WO2014169057A1 - Tuyau automatiquement extensible - Google Patents

Tuyau automatiquement extensible Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014169057A1
WO2014169057A1 PCT/US2014/033533 US2014033533W WO2014169057A1 WO 2014169057 A1 WO2014169057 A1 WO 2014169057A1 US 2014033533 W US2014033533 W US 2014033533W WO 2014169057 A1 WO2014169057 A1 WO 2014169057A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hose
tube member
inner tube
water
outer tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2014/033533
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English (en)
Inventor
Michael Berardi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Blue Gentian LLC
Original Assignee
Blue Gentian LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/859,511 external-priority patent/US8757213B2/en
Application filed by Blue Gentian LLC filed Critical Blue Gentian LLC
Publication of WO2014169057A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014169057A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/04—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
    • F16L11/10—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with reinforcements not embedded in the wall
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/04—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics
    • F16L11/12—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes made of rubber or flexible plastics with arrangements for particular purposes, e.g. specially profiled, with protecting layer, heated, electrically conducting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L11/00—Hoses, i.e. flexible pipes
    • F16L11/20—Double-walled hoses
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L29/00—Joints with fluid cut-off means
    • F16L29/02—Joints with fluid cut-off means with a cut-off device in one of the two pipe ends, the cut-off device being automatically opened when the coupling is applied
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F16L33/01—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses specially adapted for hoses having a multi-layer wall
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L33/00—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses
    • F16L33/22—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts
    • F16L33/223—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts the sealing surfaces being pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
    • F16L33/224—Arrangements for connecting hoses to rigid members; Rigid hose-connectors, i.e. single members engaging both hoses with means not mentioned in the preceding groups for gripping the hose between inner and outer parts the sealing surfaces being pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts a clamping ring being arranged between the threaded member and the connecting member

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of water hoses and in particular to a hose that expands when pressurized water is introduced and modulated by a flow restrictor positioned at the outlet of the hose.
  • Conventional hoses are typically constructed from rubber or other resilient flexible material such as synthetic rubber, thermo plastic rubber or the like photochemical derivatives.
  • a notable problem encountered with conventional garden hoses relates to the storage of the hose when not in use.
  • Garden hoses can be stored on a hose reel, placed within a storage container, or simply left on the ground. While storage devices are practical in certain situations, in many instances the consumer cannot use or has no desire to employ a storage container. For example, a consumer may live in an apartment or small condo and would like to have the benefit of a garden hose for plant watering, car washing, or the like but does not have room for a garden hose storage device.
  • the hose might be left in the trunk of a vehicle or coiled up in the corner of a patio with an effort to consume as little space as possible.
  • Another example would be the owner of a boat, RV or plane who may wish to leave the hose with the vehicle. Such places are impractical for hose storage containers.
  • Fiber reinforcements can also be used, such as woven tapes or knitting followed by the addition of an outer coating, all of which add to the weight of a garden hose and do not have a shortened length for storage. For this reason, it is of great benefit to have a garden hose that is light in weight, contractible in length, and kink resistant .
  • Retractable hoses are known to use steel wires formed in a coiled shape with a vinyl tube, the steel wires wind through the vinyl tube so that it will normally be in a coiled or rolled configuration when not in use.
  • pressurized water is introduced into the hose, the hose is unwound.
  • pressurized water is removed, the water hose is recoiled to a rolled position.
  • Examples of such hoses include U.S. Patent No. 2,814,529; U.S. Patent No. 3,035,779 and U.S. Patent No. 3,966,121.
  • U.S. Patent 6,523,539 discloses a self elongating oxygen hose for stowable aviation crew oxygen mask.
  • the supplemental gas assembly such as used for aircraft crews is provided which includes a mask adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth of a wearer, together with a flexible, self-elongating hose assembly and a stowage box for receiving the mask and hose assembly .
  • the transition zone between a garden hose and pressurized source of water, or the garden hose and delivery point, is accomplished by a coupling.
  • Conventional couplings provide a fluid connection between a spigot and a garden hose.
  • the prior art fails to disclose a coupling capable of attaching to a flexible garden hose having an expandable inner tube member made of a flexible fluid carrying material and an outer sleeve made of a fixed length fabric material.
