Swiveling hose reel

Abstract

A hose reel assembly that includes a hose support assembly and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly has a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation. The pivot assembly first component is disposed on the hose support assembly and the pivot assembly second component is disposed on the base assembly. Thus, the hose support assembly is rotatably coupled to the base assembly and structured to rotate about a vertical axis.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hose reels and, more specifically, to a hose reel structured to swivel so that the hose reel is less likely to topple when a user moves the extended hose.

2. Background Information

Hose reel assemblies are devices structured to assist in transporting and using hoses, typically garden hoses for dispensing water. Generally, the hose reel assembly includes a hose support assembly structured to rotatably support a reel assembly, or “basket assembly.” The basket assembly's primary components are a barrel, around which an outlet hose is wrapped, two hubs which are coupled to the hose support assembly side members, and guide plates which define the usable area of the barrel. The basket assembly also includes a crank assembly, used to turn the basket primary components, and a water conduit having a movable outlet and a generally stationary inlet. The stationary inlet of the conduit extends along the axis of the barrel and is structured to be coupled to a supply hose which is further coupled to a water supply. The movable outlet of the conduit is disposed on the circumference of the barrel. The outlet hose is coupled to the movable outlet and is used to deliver water to the end use. Hose reel assemblies also may include an autotrack device structured to wind the outlet hose on the barrel in a controlled manner. The autotrack device is, typically, located on one side of the hose support assembly. In this configuration, an outlet hose may be coupled to the movable end of the conduit and, when the barrel is rotated, the hose is coiled, or uncoiled, about the barrel. The hose support assembly also may include a wheel assembly that allows a user to move the hose reel assembly from one location to another. The wheel assembly, typically, does not support the hose reel assembly when the hose reel assembly is stationary. In selected embodiments, the hose support assembly may have a vertical height of about three feet with a handle located near the upper end, the basket assembly disposed at a medial height, and the wheel assembly disposed at the bottom. This configuration allows the user to tilt the hose reel assembly onto the wheel assembly when the hose reel assembly must be moved. With the handle located near the top of the hose reel assembly, the user is not required to bend over in order to move the hose reel assembly. Thus, a hose may be transported and/or stored on the hose reel assembly. In other embodiments, the hose reel assembly does not include an elongated handle and is generally box-like.

One disadvantage of any hose reel assembly is that the hose support assembly may be unstable. That is, when a user moves an extended outlet hose a force is applied to the hose support assembly. This force is typically applied to the hose support assembly at the autotrack device. That is, as the hose extends from the autotrack device, the force created by a movement of the hose is transferred to the autotrack device which is coupled to the hose support assembly. When this force is applied in a direction that does not pass through, or generally near, the center of gravity of the hose support assembly, the moment arm on the hose support assembly may cause the hose support assembly to topple. Such a force is often created when a user moves the outlet hose laterally relative to the hose support assembly. That is, the center of gravity of the hose support assembly is typically located near the physical center of the hose support assembly, whereas the autotrack device is spaced from the center of gravity of the hose support assembly; accordingly, when a force created by moving the outlet hose is applied to the autotrack device, a moment arm is created that may cause the hose support assembly to topple. The force of the moment arm is greater when the outlet hose is moved laterally relative to the autotrack device.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hose reel assembly structured to minimize the force of the moment arm applied to a hose support assembly when the outlet hose is moved laterally.

There is a further need for a hose reel assembly structured to resist being toppled by a lateral movement of the outlet hose.

There is a further need for a pivot assembly that may be coupled to a hose reel support assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by the present invention which provides a hose reel assembly having a hose support assembly rotatably coupled to a base assembly. The hose support assembly of the present invention is similar to the hose reel described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/385,206, which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference. The hose support assembly is coupled to the base assembly by a pivot assembly having a first component disposed on a bottom plate that is coupled to the hose support assembly and a second component disposed on the base assembly. The vertical axis of the pivot assembly extends through, or near, the center of gravity of the hose support assembly. In this configuration, when a user applies a lateral force to the outlet hose, the hose support assembly will rotate on the base assembly so that the line of action of the force passes through, or near, the center of gravity of the hose support assembly. In this manner the moment arm created by the force is reduced and the likelihood of the hose support assembly toppling is also reduced. Additionally, the base assembly may be weighted which also reduces the chance of the hose support assembly toppling.

