Patent Publication Number: US-2023159299-A1

Title: Rotating reel system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Reel systems are versatile pieces of equipment useful in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and domestic applications to compactly store and easily deploy windable lines from a rotatable reel. Reel systems can store, deploy, and retract a flexible line, such as located in a wound or coiled arrangement on or about a rotatable reel. For example, a selected length of the line can be deployed from the rotatable reel via rotation of the reel in a first direction, and subsequently retracted onto the reel via rotation in a second and opposite direction. The reel can be manually rotated, such by pulling on the line or by using a hand crank or other mechanical devices to rotate the reel, or, when a weight of the line or reel would make manual rotation impractical, reel systems can include a motor for power-assisted rotation of the reel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a front perspective view of a reel system. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a side perspective view of a reel system. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an isometric front view of a base and a locking system of a reel system. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a side isometric view of a bearing assembly of a reel system. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a top isometric view of a frame and base of a reel system. 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top isometric view of a reel system. 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates a bottom isometric view of a reel system. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a top isometric view of a reel system. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic of a reel system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reel systems can be beneficial to, and are used in, a wide variety of applications in various industries. For example, firetrucks or other rescue vehicles often include several reel systems configured to rapidly deploy water, hydraulic, or air lines, or electrical or steel cabling, in emergency situations. The vehicle can be driven to a location and positioned to help facilitate effective use of available equipment, such as by locating a reel system in a position both easily accessible to a user, and proximal to an emergency site. However, the reel systems configured for such applications include a number of shortcomings. For example, these reel systems are typically fixedly mounted on the vehicle, such as using a base coupled to a frame rotatably supporting the reel. Accordingly, the orientation of the frame with respect to the base and the vehicle is not adjustable. 
     This can present a significant barrier to rapid deployment or retraction of the various lines that may be used in emergency situations. For example, due the nature of fire or rescue operations, the time or space available at an emergency site is often insufficient to allow for optimal positioning, or to permit repositioning, of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle is often inadvertently or unavoidably positioned in a manner locating a desired reel system in a position inaccessible to a user. This can result in a difficult and time-consuming deployment or retraction of a line. For example, the line can be deployed or retracted most efficiently, such as using a minimal amount of effort, when the line is deployed along a vector or axis extending generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the reel. As such, the amount of effort used to deploy or retract the line increases as the angle formed between the line and the reel deviates from 90 degrees. This can cause the line to become tangled, kinked, or damaged during deployment or retraction and prevent effective use in an emergency situation. 
     A second user can help to address such issues by acting a guide to limit the angle the line forms with respect to the reel during deployment or retraction of the line. This can slow the process by necessitating communication between the first and the second users. Further, fire hoses or solid steel cables can be heavy and difficult to manage, which can make guiding the line a difficult or dangerous task. Additionally, a second user may not always be available, and the space between the vehicle and a building, for example, may prevent two users from concurrently operating the reel system. One common device used to help address such an issue is a roller guard. Roller guards can be, for example, cylinders rotatably connected to the frame supporting the reel, and can limit the angle the line forms with respect to the reel during deployment or retraction. 
     For example, a length of the line can extend from the reel along an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the reel to contact a roller guard. The line can wrap around at least a portion of the circumference of the roller guard and extend beyond the roller guard at an angle relative to the length of the line located between the reel and the roller guard. However, roller guards are subject to frequent failures, such as physical breakage, detachment from the frame, or rotatable seizure or binding. Further, the benefits provided by roller guards are limited in operation, as the line becomes increasingly difficult to deploy as the angle formed between the length of line extending beyond the roller guard and the length of line extending between the reel and the roller guard decreases. Further, air or fluid flow through the line can be significantly reduced beyond a certain angle. Therefore, an improved reel system configured for at least the applications set out above is desirable. 
     The present disclosure can help to address the above issues, among others, such as by providing a reel system capable of enabling a single user to easily and rapidly deploy or retract a length of line from a vehicle, irrespective of the location and orientation of the emergency relative to the vehicle by providing a reel that is rotatable relative to the vehicle. For example, the reel system can include a bearing assembly rotatably coupling a base of the reel to a frame rotatably supporting the reel. The bearing assembly can enable relative rotation between the base and the frame (and therefore the reel and the vehicle) around an axis extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the reel. Further, a proximal portion the line can be coupled to one or more rotatable fittings, optionally extending transversely through the bearing assembly, such as to allow the line to be connected to a supply source without limiting rotation of the reel with respect to the vehicle. The reel system can thereby allow a single user to rotate the reel between 0 and 360 degrees relative to the vehicle to deploy or retract the line, such as along an axis extending orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the reel, with a minimal amount of effort. Therefore, the reel system can significantly reduce the time and the effort required to deploy or retract a line during a fire or rescue operation. 
