EP3927640B1

EP3927640B1 - Hose box assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3927640B1
Application number: EP19818036.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tobias MACK; Martin Rauch; Tobias Schlegel; Alexander Turesson
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2019-02-22
Filing date: 2019-12-09
Publication date: 2024-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-09
Also published as: WO2020169232A1; CN116692613A; CA3125528A1; CN116730123A; PL3927640T3; CN113286756B; CN113286756A; EP3927640A1; TW202031583A; FI3927640T3; CN116692612A; CA3125528C

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hose box assembly, and more particularly to a structural aspect of the hose box assembly.

BACKGROUND

A hose reel is used to provide a flow of fluid, such as water, in spaces, such as lawns, parks, and the like. The hose reel may have an extended length of a hose that may be used to provide the flow of fluid to distant places relative to a fluid source, such as a water tap. Generally, the hose reel is enclosed in a hose box, such that the hose reel may be easily stowed and carried around based on user requirement.
Typically, a bracket may be used in association with the hose box in order to hold the hose box at a predefined location. In some situations, the bracket may be fixedly attached on a ground surface or a wall surface. Further, the hose box may be movably mounted on the bracket. However, in many situations, a coupling between the bracket and the hose box may be complicated and difficult to disassemble for a user. As a result, multiple hose boxes and associated brackets may have to be installed at desired locations by the user, in turn, increasing system costs to the user.
Also, in many situations, a rotational movement of the hose box with respect to the bracket may be limited, such as when the bracket may be mounted to the wall surface. As such, an operational flexibility and usability of the hose box may be limited. Also, in many situations, the coupling between the hose box and the bracket may be weak and inefficient. As such, the hose box may be easily separated from the bracket in case of unintentional movement and/or forces.
An example for a hose box is provided by U.S. patent 7,857,000 (hereinafter referred to as the '000 reference). The '000 reference discloses a garden hose assembly having an elongated post having a longitudinal axis and having an interior opening extending through at least a portion of the elongated post. An inlet coupling is provided on the post for connecting to a water hose. A housing is mounted to a top portion of the post and includes an open interior area. A rotary coupling is operatively connected to both the post and the housing and which connects the housing to the top portion of the post such that the housing can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the post. A hose reel is rotatably mounted in the interior of the housing and rotatable about an axis extending through the housing. Further, a water supply line is connected to the inlet coupling and extends upwardly through the interior opening within the elongated post. The water supply line includes a first portion that extends generally from the inlet coupling to the rotary coupling and a second portion that extends from the rotary coupling to the hose reel. The second portion of the water supply line is rotatable with the housing as the housing rotates about the longitudinal axis of the post.
US patent reference 5,390,695 (hereinafter referred to as the '695 reference) discloses a reel assembly for a garden hose. The reel assembly includes a tubular hinge part that allows the reel assembly to fit over and be rotatably mounted relative to a pin. A lower end of the pin is received within a tubular and open top sleeve carried by a rod which is driven into ground so as to mount the reel assembly on ground. The hinge part disclosed in the '695 reference is different from the shape and configuration of the retaining member and the mounting interface of the present invention in which the flange portion of the mounting interface is releasably secured by the shoulder portion of the retaining member.
Hence, there is a need for an improved hose box assembly for such applications.

