HK1181837B - Expandable and contractible hose - Google Patents

Description

Expandable and collapsible hose

Technical Field

The present invention relates to hoses for carrying fluid materials. In particular, the present invention relates to such a hose that automatically contracts to a contracted state when no pressurized fluid is present within the hose and automatically expands to an expanded state when pressurized fluid is introduced into the hose. In the contracted state, the hose is relatively easy to store and easy to handle due to its relatively short length and its relatively light weight, and in the expanded state, the hose can be located anywhere where fluid is needed. The hose is comprised of an elastic inner tube and a separate and distinct inelastic outer tube, wherein the outer tube is disposed around the outer circumference of the inner tube and is attached and connected to the inner tube only at both ends and is separated, unattached, unbonded and unconnected to the inner tube along the entire length of the hose between the first and second ends.

Background

Hoses for carrying various fluids are known in the art. One of the problems encountered with these hoses is the storage of the hose when it is not being used for transporting fluids. Although current hoses are flexible and can be wound on drums or rolls for storage and transportation, there is no way to reduce the length and width of the hose. Another problem encountered with coiled or coiled hoses is that the hose tends to kink when unrolled or unrolled. This problem is commonly encountered by homeowners when using garden hoses to water their lawn, plants or to clean their vehicles.

Firefighters have solutions to the problem of kinking. When fluid is removed from the hose they are used with, the hose collapses to a relatively flat condition. The hose is then stored in layers formed from the hose stacked back and forth on itself. When firefighters use the hose so stored, they simply pull on one end of the hose, which stretches straight without kinking. This is not a practical solution to the hose storage problem of homeowners because garden hoses are small in diameter compared to fire hoses and almost all garden hoses do not collapse into a flattened condition when the water in the hose is emptied. Another problem with the hoses known in the art is that they are bulky and difficult to spread when placed on the ground, and also difficult to handle and tow to the place where the fluid is needed when filled with fluid, and likewise when the hose is empty and needs to be put back into its original storage position. Moreover, if the user does not have a means to wind the hose, he must try to place the hose on the ground in such a way that the hose does not become entangled, as this makes it difficult and annoying to unwrap the hose the next time it is used.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a hose that automatically contracts and shortens in length when not in use and automatically expands and expands to a practical length, and automatically reverts to the shortened length when not in use. Also, there is a need for a hose that is relatively light in weight and may not kink when removed from storage and filled with fluid for use.

U.S. patent No. 3,481,368 to r.h. vansickle et al discloses a flexible hose comprising an elastomeric liner surrounded by a plurality of wire reinforcement layers and an outer cover, the inner reinforcement layer 15 comprising a single thickness of helically wound wires interwoven together by a woven yarn, the wires lying on a smooth cylindrical structure, all interwoven corrugations being in the woven yarn. One or more additional layers of wire reinforcement are spirally wound without 20 interwoven yarns of fabric, each reinforcement layer having an elastomeric insulating layer therebetween. The braided wire layer may be disposed over other reinforcement layers and under the cover.

Hamrick, U.S. patent No. 3,520,725 discloses a vacuum cleaning system in which a soft and flexurally rigid vacuum hose, typically stored within a suction conduit, has little or no stretchability to facilitate passage of the hose through bends in the conduit when the hose is moved within the conduit to an extended or retracted storage state, a plunger on the hose 20 is deformable to pass through a docking head carried by an outlet receptacle on the outer end of the conduit, and interengagement between the plunger and the docking head may, in some cases, limit extension and retraction of the hose relative to the conduit.

An improved collapse resistant reinforced hose made of flexible polymeric material is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 3,682,202 to Buhrmann et al, which includes a semi-rigid, generally circumferentially disposed support structure including a preferably single reinforcing layer of woven fabric fibers, the major portion of which is composed of treated polyurethane or nylon fibers. The polyurethane or nylon fibers are treated with an organic polyurethane and preferably at least 2% of the non-reactive solvent of the organic polyurethane. The hose has substantially improved burst strength and is resistant to vacuum collapse without the need for additional support, such as a wire insert. The invention is particularly useful for flexible radiator hoses used in automotive vehicle cooling systems.