The pivot assembly includes a torus-shaped race and a corresponding torus-shaped track. The bottom plate of the pivot assembly includes a large medial opening which the race extends about. This configuration is desirable compared to a pivot assembly having a circular bearing as the friction between the pivoting components is reduced and this configuration reduces costs. That is, unlike a circular bearing wherein the entire surface area of the bearing creates friction, a torus-shaped assembly has a limited bearing surface. Further the track preferably includes a plurality of protruding ribs that reduces the total contact area between the pivoting components. Also, a torus-shaped assembly includes a large opening thereby reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the components. As such components are typically made from a plastic and typically made in large numbers, the reduction in the amount of materials required results in a significant cost savings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hose reel.

FIG. 2 is another isometric view of a hose reel.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a basket assembly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the base plate.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base plate and hose support assembly.

FIG. 7 is a detailed isometric view of the base plate and hose support assembly.

FIG. 8 is top view of the base assembly.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “grease” means any non-Newtonian fluid lubricant.

As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs.

As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other.

As used herein, “fixedly coupled” means that two components are coupled to move in a fixed relationship, i.e. to move as a single component.

As used herein, “removably fixedly coupled” means that two components are coupled to move in a fixed relationship, i.e. to move as a single component, but may also be decoupled from each other.

As used herein, directional terms, e.g., “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., are used for convenience relative to the Figures and are not intended to limit the claims.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a hose reel assembly 10 includes a hose support assembly 12 and a pivot assembly 16. The pivot assembly 16 includes a bottom plate 13 and a base assembly 14. In the preferred embodiment, the pivot assembly 16 may be decoupled from the hose support assembly 12. That is, the bottom plate 13 is removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly 12, as described below. Alternately, the bottom plate 13 may be incorporated, e.g. molded as part of, the hose support assembly 12. In either embodiment, the bottom plate 13 moves with the hose support assembly 12 and, as such, may also be referred to as being part of the hose support assembly 12. That is, when the hose support assembly 12 is said to rotate relative to the base assembly 14, it is understood that, because the bottom plate 13 is removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly 12, the bottom plate 13 rotates as well. The pivot assembly 16 further includes a first component 18 and a second component 19 (FIGS. 4 and 6). The pivot assembly first component 18 and the pivot assembly second component 19 are structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation. The pivot assembly first component 18 is disposed on the hose support assembly 12, and more specifically on the bottom plate 13, and the pivot assembly second component 19 is disposed on the base assembly 14, whereby the hose support assembly 12 is rotatably coupled to the base assembly 14 and structured to rotate about a vertical axis.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hose support assembly 12 includes a housing assembly 20 and a basket assembly 40. The housing assembly 20, preferably, includes a front side 22, a first lateral side 24 (FIG. 1), a back side 26, a second lateral side 28 (FIG. 2), a top member 30, and an autotrack device 100 (FIG. 2). The front side 22 and the back side 26 are each coupled to the first and second lateral sides 24, 28 and disposed in a spaced, generally parallel configuration. The first and second lateral sides 24, 28 are also disposed in a spaced, generally parallel configuration. Thus, the housing assembly 20 is generally a rectangular shape. A foot 31 is located at each corner of the housing assembly 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front side 22, first lateral side 24, back side 26, and second lateral side 28 may include a decorative pattern. The autotrack device 100 is disposed adjacent to the back side 26.