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 box assembly according to claim 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hose box assembly includes a hose box having an axis. The hose box is adapted to receive a hose reel. The hose box includes a housing. The hose box includes a mounting interface disposed on the housing. The mounting interface extends away from the housing. The hose box also includes an inlet disposed on the housing and spaced apart with respect to the mounting interface. The hose box further includes an outlet disposed on the housing and spaced apart with respect to each of the mounting interface and the inlet. The hose box assembly also includes a bracket member. The bracket member includes a receiving interface. The receiving interface is adapted to rotatably and removably engage with respect to the mounting interface of the hose box. The hose box assembly further includes a retaining member. The retaining member is disposed in association with each of the mounting interface of the hose box and the receiving interface of the bracket member. The retaining member is adapted to retain the mounting interface on the bracket member. The hose box characterized in that the mounting interface includes a flange portion extending away from the central axis. And the retaining member includes a shoulder portion extending towards the central axis such that the shoulder portion is disposed above the flange portion for retaining the mounting interface on the bracket member. Further, a center of gravity of the hose box lies on the axis. The receiving interface is disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis.
As such, the hose box may be easily assembled and disassembled from the bracket member being secured by the retaining member in the assembled state. Thus, providing improved usability. Also, in situations when multiple bracket members may be provided in spaces, such as lawns, a single hose box may be mounted on any one of multiple bracket members, as may be required, in turn, providing improved flexibility, portability, and productivity.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member is adapted to rotatably and removably couple the mounting interface of the hose box with respect to the receiving interface of the bracket member. As such, the hose box assembly provides a complete 360-degree rotation of the hose box with respect to the bracket member, in turn, providing improved rotational and operational flexibility. More specifically, the hose box may be rotated in any direction of choice based on operational requirement without requiring frequent alignment and adjustment of the hose box with respect to the bracket member.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member is unlockably coupled to the mounting interface of the hose box via an interlocking surface. Also, the retaining member is unlockably coupled to the receiving interface of the bracket member via a threaded connection. As such, the interlocking surface and the threaded connection provide easy coupling of the retaining member to each of the hose box and the bracket member, respectively, with reduced complexity, reduced user effort, and reduced user skill, in turn, providing ease of assembly. In other embodiments, the retaining member may be unlockably coupled to the mounting interface of the hose box and/or the receiving interface of the bracket member via any other connection, such as a bayonet connection, interlocking tabs/surfaces, snapping elements, and the like, in turn, improving flexibility.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member has a split configuration. As such, the retaining member may be easily coupled to the mounting interface of the hose box with reduced complexity, reduced user effort, and reduced user skill, in turn, providing ease of assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inner surface of the retaining member has a substantially circular configuration. As such, the retaining member provides the complete 360-degree rotation of the hose box with respect to the bracket member, in turn, providing improved rotational and operational flexibility.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member is unlockably coupled to each of the mounting interface of the hose box and the receiving interface of the bracket member via interlocking surfaces. As such, the interlocking surfaces provide easy coupling of the retaining member to each of the hose box and the bracket member with reduced complexity, reduced user effort, and reduced user skill, in turn, providing ease of assembly.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member has a substantially semi-circular configuration. As such, the retaining member may be easily coupled to the mounting interface of the hose box and the receiving interface of the bracket member with reduced complexity, reduced user effort, and reduced user skill, in turn, providing ease of assembly. Also, the retaining member provides the complete 360-degree rotation of the hose box with respect to the bracket member, in turn, providing improved rotational and operational flexibility.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, the retaining member is made of a material selected from one or more of polymers, plastics, and metals. As such, the retaining member may be manufactured using a variety of material of choice, in turn, providing manufacturing flexibility and improved product quality.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, the mounting interface is disposed on a bottom portion of the hose box. As such, static and dynamic forces of the hose box may be efficiently transferred to the bracket member via the mounting interface, in turn, improving product stability, durability, and life.
