Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorised hose reel. In particular, the present invention relates to a battery powered motorised hose reel.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Hoses are widely used in residential gardens, courtyards, commercial settings and other applications. However, suitable storage of the length of hose when not in use is an area of concern. If the hose is coiled or otherwise left on the ground, the inactive hose may be rather unsightly, and may pose a hazard for people tripping. Furthermore, people with reduced mobility may be unable to easily retrieve the hose or nozzle when it is on ground level.

[0003] Surface mounted hose hangers are commonly mounted on walls and other such vertical surfaces. Whilst such hose hangers provide some benefits with neatly storing the hose, there are still several inherent drawbacks. For example, the user must manually spool the length of hose onto the hanger after use. Furthermore, before moving away from the hose hanger, the user must uncoil a length of hose, by estimating how far away from the hanger they may walk. It is common for a user to walk some distance from the hose hanger and subsequently realise that they do not have a sufficient length of unspooled hose. This may necessitate the user to return to the hose hanger to unspool several additional coils. As such, the use of such hose hangers may be cumbersome and impractical. Furthermore, hoses stored on such hose hangers are prone to becoming tangled.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a trend toward fully enclosed hose reels. The design of such hose reels may include an auto retract mechanism to retract the hose into the reel as the user returns toward the tap outlet. This process obviates the need for the user to manually coil the hose, which is advantageous. However, the auto retract mechanism is often mechanically driven by a coil spring. There is a tendency for the spring loaded retraction mechanism to generate a large pull back force, which may be applied when it is not anticipated by the user. This can be dangerous for older people, who may be destabilised and even knocked over by this force.

[0005] Another problem with existing enclosed hose reels is the tendency for the hose to become misaligned on the spool. In practice, while the reel is spinning during the retraction process, if the hose suffers from any alignment problem, and is not evenly seated in neat rows about the rotation axis of the spool, then the misalignment may result in jamming of the hose reel. In existing auto retracting hose reels, such a misalignment may be difficult to correct, especially for people with limited technical skill. It is often necessary to manually remove a belt if this occurs, and then manually realign the spool, which is a complicated process.

[0006] Some existing auto retract hose spools are motorised. The motor reduces the risk of a large spring pull-back force being generated. However, these motorised spool systems still suffer from jamming if the hose becomes unsynchronised. Furthermore, if the motor becomes burnt out or otherwise damaged, it can be difficult to remove and replace the motor, or parts thereof, due to the external housing of the spool unit surrounding the motor. In practice, if the motor becomes seriously damaged, the entire unit must be replaced.

[0007] A further drawback with existing enclosed hose reels concerns the spool axle being difficult to access for replacement or servicing. Due to the difficult nature of accessing the spool axle, the unit may not be readily repairable if the spool axle becomes jammed or otherwise damaged.

Object of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a motorised hose reel including:

a housing chassis,

a housing bottom secured to the housing chassis;

a housing top cover removably connected to the housing chassis and adapted to permit access to a central receptacle located within the motorised hose reel;

a motor mounted on the housing chassis;

a spool located in the receptacle, the spool being coupled to the motor and rotatable about a spool shaft assembly,

wherein the motor is configured to selectively drive the spool to wind a length of hose onto the spool within the receptacle,

further where each end of the spool shaft assembly includes a first engagement formation configured to engage with a corresponding second engagement formation of the housing chassis.

[0010] The second engagement formation preferably includes two support members located near each end of the shaft assembly, the support members engaging a flange of the spool shaft assembly to hold a portion of the flange between an inner wall of the housing chassis and the support members.

[0011] The spool shaft preferably includes a first axle and a second axle, the first axle and the second axle being coaxial and longitudinally connected.

[0012] The flange of the spool shaft assembly preferably includes a generally rectangular projection, the projection being seated in a corresponding recess located on the inner wall of the housing bottom.

[0013] An outer perimeter region of the housing chassis preferably includes an upper perimeter seal for engaging with the housing top cover, and a lower perimeter seal for engaging with the housing bottom.

[0014] Preferably the housing chassis outer perimeter region is externally visible when the housing top cover and the housing bottom are secured to the chassis.

[0015] The motorised hose reel further preferably comprises an auto retraction guide mechanism having:

a rod having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to an axis of rotation of the spool, the rod having overlaid right and left hand threads;

a hose carriage assembly including:

an opening configured for receiving a hose; and

a direction change member having a tooth configured to engage with the right and left hand threads,

wherein the tooth is adapted to follow one of the right and left hand threads to a longitudinal end portion of the thread, at which point the tooth changes direction, such that the hose carriage assembly reciprocates relative to the rod.

[0016] The tooth is preferably mounted to a cartridge, further wherein the cartridge is selectively removable from the direction change member.

