, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from front of the hose reel assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective side view of a hose reel assembly with multiple water plugs, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows another perspective side view of a hose reel assembly with multiple water plugs, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 shows a perspective side view of a hose reel assembly in a parked position, in accordance with an aspect 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 may 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", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "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. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a hose reel assembly 100. The hose reel assembly 100 of the present disclosure may find application in various technical fields such as those belonging to firefighting, gardening, surface cleaning and the like. The hose reel assembly 100 includes a frame 110. The frame 110 is rotatable along a central axis X-X’ (shown in FIG. 1) of the hose reel assembly 100. The frame 110 may have a circular, a rectangular or any other shape without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The frame 110 may be made from metal, fiberglass, or plastic. The frame 110 includes a front part 112 and a back part 114. The front part 112 and the back part 114 may be temporarily or permanently attached to each other, such as by fasteners, screws, any suitable means as used or known in the art. The front part 112 of the frame 110 may be used to attach accessories such as, but not limited to, irrigation sprinklers 190 (shown in FIG. 5), water plugs 200 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) onto the hose reel assembly 100. The back part 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 mounting of the hose reel assembly 100 on a level surface 124, such as and alternatively referred to as a ground surface 124.

The one or more ground supports 122 are coupled with the frame 110 via a turntable 120. The one or more ground supports 122 are coupled with the turntable 120 which is further coupled with the back part 114 of the frame 110. The coupling between the turntable 120 and the frame 110 is such that the frame 110 is rotatable (by 360 degrees in some embodiments) on the turntable 120. The frame 110 is thus rotatable into a position (or angle with respect to the turntable 120) where a hose 130 may be readily directed towards a user when accessing the hose 130 from a reel (not shown) of the hose reel assembly 100.

The reel is rotatably arranged within the frame 110 such that the rotational axis of the reel is substantially parallel to the central axis X-X’. The one or more ground supports 122 may be geometrically or symmetrically arranged on the turntable 120, for desired support, orientation, balance, and rotation among other considerations. The geometry of the ground supports 122 may be triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal or any other geometry to stabilize the frame 110 on the ground surface 124. The one or more ground supports 122 may be formed from a material selected from a polymer (rubber), plastic, metal, or any other material for desired stability, rigidity, and the like.

The one or more ground supports 122 further include one or more clips 150 (shown in FIG. 2) attached to them. The one or more clips 150 may be used to hold and store another hose 140 (connected to any external water source) around the back part 114 of the frame 110 post usage or for any other purposes. The hose 140 is connected to a central water connection 180 along the central axis X-X’.

The hose reel assembly 100 further includes one or more wheels 160 and a handle 170. The present disclosure illustrates a pair of wheels 160. The one or more wheels 160 and the handle 170 are both 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. The one or more wheels 160 are provided around the bottom end 118 of the frame 110 whereas the top end 116 of the frame 110 includes the handle 170.

In some embodiments, the central water connection 180 may be provided anywhere on the hose reel assembly 100 as per the application. In the position along the central axis X-X’, the central water connection 180 may allow to avoid any obstruction or hindrance with the handle 170, the one or more wheels 160 and the one or more ground supports 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the bottom end 118 of the frame 110 includes a couple of downwardly extending legs 162 separated by a distance “D”. The distance “D” may be generally less than (or equal to in some embodiments) a width “W” of the frame 110. The legs 162 may be a separate component 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 a height of the hose reel assembly 100. Further, an axle 164 is rotatably coupled with the ends of the couple of legs 162. The one or more wheels 160 are rotatably coupled with the axle 164. Consequently, the one or more wheels 160 are rotatably mounted with on the frame 110 to propel the hose reel assembly 100 on the level surface 124 (or the ground surface 124). The one or more wheels 160 ease support and movement of the hose reel assembly 100 on the ground surface 124 or improve portability between different locations/installations. Further, the hose reel assembly 100 defines an operational position “PI” (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) and a driving position “P2” (as shown in FIG. 6). In the operational position “PI”, the one or more ground supports 122 allow mounting of the hose reel assembly 100 on a level surface 124 and subsequently the hose 130 winding and unwinding operation may take place. In the operational position “PI”, the one or more wheels 160 directly touch the frame 110. The one or more wheels 160 are coupled with the rotatable frame 110 of the hose reel assembly 100, so that the one or more wheels 160 rotate with the frame 110. This ensures that the one or more wheels 160 do not pose any obstruction in the movement of the hose 130 when the frame 110 rotates, and the hose unwinding may simultaneously take place.

Further, the one or more wheels 160 directly touch both the level surface 124 and the frame 110 in the driving position “P2”. In the driving position “P2”, the hose reel assembly 100 is supported on the level surface 124 only with the help of the one or more wheels 160. In the driving position “P2”, the one or more wheels 160 may operatively engage with the level surface 124. In the driving position “P2”, the one or more wheels 160 may rotate on the level surface 124 such that the hose reel assembly 100 may be easily and conveniently transported from one location to another on the level surface 124. 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 on the ground surface 124 or for any other application requirements.