According to the present invention, the mounting interface is axially aligned with respect to a center of gravity of the hose box. As such, static forces of the hose box may be efficiently transferred to the bracket member via the mounting interface, in turn, improving product stability, durability, and life.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the mounting interface of the hose box and the receiving interface of the bracket member has a substantially circular configuration. As such, the complete 360-degree rotation of the hose box with respect to the bracket member is achieved, in turn, providing improved rotational and operational flexibility. Also, the hose box may be rotated in any direction of choice based on operational requirement without requiring frequent alignment and adjustment of the hose box with respect to the bracket member.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, the hose box has a substantially circular configuration. As such, the hose box may have a minimum footprint based on a size of the hose reel, in turn, providing a compact and efficient packaging.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stem member is coupled to the bracket member. The stem member is adapted to removably mount the bracket member on a ground surface. As such, the stem member provides mounting of the hose box at any required location on the ground surface via the bracket member, in turn, providing improved operational flexibility and usability.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, the stem member is made of a material selected from one or more of polymers, plastics, and metals. As such, the stem member may be manufactured using a variety of material of choice, in turn, providing manufacturing flexibility and improved product quality. Also, the stem member is adapted to be coupled to any attachment, such as an anchor member, a stand member, and the like.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the anchor member is adapted to be removably coupled to the stem member. The anchor member is adapted to removably mount the stem member on the ground surface. As such, the anchor member provides mounting of the hose box at any required location on the ground surface via the bracket member and the stem member, in turn, providing improved operational flexibility and usability.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, the anchor member is made of a material selected from one or more of polymers, plastics, and metals. As such, the anchor member may be manufactured using a variety of material of choice, in turn, providing manufacturing flexibility and improved product quality.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bracket member is removably mounted to a wall surface using at least one fastening element. As such, the hose box may be mounted at any required location on the wall surface via the bracket member, in turn, providing efficient use of available space and improved flexibility.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, the bracket member has a substantially conical configuration. As such, the bracket member has a simple and efficient design providing reduced structural complexity and ease of manufacturing. Also, the conical configuration may provide efficient transfer of forces from the hose box to the anchor member via the bracket member and the stem member, in turn, providing improved product stability, durability, and life.
According to a non-claimed embodiment, each of the hose box and the bracket member is made of a material selected from one or more of polymers, plastics, and metals. As such, each of the hose box and the bracket member may be manufactured using a variety of material of choice, in turn, providing manufacturing flexibility and improved product quality.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hose box, the bracket member, the retaining member, the stem member, and/or the anchor member is manufactured by three-dimensional printing. Use of three-dimensional printing (alternatively, 3D printing) provides versatility of using different materials along with low lead-time in manufacturing and design of the hose box, the bracket member, the retaining member, the stem member, and/or the anchor member.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a data file includes pre-stored instructions to print at least one of the hose box and the retaining member by a three-dimensional printer. As such, a variety of customization options may be provided for the hose box, the bracket member, the retaining member, the stem member, and/or the anchor member.
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 an exploded perspective view of a hose box assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a retaining member of the hose box assembly of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of another hose box assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a side view of the hose box assembly of FIG. 3 in an assembled position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hose box assembly of FIG. 4 in the assembled position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of another hose box assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hose box assembly of FIG. 6 in an assembled position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a retaining member of the hose box assembly of FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 shows a side view of the hose box assembly of FIG. 6 in an assembled position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