[0017] The cartridge preferably includes a bayonet type engagement formation adapted to engage with a corresponding formation formed on the direction change member.

[0018] An end portion of the length of hose preferably includes an outlet stem which is attached to the spool with a first clip.

[0019] The first clip preferably includes a body and two elastically deformable arms configured to fit in a circumferential channel formed on a rotational outlet, wherein a portion of each arm projects through a wall of the rotational outlet and engages with a circumferential channel formed in the outlet stem. [0020] The motorised hose reel further preferably comprises a second clip, for connecting the spool to a water outlet, wherein the first and second clips are identical.

[0021] A leading end of the tooth is preferably arcuate, and configured to follow a

circumferential curvature of the threads.

[0022] The tooth is preferably pivotal relative to the cartridge about a pivot axis which extends generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

[0023] The motor is preferably seated on a cradle formed in the housing and housing chassis. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a motorised hose reel according to the present invention;

[0026] Fig. 2 is a side view of the motorised hose reel of Fig. 1;

[0027] Fig. 3 is a top view of the motorised hose reel of Fig. 1;

[0028] Fig. 4 is front view of the motorised hose reel of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a spooling mechanism of the motorised hose reel of Fig. 1.

[0030] Fig. 6 is an assembled view of the spooling mechanism of Fig. 5;

[0031] Fig. 7 shows the mounting arrangement for connecting the spooling mechanism to the housing chassis;

[0032] Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing the spooling mechanism mounted on the housing chassis;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing the securement of an outlet stem to a hose spool;

[0034] Fig. 10 depicts the motor and motor support portion of the housing chassis;

[0035] Fig. 11 is a perspective, partial cutaway view of the motorised hose reel of Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 12 shows a hose attachment clip of the motorised hose reel;

[0037] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view depicting the axles and the mounting arrangement for the spool; and

[0038] Fig. 14 is an end view showing the mounting of one of the hose reel axles. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0039] A motorised hose reel 100 is disclosed herein. Referring to the exploded view of Fig. 1, the motorised hose reel 100 includes a housing chassis 110, which supports a housing top cover 120 and a housing bottom 130. The housing top cover 120 is removable and secured to the chassis 110, preferably with fasteners. Alternatively, the housing top cover 120 may be hingedly attached to the housing chassis 110. This permits the user to pivot the housing top cover 120 about the hinged edge 140, to provide access to the interior of the motorised hose reel 100.

[0040] A battery 140 is seated in the housing top cover 120. The battery 145 is removable for recharging.

[0041] The use of the housing chassis 110 and removable/openable housing top cover 120 obviates the need to disassemble the hose reel 100 to access the internal components.

[0042] The housing chassis 110 has a generally rectangular central opening 150 for receiving the spool 160.

[0043] The spool 160 is seated on a spool shaft assembly 200 defined by a first axle 201 and a second axle 202. As shown in Figs. 1 and 13, one end of the first axle 201 and one end of the second axle 202 each include a first engagement formation configured to engage with a corresponding second engagement formation of the housing chassis 110, to thereby secure the spool 160 to the housing chassis 110. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the first engagement formation is defined by a flange 205, which projects perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the spool 160.

[0044] The second engagement formation may include two projections or support members 208 of the housing chassis 110, located at or near the bearing region of the first axle 201 and the second axle 202. The support members 208 define flat surfaces.

[0045] The support members 208 configured to abut and engage the flange 205 of the axles 201, 202 to hold a portion of the flange 205 relative to an inner wall of the housing chassis 110, and fasteners such as screws are used to secure the first and second engagement formations.

[0046] The first axle 201 and the second axle 202 are coaxial and longitudinally connected with male and female threaded portions, as shown in Fig. 13, and a screw (not shown).

[0047] A bush or bearing 195 is seated on the first axle 201, to permit the spool 160 to easily rotate.

[0048] Similarly, a rotating coupling 203 is seated on the second axle 202. The rotating coupling 203 has a distal end 206 which projects through a radial wall of the spool 160. The distal end 206 is connectable with a length of hose which is wound on the spool 160. The second axle 202 also includes an inlet port 207. A hose is connected between a water source and the inlet port 207. The water travels within the second axle 202 and is in fluid communication with the rotating coupling 203. The rotating coupling 203 rotates with the spool 160, while the first and second axles 201, 202 are rotationally isolated. A cap 209, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14 is fitted to the end of the second shaft 202 to prevent water egression.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 14, the flange 205 is secured to the housing chassis 110 with screws 213.

[0050] As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the flange 205 of the first axle 201 includes a generally rectangular projection 199, the projection 199 being seated in a corresponding support surface 190 located on the inner wall of the housing bottom 130.