In some embodiments, the one or more wheels 160 may be caster wheels. The caster wheels may help to easily manipulate the hose reel assembly 100 on the ground surface 124. In some embodiments, the one or more wheels 160 and the axle 164 assembly may be provided with dampers (not shown) to avoid shocks incurred due to movement on any uneven surfaces, among other considerations. In some embodiments, the one or more wheels 160 may be powered by an electric motor (not shown), or any other powering means.

In some embodiments, the one or more wheels 160 may be removably coupled with the frame 110. The one or more wheels 160 may be removable to allow easy servicing, or even replacement, of the one or more wheels 160. Further, the removable feature of the one or more wheels 160 may make the hose reel assembly 100 more compact for packaging.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the handle 170 around the top end 116 of the frame 110. As illustrated with reference to both the present figures, the handle 170 is rotatable with the frame 110. This rotatable provision of the handle 170, as illustrated in FIG. 4, allows ease of storage, and also may help avoid any obstruction during working with the hose 130. Further, the handle 170 includes a grip portion 172. The grasping of the grip portion 172 of the handle 170 may provide better hold and safe working, movability of the hose reel assembly 100 between locations. 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 be, but need not necessarily, PVC or nitrile rubber, or any other plastic or polymer to suit application needs.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the handle 170 is pivotable to a pivotable position with respect to the frame 110. The pivotable handle 170 may make it easier, safer to put down and pick up the hose reel assembly 100, such as from the ground surface 124. The pivotable handle 170 may be turned up while the hose reel assembly 100 is in a grounded position as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, leading to convenient access for different individuals. The pivotable handle 170 may also make the hose reel assembly 100 more compact for packaging, storage, and travel.

In some embodiments, the handle 170 may be a telescopic handle 170 to allow a change in length thereof, and to further improve the ergonomics while picking up the hose reel assembly 100. In some embodiments, the handle 170 includes a locking mechanism 174 to lock the handle 170 in the pivotable position. The locking mechanism 174 provides a safe and trouble-free operation by disallowing any accidental movement of the pivotable handle 170. The locking mechanism 174 may be lever such as a ring-shaped lever to allow easy locking/unlocking of the handle 170.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the frame 110 includes one or more integrated or attachable irrigation sprinklers 190 on the front part 112. This provision of retrofitting of the one or more irrigation sprinklers 190 with/in the frame 110 allows to use different types of sprinklers such as, but not limited to, circular sprinklers, oscillating sprinklers, contour sprinklers and the like.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the front part 112 of the frame 110 includes an angle adjustable holder 210. The angle adjustable holder 210 may allow ease of storing of different watering accessories such as nozzles, which may be removably attached to the hose 130.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the front part 112 of the frame 110 includes a plurality of water plugs 200. The plurality of water plugs 200 may allow to connect different water products/accessories to the frame 110 leading to a universal applicability of the hose reel assembly 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates the hose reel assembly 100 in a parking position “P3” on the ground surface 124. In the parking position “P3”, the one or more wheels 160 directly touch both the level surface 124 and the frame 110. Further, the hose reel assembly 100 includes a stand 220 attached to the front part 112 of the frame 110, for storage in the parking position “P3”. In the parking position “P3”, the hose reel assembly 100 is supported by the stand 220 as well as the wheels 160. The stand 220 in conjunction with the one or more wheels 160 allows parking of the hose reel assembly 100 on the level surface 124 substantially perpendicular, or at any angle, to the central axis X-X’. The stand 220 in conjunction with the one or more wheels 160 may allow vertical storage or parking and prevent accidental fall or movement of the hose reel assembly 100 on the ground.

In some embodiments, each of the wheels 160 and the stand 220 may be pivotable with respect to the frame 110. This may further free space around the frame 110, for easy movement (winding/unwinding) of the hose 130 around the frame 130. Further, the wheels 160 and the stand 220 may be provided with a locking mechanism (similar to the locking mechanism 174) to ensure safe, user- based pivoting of the wheels 160 and the stand 220.

The present disclosure provides the hose reel assembly 100 having the frame 110, with the wheels 160 and the handle 170 provided with the frame 110. The frame 110 is rotatable with respect to the turntable 120, to allow ease of winding/unwinding of the hose 130 housed within the rotatable reel within the frame 110. Further, the handle 170 is pivotable with respect to the frame 110 to avoid any obstruction with working of the hose 130. This provides a convenient, trouble-free, and safe working 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 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.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Hose Reel Assembly

110 Frame

112 Front Part

114 Back Part

116 Top End

118 Bottom End

120 Turntable

122 Ground Supports

124 Level surface/Ground surface

130 Hose

140 Hose

150 Clip

160 Wheels

162 Legs

164 Axle

170 Handle

172 Grip Portion

174 Locking Mechanism

180 Central Water Connection

190 Irrigation Sprinklers

200 Water Plugs

210 Angle Adjustable Holder

220 Stand

D Distance

W Width X-X’ Central Axis

PI Operational Position

P2 Driving Position

P3 Parking Position