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. 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", "parallel", "inclined", "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.
Referring to FIG. 1 , an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the hose box assembly 100 is illustrated. The hose box assembly 100 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the "assembly 100". The assembly 100 may be adapted to provide a flow of fluid, such as water, in space surrounding the assembly 100, such as a garden, a park, a lawn, a field, a playground, and the like. The assembly 100 may be employed for various activities, such as gardening, agriculture, irrigation, and the like.
The assembly 100 includes a hose box 102. The hose box 102 defines an axis X-X' such that a Center of Gravity (CG) of the hose box 102 lies on the axis X-X'. It should be noted that location of the CG shown in the accompanying figures is merely exemplary and may vary. The hose box 102 is adapted to rotatably receive a hose (not shown). In a stowed position, the hose is adapted to be selectively wound within the hose box 102. In a working position, a hose (not shown) is adapted to be selectively unwound from the hose reel in order to allow the hose to exit from the hose box 102. As such, the hose may be extended from the hose box 102 in order to provide the flow of fluid.
The hose box 102 includes a housing 104. The housing 104 has a split configuration including a first half portion 106 and a second half portion 108. Each of the first half portion 106 and the second half portion 108 is removably coupled to one another using one or more fasteners 110, such as screws or bolts. In other embodiments, each of the first half portion 106 and the second half portion 108 may be coupled to one another using any other fastening method, such as tabs, interlocking surfaces, and the like. Also, in some embodiments, the housing 104 may include multiple portions, based on application requirements.
The housing 104 includes a top portion 112, a bottom portion 114, and side portions 116, 118. The axis X-X' extends between the top portion 112 and the bottom portion 114. Each of the side portions 116, 118 is disposed opposite to one another and between each of the top portion 112 and the bottom portion 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 104 has a substantially hollow and circular configuration. In other embodiments, the housing 104 may have any other configuration, such as rectangular, elliptical, and the like. The housing 104 is adapted to rotatably enclose the hose.
The hose box 102 includes a mounting interface 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting interface 120 is integral with respect to the hose box 102. In other embodiments, the mounting interface 120 may be a separate element coupled to the hose box 102. The mounting interface 120 is disposed on the housing 104. More specifically, the mounting interface 120 is disposed on the bottom portion 114 of the housing 104 and extends away from the housing 104. The mounting interface 120 is axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X'. As such, the mounting interface 120 is axially aligned with respect to the CG. The mounting interface 120 has a substantially circular configuration.
The hose box 102 includes an inlet 122. The inlet 122 is disposed on the housing 104 and spaced apart with respect to the mounting interface 120. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 122 is disposed on the side portion 116. In other embodiments, the inlet 122 may be disposed on any of the top portion 112, the bottom portion 114, or the side portion 118 of the housing 104, based on application requirements. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 122 is disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the axis X-X'. In other embodiments, the inlet 122 may be inclined with respect to the axis X-X', based on application requirements. The inlet 122 is provided in fluid communication with the hose reel. The inlet 122 is adapted to receive the flow of fluid from an external fluid source (not shown).
The hose box 102 includes an outlet 124. The outlet 124 is disposed on the housing 104. More specifically, the outlet 124 is disposed spaced apart with respect to each of the mounting interface 120 and the inlet 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 124 is disposed on the top portion 112 of the housing 104. In other embodiments, the outlet 124 may be disposed on any other portion of the housing 104, such as the bottom portion 114. The outlet 124 is adapted to allow the hose to selectively exit and enter the housing 104.
The hose box 102 may be manufactured using any material, such as polymers, metals, plastics, and the like. The hose box 102 may be manufactured using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, fabrication, and the like. In some embodiments, the hose box 102 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing (also known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing). In such a situation, a user of the hose box 102 may be provided with a data file having pre-stored instructions to print the hose box 102 by a three-dimensional printer (not shown). This may enable custom designing or any modifications, if required, to be performed with least effort. The hose box 102 may be conveniently presented in a digital format keeping in mind type of applications or end-user preferences among other factors.
In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 100 includes a ground bracket member 126. The ground bracket member 126 has a split configuration including a first half portion 128 and a second half portion 130. Each of the first half portion 128 and the second half portion 130 is removably coupled to one another using one or more fasteners 132, such as screws or bolts. In other embodiments, each of the first half portion 128 and the second half portion 130 may be coupled to one another using any other fastening method, such as tabs, interlocking surfaces, and the like. In some embodiments, the ground bracket member 126 may include multiple portions, based on application requirements. In yet some embodiments, the ground bracket member 126 may have a single piece configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground bracket member 126 has a substantially conical configuration. In other embodiments, the ground bracket member 126 may have any other configuration, such as rectangular, trapezoidal, and the like.
