Field of the Invention

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

Background of the Invention

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 fixe fighters and other emergency personnel to extinguish fires.

Fire fighters and emergency personnel will often carry their own hoses to a location where a fire is to be extinguished. A fire hose is very easy to manipnl c while dry. As soon as water is introduced into the hose, it expands and becomes harder, more strenuous and time consiirning to manoeuvrer and direct the resultant water stream. To be effective the hose must allow the water to flow at me optimum flow rate. To this end a hose should not be pressurized with water until it is correctly laid out. It takes a fire fighter 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.

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 quick and accurate deployment is required. A fire fighter needs to avoid kinking and needs lineal space usually at least a rnmimum of IS meters to deploy the hose. Secondly, hose deployment or the functionality of the hose is important as it effects 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 and this can be particularly difficult to achieve when fighting a fire at night or in heavy smoke as something as simple as a car tyre can interrupt the unrolling hose. Also, a fire fighter or other emergency personnel often wear protective equipment making correct hose deployment challenging. 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 pressurised water supply to a point at or near to the entry of a fire where it can then be connected to the second standard hose lay. A hose ready to deploy into a room, compartment or area involved in the fire. There is a need for a device that stores and deploys, 'stretches' or 'Lays' a hose from the pressurised water supply to a point at or near to the entry point of a fire or incident

In an attempt to addxess 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. When rolling out a hose a linear space of 15 meters is required 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.

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 firehose.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device to assist a fire fighter or other emergency personnel to easily and quickly prepare, deploy and lay a fire hose or the like in a confined space. 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 the 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 the Invention

There is firstly disclosed herein a hose deployment device including: a base having sides which in a contracted configuration secure together to define a space to receive a hose, the sides in an expanded configuration extend outwardly away from each other to provide an opening through which the hose can move; fastening means to secure a hose inlet valve and a hose outlet nozzle to said device; strap means to secure a hose to the base in the contracted configuration; and whereby upon application of a fluid pressure to said inlet valve, said hose expands urging said strap means to release said hose from said base, said hose urging said sides away from each other deploying said hose into a coiled configuration for use by a user.

Preferably, said coiled configuration is within a2rn ^a area.

Preferably, said hose is deployed from said device in a coiled configuration until such time as a user moves me hose away from the device.

Preferably, pressure in said inlet valve to release said strap means is more than

400 kPa.

There is further disclosed herein a method of deploying a hose including the steps of: carrying a hose deployment device as set out above to a location of use; placing the device on a surface; attaching a water source to said water inlet valve; pressurizing said hose so that said hose expands; said pressurized hose, urging said strap means to release said hose from said hose, said hose urging said sides away from each other deploying said hose in a coiled configuration; a user moving said outlet nozzle towards a fire to be extinguished, straightening said hose.

There is firstly disclosed herein a hose deployment device including: a base having sides which in a contracted configuration secure together to define a space to receive a hose, the sides in an expanded configuration extend outwardly away from each other to provide an opening through which the hose can move; fastening means to secure a hose inlet valve and a hose outlet valve to said device; strap means to secure the hose to the base in the contracted configuratiO-i; securing straps connected to said fastening means and strap means; and whereby upon a user urging said securing straps said hose valves are released from said device and said hose can be deployed.

Preferably, said device in the contracted configuration can be deployed in any space the size of the device or greater.

Preferably, said hose is adapted to be deployed from said base in a linear configuration to avoid kinking.

Preferably, including strap means to secure said sides together.

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

Preferably, said sides in the contracted configuration overlap each other.

Preferably, said strap means includes a hook and loop type fastener.

In combination, a device according to tile above and a hose to be deployed by said device.

There is further disclosed herein a method of deploying a hose including the steps of: carrying a hose deployment device to a location of use; placing the device on a surface; opening an inlet outlet valve securing strap on said device; removing the inlet/outlet valve of contained hose; and

manually removing hose from an end of said device to deploy said hose.