  • 4,895,185 discloses a flexible hose reinforced by armature layers made of flexible cables disposed helically and is attached at least at one end by compression of said layers against rigid pieces, characterized by the supporting elements and gripping elements, which are coaxial, having non-adhesive conical compression surfaces which diverge toward the end and by at least one wedge provided with slits being driven between reinforcing layers to ensure compression.
  • the tubular sleeve is attached to a rigid assembly wherein ends of the layered pairs are engaged in the conical annular space between the coaxial supporting element and gripping elements .
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,816,622 discloses a garden hose having a protective shell section and a flexible strain relief section releasably attached to the shell section.
  • the hose is sealably attached to a stem portion of a coupling by a brass ferrule, the manner by which the hose is attached to the stem portion is stated as being well known in the art.
  • a device is inserted into the stem portion for expanding it thereby sandwiching the hose between the stem portion and the ferrule for locking the hose to the coupling.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,894,866 discloses a garden hose assembly having a deformable section that allows a portion of the hose to be coiled around a support for holding the end of the hose in a desired position.
  • Connectors have coupling stems which are inserted within a base tube and such coupling stems are then radially expanded into ferrules or corrugations.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,209,800 discloses a flexible tube formed so that adjacent coils are formed while in a contracted position, the tube is extendible by straightening of the coils.
  • a fitting is formed from an elongate, substantially cylindrical externally barbed portion and a disk shaped head.
  • a bore extends through the fitting which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tubing. The fitting portion is inserted into an end of the tube and held therein by an interference fit with barbs inhibiting removal axially of the tube.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,568,610 discloses a flexible water spray wand for connection to a standard garden hose, having a housing connectable at a lower end to the garden hose and at an upper end to a flexible tube assembly connected at an opposite end to a spray nozzle.
  • the flexible tube has an outlet fitting which comprises an externally barbed portion and an externally threaded portion with an annular shoulder therebetween.
  • the barbed portion fits snugly within outlet end portion of the hose with annular shoulder which abuts an outlet end portion of the ribbed tube, which can be affixed by silver soldering or adhesives.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6, 948, 527 and U.S. Patent No. 7,549,448 disclose a linearly self-actuated hose for use in transporting fluids.
  • a hose has a biasing spring that extends along the full length, and can comprise single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter spring coils.
  • the spring is covered with hose cover material on the outside and hose cover material on the inside to form a sealed hose and are bowed inward or outward radially between the individual spring coils depending on the intended use of hose.
  • On the end of the hose is mounted a nozzle end which can be designed with standard garden hose threads.
  • the nozzle end comprises an inner crimp ring, and outer crimp ring which also provides threads, and a water restriction ring.
  • the hose can be trapped between crimp rings to provide a compression fit.
  • Crimp rings are also crimped onto each other so that they form a right unit that will not fall apart during use.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,955,189 discloses a garden hose assembly that includes an elongated and flexible tubular member that includes an open first end, an open second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second open ends.
  • a cross-section taken traversely to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member has a generally oblong shape when the tubular member is filled with a fluid and a substantially flattened shape when the tubular member is not filled with a fluid.
  • Male and female couplers are defined as conventional hose couplers .
  • a flexible hose that attaches to a conventional water spigot and will expand upon the presence of water that is pressurized within the hose, the expansion made possible by control of the water through use of a restrictor formed integral to the outlet of the hose.
  • the hose can expand longitudinally by use of an elastic water proof inner tube member positioned within a soft fabric outer tube member. Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a hose that automatically expands longitudinally and automatically expands laterally upon the application of water pressure as controlled by a flow restrictor positioned along an outlet of the hose.
  • Still a further objective of the present invention to provide a commercial grade coupling wherein a flow restrictor is formed integral with the metal outlet coupling.