U.S. patent No. 4,009,734 to Sullivan discloses a flexible, self-contracting coiled tube having a desired rewind strength and elastic memory. The convolute duct is particularly suitable as a self-constricting air duct for delivering fluid under pressure to a pneumatic device. The wound tube comprises an extruded seamless plastic tube made by extruding a mixture comprising a chemically expanded polyester and about 10% to about 50% polybutylene terephthalate polymer.

Logan, U.S. patent No. 4,091,063, discloses a molded hose structure and method of making the same having axially spaced convolutions and controlled flexibility defined by alternating peaks and valleys, the hose structure having an inner elastomeric layer, an outer elastomeric layer and an intermediate reinforcing layer of fabric material having substantially open spaces between cooperating threads defining the fabric material, the layers being joined into a unitary structure by penetrating columns of elastomeric material extending through the spaces, the spaces having alternating peaks and valleys having controlled wall thicknesses ensuring controlled flexibility and being formed with a semi-cured elastomeric layer to ensure controlled wall thicknesses thereof.

U.S. patent No. 4,276,908 to Horne discloses a thermoplastic hose wherein the reinforcing layer is made of a combination of yarns and monofilaments to provide a three-dimensional gap where a mechanical bond between the reinforcing layer of the hose and its adjacent components can be established.

U.S. patent No. 4,553,568 to Piccoli et al discloses a flexible hose adapted to return to its original shape after crimping due to a novel braided winding reinforcement layer comprising one and a second braided member of relatively stiff and non-intertwined monofilaments, the second braided member being a flexible fabric material crimped around the stiff monofilaments at each contact point in the braided winding. The intertwining of the braiding imparts improved crush and kink resistance to the hose construction. The hose is particularly useful as a gasoline pump dispensing hose that is subject to frequent crushing by the wheels in service.

U.S. patent No. 4,895,185 to Champleboux discloses a device with a flexible hose, particularly for expandable packaging machines, wherein the hose is reinforced by armature layers made of flexible cables arranged in a helix and attached at least one end by compressing these layers on a rigid piece, the hose being characterized by a support element and a clamping element, these two elements being coaxial and having non-stick conical compression surfaces, the compression surfaces diverging towards the ends by at least one wedge provided with a slit and driven between the reinforcing layers to ensure compression.

U.S. patent No. 4,989,643 to Walton et al discloses a high performance composite hose having enhanced durability, reliability and long life cycle for use in high pressure, high temperature and/or fluctuating environments such as turbocharged trucks, buses, automobiles, boats and engines. The composite hose includes one or more layers of a balance fabric having a high performance elastomer adhered to the inner and outer surfaces of each fabric layer.

U.S. patent No. 5,023,959 to Mercer discloses a system for extending and retracting a waste hose for a waste disposal system, typically located on a recreational vehicle and including an electrically or crank driven hose extender device that extends the collapsible hose from its collapsed mode stored on the recreational vehicle to an extended configuration for dumping waste from an RV holding tank to an inlet of an RV waste dump station.

Whaley, U.S. patent No. 5,036,890, discloses a device insertable into the hydrant end or water pipe of a conventional garden for reinforcing the portion of the hose prone to kinking and cracking in use due to localized bending of the hose at the hydrant end caused by tension applied to the hose. The reinforcing means comprises a length of coiled resilient material having an end fitted with a resilient washer which can be inserted into and removed from the hose as desired.

United states patent No. 5,246,254 to LoJacono, Jr et al discloses an anti-kink device for use in conjunction with garden-type water pipes, the device comprising a housing defined by a tubular body having a connecting element rotatably mounted thereto for connection to a water tap, the other end of the tubular body being connected to a garden-type hose by means of a screw thread, the device further comprising an elongate flexible nylon cable fixedly secured to a hub element formed on the inner wall of the tubular body, whereby the cable is formed with a length to be easily positioned within the full length of the hose.

U.S. patent No. 5,264,262 to Igarashi discloses a refrigerant conveying hose having a layered structure including an inner tube composed of at least one layer, an outer tube disposed coaxially with and radially outside the inner tube, and a reinforcing fabric layer interposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube includes a resin layer formed of a resin composition.