As shown in FIG. 3, the basket assembly 40 includes an elongated barrel 42 with two axial hubs 44, a crank assembly 50 (FIG. 1), and a water supply assembly 60. The basket assembly 40 may also include two guide plates 46, 48. One guide plate 46, 48 is disposed adjacent to each end of the barrel 42. The hubs 44 are rotatably coupled to the housing assembly 20, preferably to the first and second lateral sides 24, 28. In this configuration, the barrel 42 may be rotated about its longitudinal, generally horizontal axis while disposed within the housing assembly 20. The crank assembly 50 is coupled to the barrel 42 either directly or via one or more gears and is structured to rotate the barrel 42 within the housing assembly 20. As is known in the art, a water supply assembly 60 includes a conduit 62 extending generally axially through the barrel 42. A first conduit end 64 is disposed along the axis and is coupled to a supply hose. A conduit second end (not shown) extends radially over the outer surface 66 of the barrel 42. A use hose (not shown) is coupled to the conduit second end and wrapped about the barrel 42. The use hose extends through the autotrack device 100 and is used to provide water for lawns, gardens and other uses.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pivot assembly bottom plate 13 is a generally planar member 150 having an upper side 152 and a lower side 154. The planar member 150 is generally rectangular having sides of about sixteen inches and fourteen inches. The bottom plate planar member 150 further includes a large medial opening 156 having a diameter of about ten inches. As set forth in detail below, the pivot assembly first component 18 is disposed on the bottom plate planar member lower side 154.

The bottom plate planar member 150 also includes a coupling device 160 structured to removably fixedly couple the bottom plate 13 to the hose support assembly 12. Preferably, the bottom plate coupling device 160 includes at least one horizontal tab 162 extending from one side of the planar member 150 in a plane generally parallel to the upper side 152. The bottom plate horizontal tab 162 is structured to be disposed over a first horizontal surface 164 (FIG. 6) on the lower portion of the hose support assembly 12. The hose support assembly first horizontal surface 164 is incorporated into at least one foot 31, however, the hose support assembly first horizontal surface 164 may also be disposed on any of the hose support assembly front side 22, first lateral side 24 (FIG. 1), back side 26, second lateral side 28. The bottom plate coupling device 160 also includes at least one, and preferably two, resilient locking tabs 166, 168. Each bottom plate locking tab 166, 168 includes a flexible body 170 (FIG. 7), 172 and a generally horizontal latch 174, 176. Each bottom plate locking tab flexible body 170, 172 extends generally perpendicular to the bottom plate planar member upper side 152. Each bottom plate locking tab horizontal latch 174, 176 preferably has an angled upper surface 178. As shown in FIG. 7, each bottom plate locking tab horizontal latch 174, 176 is structured to engage a second horizontal surface 177 on the lower portion of the hose support assembly 12. As shown, the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178 is incorporated into at least one foot 31, however, the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178 may also be disposed on any of the hose support assembly front side 22, first lateral side 24 (FIG. 1), back side 26, second lateral side 28.

In this configuration, the bottom plate planar member 150, and therefore the pivot assembly 16, may be removably fixedly couple to the hose support assembly 12. That is, the bottom plate horizontal tab 162 is moved generally horizontally, but also at a slightly upwards angle, over the hose support assembly first horizontal surface 164. Once the bottom plate horizontal tab 162 is disposed over the hose support assembly first horizontal surface 164, the bottom plate locking tabs 166, 168 are moved upwardly to engage the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178. As each bottom plate locking tab latch angled upper surface 177 engages the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178, the bottom plate locking tab flexible body 170, 172 moves inwardly thereby allowing the bottom plate locking tab latches 174, 176 to move over the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178. Once the bottom plate locking tab latches 174, 176 are over the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178, each bottom plate locking tab flexible body 170, 172 returns to the generally perpendicular configuration and the bottom plate locking tab latches 174, 176 engage the hose support assembly second horizontal surface 178.

As shown in FIGS. 8 And 9, the base assembly 14 includes a generally planar base plate 190 having an upper surface 192. The base plate 190, preferably, has a weight that is heavy relative the hose support assembly 12. That is, the base plate 190 is preferably made from metal, or a plastic shell filled with a granular material, such as, but not limited to, sand.