  • FIGURE 1 is a plane view of a coiled flexible hose of the instant invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal side view of the present invention in a contracted position
  • FIGURE 3 is an end view of the outlet coupling
  • FIGURE 4 is a longitudinal view of the present invention in an expanded position
  • FIGURE 5 is an end view of the inlet coupling
  • FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view, perspective view of a section of the hose of the present invention taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 4;
  • FIGURE 7 is a cross sectional view, perspective view of a section of the hose of the present invention taken along line 7-7 in Fig. 2;
  • FIGURE 8 is a pictorial view of the hose with an integral flow restrictor in a contracted state concealing indicia placed on the outer sidewall;
  • FIGURE 9 is a pictorial view of the hose in an expanded state with an integral flow restrictor and a spray nozzle further illustrating viewable indicia on the outer wall;
  • FIGURE 10 is an exploded view of the male outlet coupling with an integral flow restrictor
  • FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of the female inlet coupling
  • FIGURE 12 is a cross section view of the inner and outer hose attached to a coupling
  • FIGURE 13 is a side view of the male outlet coupling with a handle placement to allow water flow
  • FIGURE 14 is a side view of the male outlet coupling with a handle placement to inhibit water flow.
  • the hose is self-expanding upon the introduction of pressurized water within the hose, and self-contracting upon release of water from within the hose.
  • the hose 10 is composed of two separate and distinct tubes, an inner tube member 14 formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which and can expand 2 to 6 times its relaxed or unexpanded length, and outer tube member 12 formed from a non-elastic, relatively soft and bendable polyester fabric tubular webbing material.
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • outer tube member 12 formed from a non-elastic, relatively soft and bendable polyester fabric tubular webbing material.
  • the inner tube member 14 is a thermoplastic elastomer having elastic properties. The inner tube member 14 expands radially outwardly or laterally, with respect to its length.
  • the radial expansion of the inner tube member 14 is constrained by the maximum diameter of the non-elastic outer tube member 12.
  • the preferred materials used to form the non-elastic outer tube member 12 are braided or woven polyester.
  • the requirements of the outer tube member 12 material is that it be soft, bendable, non- elastic, and should be strong enough to withstand internal pressures to accommodate the highest water pressures typically found in a pump or municipal water supply with a safety factor of about 2.5.
  • conventional pressure supplies are in the range of 30-60 psi, it is possible for a pump system to provide up to 100 psi. For this reason it is recommend that the inner and outer tube combination be capable of handling pressures up to 250 pounds per square inch, (psi) .
  • the thickness of the polyester outer tube member 12 is about .5mm (.02inches) with a range of about 25% on thickness. Further, the diameter of the outer tube member 12 when expanded is about 18- 20mm (.07-.082 inches) again with a range of about 25%.
  • the hose 10 employs a female inlet coupler 18 at a first end for connecting to a conventional water spigot and an outlet coupler 16 at a second end having an integrally formed flow restrictor and also connectable to a spray nozzle.
  • the coupler members are constructed from metal and are designed to be assembled without tools.
  • the inlet coupler 18 includes a metal female threaded portion 28 rotatably attached to a first threaded metal annular collar 71.
  • the female threaded portion 28 is constructed to receive the male threads of a conventional water spigot 23, faucet or the like valve typically found on the exterior of a building.
  • Most water faucets on buildings employ a standard size male coupler or fitting.
  • the annular coupler 71 includes a metal inlet tubular extension section 36 extending therefrom having an end 73 insertable into a first open end of the inner tube member 14.
  • a flow thru aperture 38 within the inlet coupler 18 allows water to flow through the coupler.
  • the end 73 has an angular face that allows for ease of inserting into the first open end of the inner tube member 14 and may include a barb 75 that provides frictional engagement to the interior wall of the inner tube member 14.
  • the use of an annular rib 77 enhances the engagement between the first end of the inner tube member 14 and the inlet tubular extension section 36.
  • the coupler is constructed from brass, stainless steel, or the like materials
  • a first ABS plastic ferrule 79 having an inner wall 81 adapted for placement over a portion the first open end of the inner tube member 14 is positioned over inlet tubular extension section, preferably over the annular rib 77.
  • the ferrule is a collet having a cylindrical inner surface and a conical outer surface.
  • the ferrule includes opposing tabs 80 protruding from its outer surface. The tabs are constructed to engage corresponding slots 72 located on the annular collar 71.
  • An outer wall 83 of the first ferrule 79 is sized for placement with a first open end of the outer tube member 12.