The assembly 100 includes a stem member 134. The stem member 134 has a substantially elongated configuration. The stem member 134 is disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X'. In the illustrated embodiment, the stem member 134 is integrally formed with the ground bracket member 126. In other embodiments, the stem member 134 may be coupled to the ground bracket member 126 using any fastening method, such as adhesion, bolting, interlocking surfaces, tabs, and the like. The stem member 134 is adapted to removably mount the ground bracket member 126 on a ground surface (not shown). In some embodiments, the stem member 134 may be coupled to a stand member (not shown) in order to install the ground bracket member 126 and the hose box 102 on the ground surface.
The stem member 134 may be manufactured using any material, such as polymers, metals, plastics, and the like. The stem member 134 may be manufactured using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, fabrication, and the like. In some embodiments, the stem member 134 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. In such a situation, the user of the stem member 134 may be provided with a data file having pre-stored instructions to print the stem member 134 by the three-dimensional printer. This may enable custom designing or any modifications, if required, to be performed with least effort. The stem member 134 may be conveniently presented in a digital format keeping in mind type of applications or end-user preferences among other factors.
The assembly 100 also includes an anchor member 136. The anchor member 136 has a substantially elongated configuration. The anchor member 136 is adapted to be disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X'. The anchor member 136 is adapted to be removably coupled to the stem member 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor member 136 includes a receiving portion 138. The receiving portion 138 is adapted to removably receive the stem member 134. In other embodiments, the anchor member 136 may be removably coupled to the stem member 134 using any fastening method, such as thread coupling, bolting, tabs, interlocking surfaces, and the like. In yet other embodiments, the anchor member 136 may be integrally formed with the stem member 134.
The anchor member 136 also includes a ground engaging portion 140. The ground engaging portion 140 is disposed adjacent to the receiving portion 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground engaging portion 140 has a screw type configuration. In other embodiments, the ground engaging portion 140 may include any other configuration, such as a forked configuration. The ground engaging portion 140 is adapted to be inserted in the ground surface. Accordingly, the anchor member 136 is adapted to removably mount the stem member 134 on the ground surface.
The anchor member 136 may be manufactured using any material, such as polymers, metals, plastics, and the like. The anchor member 136 may be manufactured using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, fabrication, and the like. In some embodiments, the anchor member 136 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. In such a situation, the user of the anchor member 136 may be provided with a data file having pre-stored instructions to print the anchor member 136 by the three-dimensional printer. This may enable custom designing or any modifications, if required, to be performed with least effort. The anchor member 136 may be conveniently presented in a digital format keeping in mind type of applications or end-user preferences among other factors.
The assembly 100 further includes a retaining member 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining member 142 is a two-piece element and is integral with respect to the ground bracket member 126. In other embodiments, the retaining member 142 may be a separate element with respect to the ground bracket member 126. The retaining member 142 is adapted to be disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X'. Another embodiment of the retaining member 201 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 . Referring to FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the retaining member 201 is illustrated. The retaining member 201 has a substantially circular configuration. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the retaining member 201 has a split configuration including a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. The first portion 202 has a configuration similar to a configuration of the second portion 204. Each of the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 is coupled to one another to form a substantially ring-shaped configuration. Each of the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 may be coupled to one another using any fastening method, such as tabs, interlocking surfaces, and the like. In another embodiment, the first portion 202 and the second portion 204 of the retaining member 201 may be integral with respect to one another to form a single piece retaining member.