     While the above overview discusses examples pertain generally to reel systems reels used on fire or rescue vehicles, discussion of the following systems, devices, or methods are also applicable for use in other applications, such as to other commercial or residential hose or cable reels mounted to vehicles or to buildings. The above overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The description below is included to provide further information about the present patent application. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a front perspective view of a reel system  100 .  FIG.  2    illustrates a side perspective view of a reel system  100 .  FIGS.  1 - 2    are discussed below concurrently. Also shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2    is a first axis A 1  and a second axis A 2 . The reel system  100  can include a reel  102  and a line  104 . The reel  102  can be a rotatable spool or cylinder defining the first A 1 . For example, the first axis A 1  can be both a central axis and the axis of rotation of the reel  102 . The line  104  can be various types of windable lines, such as, but not limited to, a flexible water, hydraulic, or air hose, or a solid or stranded cable. The reel  102  can be configured to receive the line  104 . For example, the line  104  can be wound or coiled around a circumference of the reel  102 . Once received on or otherwise about the reel  102 , the line  104  can be deployed via rotation of the reel  102  around the first axis A 1  in a first or forward direction, and subsequently retracted via rotation of the reel  102  around the first axis A 1  in a second or reverse direction. 
     The reel system  100  can include a frame  106 . The frame  106  can be a structure configured to support the reel  102 . For example, the frame  106  can include a reel supply connection  108 , a first arm  110 , a second arm  112 , and crossmembers  114 . The reel supply connection  108  can be a hollow or a solid cylinder, such as a hollow shaft, but can form other three-dimensional shapes, such as rectangular, triangular, or hexagonal prisms. The reel supply connection  108  can extend axially through the reel  102  along the first axis A 1 . The reel  102  can rotate concurrently with, or can rotate around, the reel supply connection  108 . The first arm  110  and the second arm  112  can be brackets or other structures extending generally parallel to, and laterally offset from, the first axis A 1  and the reel supply connection  108 . The first arm  110  and the second arm  112  can be configured to receive opposite portions or ends of the reel supply connection  108  to rotatably support the reel  102  along the first axis A 1 , such as within axial bores extending transversely through the first arm  110  and the second arm  112 . Any of the first arm  110  and the second arm  112 , the reel supply connection  108 , or the reel  102  can also include or be connected to a friction reducing device, such a ball or needle bearing or a bushing arrangement, to help reduce rotational friction between one or more portions of the reel  102 , the reel supply connection  108 , or the first arm  110  and second arm  112 . 
     The crossmembers  114  can be hollow or solid beams, such as sections of angle or flat bar stock. The frame  106  can include various numbers of crossmembers  114 , such as, but not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 crossmembers  114 . The crossmembers  114  can extend laterally between and be secured to (such as with various types of fasteners) the first arm  110  and the second arm  112 , such as to increase the torsional or lateral rigidity of the frame  106 . The frame  106  can also include one or more roller guards  118 . The roller guards  118  can be cylinders or spools rotatably connected to various portions of the frame  106 . The roller guards  118  can dictate the angle the line  104  can form with respect to the reel  102  during deployment or retraction of the line  104 . 
     For example, a first length of the line  104  can extend from the reel  102  along an axis perpendicular to the first axis A 1  to contact at least a portion of a circumference of the roller guard  118 , such that a second length of the line  104  extending beyond the roller guard  118  forms an angle relative to the first length of the line  104 . The roller guards  118  can thereby limit lateral or vertical positioning of a first length of the line  104  during deployment or retraction to prevent the line  104 , such as to prevent the line  104  from becoming tangled or damaged. 
     The reel system  100  can include a base  116 . The base  116  can generally be a subframe configured to couple the frame  106  to a vehicle  120 . The base  116  can include two opposing pairs of beams  117  to form a generally square or rectangular shape. However, the base  116  can form other three-dimensional shapes. The beams can be sections of cylindrical, square, rectangular, or other shapes of tubing, or beams such as sections of angle or flat bar stock. The base  116  can be configured to be secured to a vehicle  120 , such as via various types of fasteners. The vehicle  120  can be any vehicle operable to transport the reel system  100  to various locations. 
     The reel system  100  can include a bearing assembly  122 . The bearing assembly  122  can be one or more ball or needle bearings, bushing arrangements, or other friction reducing devices. The bearing assembly  122  can define the second axis A 2 . For example, the second axis A 2  can be both a central axis and the axis of rotation of the bearing assembly  122 . The second axis A 2  can extend orthogonally to the first axis A 1 . The bearing assembly  122  can be located between the frame  106  and the base  116 , such as to rotatably couple the frame  106  to the base  116 . The bearing assembly  122  can thereby enable rotation therebetween the reel  102  and the vehicle  120  around the second axis A 2 . 