  • the first ferrule 79 include kerf cuts 85 that allow for ease of compression of the first ferrule 79 onto the inner tube member 14 when first metal collar member 87, having an inner surface 89 constructed and arranged to thread onto the annular collar 71, crimps the first open end of the outer tube member 12 between the first ferrule 79 and the collar member 87. Further, the collar member 87 engages the first ferrule 79 providing a frictional engagement to seal the first open end of the inner tube member 14 to the inlet tubular extension section 36 allowing the hose assembly to be pressurized with water without leakage.
  • the female inlet coupler 18 employs conventional threads commonly employed for the water hose fitting .
  • the female inlet coupler 18 may include a hex shaped wall 19 to allow for ease of holding the inlet coupler 18 while the inner tube member 14 is being installed on the inlet tubular extension section 36, as well as the tightening of the second collar member 87 so as to prevent marring of the coupler member during installation or removal.
  • the use of a box shaped, triangular shaped or the like shaped wall to provide a gripping surface is contemplated by this disclosure.
  • the male outlet coupler 16 is formed from a metal threaded coupling section 20 housing a flow restrictor 21, a metal annular coupler 24, and a metal outlet tubular extension section 32 extending therefrom.
  • a flow thru aperture 31 is centrally disposed along a longitudinal axis of the male outlet coupler 16 having a handle 61 operated ball valve for use in restricting the flow of water.
  • the end 37 of the outlet tubular extension section 32 is insertable into a first open end of the inner tube member 14 for securement thereto.
  • the end 37 includes a barb 39 having an angular face that allows for ease of inserting into the second open end of the inner tube member 14 yet provides frictional engagement to the interior wall of the inner tube member 14.
  • annular rib 41 enhances the engagement between the inner tube member 14 and the outlet tubular extension section 32 providing a watertight seal.
  • a second ABS plastic ferrule 43 having an inner wall 45 adapted for placement over the second open end of the inner tube member 14 that is positioned over the rib 41.
  • the ferrule is a collet having a cylindrical inner surface and a conical outer surface with one or more kerf cuts along its length when squeezed.
  • the ferrule includes opposing tabs 50 protruding from its outer surface. The tabs are constructed to engage corresponding slots 26 located on the annular collar 24.
  • An outer wall 47 of the second ferrule 43 is sized for placement within the second open end of the outer tube member 12 thereon.
  • the second ferrule 43 include cuts 49 that allow compression of the ferrule 43 onto the inner tube member 14 by use of a collar member 51 having an inner surface 53 constructed and arranged to thread onto the annular coupler 24 thereby crimping the outer tube member 12 between the ferrule 43 and the collar member 51.
  • the second metal collar member 51 engages the ferrule 43 sealing the inner tube member 14 to the outlet tubular extension section 32 allowing the hose assembly to be pressurized with water up to 250 psi.
  • the collar member 51 can include an outer surface texture to allow ease of assembly upon threading of the collar member 51 to the annular coupler 24.
  • the threaded coupling section 20 employs conventional threads commonly employed for a water hose.
  • the flow thru aperture 31 allows for uninterrupted water passage and the threaded coupling section 20 includes an integrally formed flow restrictor
  • the male outlet coupler 16 may include a hex shaped wall 17 to allow for ease of holding the male outlet coupler 16 while the inner tube member 14 is being installed on the outlet tubular extension section 32, as well as the tightening of the second collar member 51 so as to prevent marring of the outlet coupler during installation or removal.
  • the use of a box shaped, triangular shaped or the like shaped wall to provide a gripping surface is contemplated by this disclosure.
  • the non-elastic outer tube member 12 is attached and connected to the inner tube member 14 only at the first end and second end by the male outlet coupler 16 and the female inlet coupler 18.
  • the outer tube member 12 is otherwise unattached, unconnected, unbonded, and unsecured to the elastic inner tube member 14 along the entire length of the inner tube member 14 between the first end and the second end and thus the outer tube member 12 is able to move freely with respect to the inner tube member 14 along the entire length of the inner tube member 14 when the garden hose expands or contracts.
  • the hose 10 of the present invention is illustrated in its contracted condition in Figs. 1, 2, 7 and 8.
  • the inner tube member 14 which is elastic, is in a relaxed contracted condition wherein there are no forces being applied to the inner tube member 14 to expand or stretch it.
  • the amount of water that may reside in the tube in its contracted condition is much less than while in its expanded condition.