Brief Description of the 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 a first embodiment hose deployment device in a contracted configuration ready to be carried by a user;

Figure 2 is shows a hose deployment device of Figure 1 ready to be used;

Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 2;

Figure 6 shows the device of Figure 2;

Figure 7 shows the device of Figure 2 with equipment storage pocket and release mechanism in open position;

Figure 8 shows the device of Figure 2 with equipment storage pocket and release mechanism with hose inlet valve secured and

Figure 9 shows the device of Figure 2 with equipment storage pocket and release mechanism in secured position ready to be carried by the user.

Figure 10 is shows a second embodiment hose deployment device in a contracted configuration ready to be carried by a user;

Figure 11 shows a hose deployment device of Figure 10 demonstrating the stowage of the tail of hose as it exits the hose deployment device;

Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 11 closed with uncovered hose tails; Figure 13 shows the device of Figure 12 now closed;

Figure 14 shows the device of Figure 11 with hose flaked or concertina folded in the hose deployment device;

Figure 15 shows the device of Figure 11 complete with gated breeching piece;

Figure 16 shows the device of Figure 11 with the hose tail containment flap;

Figure 17 shows an exterior of a third embodiment hose deployment device in a deployed configuration

Figure 1 S shows an interior view of the hose deployment device of Figure 17;

Figure 1 shows a housing on the exterior of the hose deployment device of Figure 17 in a contracted configuration;

Figure 20 shows the housing of Figure 19 in an open condition;

Figure 21 shows the housing of Figure 19 in a partially open condition;

Figure 22 shows insulating means located within the housing depicted in Figure

20;

Figure 23 shows a wedge pocket located on the exterior of the device;

Figure 24 shows the wedge pocket in an open position as well as a wedge to be held within the wedge pocket;

Figure 25 shows a top flap of the device of Figure 17;

Figure 26 shows a pocket on the interior of the device of Figure 17;

Figure 27 shows a handle of the device of Figure 17; first embodiment hose deployment device in a contracted configuration ready to be carried by a user;

Figure 28 clipping means of a shoulder strap of the device of Figure 17;

Figure 29 is a further exterior view of the device of 17;

Figure 30 is further exterior view of the device of Figure 17 with two pockets in an open condition Figure 31 is a further exterior view wherein one pocket of Figure 30 is shown in an open condition;

Figure 32 show both pockets of Figure 30 in as open condition

Figure 33 shows a shoulder strap on the exterior of the device of Figure 17;

Figure 34 shows a hose securing means with a portion of the hose securing means sheathed in a pocket in the shoulder strap of Figure 33;

Figure 35 shows the hose securing means of Figure 34;

Figure 36 shows the hose securing means of Figure 34 removed from the pocket of the shoulder strap with a olip of the hose securing means clipped to a loop;

Figure 37 shows the hose securing means of Figure 36;

Figure 38 shows the house securing means of Figure 37 with the clip being undipped from the loop;

Figure 39 shows an interior of a fourth tmbodimcnt hose deployment device in a deployed con iguration;

Figure 40 shows a flap portion of the device of Figure 39;

Figure 41 show the flap portion of Figure 40 in a retracted position;

Figure 42 shows a closed release flap of the device of Figure 39 in a contracted configuration;

Figure 43 shows the release flap of Figure 42 in an open position;

Figure 44 shows a coupling holder that is to be secured to the exterior of the device of Figure 39;

Figure 45 the coupling holder of Figure 44 in a compressed configuration

Figure 46 shows the coupling holder of Figure 45;

Figure 47 shows the coupling holder of Figure 44 in an expanded configuration; Figure 48 shows the coupling holder of Figure 47 with a flap located in an open condition;

Figure 49 shows a fifth embodiment hose deployment device in a contracted configuration ready to be carried by a user;

Figure 50 shows the hose deployment device of Figure 49 ready to be used;

Figure 51 shows the device of Figure 49 in a partially contracted configuration;

Figure 52 shows the device of Figure 49 wherein a section of a hose is held in a coiled configuration and another section is held in a flaked configuration;

Figure 53 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the device of Figure 49;