The retaining member 201 includes a channel portion 206. The channel portion 206 is provided on an inner surface 208 of the retaining member 201. The channel portion 206 is adapted to removably and rotatably receive the mounting interface 120. The retaining member 201 also includes a retaining threaded portion 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining threaded portion 210 is disposed on an outer surface 212 of the retaining member 201. In other embodiments, the retaining threaded portion 210 may be disposed on the inner surface 208 of the retaining member 201. The retaining threaded portion 210 is adapted to be removably coupled to the ground bracket member 126.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , an exploded view and an assembled view of another embodiment of an assembly 300 is illustrated respectively. Referring to FIG. 3 , the assembly 300 includes the hose box 102, the mounting interface 120, and the retaining member 201 as described with reference to FIG. 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 300 also includes a wall bracket member 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall bracket member 302 has a substantially curved and L-shaped configuration defining an axis Y-Y'. In other embodiments, the wall bracket member 302 may have any other configuration, such as a J-shaped configuration, a T-shaped configuration, and the like. The wall bracket member 302 is adapted to be removably mounted to a wall surface 402 (shown in FIG. 4 ), such that the axis Y-Y' is substantially parallel to the wall surface 402. The wall bracket member 302 may be mounted to the wall surface 402 using one or more fasteners 304, such as screws or bolts.
The wall bracket member 302 includes a receiving interface 306. The receiving interface 306 includes a receiving threaded portion 308. During assembly of the hose box 102 on the wall bracket member 302, the mounting interface 120 of the hose box 102 is rotatably and removably received in the channel portion 206 of the retaining member 201. Further, the retaining threaded portion 210 of the retaining member 201 is removably coupled to the receiving threaded portion 308 of the receiving interface 306 of the wall bracket member 302. As such, as shown in FIG. 4 , the hose box 102 is rotatably and removably mounted on the wall bracket member 302. Accordingly, the hose box 102 may be selectively mounted on any of the ground bracket member 126 or the wall bracket member 302 in order to mount the hose box 102 on the ground surface or the wall surface 402, respectively, based on application requirements.
Referring to FIG. 5 , a cross sectional view of the mounting interface 120, the wall bracket member 302, and the retaining member 201 in the assembled position of FIG. 4 is illustrated. The wall bracket member 302 includes the receiving interface 306. The receiving interface 306 has a substantially circular configuration. The receiving interface 306 includes the receiving threaded portion 308. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving threaded portion 308 is disposed on an inner surface 502 of the receiving interface 306. In other embodiments, the receiving threaded portion 308 may be disposed on an outer surface 504 of the receiving interface 306. The receiving interface 306 is disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X' and in association with the mounting interface 120. Accordingly, the receiving interface 306 is adapted to rotatably and removably couple with respect to the mounting interface 120 of the hose box 102.
In the assembled position, the retaining member 201 is disposed in association with each of the mounting interface 120 of the hose box 102 and the receiving interface 306 of the wall bracket member 302. As such, the retaining member 201 is adapted to retain the mounting interface 120 on the wall bracket member 302. More specifically, the mounting interface 120 of the hose box 102 is received in the channel portion 206 of the retaining member 201.
Also, the retaining threaded portion 210 is threadably coupled to the receiving threaded portion 308. Accordingly, the receiving interface 306 of the wall bracket member 302 is removably coupled to the retaining member 201 via a threaded connection. As such, the retaining member 201 is adapted to rotatably and removably couple the mounting interface 120 of the hose box 102 with respect to the receiving interface 306 of the wall bracket member 302. Additionally, the mounting interface 120 also includes a flange portion 506. The flange portion 506 extends away from the axis X-X'. Further, the retaining member 201 includes a shoulder portion 508. The shoulder portion 508 extends toward the axis X-X' and is disposed in association with the flange portion 506. In the assembled position, the shoulder portion 508 is disposed above the flange portion 506 in order to retain the mounting interface 120 on the wall bracket member 302. It is well understood that the threaded coupling of the retaining member 302 used in the depicted examples is only of exemplary nature; with any other embodiment, the receiving interface 306 of the wall bracket member 302 may be removably coupled to the retaining member 201 using any other fastening method, such as interlocking surfaces, tabs, snapping elements, bayonet coupling and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , an exploded view and a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an assembly 600 is illustrated respectively. As shown in FIG. 6 , the assembly 600 includes the hose box 102 and the mounting interface 120 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 . The assembly 600 also includes a retaining member 602. The retaining member 602 will be explained later in more detail with reference to FIG. 8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 600 further includes a wall bracket member 604. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall bracket member 604 has a substantially curved and L-shaped configuration defining an axis Z-Z'. In other embodiments, the wall bracket member 604 may have any other configuration, such as a J-shaped configuration, a T-shaped configuration, and the like. The wall bracket member 604 is adapted to be removably mounted to the wall surface 402, such that the axis Z-Z' is substantially parallel to the wall surface 402. The wall bracket member 604 may be mounted to the wall surface 402 using one or more fasteners 606, such as screws or bolts.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the wall bracket member 604 includes a receiving interface 608. The receiving interface 608 has a substantially circular configuration. The receiving interface 608 includes a base portion 610. The base portion 610 has a substantially flat and circular configuration. The base portion 610 includes a number of slots 612. Each of the slots 612 is disposed spaced apart and parallel with respect to one another. The receiving interface 608 also includes a receiving grooved portion 614. The receiving grooved portion 614 is disposed adjacent to and in association with the base portion 610. The receiving grooved portion 614 has a substantially semi-circular configuration. The receiving grooved portion 614 is adapted to rotatably and removably receive a portion of the mounting interface 120. As such, the receiving grooved portion 614 provides an interlocking surface to removably engage with respect to the mounting interface 120.