[0051] An outer perimeter of the housing chassis 110 includes an upper perimeter seal 111 for engaging with the housing top cover 120, and a lower perimeter seal 113 for engaging with the housing bottom. The seals 111 and 113 may be provided by corresponding male and female formations, or corresponding fillet curved edges or chamfered surfaces. Furthermore, a gasket, O-ring or other such seal member may be included to improve the seal.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 2, the housing chassis 110 outer perimeter portion is externally visible when the housing top cover 120 and the housing bottom 130 are secured to the chassis.

[0053] The housing bottom 130 provides a central receptacle 180 which defines the majority of the volume of the motorised hose reel 100. Opposing, internal walls of the housing bottom 130 provide two curved surfaces 190. Each surface 190 and a corresponding upper surface 170 of the housing chassis 110 interact to define a generally circular opening. The circular opening defined by surfaces 170 and 190 is provided to clear the shaft assembly 200.

[0054] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the housing chassis 110 includes a first bearing block 210. The first bearing block 210 includes at least one, and preferably two, downwardly extending projections 220, see Fig. 7. The housing bottom 130 includes a second bearing block 230 which defines the two lower curved surfaces 190. The second bearing block 230 includes at least one, and preferably two, apertures 240. The apertures 240 are adapted to receive the downwardly extending projections 220 to secure the housing chassis 110 to the housing bottom 130.

[0055] The spool axles 201, 202 can be removed by removing the screws 213 which secure the flange 205 to the housing chassis 110, and also removing a screw (not shown) which joins the first and second axles 201, 202.

[0056] The motorised hose reel 100 includes an auto retraction guide mechanism 300, to prevent the length of hose becoming unsynchronised as the spool is wound during retraction. The auto retraction guide mechanism 300 is depicted in the exploded view of Fig. 5. The guide mechanism 300 includes a rod 310. The rod 310 is threaded and has two sets of threads, that is, a right hand thread and an overlayed left hand thread. The two threads are interconnected making a continuous thread which loops back on itself.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 7, the auto retraction guide mechanism 300 is removably fitted to the housing chassis 110 with a pair of brackets 302. The brackets 302 are removably secured on mounting lugs 304 which are integrally formed with the housing chassis 110.

[0058] The guide mechanism 300 includes a hose carriage assembly 320 having a first carriage assembly arm 330 and a second carriage assembly arm 340. Each arm 330, 340 includes a through hole 350. The hole 350 is adapted to receive the rod 310.

[0059] Each arm 330, 340 also includes two supports 365 for rotationally supporting an annular projecting portion 360 of a roller 370. In this way, the two arms 330, 340 rotationally hold the two rollers 370 in a position with the longitudinal axis of each roller 370 spaced and generally parallel. The rollers 370 are each arcuate in profile, such that the two rollers 370 together define a generally round opening. The opening is sized to receive a garden hose (not shown).

[0060] The two arms 330, 340 are each connected with fasteners (not shown).

[0061] The carriage assembly 320 includes a direction changing assembly in the form of cartridge 400. The direction changing cartridge 400 supports a direction changing member 410. The direction changing member 410 has a tooth 420 which is pivotal relative to a longitudinal axis of the direction changing cartridge 400.

[0062] The direction changing member 400 is defined by two components 405, 415, which when assembled define the cartridge 400. This assembly allows the tooth 420 to be secured in a manner that is rotational relative to the cartridge 400.

[0063] The tooth 420 is adapted to follow the thread of the rod 310. Referring to Fig. 6, a leading end of the tooth 420 is arcuate, and configured to follow the circumferential curvature around the threads formed in the rod 310.

[0064] Each time the carriage assembly 320 approaches one of the two opposing ends of the rod 310, the tooth 420 pivots so that it changes from the right hand thread to the left hand thread, such that the carriage assembly 320 reciprocates between the two ends of the rod 310. This has the effect of stacking the hose in neat rows, such that each radial layer of hose is stacked in an opposing longitudinal direction.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 6, the direction change cartridge 400 is readily removable from the guide mechanism 300. The direction change cartridge 400 locks into position by means of a bayonet type engagement formation. This means that in operation, if the hose becomes stuck, or the reel jams, due to a hose winding error, the user can manually remove the direction change cartridge 400 to temporarily release the guide mechanism. Once the problem has been resolved, the user can manually re-engage the direction change cartridge by locking it into the guide mechanism 300.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 4, an opening 480 is formed in the front of the housing top cover 120, and the hose is adapted to pass through the opening 480. Again referring to Fig. 4, the carriage assembly 320 is partially visible through the opening 480.