As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the pivot assembly first component 18 and second component 19 are, preferably, a torus-shaped race 200 and a corresponding torus-shaped track 202. The track 202 extends outwardly from an associated surface which, as shown in the base plate upper surface 192. That is, the track 202 extends upwardly from the base plate upper surface 192. The track 202 has two generally parallel sides 206, 208 and an outer surface 210. The track 202 width is defined by the radial distance between the track sides 206, 208. The track outer surface 210 extends between, and generally perpendicular to, the track sides 206, 208.

The race 200 is disposed on the bottom plate planar member lower side 154. The race 200 is, preferably, a channel having two generally parallel sides 214, 216 and an inner surface 218. The race inner surface 218 extends between, and is generally perpendicular to, the race sides 214, 216. The race 200 width is defined by the radial distance between the race sides 214, 216. The race 200 width is slightly wider than the track outer surface 210 and, as such, there are gaps (not shown) between the race sides 214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208. Preferably, the combined width of the gaps is about 0.025 to 0.1 inch, and more preferably about 0.05 inch. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and the hose support assembly 12 shifting on the base assembly 14, the race sides 214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208 may contact each other at times. Further, as set forth below, the track outer surface 210 and the race inner surface 218 are not in contact over their entire surfaces.

The pivot assembly 16, preferably, includes a linking device 230 structured to maintain the pivot assembly first component 18 and second component 19 in a rotational relationship. The linking device 230 also includes a first component 232 disposed on the hose support assembly 12 and a second component 234 disposed on the base assembly 14. As shown, the linking device first component 232 is a plurality of flexible tabs 238 each having a generally perpendicular latch 240. Each latch 240 has an angled distal surface 241. The tabs 238 extend generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivot assembly 16. The linking device second component 234 is a torus-shaped latch surface 242 that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pivot assembly 16 and adjacent to the track 202. As shown, the latch surface 242 extends generally inwardly from the track 202 and tabs 238 are disposed within the perimeter of the latch surface 242 with the latches 240 extending generally outwardly from the tabs 238, however, these elements may be configured in other orientations. For example, the latch surface 242 could extend radially outwardly from the track 202 and tabs 238 could be disposed in a wider radius than the latch surface 242 with the latches 240 extending generally inwardly from the tabs 238 (not shown).

The pivot assembly 16 also includes a friction reduction device 250 structured to reduce the friction between the track outer surface 210 and the race inner surface 218. The friction reduction device 250 includes either, and preferably both, a plurality of fixed bearings 252 and/or “grease” 254 as defined above. The fixed bearings 252 are raised portions on the track outer surface 210, or the race inner surface 218, having an outer contact surface 256. By having the fixed bearings 252 extend above the generally flat portion of the track outer surface 210, the total area of contact between the track 202 and the race 200, that is, the sum of all fixed bearing contact surfaces 256, is reduced thereby reducing the amount of friction therebetween.

If the friction reduction device 250 does not include grease 252, the sum of the fixed bearing contact surfaces 256 is preferably 3% to 15%, and more preferably 6% of the total race inner surface 218 area. The fixed bearings 252 are preferably raised hemispheres or, as shown, elongated radial ribs 260.

In the preferred embodiment, the friction reduction device 250 includes both fixed bearings 252 and a grease 254. In this embodiment, the fixed bearings 252 are preferably raised elongated radial ribs 260 having a length that is less than the width of the track outer surface 210. In this configuration, the fixed bearings 252 act as grease traps 270. A grease trap 270 is structured to resist, but does not prevent, the rotational movement of the grease 254 around the track 202. That is, the grease 254 may still flow around the rib 260 as the rib 260 does not extend completely across the track 202. In operation, as described below, the grease 254 tends to be moved against a rib 260 and, as the grease 254 accumulates, small quantities of grease 254 will flow over the rib 260 and onto the contact surface 256. In this manner, the grease trap 270 maintains a quantity of grease 254 adjacent to each rib 260 and provides lubrication for each rib 260. Thus, the chance of the contact surfaces 256 being non-lubricated is reduced.