Us patent 5,477,888 to Mezzalira discloses a hose 10, the hose 10 comprising at least one tubular layer 3 of plastic or rubber material, a chain network 4 of strands 5 and rows 6 of strands wrapped around the outer surface of the inner layer and having a tubular shape, an outer layer 7 if present, the hose 10 being characterized in that the rows of strands are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. According to a preferred embodiment, the grid lines 5 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis Y of the hose in a direction opposite to the direction of the grid rows 6.

Us patent No. 5,555,915 to Kanao discloses a cleaner hose including: a hose body; a connection cylinder connected to the cleaner operation pipe and the cleaner main body, respectively, the cleaner operation pipe and the cleaner main body being connected to ends of the hose main body, respectively; and a reinforcing wire material helically wound in the hose body and continuously wound over the entire length of the hose body. The reinforcing wire material is shaped like a steeply inclined spiral at a predetermined length portion near one or both ends of the hose body so that adjacent spiral portions of the reinforcing wire material approach each other while the hose wall of the hose body is loosened toward the inner circumferential surface. On the other hand, the reinforcing wire material is shaped like a gently inclined spiral in the intermediate portion other than one end or both ends of the hose main body, so that the adjacent spiral portions of the reinforcing wire material are separated from each other in the tube axis direction.

U.S. patent No. 5,607,107 to Grieve et al discloses a collapsible tube formed from a sheet of memory-set polyester. To make the memory-setting strip, the polyester sheet is wound into the desired coiled position. It is then heated and cooled to set the sheet in a coiled form with memory. After this process, the polyester sheet automatically returns to the coiled state after being unwound. In one form, suitably as a drip tile, the distal end of the polyester sheet is wider than the end attachable to the downspout. In another form, the polyester sheet is encased within an elongated polyethylene tube to form a collapsible hose. In a preferred form, the distal end of the hose is supported on a reel which, when rolled up with the hose wound and unwound further ensures that the hose is properly retracted. The tube can also be provided with holes to act as an ejector if desired.

Us patent 5,816,622 to Carter discloses a protective sleeve for a garden hose that includes a protective shell portion having a generally tubular body with an internal bore shaped to closely receive the coupler of the garden hose therein. A flexible strain relief portion is removably attached to the housing portion, the flexible strain relief portion having a generally tubular body. The locking element of the strain relief portion removably attaches the strain relief portion to the body of the housing portion. The locking element is receivable within an opening formed in the body of the housing portion. The locking element is resiliently movable from a relaxed condition in which it extends through the opening and engages the body of the housing portion to prevent axial movement of the strain relief portion away from the housing portion, to an inwardly retracted position in which it is retracted inwardly away from the opening and disengaged from the body of the housing portion to allow relative axial movement between the housing and the strain relief portion. The strain relief portion has an outer surface defining a gripping surface for facilitating attachment of the garden hose to another garden hose.

Us patent 5,894,866 to Horst et al discloses a garden hose assembly including a retaining means including at least a portion of the hose assembly, the retaining means and the portion being adapted to be wrapped around a suitable support to retain the portion in a desired position for use of the hose assembly without the use of hands.

U.S. patent No. 6,024,132 to Fujimoto discloses a flexible pipe comprising a corrugated hose wall 1, the hose wall 1 being composed of an inner wall 2 and an outer wall 3 and a helical rigid reinforcement 4 interposed between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3, wherein both the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3 are made of a soft resin. When the hose is contracted, the spiral groove 7 is formed in the hose. The inner tube 2 is not partially bonded or fused with the outer wall 3 and the hard helical reinforcement 4 to form unbonded locations or fragments 8. When the hose is contracted, the unbound fragments 8 separate from the outer wall 3 and the helical reinforcing member 4 and move in the direction of the inside of the hose, closing the helical groove 7. Thus, the flexible tube reduces the flow resistance even if the fluid flows to any longitudinal direction.

U.S. patent No. 6,024,134 to Akedo et al discloses a laminated tape comprising a main layer of a polyester series thermoplastic polyurethane resin, and a covering layer of a soft vinyl chloride resin fused to at least one surface of the spirally wound main layer, the adjacent side edges of which are bonded to each other to form a hose wall.