     In some examples, the reel system  100  can include a supply line  124 . The supply line  124  can be a hose, such as configured to provide liquids or gases to the line  104 . The supply line  124  can include a first end portion  126  and a second end portion  128 . The first end portion  126  and the second end portion  128  can generally be opposite portions of the supply line  124 . The supply line  124  can be operably connected to the reel supply connection  108  or to a proximal end of the line  104 . For example, the reel system  100  can include a first rotatable fitting  130  and a second rotatable fitting  132 . The first rotatable fitting  130  and the second rotatable fitting  132  can be, for example, any of various types of swivel joints such as rotary manifolds or unions. The first rotatable fitting  130  can rotatably couple the first end portion  126  of the supply line  124  to the reel supply connection  108 , or to a proximal end of the line  104  extending within the reel supply connection  108 . 
     The reel system  100  can include a supply source  134  that can be, for example, but not limited to, a pump or compressor coupled to a reservoir or other components located on or within the vehicle  120 . The second rotatable fitting  132  can rotatably couple the supply line  124  to the supply source  134 . The supply line  124 , the first rotatable fitting  130 , and the second rotatable fitting  132  can thereby operably couple the line  104  to the supply source  134  to supply the line  104  with liquids or gases without limiting relative rotation between the reel  102  and the vehicle  120 . The supply source can optionally be connected to and supported by the base  116 . 
     The reel system  100  can include a motor  136 . The motor  136  can be, for example, but not limited to, an electric or pneumatic motor. The motor  136  can be connected to the reel such that the motor  136  can be configured to rotate the reel  102 , such as via a user input to the motor  136 . For example, the reel  102  and the motor  136  can together define a drive system, such as a gear or shaft driven arrangement, to allow the motor to engage with and rotate the reel  102 . The reel system can also include a locking system  160 . The locking system  160  can be configured to allow a user to selectively prevent rotation of the frame  106  relative to the base  116 , such when the reel  102  is positioned at a desired orientation. 
     The reel system  100  can thereby be capable of enabling a user to easily and rapidly deploy or retract the line  104 , irrespective of a starting orientation between the reel  102  and the vehicle  120 . For example, the bearing assembly  122 , the first rotatable fitting  130 , and the second rotatable fitting  132  can allow the line  104  to be operably coupled to the supply source  134  without limiting rotation of the frame  106  with respect to the base  116 . Accordingly, the reel system  100  can allow a user to rotate the reel  102  between 0 and 360 degrees relative to the vehicle  120  to deploy or retract the line  104  with a minimal amount of effort, such as by extending the line  104  along an axis perpendicular to the axis A 1 . Therefore, the reel system  100  can significantly reduce the time and the effort required to deploy or retract a line during a fire or rescue operation. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective front view of a base  116  and a locking system  160  of a reel system  100 . In  FIG.  3   , a spring  167  is shown in phantom.  FIG.  4    illustrates a side isometric view of a bearing assembly  122  of a reel system  100 .  FIG.  5    illustrates a top isometric view of a frame  106  and base  116  of a reel system  100  with the reel  102  removed. In  FIG.  5   , a first member  142  and portions of a second member  144  are shown in phantom.  FIGS.  3 - 5    are discussed below concurrently with reference to the reel system  100  shown in, and as described with regard to,  FIGS.  1 - 2    above;  FIGS.  3 - 5    show additional details of the reel system  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the frame  106  can define an opening  138 . The opening  138  can be as a gap or space between any of the first arm  110 , the second arm  112 , or at least one of the crossmembers  114 . The frame  106  can also include plates  140 . The plates  140  can be hollow or solid plates, such as sections of angle or flat bar stock. The plates  140  can be lowermost portions of the of the frame  106 , relative to the reel  102  or the roller guards  118 . The plates  140  can extend laterally between and can be secured to the first arm  110  and the second arm  112 , such as with one or more fasteners. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 - 5   , the bearing assembly  122  can include the first member  142  and the second member  144 . The first member  142  and the second member  144  can generally be square or rectangular plates; but can also form other three-dimensional shapes such as cylindrical prisms or triangular prisms. Each of the first member  142  and the second member  144  can define various bores extending generally parallel to the second axis A 2 , such, but not limited, to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 bores. The reel system  100  can include at least one first fastener  146  and at least one second fastener  148 . The first fastener  146  and the second fastener  148  can be, for example, bolts, screws, rivets, or still other types of fasteners. 