Figure 54 shows the device of Figure 50; and

Figure 55 shows a portion of the device of Figure is 54.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to Figures 1 to 9 there is shown a first embodiment hose deployment device 1, bcluding a base 3 having sides 4 which in a contracted configuration (see Figures 1 and 2) secure together to define a space to receive a hose 10. The sides 4 in an expanded configuration (see Figures 3 to 6) extend outwardly away from each other to provide an opening 6 through which the hose 10 can move. Strap means 12 secure the hose 10 to the base 3 in the contracted configuration, as best seen in. Figure 2. Upon application of a fluid pressure to the inlet valve (not shown), the hose 10 expands urging the strap means 12 to release the hose 10 from the base 3. The hose 10 urges the sides 4 away from each other (as best seen in Figures 4 to 6), deploying the hose 10 in a coiled configuration (see Figure 6) for use by a user. Rather than using pressure the device 1 could also be deployed by a user manually and then pressurized after being laid.

As best seen in Figure 6, 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 die like. The device 1 further includes an additional strap means IS to secure the sides 4 together until use. In a preferred form, the base 3 is a fabric panel and each side 4 is also a febric panel extending away from the base 3. The expansion of the hose 10 under pressure will also release the strap means 15, urging the sides 4 to fell apart and away from each other. The device 1 further includes means 20, such as handles, straps or the like so that the device 1 can be carried by a user or attached to a user, such as like a backpack.

In a preferred form, the pressure required at the inlet valve to open the strap means 12, 15 should be more than 400 kPa. The pressure could vary depending upon the size of the device 1 and its uses, ID a preferred form, the sides 4 in a contracted configuration overlap each other. The strap means 12, IS could include hook and loop type fasteners, press-studs or the like. The device could also include a strap or fastening means 25 to hold an outlet nozzle 27 on the device 1 (as best seen in Figure 1). The device I could also include luminescent strips 2B or the like and a top cover 30 could also be provided.

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 to a location of use, such as a stairwell or the like. Placing the device 1 on a surface and laying out tho nozzle 27 and opening the top flap 30 (see Figure 2), In one embodiment a water source is attached to the water inlet valve (not shown) and the hose 10 is pressurised (see Figure 3). As the hose 10 is pressurised, the hose 10 expands urging the strap members 12, IS apart to release the hose 10. The hose 10 urges the sides 4 to fall away from each other (see Figure 4), deploying the hose 10 in a coiled configuration (see Figure 6), A user would then carry the nozzle 27 to the location of use towards a fire to be extinguished. Alternatively, the device 1 can be deployed manually by the user moving away from the base 3 rather than being deployed by pressure.

Accordingly, mere is shown herein a hose deployment device 1 that deploys a hose 10 reliably, quickly, efficiently and with less movements to current methods and fire fighting procedures. That is, a simple plug and play device 1 with no unrolling, or unkinking. There are also no sharp angles for the water to jamb or kink. The device 1 can be hoisted to a high point or carried to any location. The device 1 can be deployed in tight areas like stairwells or the like, is easily canyable on a back or by hand and provides a fire fighter or other emergency personnel a more strategic option when considering how to fight a fire. 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 nylon, cotton or the like, however, should include fibre resistant material, hi the preferred form, the device 1 is made of a number of fabric panels folded together to enclose the hose 10, the panels secured together by straps 12, 15 until use.

Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the device 1 has a mechanism to securely house the hose inlet valve (not shown) and outlet nozzle 27. This housing 33 is purpose built and is secured with hook and loop type fasteners 70 to the device 1. The housing 33 (see Fig 8 for example) is placed around the hose inlet. The housing 33 has the loop fasteners on both sides 34. A securing strap 34 is comprised of a strap with hook fasteners. The securing strap 34 is permanently attached to the bottom flap 35. As the bottom flap 35 is closed the securing strap 34 is engaged to both sides of the housing 33. The top flap 1 is closed over the top of the housing 32. The top flap 31 is secured to the side 4 (see Figure 2) of the device 1. The housing 33 is opened first by pulliag strap 37 (see Figure 9) then pulling securing strap 36 (see Figure 7).