Wells et al, U.S. patent No. 6,098,666, discloses a tube assembly for conveying fluid under pressure from a source of air pressure in a vehicle to a vehicle's air brake system. The assembly includes flexible first and second tube elements each having an outer surface and extending axially from a forward distal end to a rearward distal end.

U.S. patent No. 6,568,610 to Ericksen discloses a flexible wand that is connected to a standard garden hose and has a housing that is connectable at a lower end to the garden hose and at an upper end to a flexible tube assembly that is connected at its other end to a nozzle. The pistol grip housing includes a water flow control valve (e.g., trigger mechanism) operatively connected to the water valve to control the flow of water from the nozzle of the wand.

U.S. patent No. 6,948,527 to Ragner et al discloses self-energizing hoses for conveying fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of the three). The hoses 30 and 30b have a biasing spring 36 extending along the entire length and can include single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter coils. Spring 36 is covered on the outside with hose cover material 32 and on the inside with hose cover material 34 to form a sealed hose, and bows radially inward or outward between individual coils depending on the intended use of hose 30 and 30b to make room for the cover material when the hose is contracted and coils 36 are forced together.

Weyker, 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 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element has a generally rectangular shape when the tubular element is not filled with fluid. The tubular member has an outer surface with a fluorescent color. A threaded female coupling is in fluid communication with the first end and a threaded male coupling is in fluid communication with the second end.

U.S. patent No. 7,549,448 to Ragner discloses a linear self-energizing hose for transporting fluids (liquids, gases, solid particles, and combinations of the three). The hoses 30 and 30b have a biasing spring 36 extending along the entire length and can include single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter coils. Spring 36 is covered on the outside with hose cover material 32 and on the inside with hose cover material 34 to form a sealed hose, and bows radially inward or outward between individual coils depending on the intended use of hoses 30 and 30b to give room for the cover material when the hoses are contracted and coils 36 are forced together.

Disclosure of Invention

A hose is disclosed that automatically longitudinally expands and laterally expands upon application of fluid pressure within the hose. The hose is automatically longitudinally expandable to 6 times its unexpanded or contracted length and automatically transversely expandable to 6 times its unexpanded width. When the pressure in the hose is released, the hose automatically contracts to a contracted state. The hose comprises an expandable inner tube made of an elastic material and a separate and distinct outer tube made of an inelastic material, the outer tube being disposed around the circumference and length of the inner tube and being fixed to the inner tube only at the first and second ends without being attached, disconnected, unbound and unfixed to the inner tube along the entire hose length between the first and second ends and being free to move relative to the inner tube along the entire hose length between the first and second ends.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hose that automatically expands longitudinally and laterally when fluid pressure is applied within the hose.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose that automatically contracts when the fluid pressure within the hose is released. The contracted length is 1/6 in the expanded length.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose that is lighter than a non-expandable/non-collapsible hose.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose that does not kink or wind itself during use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose that includes indicia, such as words, on the outer tube or sleeve.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose that can be easily coupled and decoupled from a water source, such as a faucet on a house.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of the invention. Any drawings contained herein form a part of the specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal side view of the present invention in a retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal view of the present invention in an expanded position;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of a portion of the hose taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional and perspective view of a portion of the hose of the present invention taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the male coupling secured to the end of the hose of the present invention when the hose is in its expanded condition; and

fig. 8 is a perspective view of the female coupling secured to the end of the hose of the present invention when the hose is in its contracted condition.

Detailed Description

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an example of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.

The present invention and the manner of assembly thereof is illustrated in the currently referenced figures 1-8. Fig. 1 and 3 show a preferred embodiment of the automatically expandable and contractible hose of the present invention. The hose self-expands under the application of fluid pressure and increased fluid volume within the hose. The hose also self-contracts upon release of fluid pressure and fluid volume within the hose. The hose 10 is made up of two separate and distinct tubes 12 and 14. The inner tube 14 is formed of an elastic material having an elongation of 6:1 and is capable of expanding to 4 to 6 times its relaxed or unexpanded length when pressurized fluid is introduced into the elastic inner tube 14. A preferred material for the inner tube 14 is natural latex. However, other synthetic materials having similar elasticity to natural latex may also be used. The elastic inner tube 14 expands radially outwardly or transversely relative to its length. The radial expansion of the inner tube 14 is limited by the maximum diameter of the inelastic outer tube 12. The outer tube 12 is formed from a non-elastic, relatively soft, flexible tubular braided material. Preferred materials for forming the inelastic outer tube 12 are woven or woven nylon, polyester, polypropylene. Other braided or woven materials may also be used to form the outer tube 12. The requirements for the material of the outer tube 12 are soft, bendable, inelastic, and strong enough to withstand internal pressures of up to 250 pounds per square inch (psi).