The ribs 260, preferably, extend alternately from opposing track sidewalls 206, 208 toward the center of the track 202. In this configuration, and in view of the closeness of the race 200, the grease 254 is typically moved toward the center of the track 202 as the hose support assembly 12 rotates on the base assembly 14, as described below. By directing the grease 254 towards the center of the track 202, the grease 254 is less likely to migrate away from the contact surfaces 256. However, it is acceptable, and even preferred, for a limited quantity of grease 254 to migrate into the gaps 220, 222 to reduce the friction between the race sides 214, 216 and the track sides 206, 208. Migration of the grease 254 may further be limited by ridges 272, 274, extending outwardly from the track sides 206, 208. The ridges 272, 274 have a height that is less than the ribs 260 and, as such, are not contact surfaces 256. Further, because the ridges 272, 274 are shorter than the ribs 260, small amounts of grease 254 may still pass into the gaps 220, 222 and reduce friction on the lateral surfaces of the track 202 and race 200.

The friction reduction device 250 may also include at least one closable grease port 290 structured to allow grease 254 to be added to the track 202. The grease port 290 is a passage 292 through the track outer surface 210, or alternately the race inner surface 218, having a removable cap 294 or similar device. Preferably the passage 292 is disposed generally at the center of the track outer surface 210, that is, about an equal distance from each track side 206, 208.

The pivot assembly 16 is assembled by placing the race 200 over the track 202 so that the race inner surface 218 engages the contact surfaces 256. As the hose support assembly 12 moves into position, the latch distal surface 241 engages the latch surface 242 and causes the flexible tabs 238 to move inwardly thereby allowing the latches 240 to move below the latch surface 242. Once the latches 240 move below the latch surface 242, the tabs 238 return to the original position and the latches 240 engage the latch surface 242. Thus, when the hose support assembly 12 is lifted, the latches 240 engage the latch surface 242 and prevent the separation of the hose support assembly 12 from the base assembly 14. In this configuration, the hose support assembly 12 will rotate relative to the base assembly 14 about a vertical axis extending, generally, through the center of the pivot assembly 16.

The hose support assembly 12 has a horizontal centerline extending from the front side, where the autotrack device 100 is located, to the back side. The base assembly 14 also has a horizontal centerline extending from a front side to a back side. When said hose support assembly 12 centerline is aligned with said base assembly 14 centerline, the hose support assembly 12 is in a first, neutral position, and the hose support assembly 12 is structured to rotate about ninety degrees clockwise and ninety degrees counter-clockwise from the neutral position. As such, when a lateral force is applied to the hose support assembly 12, the hose support assembly 12 will rotate relative to the base assembly 14 thereby reducing the angle at which the lateral force effects the hose support assembly 12. Because the angle at which the lateral force effects the hose support assembly 12 is reduced, that is, because the force is applied through, or close to, the center of gravity of the hose support assembly 12, the chance of the hose support assembly 12 toppling is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 10, in an alternate embodiment, the pivot assembly 16 first component 18 and second component 19 may be a plurality of lugs 320 having a having an inverted T-shaped cross-section and an arcuate channel 322 having a narrow, upper portion 324 and a wider lower portion 326. In this embodiment, the plurality of lugs 320 extend from the bottom side of the bottom plate 13. The arcuate channel 322 is disposed on the base plate upper surface 192. The lugs 320 extend into the arcuate channel 322 and the lug heads 328, that is the wide bottom portion of the lugs 320, are trapped in the wider lower portion 326.