The device 1 has the ability to contain and reliably deploy a second hose 10 away from a water source to the fire, thus allowing a hose line to be charged and the second hose 10 to coil on the spot Givmglhe user the abiUty to move mto me fire effected area more easily.

Referring to Figures 10 to 16 there is shown a second embodiment hose deployment device 1, including a base 300 having sides 400 which in a contracted configuration (see Figures 10 and 11) secure together to define a space to receive a hose 100. Upon disengagement of inlet outlet valve securing strap 120 the hose 100 is free to exit the device 1. The device 1 can deploy the hose 100 within a narrow area in a linear configuration. This is particularly advantageous in corridors, up or down stairs or the like. The device 1 further includes an additional strap means ISO to secure the sides 400 together until use. In a preferred form, the base 300 is a fabric panel and each side 400 is also a fabric panel extending away from the base 300. The device 1 further includes means 200, such as handles, straps or the like so that the device 1 can be carried by a user or attached to a user, such as like a backpack. In a preferred form, the force required to dispatch the hose 100 from the device 1 should be minimal to aid the operator in covering the required area as quickly as possible. In a preferred form, me sides 400 in a contracted configuration overlap each other. The strap means 700, 120, 150 could include hook and loop type fasteners, press-studs or the like. The device 1 could also include a strap or fastening means 250 to hold an optional breeching piece or the like. The device 1 could also include luminescent strips 280 or the like and a top cover 300 and bottom cover 300 could also be provided.

There is also described herein a method of deploying a hose 100 by a hose deployment device 1. The steps for deploying a hose 100 can be seen by proceeding from the contracted configuration to an expanded linear configuration. The steps in the preferred form would include carrying the hose deployment device 1 to a location of use, such as a stairwell or the like. Placing the device 1 on a surface and opening the covers 30 which include inlet outlet valve hose tail securing flaps 300 (see Figure 12). As the operator moves from the initial deployment area the hose will automatically deploy in the correct fashion and lay on the travelled surface as the user moves away from the device 1. A user would then connect a nozzle or alternate piece of equipment (for example, a gated wye) 350 or the like to the remaining inlet/outlet valve of the hose 100.

Accordingly, there is shown herein a hose deployment device 1 that deploys a hose 100 reliably, quickly, efficiently and with less movements to current methods and fire fighting procedures. The device 1 is a simple plug and play device 1 with no unrolling, or tuikinldng required. There are also no sharp angles for the water to jamb or kink. The device 1 can be hoisted to a high point or carried by a user to any location. The device 1 can be deployed in tight areas such as stairwells or the like, is easy to carry on a back or by hand and provides a fire fighter or other emergency personnel a more strategic option when considering how to fight a fire. The device 1 can also be deployed in a foyer, roof balcony, stairwell or the like. The device 1 preferably is manufactured of nylon, cotton or the like, however, should include fire resistant material, hi the preferred form, the device 1 is made of a number of fabric panels folded together to enclose the hose 10, the panels secured together by straps 700, 120, 150 until use. The device 1 has a further hose tail flap 310 (see Figure 16). This flap 310 contains the hose 100 and protects it from the elements. It is removed when the hose 100 is to be deployed. The device 1 is typically earned like a suitcase over a shoulder. The top flap is released and the base is allowed to deploy. The device 1 can store large hoses such as a "supply line*'.

The device I could include a tracking device (not shown) to locate the fire fighter and/or the hose 10, 100 during operations within buildings, underground or in low visibility. The device 1 could also include audible or visual wanting devices 28, 280. This could include a form of identification that could be located within thermal imaging or radio signals. The device 1 could also include a durable, waterproof or different type of material on the base 4, 40 for various uses. A flashing strobe or similar device could also be included.

The device 1 could also include various pockets (not shown) made of various materials to store auxiliary equipment including but not limited to hose spanners, glow sticks or the like. Also the device 1 can include a back strap (not shown) which can be disconnected by carabeena style clips and converted into a purpose built hose securing strap. This is done by passing one end around the hose 100 through a loop on the other end, then tightened into a "larks head" style knot The free end of the strap can be tied or clipped onto a fire stair, balcony or the like. As the hose 100 exits the device 1 it continually rubs on one spot A reinforced patch, material or the like (for example leather or plastic) could be included.