The hose 10 also includes a female coupling 18 at one end thereof and a male coupling 16 at the other end thereof. The male coupling 16 includes a threaded portion 20, an intermediate portion 22, and a portion 24, to which the inner tube 14, the outer tube 12, and the expansion limiter sleeve 26 are secured. The inner tube 14, outer tube 12 and expansion limiter sleeve 26 are secured to a male coupling, as will be described below.

The female coupling 18 includes a threaded portion 28 on the inside of the female coupling, as shown in fig. 1,3 and 8. The threaded portion 28 is configured to receive the male thread 20 and enable one hose to be connected to another hose. The threaded portion 28 is also configured to connect to a faucet or water outlet outside or inside a house or dwelling. Most faucets in homes and residences are provided with standard sized male couplings or fittings that engage and connect the hose 10 to the faucet or water outlet. The inner tube 14, outer tube 12 and expansion limiter sleeve 27 are secured to the female coupling as will be described below. In a preferred embodiment, the female coupling further comprises a gasket 29, the gasket 29 helping to provide a fluid tight connection between the male and female coupling or between any other male or female coupling. During assembly, the inelastic outer tube 12 is attached and connected to the inner tube 14 only at the first and second ends by male and female couplings 16 and 18. The outer tube 12 is unattached, unconnected, unbonded, and not secured to the elastic inner tube 14 along the entire length of the inner tube 14 between the first and second ends, so that the outer tube 12 is free to move relative to the inner tube along the entire length of the inner tube 14 as the hose expands or contracts.

Figures 1, 2, 6 and 8 show the hose 10 of the present invention in a contracted state. In this state, the elastic inner tube 14 is in a relaxed, contracted state, with no force being applied to the inner tube 14 to expand or stretch it. It should also be noted that the outer tube 12 does not contact the inner tube 14 when the hose is in the contracted state. A space 15 (fig. 6) is present between the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12. As shown in fig. 6, the wall of the inner tube 14 in the contracted state has a thickness that is relatively greater than the thickness of the inner tube 14 in the expanded state (fig. 5). The lateral expansion of the elastic inner tube 14 is a result of the increased pressure and volume of the fluid within the inner tube 14. This increase in fluid pressure and volume within the inner tube 14 also results in an expansion of the length of the elastic inner tube 14. Both the transverse and longitudinal expansion of the inner tube 14 results in a reduction in the wall thickness of the inner tube and an increase in the diameter of the inner tube, thereby increasing the volume of fluid that can flow through the inner tube 14. This reduction in wall thickness is clearly illustrated in FIG. 5, where the inner diameter of the inner tubing has been expanded and stretched by the increase in fluid pressure and volume within the inner tubing 14.