  • the outer tube member 12 is not in a bonded contact with the inner tube member 14 when the hose is in this contracted condition, there will be a space 15 between the inner tube member 14 and the outer tube member 12.
  • the thickness of the wall of the inner tube member 14, in the contracted position is relatively large compared to the thickness of the inner tube member 14, in the expanded position, Fig. 6.
  • the expansion of the elastic inner tube member 14 laterally, is the result of an increase in the water pressure within the inner tube member 14. This increase in water pressure also results m the expansion of the length of the elastic inner tube member 14.
  • the expansion of the inner tube member 14, both laterally and longitudinally, results in a decrease in the wall thickness of the inner tube member 14, an increase in the diameter of the inner tube member 14 thus increasing the volume of water that can flow through the inner tube member 14. This decrease in wall thickness is illustrated in Fig. 6, wherein the inside diameter of the inner tube member 14 has been expanded and extended because of an increase of the water pressure and volume within the inner tube member 14.
  • the inner tube member 14 In the expanded or extended condition, illustrated in Figs. 4, 6 and 9, the inner tube member 14 is expanded or stretched. In this expanded condition the non-elastic outer tube member 12 constrains the lateral expansion of inner tube member 14. The outer tube member 12 is also taut, smooth, and relatively flat along its length in this extended condition. Since the outer tube member 12 will not expand laterally or longitudinally, the actual length and width of the outer tube member 12 determines the maximum length and maximum width of the hose 10 in its expanded condition. Thus the diameter and length of the outer tube member 12 determines the diameter and length of the water hose of the present invention upon the application of water pressure to the interior of the elastic inner tube member 14. This diameter and length of the non-elastic outer tube member 12 is the final diameter and the final length of the hose 10 when it is in its expanded condition and in use to transport or deliver water.
  • the hose 10 can automatically expand from 2 to 6 times its contracted length upon the introduction of pressurized water into the tube, the pressure would need to be at least 20 psi.
  • a ten foot hose in a contracted condition would automatically expand to 20 feet when pressurize water is supplied to the interior of the inner tube member 14 of the hose.
  • a ten foot hose in a contracted condition would automatically expand to 60 feet when pressurize water is supplied to the interior of the inner tube member 14 of the hose.
  • the water pressure within the hose is accomplished by introducing water under pressure into the inlet of the hose and restricting the flow of the water out of the outlet of the hose by use of an integrally formed flow restrictor.
  • the flow restrictor is formed integral with the fitting as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 wherein a metal on/off ball valve 33 is mounted within the housing for use in restricting the water.
  • Two opposing polytetra- fluoroethylene gaskets 34 form a watertight seal on each side of ball valve 33.
  • the outlet coupler 16 is preferable attached to a spray nozzle 25.
  • the female inlet coupler 18 of the present invention 10 is secured to a water spigot 23 such as that found on the exterior wall of a building.
  • the flow restrictor 21 is then placed in an off position by rotation of the ball valve 33 so that water cannot pass.
  • the spigot 23 is opened the pressurized water enters the hose 10 and is prevented from exiting the flow restrictor while in the ball valve is in a off or closed position, wherein the hose is expanded to its predefined length as limited by the outer tube member 12.
  • a relatively normal pressure for municipal water is about 60 psi wherein the water within the hose is equalized to the same pressure.
  • the flow restrictor 21 is integrally formed to the outlet coupler 16 which can then be directly attached to a spray nozzle 25.
  • the spray nozzle 25 can be a conventional water spray nozzle which varies the rate and spray pattern of water exiting from the nozzle but can also be capable of shutting off the exit of pressurized water.
  • Many spray nozzles are L-shaped so as to be able to be comfortably gripped and used by an individual and have a pivoting on-off handle which operates an internal flow restrictor valve.
  • a spray nozzle provides various amounts of restriction of water at the end of the hose depending on how large the opening in the nozzle is. The smaller the opening in the nozzle, the more the nozzle restricts the release of water at the end of the hose, and the higher the pressure and water volume inside the hose.