In an alternate embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the pivot assembly 16 first component 18 and second component 19 may be an arcuate ridge 430 having a distal perpendicular edge 432 and an arcuate channel 434 having a lower perpendicular slot 436. As shown, the arcuate ridge 430 extends downwardly from the bottom side of the bottom plate 13 and the arcuate channel 434 is disposed on the base plate upper surface 192. The arcuate ridge 430 extends into the arcuate channel 434 and the perpendicular edge 432 is disposed in the perpendicular slot 436.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A hose reel assembly comprising: a hose support assembly structured to support a hose; a pivot assembly having a bottom plate with a first component and a base assembly with a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate coupled to said hose support assembly; said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation; and whereby said hose support assembly is rotatably coupled to said base assembly and structured to rotate about a vertical axis.

2. The hose reel assembly of claim 1, wherein: said bottom plate has an upper side and a lower side; said pivot assembly first component is disposed on said bottom plate lower side and is a generally torus-shaped race having a width; said base assembly includes a base plate having an upper surface; said pivot assembly second component is disposed on said base plate upper surface and is a torus-shaped track extending from said base plate upper surface, said track having a width; and said track sized to have a width that is smaller than said race width whereby said track is disposed within said race.

3. The hose reel assembly of claim 2, wherein said pivot assembly includes a friction reduction device structured to reduce the friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component.

4. The hose reel assembly of claim 3, wherein: said track includes an outer surface; said race includes an inner surface; said friction reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings extending upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed bearings each having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner surface engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces.

5. The hose reel assembly of claim 4, wherein: said friction reduction device further includes grease disposed on said track outer surface; and wherein said fixed bearings act as a grease trap.

6. The hose reel assembly of claim 5, wherein said fixed bearings are radial ribs having a length that is less than the width of the track outer surface.

7. The hose reel assembly of claim 6, wherein: said track includes a pair of sides extending generally perpendicular to and downwardly from said track outer surface; and said ribs extend alternately from opposing track sides toward the center of said track outer surface.

8. The hose reel assembly of claim 7, wherein: said hose support assembly includes a housing assembly and a basket assembly; said basket assembly having a generally cylindrical, elongated barrel; and said basket assembly barrel is coupled to said housing assembly with the barrel axis of rotation extending generally perpendicular to said hose support assembly axis of rotation.

9. A hose reel assembly comprising: a hose support assembly structured to support a hose; a pivot assembly having a bottom plate, a first component, a base assembly and a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate coupled to said hose support assembly and having a lower side; said base assembly having a base plate with an upper surface; said first component being a torus-shaped race disposed on said bottom plate lower side; said second component being a torus-shaped track disposed on, and extending upwardly from, said base plate upper surface; said track structured to be disposed within said race; and said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation.

10. The hose reel assembly of claim 9, wherein said pivot assembly includes a friction reduction device structured to reduce the friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component.

11. The hose reel assembly of claim 10, wherein: said track includes an outer surface; said race includes an inner surface; said friction reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings extending upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed bearings each having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner surface engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces.

12. The hose reel assembly of claim 11, wherein: said friction reduction device further includes grease disposed on said track outer surface; and wherein said fixed bearings act as a grease trap.

13. The hose reel assembly of claim 12, wherein said fixed bearings are radial ribs having a length that is less than the width of the track outer surface.

14. The hose reel assembly of claim 13, wherein: said track includes a pair of sides extending generally perpendicular to and downwardly from said track outer surface; and said ribs extend alternately from opposing track sides toward the center of said track outer surface.

15. The hose reel assembly of claim 14, wherein: said pivot assembly includes a linking device; said linking device having a first component disposed on said hose support assembly and a second component disposed on said the base assembly; and said linking device structured to maintain said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component in a rotational relationship.

16. The hose reel assembly of claim 17, wherein: said linking device first component includes a plurality of flexible tabs each said tab having a generally perpendicular latch, said latches extending generally perpendicular to said axis of rotation; said linking device second component includes a latch surface extending generally perpendicular to said axis of rotation; wherein, when said hose support assembly is disposed on said base assembly, each said latch is structured to extend over said latch surface; and wherein when said hose support assembly is lifted from said base assembly, each said latch engages said latch surface.