The outer tube 12 is preferably constructed of a non-elastic, soft tubular braid. The braid is made of a strong braided or woven nylon, polyester or polypropylene fabric, or any other tubular braided or woven fabric that is inelastic and capable of withstanding internal pressures up to 250 psi. In the expanded or stretched state of the hose 10 of the present invention (fig. 3-5), the inner tube is expanded or stretched. In this expanded condition, the inelastic outer tube 12 restricts the lateral expansion of the inner tube 14 as shown in fig. 3 and 5. The outer tube 12 is also taut, smooth and relatively flat along its length in this stretched condition, see fig. 3 and 5. Since the outer tube 12 does not expand laterally and longitudinally, the actual length and width of the outer tube 12 determines the maximum length and width of the hose 10 in the expanded state. Thus, the diameter and length of the outer tube 12 determine the diameter and length of the hose of the present invention when fluid pressure is applied to the interior of the elastic inner tube 14. The diameter and length of the inelastic outer tube is the final diameter and final length of the hose 10 when it is in its expanded state and used to convey or convey fluids.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hose 10 automatically expands to 4 to 6 times its contracted length. Thus, when fluid is supplied under pressure to the interior of the inner tube 12 of the hose, the contracted 10 foot hose will automatically expand to 40 to 60 feet. Fluid pressure within the hose is achieved by introducing fluid under pressure into one end of the hose and restricting fluid flow out of the other end of the hose. For example, when the hose 10 of the present invention is used as a garden hose around a house, the coupling 18 is secured to a faucet or spout on the exterior wall of the house. Unscrewing or opening the tap allows water under pressure to enter the hose 10. The relatively normal pressure of water in the house is 60 psi. However, the pressure of water within the hose may vary widely depending on various environments, for example, the pressure of water supplied by a water utility company, the pressure of water supplied by a pump and supported by bubbles when water is supplied from a well or the like, and the like. A nozzle or other fluid dispenser is secured to the male coupling 16 at the other end of the hose. The nozzle may be a conventional nozzle which varies the velocity and spray pattern of the water exiting the nozzle. Many nozzles are L-shaped to enable comfortable gripping and use by an individual. These nozzles also have a pivoting switch handle that operates an internal valve. The internal valve allows, restricts and stops the flow of water through the nozzle.

The nozzle provides different amounts of fluid restriction at the end of the hose depending on the size of the opening of the nozzle. The smaller the opening of the nozzle, the more restrictive the nozzle is to the release of fluid at the end of the hose, and the greater the pressure and fluid volume within the hose. The larger the opening of the nozzle, the less the nozzle restricts the release of fluid at the end of the hose, and the less the pressure and fluid volume within the hose. The pressure from a typical house is approximately 60 psi. If the flow of fluid at the other end of the invention is closed or completely restricted, then the psi in the inner tube is the same as the pressure 60psi from the house. At this high pressure, the inner pipe 14 and outer pipe 12 of the present invention will expand to their maximum length of 50 feet. When the fluid is released at the end of the hose, the pressure within the hose decreases and the hose begins to contract. However, the invention still fully expands even when the pressure at the other end drops below the normal pressure of 60psi from the house. In one embodiment, the water pressure from the house is 60psi and the water pressure exiting the nozzle at the other end of the hose is 35 psi. The 35psi pressure in the elastic inner tube 14 is great enough to cause the inner tube 14 to expand laterally and longitudinally until its lateral and longitudinal expansion is limited by the inelastic outer tube 12 and extends to the maximum length and width of the inelastic outer tube 12. In a preferred embodiment, hose 10 expands from its contracted state 10 feet in length to its expanded state 50 feet in length.

Fig. 7 and 8 show how the male coupling 16 and the female coupling 18 are respectively fixed to the hose of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 7, the male coupling 16 includes a plurality of threads 20. The male coupling 16 also includes a tubular extension 32, the tubular extension 32 extending into the interior of the inner tube 14, the outer tube 12, and the expansion limiter sleeve 26. The tubular extension 32 has a hollow interior 34 through which fluid can flow. A securing device 34 surrounds outer sleeve 26, outer tube 12 and inner tube 14 and secures these elements to tubular extension 34. A separate flow restrictor 37 is shown in the coupling 16. Other types of flow restrictors may also be employed, such as hose nozzles, sprayers, etc. Any object that restricts fluid flow within the hose may be used. As shown in fig. 7, the outer tube 12 is relatively smooth and the inner tube wall is relatively thin, as compared to the thicker, contracted state, and the expansion limiter sleeve 26 limits the expansion of the inner and outer tubes at the juncture of the anchor 34. Without the sleeve 26, the inner tube would immediately expand outwardly in a stepped manner and could break. The sleeve 26 allows the inner tube 14 to gradually expand outward and taper to prevent the inner tube from rupturing at this juncture. Other types of connections (e.g., clamping and swaging) may also be used to secure the male coupling to the inner tube 14, outer tube 12, and sleeve 26. By using other types of connections, the expansion limiter sleeve may not be needed.