  • the nozzle restricts the release of water at the end of the hose, and the lower the pressure and water volume inside the hose. If the flow of water at the other end of the present invention was turned off and totally restricted, the psi inside the inner tube member would be the same as the pressure coming from the house, 60 psi. At this pressure, the inner tube member 14 and the outer tube member 12 in the present invention would expand to its maximum length. As the water at the end of the hose is released, the pressure becomes reduced inside the hose and the hose begins to contract. However, the present invention will remain fully expanded even when the pressure at the opposite end is reduced below the typical pressure of 60 psi coming from a house.
  • the water pressure coming from the house was 60 psi and the water pressure exiting the nozzle at the other end of the water hose was 35 psi.
  • This 35 psi of pressure inside the elastic inner tube member 14 was enough pressure to cause the inner tube member 14 to expand laterally and longitudinally until its lateral and longitudinal expansion became constrained by the non- elastic outer tube member 12 and expanded to the maximum length and width of the non-elastic outer tube member 12.
  • the hose 10 expands from ten feet in length in its contracted condition to fifty feet in length in its expanded condition.
  • the flow restrictor 21 allows the user to immediately turn off water to the spray nozzle.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates how the coupler is secured to the hose wherein the inner tube member is placed over end 73 having an angular face that allows for ease of inserting into the inner tube member 14 yet provides frictional engagement to the interior wall of the inner tube member 14.
  • Barb 75 enhances the engagement between the inner tube member 14 and the inlet tubular extension section 36 providing a watertight seal.
  • a first ferrule 79 is positioned over inner tube member 14.
  • Outer tube member 12 is placed over the outer surface of the first ferrule 79.
  • Collar member 87 is constructed and arranged to thread onto an annular collar thereby sandwiching the outer tube member 12 between the first ferrule 79 and the collar member 87.
  • a feature of the present invention is the savings in weight of the hose.
  • the hose 10 in its contracted condition is relatively light, and upon expansion the weight of hose does not increase, only the weight of the water within the hose changes the dynamics. This savings in weight enables the hose of the present invention to be easily carried, easily dragged, easily handled and easily used by anyone who uses the hose but especially by individuals who do not posses exceptional strength or do not want to drag, carry or lug around heavy, bulky, conventional rubber hoses.
  • the outer tube member 12 is reduced or decreased in length when there is no pressure within inner tube member 14. With no pressure or volume in the elastic inner tube member 14 the inner tube member automatically contracts.
  • the condition of the outer tube member 12 when the inner tube member 14 is in the contracted condition is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, and 8. Because the outer tube member 12 is unsecured to the inner tube member 14 along the entire length of the hose between the first end and the second end, the soft fabric material of the outer tube member 12 can move freely with respect to the inner tube member 14.
  • outer tube member 12 can move freely with respect to the inner tube member 14 along the entire length of the hose enables the outer tube member 12 to become folded, compressed and tightly gathered around the outside of the circumference of the inner tube member 14 along its length in the contracted condition when there is not water pressure within the inner tube member 14.
  • This folded, compressed and tightly gathered condition of the outer tube member 12 prevents the hose 10 from kinking and also helps prevent it from becoming entangled upon itself.
  • an empty hose 10 in the contracted condition is easily stored without worry of the hose kinking or becoming entangled, as most conventional hoses do.
  • hose 10 This tendency of the hose 10 to not become kinked or entangled enables a user to store the hose 10 in a very small space with no worry of having to untangle or unkink the hose when it is removed from storage and used.
  • a user of the present invention can take hose 10 from a stored condition, secure the hose 10 to a water faucet and turn on the water without the fear of the hose becoming entangled or kinked or without the need to untangle or unkink the hose.
  • hoses After they are used conventional water hoses are normally carried or dragged back to their place of storage and are stored on a reel or coiled up upon themselves and laid on a flat surface. This requires time to carry and drag the hose and to properly store the hose and also requires an expense to purchase the hose reel.
  • the hose 10 of the present invention automatically and quickly contracts to its original place of storage and can then be easily folded up, rolled up, or coiled up and stored in any container, even very small containers, or on any surface, thus saving time and expense for the owner of the hose.
  • the outer tube member 12 is relatively smooth in the expanded condition, as seen in Figs. 4, 6 and 9. This smooth surface enables the hose 10 to be used and manipulated with relative ease.
  • the expanded elastic inner tube member 14 and the smooth surface of the outer tube member 12 prevent the hose from kinking.