     The first fastener  146  can be a fastener configured, such as being sized and shaped to contact and extend through any of the bores in the plates  140  and the first member  142  to secure the first member  142  to the plates  140  of the frame  106 . As such, the reel system  100  can include a number of first fasteners  146  corresponding the number of bores the plates  140  collectively define. The second fastener  148  can be configured, such as being sized and shaped, to contact and extend through bores in the base  116  (e.g. the beams  117  or a base plate  168  discussed below) and the second member  144  to secure the base  116  to the second member  144 . As such, the reel system  100  can include a number of second fasteners  148  corresponding to the number of bores the base  116  collectively defines. 
     The first fastener  146  and the second fastener  148  can be similar or different relative to each other, such as to contact and extend through bores of varying dimensions, such as between the bores of the plates  140  or the bores of the base  116 . The first fastener  146  and the second fastener  148  can thereby couple the frame  106  and the base  116  to the bearing assembly  122 , such that the first member  142  and the second member  144  extend parallel to, and are laterally offset from, the first axis A 1 . The reel system  100  can further include at least one third fastener  150  (shown in  FIG.  4   ). The third fastener  150  can be similar or different of the first fasteners  146  and the second fasteners  148 . The third fastener  150  can be configured, such as being sized and shaped, to contact and extend through the bores in the beams  117  of the base  116  to engage a vehicle, such as the vehicle  120  in  FIGS.  1 - 2   . As such, the reel system  100  can include a number of third fasteners  150  corresponding to the number of bores the beams  117  of the base  116  collectively define. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 5   , the bearing assembly  122  can include a plurality of bearings  152  such as including ball or needle bearings, bushings, various other friction reducing components, or any combination thereof. The bearings  152  can be located between the first member  142  and the second member  144 . For example, each of the bearings  152  can concurrently contact a lower surface of the first member  142 , such as facing away from the reel  102 , and an upper surface of the second member  144 , such as facing toward the reel  102 , to limit a vertical position of each of the bearings  152 . 
     The first member  142  can include a first protrusion  154  and the second member  144  can include a second protrusion  156 . The first protrusion  154  and the second protrusion  156  can extend or otherwise project outwardly from each of the first member  142  and the second member  144 , respectively, to form a radial, annular, or otherwise circular arrangement. Each of the first protrusion  154  and the second protrusion  156  can define one or more surfaces configured to contact and retain portions of each of the bearings  152 , such as to guide each of the bearings  152  in a circular path during rotation. As such, the first member  142  and the second member  144  can together collectively function as inner and outer bearing races for each of the bearings  152 . For example, a user can apply a force to any portion of the frame  106  to cause the bearings  152  located between first member  142  including the first protrusion  154  to rotate in a first or second direction. 
     During such rotation, each of the bearings  152  can contact, for example, various surfaces of the first protrusion  154 , a lower surface of the first member  142 , various surfaces of the second protrusion  156 , and an upper surface of the second member  144  to limit vertical and horizontal translation of the bearings  152 , such as to ensure the bearings  152 , and thereby the first member  142  and the second member  144 , rotate around the second axis A 2 . The bearing assembly  122  can thereby allow a user to rotate the frame  106  with respect to the base  116 . The reel system  100  can also include slots  158 . The slots  158  can generally be longitudinal openings or otherwise hollow sections extending within the base  116 . The slots  158  can extend parallel to, and laterally offset from, the second axis A 2 . The slots  158  can be configured to receive, for example, forks or lifting arms of a forklift, such as to allow a forklift or other machine to lift, transport, and place the reel system  100  onto the vehicle  120  or to remove the reel system  100  therefrom. 
     The reel system  100  can include a locking system  160 . The locking system  160  can be configured to allow a user to selectively prevent rotation of the frame  106  relative to the base  116 , such when the reel  102  is positioned at a desired orientation. The locking system  160  can include a pin  162 . The pin  162  can be a solid or hollow cylindrical body forming various shapes, such as an L, T, or D shape. The pin  162  can be slidably, rotatably, pivotably connected to the frame  106 , such as to be adjustably positionable with respect to the frame  106  and the base  116 . 