Referring to Figures 17 to 38 there is shown a third embodiment hose deployment device 801, including a base 803 having aides 804 which in a contracted configuration is secured together to define a space to receive a hose, not shown. The hose will typically be held in a coiled configuration, by the device 801 and deployed in a manner similar to the first embodiment described above.

The sides 804 extend outwardly away from each other to provide a deployed configuration 806 allowing the hose to be moved away from the base 803. Strap means, not shown, secure the hose to the base 803 in the contracted configuration.

The device 801 further includes means 820, such as handles, straps or the like so that the device 801 can be carried by a user or attached to a user, such as like a backpack.

The device 801 has a mechanism to securely house a coupling and a nozzle (not shown). This housing 833 is purpose built and is secured with hook and loop type fasteners 870 to the device 801. The housing 833 is placed around the hose inlet. The housing 833 has the loop fasteners on both sides 831. A securing strap 834 is comprised of a strap with hook fasteners. The securing strap 834 is permanently attached to the bottom flap 835. As the bottom flap 835 is closed the securing strap 834 is engaged to both sides of the housing 833. The housing 833 is opened by pulling the securing strap 834 to separate the respective hook and loop fasteners.

The device 801 includes wedge pockets 811 to store wedges 813 (shown in Figures 23 and 24). The device 801 further includes a pocket 816 to hold, for example, operating instructions. Insulating means 817 (shown in Figure 22), which in use will insulate separate the coupling from the nozzle, is provided to protect the nozzle within the housing 833.

The device includes a shoulder strap 818 which is secured to a loop 819 via a clip 821 as shown in Figures 28 to 35. A hose securing means 822, shown in Figures 36 to 38 is sheathed within a pocket 823 within the shoulder strap 818. The hose securing means 822 comprises a strap 824 with a clip 826 and loop 827. The clip 826, here a D- clip, and loop 827 can, for example, be used to secure a section of a hose to a tailing when tike hose is to be suspended from the railing.

A fourth embodiment hose deployment device 901 is shown in Figures 39 to 43. The device 901 operates in a manner similar to the second embodiment described above. The device 901 houses a flaked hose which is deployed by having a user puling sections of the hose from the device as tic user carries the device 901 across a distance. To deploy the hose, a release flap 910 is moved from a closed position, shown in Figure 42, to an open position, shown in Figure 43.

The device 901 in particular includes opposing sides, one of which is shown and depicted with me reference numeral 904, extendable between a retracted position, shown in Figure 41 and an extended position, shown in Figure 40. By having such extendable sides it is possible to increase the volume of the device 901.

Figures 44 to 48 show a coupling holder 950 that is to be secured to the exterior of the device 901. The coupling holder 950 is shaped as shown and is adapted to secure a hose coupling to the device 901. The coupling holder 950 can be folded from a compressed configuration, shown in Figures 44 to 46, to an expanded configuration, shown in Figures 47 and 48, when a coupling is to be secured therein. In the expanded configuration the coupling holder 950 provides a pocket 952 which is closed with a flap 954.

Figures 49 to 55 show a fifth embodiment hose deployment device 1000. The device includes a base 1003, sides 1004 which extend from the base, a cover 1005 secured to a side 1004, and a dosure 1()07 extendmg from the base. The base 1003 and sides 1004 define a toldirxg area in which a section of a hose is in use held, preferably in a coiled configuration. The cover 1005 includes hose holding means 1008. The holding means of this embodiment comprises two rows of opposing pockets 1010, each row incruding a number of pockets. In use a section of the hose is held, in a flaked configuration between the rows of pockets. This is shown in Figure 52.

As shown in Figure 51, the closure 1007 is secured to the cover 1005 with a hook and loop fastener arrangement 101 . Figure 53 in turn shows mat the cover 1005 is secured to the sides 1004 with a hook and loop fastener arrangement 1012.

The device 1000 is preferably compact in size so as to be stored within a container located at a fire hydrant

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