Referring to FIG. 8 , a perspective view of the retaining member 602 is illustrated. The retaining member 602 has a substantially semi-circular configuration. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each of an inner surface 806 and an outer surface 808 of the retaining member 602 has the semi-circular configuration. In other embodiments, the outer surface 808 of the retaining member 602 may have any other configuration, such as rectangular. The retaining member 602 includes a retaining grooved portion 802. The retaining grooved portion 802 is adapted to rotatably and removably receive a remaining portion of the mounting interface 120. As such, the retaining grooved portion 802 provides an interlocking surface to removably engage with respect to the mounting interface 120. The retaining member 602 also includes a number of ribs 804. Each of the ribs 804 is disposed spaced apart and parallel with respect to one another. Each of the ribs 804 is adapted to be removably received in each of the slots 612 respectively. As such, each of the ribs 804 and each of the slots 612 provides an interlocking surface to removably engage the retaining member 602 with respect to the receiving interface 608.
With combined reference to FIGS. 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 , during assembly of the hose box 102 on the wall bracket member 604, the mounting interface 120 is mounted on the receiving interface 608 of the wall bracket member 604. More specifically, the portion of the mounting interface 120 is removably and rotatably received in the receiving grooved portion 614 of the receiving interface 608. Further, the retaining member 602 is aligned with respect to each of the mounting interface 120 of the hose box 102 and the receiving interface 608 of the wall bracket member 604. More specifically, the remaining portion of the mounting interface 120 is removably and rotatably received in the retaining grooved portion 802 of the retaining member 602. Additionally, each of the ribs 804 of the retaining member 602 is removably received in each of the slots 612 of the receiving interface 608 respectively. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9 , the hose box 102 is removably and rotatably mounted on the wall bracket member 604 using the mounting interface 120, the receiving interface 608, and the retaining member 602.
The retaining member 142, 201, 602 may be manufactured using any material, such as polymers, metals, plastics, and the like. The retaining member 142, 201, 602 may be manufactured using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, fabrication, and the like. In some embodiments, the retaining member 142, 201, 602 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. In such a situation, the user of the retaining member 142, 201, 602 may be provided with a data file having pre-stored instructions to print the retaining member 142, 201, 602 by the three-dimensional printer. This may enable custom designing or any modifications, if required, to be performed with least effort. The retaining member 142, 201, 602 may be conveniently presented in a digital format keeping in mind type of applications or end-user preferences among other factors.
The ground bracket member 126, and/or the wall bracket member 302, 604 may be manufactured using any material, such as polymers, metals, plastics, and the like. The ground bracket member 126, and/or the wall bracket member 302, 604 may be manufactured using any process, such as casting, molding, forging, fabrication, and the like. In some embodiments, the ground bracket member 126, and/or the wall bracket member 302, 604 may be manufactured by three-dimensional printing. In such a situation, the user of the ground bracket member 126, and/or the wall bracket member 302, 604 may be provided with a data file having pre-stored instructions to print the ground bracket member 126, and/or the wall bracket member 302, 604 by the three-dimensional printer. This may enable custom designing or any modifications, if required, to be performed with least effort. The ground bracket member 126, and/or the wall bracket member 302, 604 may be conveniently presented in a digital format keeping in mind type of applications or end-user preferences among other factors.
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 Box Assembly / Assembly
102: Hose Box
104: Housing
106: First Half Portion
108: Second Half Portion
110: Fastener
112: Top Portion
114: Bottom Portion
116: Side Portion
118: Side Portion
120: Mounting Interface
122: Inlet
124: Outlet
126: Ground Bracket Member
128: First Half Portion
130: Second Half Portion
132: Fastener
134: Stem Member
136: Anchor Member
138: Receiving Portion
140: Ground Engaging Portion
142: Retaining Member
201: Retaining Member
202: First Portion
204: Second Portion
206: Channel Portion
208: Inner Surface
210: Retaining Threaded Portion
212: Outer Surface
300: Hose Box Assembly / Assembly
302: Wall Bracket Member
304: Fastener
306: Receiving Interface
308: Receiving Threaded Portion
402: Wall Surface
502: Inner Surface
504: Outer Surface
506: Flange Portion
508: Shoulder Portion
600: Hose Box Assembly / Assembly
602: Retaining Member
604: Wall Bracket Member
606: Fastener
608: Receiving Interface
610: Base Portion
612: Slot
614: Receiving Grooved Portion
802: Retaining Grooved Portion
804: Rib
806: Inner Surface
808: Outer Surface
X-X': Axis
Y-Y': Axis
Z-Z': Axis
CG: Center of Gravity