     The locking system  160  can also include a bracket  164  ( FIGS.  3  &amp;  5   ). The bracket  164  can be secured to the frame  106  via welding or various types of fasteners to extend inwardly or away from the crossmember  114 , such as generally toward the bearings  152 . The bracket  164  can define a bracket bore  166 . The bracket bore  166  can be sized and shaped to contact and receive at least a portion of the pin  162  to locate the pin  162  with respect to the frame  106 . For example, when received within the bracket bore  166 , the pin  162  can extend parallel to, and laterally offset from, the second axis A 2 . The bracket  164  can thereby connect the pin  162  to the frame  106 , such as to allow the pin  162  to be positioned in a locked and in an unlocked position. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the base  116  can also include a base plate  168  defining apertures  170   a - 170   x  (collectively referred to as apertures  170   a - 170   x ). The base plate  168  can be hollow or a solid plate, such as a section of sheet metal or flat bar stock. The base plate  168  can be secured to the base  116 , such as to extend parallel to, and laterally offset from, the first axis A 1 . The apertures  170   a - 170   x  can extend vertically or otherwise transversely through the frame  106 , such as parallel to, and laterally offset from, the second axis A 2 . The apertures  170   a - 170   x  can be configured, such as by being sized and shaped, to contact and receive at least a portion of the pin  162 . 
     The base plate  168  can define, for example, but not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, or 30 apertures  170   a - 170   x . The apertures  170   a - 170   x  can form an annular, radial, or otherwise circular arrangement. The apertures  170   a - 170   x  can be radially spaced, relative to one another, such as depending on the specific number of apertures  170   x  the base plate  168  defines. Angle α can represent the radial spacing between each of the apertures  170   a - 170   x  with respect to one another. For example, the angle α can be configured to allow spacing angles of, but not limited to, about 10-50 degrees, 51-100 degrees, 101-150, or 151-180 degrees. The apertures  170   a - 170   x  can thereby allow the locking system  160  to selectively limit relative rotation between the frame  106  and the base  116  when the reel  102  is positioned at any of various desired orientations with respect to the base  116 . 
     In the operation of at least one example, the pin  162  can be positioned in an unlocked position. For example, the pin  162  can be inserted into, or translated vertically within, the bracket bore  166  such that the pin  162  does not make contact with the base plate  168 , or otherwise extend into or engage of any of the apertures  170   a - 170   x.  Thus, in the unlocked position, the locking system  160  can thereby allow relative rotation between the frame  106  and the base  116 . The pin  162  can also be positioned in a locked position. For example, the pin  162  can be vertically translated within bracket bore  166  such that at least a portion of the pin  162  extends into, or otherwise engages, an aperture in axial alignment with the bracket bore  166 , such as the aperture  170   a.  In some examples, the pin  162  can be vertically translated downward through the bracket bore  166  until a portion of the pin  162 , such the handle  165  contacts the bracket  164  to limit further translation of the pin  162 . The pin  162  and the handle  165  can have an L-shape, a T-shape, or the like. 
     Accordingly, when the pin  162  is positioned in the locked position, relative rotation between the frame  106  and the base  116  is limited because portions of the pin  162  extend concurrently through both the bracket  164  (connected to the frame  106 ) and the base plate  168  (fixedly connected to the base  116 ). That is, in the locked position, the pin  162  engages the bracket and the base plate  168  to limit relative rotation of the frame  106  with respect to the base  116 . The locking system  160  can thereby limit relative rotation between the reel  102  and the vehicle  120  when the pin  162  is in the locked position and the locking system  160  can allow relative rotation between the reel  102  and the vehicle  120  when the pin  162  is in the unlocked position, allowing an operator to rotate the reel  102  to a desired orientation with respect to. After an operators positions the reel  102  as desired, the pin  162  can be moved to the locked position to limit rotation of the reel  102  with respect to the base  116  and the vehicle  120  to allow the operator to use the reel  102 , such as to unwind or otherwise position the line  104 . 
     In some examples, the pin  162  can be spring-biased. For example, the locking system  160  can include a spring  167  ( FIG.  3   ) positioned to exert pressure on the pin  162  when at least a portion of the pin  162  is received within the bracket bore  166 . In such an example, the pin  162  can be biased downward toward the base  116 , such as to cause the pin  162  to normally remain in contact with the base plate  168  to bias the pin  162  to a locked position. In such an example, when the bracket bore  166  is rotated into axial alignment with the aperture  170   a,  a portion of the pin  162  can automatically extend into or through the aperture  170   a  under spring pressure. In this way, the pin  162  can automatically lock the position of the reel  102  with respect to the vehicle to help allow an operator to quickly lock the reel  102  in place after adjusting a rotational position of the reel  102  with respect to the base  116  and the vehicle  120 . 
     The reel system  100  can thereby allow a user to rotate and secure the reel  102  at any of various orientations with respect to the vehicle  120 . For example, a user can apply a force or pressure to any portion of the frame  806  to rotate the bearings (e.g.,  152  of the bearing assembly  122 ), and thereby the reel  102 , into a desired orientation, such as to enable convenient deployment or retraction of the line  104 . The locking system  860  can be operated to limit rotation between the frame  106  and the base  116  to maintain the desired orientation of the reel  102 , such as via translation of the pin  162  through the bracket bore (e.g.,  166 ) and into the aperture (e.g.,  170   a ) to help facilitate stable and reliable deployment or retraction of the line  104 . Optionally, the locking system  160  can include an actuator, such as an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other powered actuators, as discussed in further detail below with respect to  FIG.  8   . 