  • the smooth surface enables indicia to be placed on the outer surface. Indicia placed on the outer tube member 12 can be concealed while the tube is in a contracted state, and become readable upon expansion. An example of this indicia is illustrated in Fig. 8 and 9, wherein the words "XHoseTM" is placed on the outer tube member 12, when the hose is in a contracted state such as Figure 8 the indicia 13 cannot be read.
  • the indicia 13 can be easily read. All types of indicia can be placed on the exterior of the outer tube member 12, such as letters, numbers, patterns, designs, and/or pictures. Any type of indicia that can be affixed to the outer tube member 12 can be used. The indicia can be any color also including black or white. The material from which the outer tube member 12 is formed can also be any color.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes water to fill and expand the hose 10. Because the inner tube member 14 is elastic it can expand if the water within the tube freezes. For example, if a hose of the present invention were left outside in the winter, the water contained therein would freeze causing an expansion. A conventional hose would split due to the internal expansion, the flexible hose of the present invention would expand because the inner tube member is elastic without damage.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un tuyau souple (10) possédant un élément de tube interne (14) constitué d'un matériau élastomère thermoplastique et un élément de tube externe (12) constitué d'un matériau polyester non élastique. L'élément de tube interne (14) est fixé à l'élément de tube externe (12) uniquement au niveau d'un raccord de couplage d'entrée (18) et d'un raccord de couplage de sortie (16). Le raccord de couplage d'entrée (18) est construit pour se fixer à une alimentation en eau fournie par un robinet d'eau classique domestique. Le raccord de couplage de sortie (16) comprend un limitateur d'écoulement (21) permettant à l'élément de tube interne de s'équilibrer en pression avec l'eau sous pression reçue de l'alimentation en eau. L'eau sous pression étend l'élément de tube interne allongé longitudinalement sur une longueur de l'élément de tube interne et dans le sens latéral sur une largeur de l'élément de tube interne, ce qui augmente sensiblement la longueur du tuyau jusqu'à un état étendu caractérisé en ce que le tuyau se contracte à une longueur sensiblement diminuée lorsqu'il y a une diminution de l'eau sous pression.
PCT/US2014/033533 2013-04-09 2014-04-09 Tuyau automatiquement extensible Ceased WO2014169057A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/859,511 2013-04-09
US13/859,511 US8757213B2 (en) 2011-11-04 2013-04-09 Commercial hose

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014169057A1 true WO2014169057A1 (fr) 2014-10-16

Family

ID=50686228

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2014/033533 Ceased WO2014169057A1 (fr) 2013-04-09 2014-04-09 Tuyau automatiquement extensible

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014169057A1 (fr)

Cited By (21)

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USD757233S1 (en) 2015-04-24 2016-05-24 Teknor Apex Company Male hose fitting
WO2016128940A1 (fr) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-18 Den Di De Nora Paolo Tuyau souple extensible
DE202016105040U1 (de) 2016-09-12 2016-12-19 Teknor Apex Company Leichte, durchflussstarke Schlauchbaugruppe
USD777888S1 (en) 2015-09-01 2017-01-31 Teknor Apex Company Male hose fitting
USD779640S1 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-02-21 Teknor Apex Company Female hose fitting
USD782623S1 (en) 2015-09-01 2017-03-28 Teknor Apex Company Female hose fitting
USD784497S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2017-04-18 Teknor Apec Company Male hose fitting
USD785141S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2017-04-25 Teknor Apex Company Female hose fitting
US9810357B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-11-07 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US9815254B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-11-14 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
USD806838S1 (en) 2015-10-29 2018-01-02 Teknor Apex Company Radially expandable hose assembly
US9863565B2 (en) 2014-11-25 2018-01-09 Teknor Apex Company Multi-layer expandable hose
USD812202S1 (en) 2015-10-29 2018-03-06 Teknor Apex Company Radially expandable hose assembly including fittings
US10000035B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-06-19 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10132435B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-11-20 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