Claims

A hose box assembly (100, 300, 600) comprising:
a hose box (102) having an axis (X-X') and adapted to receive a hose reel,

the hose box (102) including:
a housing (104);

a mounting interface (120) disposed on the housing (104), the mounting interface (120) extending away from the housing (104);

an inlet (122) disposed on the housing (104) and spaced apart with respect to the mounting interface (120);

an outlet (124) disposed on the housing (104) and spaced apart with respect to each of the mounting interface (120) and the inlet (122),

a bracket member (126, 302, 604) including a receiving interface (306, 608), the receiving interface (306, 608) adapted to rotatably and removably engage with respect to the mounting interface (120) of the hose box (102); and

a retaining member (142, 201, 602) disposed in association with each of the mounting interface (120) of the hose box (102) and the receiving interface (306, 608) of the bracket member (126, 302, 604), the retaining member (142, 201, 602) adapted to retain the mounting interface (120) on the bracket member (126, 302, 604),

characterized in that:
the mounting interface (120) includes a flange portion (506) extending away from the axis X-X'; and

the retaining member (142, 201, 602) includes a shoulder portion (508) extending towards the axis X-X' such that the shoulder portion (508) is disposed above the flange portion (506) for retaining the mounting interface (120) on the bracket member (126, 302, 604), wherein a center of gravity (CG) of the hose box (102) lies on the axis X-X', and

wherein the receiving interface (306, 608) is disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X',

and wherein the mounting interface (120) is axially aligned with respect to a center of gravity (CG) of the hose box (102).
The hose box assembly (100, 300, 600) of claim 1, wherein the retaining member (142, 201, 602) is adapted to rotatably and removably couple the mounting interface (120) of the hose box (102) with respect to the receiving interface (306, 608) of the bracket member (126, 302, 604).
The hose box assembly (100, 300) of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the retaining member (142, 201) is unlockably coupled to:
the mounting interface (120) of the hose box (102) via an interlocking surface, and

the receiving interface (306) of the bracket member (126, 302) via a threaded connection.
The hose box assembly (100, 300) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the retaining member (142, 201) has a split configuration.
The hose box assembly (100, 300) of any one of claims 1-4, wherein an inner surface (208) of the retaining member (142, 201) has a substantially circular configuration.
The hose box assembly (600) of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the retaining member (602) is unlockably coupled to each of the mounting interface (120) of the hose box (102) and the receiving interface (608) of the bracket member (604) via interlocking surfaces.
The hose box assembly (600) of claim 6, wherein the retaining member (602) has a substantially semi-circular configuration.
The hose box assembly (100, 300, 600) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the mounting interface (120) of the hose box (102) and the receiving interface (306, 608) of the bracket member (126, 302, 604) has a substantially circular configuration.
The hose box assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims ,further including
a stem member (134) coupled to the bracket member (126),

with the stem member (134) disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X',

wherein the stem member (134) adapted to removably mount the bracket member (126) on a ground surface.
The hose box assembly (100) of claim 9, further including an anchor member (136) adapted to be removably coupled to the stem member (134), with the anchor member (136) disposed axially aligned with respect to the axis X-X', wherein the anchor member (136) adapted to removably mount the stem member (134) on the ground surface.
The hose box assembly (300, 600) of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the bracket member (302, 604) is removably mounted to a wall surface (402) using at least one fastener (304, 606).
The hose box assembly (100, 300, 600) of any one of claims 1-11, wherein at least one of the hose box (102), the bracket member (126, 302, 604), the retaining member (142, 201, 602), the stem member (134), and the anchor member (136) is manufactured by three-dimensional printing.
A data file comprising pre-stored instructions to print at least one of the hose box (102) and the retaining member (142, 201, 602) according to the hose box assembly (100, 300, 600) of any one of claims 1-11 by a three-dimensional printer.