     The reel system  100 , including any component thereof, such as the reel  102 , the line  104 , the frame  106 , the base  116 , or the bearing assembly  122  can each be made from, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, or other metals via metallic molding or machining. Alternatively, the reel system  100 , including any component thereof, such as the reel  102 , the line  104 , the frame  106 , the base  116 , or the bearing assembly  122  can each be made from various other materials such as plastics, composites, ceramics, or rubber. 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top isometric view of a reel system  200 , in accordance with at least one example of the present application.  FIG.  6 B  illustrates a bottom isometric view of a reel system  200 , in accordance with at least one example of the present application.  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  are discussed below concurrently. The reel system  200  can include any of the components of the reel system  100  shown in, and discussed with reference to,  FIGS.  1 - 5    above and the reel system  100  discussed above can be modified to include the components of the reel system  200   
     The reel system  200  can include a supply line  224 . The supply line  224  can be a flexible hose, a rigid hard line, or otherwise a semi-rigid tubular body configured to provide liquids or gases to the line  204 . The supply line  224  can include a first end portion  226  and a second end portion  228 . The first end portion  226  and the second end portion  228  can be opposite segments or portions of the supply line  224 . The first end portion  226  can be coupled to a reel supply connection  208  to operably couple the supply line  224  to the line  204 . 
     The reel system  200  can include a bearing assembly  222 . The bearing assembly  222  can define a passage  272  defining, radially encompassing, or otherwise aligned with, the second axis A 2 . For example, the passage  272  can be a tubular or cylindrical channel extending vertically or otherwise transversely through the bearing assembly  222 . The passage  272  can extend though the first member  142 , the first protrusion  154 , the bearings  152 , the second protrusion  156 , and the second member  144 . The passage  272  can be configured to allow the supply line  224  of the reel system  200  to pass through the bearing assembly  222 . For example, the passage  272  can be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the supply line  224 . Therefore, as the supply line  224  can extend centrally through the bearing assembly  222  along the second axis A 2 , the frame  106  and the first member  142  of the bearing assembly  222  can rotate around the supply line  224 . The second end portion  8  of the supply line  224  can be coupled to the first rotatable fitting  230 . The first rotatable fitting  230  can rotatably couple the second end portion  228  to a supply source, such as the supply source  134 . 
     The passage  272  can thereby allow the reel  202  and the frame  206  to rotate between 0 and 360 degrees with respect to the base  216 . This can increase the ease of operation of the reel system  200  and increase the life of the supply line  224 . For example, the reel  202  can be rotated between 0 and 360 degrees without risk of over-extending, or excessively stretching or stressing the supply line  224  leading to tearing or premature failure of the supply line  224 . Further, as the supply line  224  can be a hard line between the reel supply connection  208  and the first rotatable fitting  230 , the supply line  224  can be more durable than a flexible hose, such as the supply line  124 . The reel system  200  can also improve protection of the supply line  224  by locating the supply line closer to the reel  202 , such as within or between various components of the frame  206 , bearing assembly  222 , or the base  216 . Also, the reel system  200  can allow for full rotation of the reel  202  with respect to the base  216  and a vehicle, even when the line  204  is extended, helping to further improve mobility and usability of the reel  202  and the line  204 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a top isometric view of a reel system  300 , in accordance with at least one example of the present application. The reel system  300  can include any of the components of the reel system  100  shown in, and discussed with reference to,  FIGS.  1 - 5    above and the reel system  100  discussed above can be modified to include the components of the reel system  300 . The reel system  300  can include a supply line  324 . The supply line  324  can be a flexible hose, a rigid hard line, or otherwise a semi-rigid tubular body configured to provide liquids or gases to the line  304 . The supply line  324  can include a first end portion  326  and a second end portion  328 . The first end portion  326  and the second end portion  328  can be opposite segments or portions of the supply line  324 . 