WO2019174690A1 (fr) * 2018-03-12 2019-09-19 Mbh-International A/S Tube à double lumière flexible et système d'accouplement de tube pour celui-ci
US10458574B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10458576B2 (en) 2016-10-13 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Hose assembly with modified thermoplastic inner tube
EP3617576A1 (fr) * 2018-09-01 2020-03-04 Zhanjiang Xiashan Sengka Rubber and Plastic Products Co., Ltd. Dispositif de passage d'eau à structure en quatre couches
USD921853S1 (en) 2019-10-22 2021-06-08 Teknor Apex Company Male hose fitting
WO2026119807A1 (fr) 2024-12-04 2026-06-11 Autoliv Development Ab Dispositif de protection pour un être humain

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US6568610B1 (en) 2000-08-12 2003-05-27 K. C. Ericksen Flexible lawn and garden spray wand
US6523539B2 (en) 2001-07-02 2003-02-25 Be Intellectual Property Inc. Self-elongating oxygen hose for stowable aviation crew oxygen mask
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US8291941B1 (en) * 2011-11-04 2012-10-23 Blue Gentian, Llc Expandable and contractible hose
US20130087205A1 (en) * 2011-11-04 2013-04-11 Blue Gentian, Llc Expandable garden hose
US20130113205A1 (en) * 2011-11-04 2013-05-09 Blue Gentian, Llc Expandable hose assembly coupling member

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9863565B2 (en) 2014-11-25 2018-01-09 Teknor Apex Company Multi-layer expandable hose
WO2016128940A1 (fr) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-18 Den Di De Nora Paolo Tuyau souple extensible
US10563796B2 (en) 2015-02-12 2020-02-18 Den Di De Nora Paolo Extensible hose
JP2018511745A (ja) * 2015-02-12 2018-04-26 デン ディ デ ノーラ パオロ 伸長可能ホース
US9810357B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-11-07 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10458574B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
USD757233S1 (en) 2015-04-24 2016-05-24 Teknor Apex Company Male hose fitting
US10344899B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2019-07-09 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US9815254B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-11-14 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
USD779640S1 (en) 2015-04-24 2017-02-21 Teknor Apex Company Female hose fitting
US10000035B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-06-19 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
US10132435B2 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-11-20 Teknor Apex Company Lightweight, high flow hose assembly and method of manufacture
USD782623S1 (en) 2015-09-01 2017-03-28 Teknor Apex Company Female hose fitting
USD777888S1 (en) 2015-09-01 2017-01-31 Teknor Apex Company Male hose fitting
USD806838S1 (en) 2015-10-29 2018-01-02 Teknor Apex Company Radially expandable hose assembly
USD812202S1 (en) 2015-10-29 2018-03-06 Teknor Apex Company Radially expandable hose assembly including fittings
USD785141S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2017-04-25 Teknor Apex Company Female hose fitting
USD784497S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2017-04-18 Teknor Apec Company Male hose fitting
DE202016105040U1 (de) 2016-09-12 2016-12-19 Teknor Apex Company Leichte, durchflussstarke Schlauchbaugruppe
US10458576B2 (en) 2016-10-13 2019-10-29 Teknor Apex Company Hose assembly with modified thermoplastic inner tube
WO2019174690A1 (fr) * 2018-03-12 2019-09-19 Mbh-International A/S Tube à double lumière flexible et système d'accouplement de tube pour celui-ci
CN111868428A (zh) * 2018-03-12 2020-10-30 医研比赫国际股份公司 柔性双腔管及用于其的管联接系统
US11160968B2 (en) 2018-03-12 2021-11-02 Mbh-International A/S Flexible double lumen tube and a tube coupling system for same
EP4040026A1 (fr) * 2018-03-12 2022-08-10 MBH-International A/S Tube flexible à double lumière et système de couplage de tubes pour celui-ci
US11724084B2 (en) 2018-03-12 2023-08-15 Mbh-International A/S Flexible double lumen tube and a tube coupling system for same
EP3617576A1 (fr) * 2018-09-01 2020-03-04 Zhanjiang Xiashan Sengka Rubber and Plastic Products Co., Ltd. Dispositif de passage d'eau à structure en quatre couches
USD921853S1 (en) 2019-10-22 2021-06-08 Teknor Apex Company Male hose fitting
WO2026119807A1 (fr) 2024-12-04 2026-06-11 Autoliv Development Ab Dispositif de protection pour un être humain
DE102024136103A1 (de) 2024-12-04 2026-06-11 Autoliv Development Ab Schutzvorrichtung für einen Menschen

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