[0067] A gear 440, depicted in Fig. 5, is seated on the rod 310 with a spline connection to prevent the gear 440 from rotating relative to the rod 310. The gear includes teeth 450 for meshing with a belt 442 which is driven by a spool drive gear 660 seated on the spool 160, as shown in Fig. 8. The drive gear 660 is shielded by a gear cover 670.

[0068] The spool 160 is driven by an electric motor 615 which is battery powered. The battery may be charged by a low voltage power supply, a solar panel, or alternatively, in the preferred embodiment, the battery is removable for charging on an independent mains powered docking station (not shown). The motor 615 is depicted in Fig. 10. The motor 615 is seated on the housing chassis 110 in a motor support 600. The motor 615 is held in position with the motor bracket 610. The motor 615 is preferably a two speed motor. The battery which drives the motor 615 is seated in battery cradle 620, on the housing top cover 120.

[0069] The motor drives a belt 443, which is shown in Fig. 11. The belt has teeth which mesh with a ring of teeth formed on the spool 160, to rotate the spool 160.

[0070] If the hose becomes stuck, or otherwise unsynchronised, and the carriage assembly 320 is blocked, the user can raise the housing top cover 120 and pull the direction changing cartridge 400 to withdraw the tooth 420 from engagement with the thread formed in the rod 310. This has the effect of freeing the direction changing cartridge 400 such that it can move longitudinally relative to the rod 310. The user can then manually pull the hose out of the reel to withdraw the hose. Once the blockage is resolved, the user can simply re-engage the tooth 420 with the thread formed on the rod 310.

[0071] Referring to Figs. 2, 3 13 and 14, the side cover 510 has an aperture for receiving a length of hose which is connected to a tap outlet. The hose is connected at a down-stream end to the inlet stem 207. The inlet stem 207 is in fluid communication with the rotating coupling 203 which is connected to and supported by the second axle 202. The rotational coupling 203 terminates at outlet stem 560. The outlet stem 560 is seated on the spool 160, and connected with the primary, spooling length of hose. [0072] Referring to Fig. 9, a clip 515 is deployed to secure the rotational outlet 550 to the outlet stem 560. The clip 515 is an elastically deformable clip 515 having two arms 517 which are sized to fit in a circumferential channel 552 formed on the rotational outlet 550. As the clip 515 is pushed toward the rotational outlet 550, the arms 517 separate, and subsequently move toward each other. Once the clip 515 is in position, a portion 519 of each arm 517 projects through the wall of the rotational outlet 550 and engages with a circumferential channel 562 formed in the outlet stem 560. This clip 515 arrangement prevents unintended longitudinal movement of the outlet stem 560 relative to the rotational outlet 560. In a similar manner, a further clip 515 is deployed to secure the inlet stem 530 to the rotating hose coupling 540. The clip 515 is shown in isolation in Fig. 12.

[0073] Advantageously, the housing top cover 120 may be opened to change or service the battery, the motor, the hose, the spool 160 or other internal components.

[0074] The housing chassis 110, housing top cover 120 and housing bottom 130 are manufactured from a suitable polymer in an injection moulding process.

[0075] Fig. 11 depicts an additional belt 443 which extends between the motor 615 and a gear 445. The gear 445 has teeth that mesh with corresponding teeth 447 arranged on a

circumferential ring around the spool 160. In this way, the motor 615 is used to selectively rotate the spool 160 in either a forward or reverse direction.

[0076] A central, toothed wheel 660 is seated on the spool 160. The toothed when 660 is configured to drive the belt 442, which in turn rotates the rod 310. In this way, the rod 310 rotates in response to the spool 160 rotating, and the rotational direction (forward/rearward) of the rod 310 corresponds with the rotational direction of the spool 160.

[0077] In one embodiment, the motorised hose reel 100 includes a remote control device to start the motor. The remote control device is adapted to send a signal to the motor to retract the hose. The remote control device may be mounted on or near the hose nozzle, so the user can selectively retract the hose as and when desired, for example, once garden watering is complete.

[0078] The housing top cover 120 is removable from the housing chassis 110 by removing fasteners. However, in a further embodiment, a latch or hinge mechanism may be employed.

[0079] Preferably the motorised hose reel 100 is able to retain approximately 30 - 35 metres of garden hose. However, it may be provided in different sizes, for example a smaller model adapted to retain approximately 20 - 25 metres of garden hose.

[0080] The motorised hose reel 100 advantageously obviates the need to use a large number of screws or fasteners to secure the various components together. [0081] Advantageously, in the preferred embodiment, the battery is removable for charging on a separate docking station.

[0082] A vertically extending shaft 500 pivotally supports the motorised hose reel 100.

[0083] Advantageously, the housing chassis 110 and the hinged housing top cover 120 permit easy access to the internal components.

[0084] 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.