     The first end portion  326  can be coupled to the reel supply connection  308  to operably couple the supply line  324  to the line  304 . The frame  306  can include one or more guides  374 . The guides  374  can be brackets or other structures extending generally parallel to, and laterally offset from, the first axis A 1  or the second axis A 2 . The guides  374  can be configured to receive portions of the supply line  324  to guide, support, and locate the supply line  324  with respect to the reel  102 , such as within axial bores extending transversely through the guides  374 . The guides  374  can be secured to the frame  306  via welding or various types of fasteners to extend outwardly, such as generally away from the reel  102 , or inwardly, such as generally toward the reel  102 . In contrast to the reel system  100 , the first rotatable fitting  330  can be coupled to the second end portion  328  of the supply line  324 . A first rotatable fitting  330  can rotatably couple the second end portion  328  to a supply source, such as the supply source  134 . The guides  374  can thereby allow the reel  302  and the frame  306  to rotate between 0 and 360 degrees with respect to the base  316 . This can increase the ease of operation of the reel system  300  and increase the life of the supply line  324 . 
     For example, the reel  302  can be rotated between 0 and 360 degrees without risk of over-extending, or excessively stretching or stressing the supply line  324  leading to tearing or premature failure of the supply line  324 . Further, as the supply line  324  can be a hard line between the reel supply connection  308  and the first rotatable fitting  330 , the supply line  324  can be more durable than a flexible hose, such as the supply line  124 . The reel system  300  can also improve protection of the supply line  324  by locating the supply line closer to the reel  302 , such as along or between various components of the frame  306 . Also, the reel system  300  can allow for full rotation of the reel  302  with respect to the base  316  and a vehicle, even when the line  304  is extended, helping to further improve mobility and usability of the reel  302  and the line  304 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a schematic of a reel system  800 . The reel system  800  can be similar to any of those discussed above. The reel system  800  can differ in that it can include an actuator for locking the reel with respect to its base. Any of the systems discussed above or below can be modified to include such a system. 
     The reel system  800  can include a reel  802 , which can be similar to those discussed above and can include a line  804  supported by the reel  802  and dispensable thereby. The reel  802  can be supported by a frame  806  similar to those discussed above. The reel  802  can be supported by a base  816 , which can be attachable to a vehicle or other surface (e.g., ground, skid, platform, etc.). 
     The reel system  800  can also include a locking system  860  including a pin  862  and an actuator  874 . The pin  862  can be similar to the pin  162  discussed above in that it can be attached to the frame  806  and can be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the pin  862  can be engaged with a bore of the base  816  to limit rotation of the reel  802  with respect to the base  816 . In the unlocked position, the pin  862  can be disengaged from the base  816  such that the frame  806  and the reel  802  are free to rotate about the bearing about the axis A 2 . 
     The  874  can be any actuator operable to move the pin  862  between the locked and the unlocked position. For example, the  874  can be an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, rotary, piezoelectric, or other powered actuator, such as a solenoid, servo, or the like. 
     The reel system  800  can also include a controller  876 , which can be a programmable controller, such as a single or multi-board computer, a direct digital controller (DDC), a programmable logic controller (PLC), or the like. In other examples the controller  876  can be any computing device, such as a handheld computer, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, or any other computing device including a processor, memory, and communication capabilities. The reel system  800  can also include a remote device, which can be one or more of the devices discussed above with respect to the controller  876 . The actuator  874  and the remote device  878  can be in communication with the controller  876  such as through a wired or wireless connection, such as Bluetooth, near field communication (NEC), plain Old Telephone (POTS) networks, or other wireless data networks (e.g., 3G, 4G LTE/LTE-A, WiMax, 5G networks). 
     The actuator  874  can be configured to vertically translate the pin  862 , such as via a user input to the actuator. In operation, the actuator can allow a user to translate the pin between the unlocked and the locked position without manually engaging with the pin  862 . For example, a user can use the remote device  878  or the controller  876  to transmit a lock signal to the actuator  874  to move the pin  862  to the locked position or can transmit an unlock signal to the actuator  874  to move the pin  862  to the unlocked position. The locking system  860 , the controller  876 , and the remote device  878  can thereby allow a user to remotely control the locking system  860  to lock and unlock the reel  802 , which can limit user engagement with moving parts and can help to speed up deployment of the line  804 , which can be important during certain operations, such as fire extinguishing operations. 
     Any of the above examples of the reel systems  100 - 800  shown in and described with regard to  FIGS.  1 - 8    above can be used in a method of deploying a windable line from a rotatable reel of a reel system located on a vehicle. For example, a first step of the method can include deploying at least a portion of the windable line to define a first line vector by rotating the reel around a first axis of rotation, the first line vector extending substantially orthogonally to the first axis of rotation. A second step of the method can include deploying at least a portion of the windable line to define a second line vector by rotating the reel around the first axis of rotation, the second line vector extending substantially orthogonally to the first axis of rotation, wherein the second line vector extends at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the first line vector. 