17. A hose reel assembly comprising: a hose support assembly structured to support a hose; a pivot assembly having a bottom plate, a first component, a base assembly and a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate coupled to said hose support assembly and having a lower side; said base assembly having a base plate with an upper surface; said first component being a torus-shaped race disposed on said bottom plate lower side; said second component being a torus-shaped track disposed on, and extending upwardly from, said base plate upper surface; said track structured to be disposed within said race; said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation; said race having an inner surface; said track having an outer surface; said pivot assembly having a friction reduction device structured to reduce the friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component; and said friction reduction device including a grease trap.

18. The hose reel assembly of claim 19, wherein: said friction reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings extending upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed bearings each having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner surface engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces and wherein said bearings are to resist, but not prevent, the rotational movement of said grease around said track.

19. A pivot assembly structured to allow for the rotational movement of a hose support assembly, said pivot assembly comprising: a bottom plate with a first component and a base assembly with a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate structured to be removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly; and said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation.

20. The pivot assembly of claim 21, wherein: said bottom plate has an upper side and a lower side; said pivot assembly first component is disposed on said bottom plate lower side and is a generally torus-shaped race having a width; said base assembly includes a base plate having an upper surface; said pivot assembly second component is disposed on said base plate upper surface and is a torus-shaped track extending from said base plate upper surface, said track having a width; and said track sized to have a width that is smaller than said race width whereby said track is disposed within said race.

21. The pivot assembly of claim 22, wherein said pivot assembly includes a friction reduction device structured to reduce the friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component.

22. The pivot assembly of claim 23, wherein: said track includes an outer surface; said race includes an inner surface; said friction reduction device includes a plurality of fixed bearings extending upwardly from said track outer surface, said fixed bearings each having a contact surface; and wherein said race inner surface engages said fixed bearing contact surfaces.

23. The pivot assembly of claim 24, wherein: said friction reduction device further includes grease disposed on said track outer surface; and wherein said fixed bearings act as a grease trap.

24. The pivot assembly of claim 25, wherein said fixed bearings are radial ribs having a length that is less than the width of the track outer surface.

25. The pivot assembly of claim 26, wherein: said track includes a pair of sides extending generally perpendicular to and downwardly from said track outer surface; and said ribs extend alternately from opposing track sides toward the center of said track outer surface.

26. The pivot assembly of claim 21 wherein: said pivot assembly bottom plate is a generally planar member having an upper side and a lower side; and said bottom plate planar member having a coupling device structured to removably fixedly couple said bottom plate to said hose support assembly.

27. The pivot assembly of claim 28 wherein said hose support assembly has a housing assembly, said housing assembly having a plurality of feet, at least one foot having a first horizontal surface and another foot having a second horizontal surface, said pivot assembly further comprising: said bottom plate planar member coupling device includes at least one horizontal tab extending from one side of said planar member in a plane generally parallel to said bottom plate planar member upper side and includes at one resilient locking tab; said horizontal tab structured to engage said first horizontal surface; and said at one resilient locking tab structured to engage said second horizontal surface.

28. A pivot assembly structured to allow for the rotational movement of a hose support assembly, said pivot assembly comprising: a bottom plate with a first component and a base assembly with a second component; said pivot assembly bottom plate structured to be removably fixedly coupled to the hose support assembly; said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation; said base assembly having a base plate with an upper surface; said first component being a torus-shaped race disposed on said bottom plate lower side; said second component being a torus-shaped track disposed on, and extending upwardly from, said base plate upper surface; said track structured to be disposed within said race; said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component structured to be rotatably coupled together with a generally vertical axis of rotation; said race having an inner surface; said track having an outer surface; said pivot assembly having a friction reduction device structured to reduce the friction between said pivot assembly first component and said pivot assembly second component; and said friction reduction device including a grease trap.