     In some examples, the first and the second steps of the method can be accomplished concurrently, such as via rotation of a first member of a bearing assembly around the second axis of rotation during rotation of the reel around the first axis of rotation. In some examples, the second step of the method can include rotating a first member of a bearing assembly around the second axis of rotation such that the second vector extends orthogonally to the first axis of rotation. In still further examples, the second step of the method can include operating a locking system to subsequently prevent relative rotation between the reel and the vehicle, such as when the second vector extends orthogonally to the first axis of rotation. 
     The discussed steps or operations can be performed in parallel or in a different sequence without materially impacting other operations. The method as discussed includes operations that can be performed by multiple different actors, devices, and/or systems. It is understood that subsets of the operations discussed in the method can be attributable to a single actor device, or system, and could be considered a separate standalone process or method. 
     The foregoing systems and devices, etc. are merely illustrative of the components, interconnections, communications, functions, etc. that can be employed in carrying out examples in accordance with this disclosure. Different types and combinations of sensor or other portable electronics devices, computers including clients and servers, implants, and other systems and devices can be employed in examples according to this disclosure. 
     NOTES AND EXAMPLES 
     The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others. 
     Example 1 is a reel system comprising: a reel rotatable around a first axis to receive or deploy a windable line; a frame supporting the reel; a base supporting the frame; and a bearing assembly including: a first member connected to the base; and a second member connected to the frame and rotatably engaged with the first member to enable relative between the frame and the base around a second axis. 
     In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 includes, a supply line connected to the windable line; and a first rotatable fitting connected to the supply line. 
     In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 2 includes, wherein the first rotatable fitting is coaxial with first axis. 
     In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 includes, wherein the supply line extends through the bearing assembly. 
     In Example 5, the subject matter of Examples 2-4 includes, a supply source connected to the supply line; and a second rotatable fitting connected to the supply line. 
     In Example 6, the subject matter of Example 5 includes, wherein the second rotatable fitting is coaxial with second axis. 
     In Example 7, the subject matter of Examples 1-6 includes, a locking system operable to limit relative rotation of the reel and the frame with respect to the base. 
     In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 includes, wherein the locking system includes a pin connected to the frame, the pin movable between an unlocked position where the reel and the frame are rotatable with respect to the base, and a locked position where relative rotation of the reel and the frame with respect to the base is limited. 
     In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 includes, wherein the pin is biased to the locked position. 
     In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 8-9 includes, an actuator connected to the pin, the actuator operable to move the pin between the unlocked position and the locked position. 
     In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 8-10 includes, wherein the base defines a plurality of apertures configured to receive the pin in the locked position, the plurality of apertures located in an annular arrangement around the second axis. 
     In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 11 includes, wherein each of the plurality of apertures are located between about 15 and 50 degrees with respect to one other. 
     Example 13 is a reel system comprising: a reel rotatable around a first axis to receive or deploy a windable line; a frame supporting the reel; a base supporting the frame; and a bearing assembly connected to the frame and rotatably engaged with the base to enable relative rotation between the base and the frame around a second axis. 
     In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 includes, a supply line connected to the windable line; and a first rotatable fitting connected to the supply line and coaxial with first axis. 
     In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 includes, a supply source connected to the supply line; and a second rotatable fitting connected to the supply line. 
     In Example 16, the subject matter of Example 15 includes, wherein the base is configured to couple the reel system to a mobile vehicle including the supply source. 
     In Example 17, the subject matter of Examples 13-16 includes, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. 
     In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 13-17 includes, wherein the windable line is a solid or a stranded cable. 
     Example 19 is a reel system comprising: a reel rotatable around a first axis to receive or deploy a windable line; a frame supporting the reel and including: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm laterally spaced from second arm along the first axis; a tubular shaft extending between the first arm and the second arm and rotatably supporting the reel along the first axis; and a plate connecting the first arm to the second arm, the plate extending parallel to, and laterally offset from, the first axis; a base securable to a vehicle and supporting the frame; a bearing assembly including: a first member connected to the plate of the frame; a second member connected to the base and rotatably engaged with the first member to enable relative rotation of the base with respect to the frame and the reel around a second axis; and a supply line connected to the windable line to connect the windable line to a supply source. 
     In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 includes, a locking system operable to limit relative rotation of the reel and the frame with respect to the base, the locking system including a pin connected to the frame, the pin movable between an unlocked position where the reel and the frame are rotatable with respect to the base, and a locked position where relative rotation of the reel and the frame with respect to the base is limited. 
     Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement of any of Examples 1-20. 
     Example 22 is an apparatus comprising means to implement of any of Examples 1-20. 
     Example 23 is a system to implement of any of Examples 1-20. 
     Example 24 is a method to implement of any of Examples 1-20. 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. 
     Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. 
     This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.