Fig. 8 shows the female coupling 18 secured to the hose of the present invention. The hose in fig. 8 is in a contracted state. The female coupling 18 is provided with a plurality of internal threads 28. The threads 28 are designed to interact and cooperate with complementary threads 20 on the male coupling to provide a fluid tight connection between the male coupling 16 and the female coupling 18. The female coupling 18 also includes a tubular extension 36, the tubular extension 36 extending into the interior of the inner tube 14, the outer tube 12, and the expansion limiter sleeve 27. The tubular extension 36 has a hollow interior 38 through which fluid can flow. The securing device 40 surrounds the outer sleeve 27, the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 14 and secures these elements to the tubular extension 36. As can be seen from fig. 8, the outer soft textile tube 12 is not smooth but is folded, compressed and tightly packed around the outer circumference of the inner tube 14, the inner tube 14 wall is thicker than its expanded state, and the sleeve 27 does not restrict the expansion of the inner and outer tubes at the junction of the fixing means 40. Without the sleeve 27, the inner tube 14 would immediately expand outward in a step function and possibly rupture upon application of fluid pressure to the interior of the hose 10. The sleeve 27 allows the inner tube 14 to gradually expand and taper outwardly, thereby preventing rupture of the inner tube at this juncture. Other types of connections (e.g., clamping and swaging) may also be used to secure the female coupling to the inner tube 14, outer tube 12, and sleeve 27. By using other types of connections, the expansion limiter sleeve may not be needed.

Another feature of the present invention is to save weight of the hose. The hose 10 in the contracted state is relatively light and the weight of the hose does not increase after the hose 10 has been expanded 4 to 6 times. Moreover, because the hose does not contain any metal components (e.g., springs, wire mesh, or other metal parts) throughout the length of the hose between the male and female couplings, a 10 foot contracted hose may weigh only less than 2 pounds, and in the expanded state, a 50 foot hose (regardless of the weight of the fluid in the expanded hose) will weigh only less than 2 pounds. However, in contrast, a conventional rubber 1/2 inch ID50 foot hose weighs up to 12 pounds. The weight savings allows any person using the hose, particularly those who do not have extraordinary strength or who do not want to pull, carry or pull heavy, bulky, conventional rubber hoses, to easily carry, pull, manipulate and use the hose of the present invention.

Another feature of the present invention is to shorten or shorten the length of the outer tube 12 when there is no pressure within the inner tube 14. In the absence of pressure or volume in the elastic inner tube 14, the inner tube automatically contracts. When the inner tube 14 is in the collapsed condition, the outer tube 12 is in the condition shown in figures 1, 2 and 6. Because the outer tube is not connected, attached, secured, or bonded to the inner tube along the entire length of the hose between the first and second ends, the soft fabric material of the outer tube 12 is free to move relative to the inner tube. The fact that the outer tube is free to move relative to the inner tube along the entire hose length enables the outer tube to fold, compress and pack tightly around the outer circumference of the inner tube in its contracted state along its length when there is no fluid pressure within the inner tube 14. This folded, compressed and tightly packed condition of the outer tube 12 prevents the hose 10 from kinking and helps prevent itself from becoming entangled. Thus, the empty hose 10 in the contracted state is easy to store without fear of the hose kinking or tangling as is the case with most conventional hoses. The tendency of the hose 10 to kink and not twist allows a user to store the hose 10 in a very small space without having to worry about unfolding or untwisting the hose when it is removed from storage and used. The user of the present invention is able to remove the hose 10 from storage, secure a spout or other fluid restrictor to one end of the hose, secure the hose 10 to a faucet, and boil water without fear of the hose winding or kinking and without the need to unroll or untwist the hose.

After use, conventional garden hoses are typically carried or towed back to their storage site and they are stored on a reel or rolled up and placed on a flat surface. This requires time to carry and haul the hose and store it properly, as well as money to purchase the hose reel. The hose 10 of the present invention automatically and quickly collapses to its original storage location and can then be easily folded, rolled or coiled and stored in any container (even a very small container) or on any surface, thereby saving time and expense for the owner of the hose.

Fig. 5 and 6 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, during assembly of the hose, a 10 foot elastic inner tube 14 in a relaxed or contracted state is inserted into the hollow interior of a 50 foot non-elastic outer tube 12. The 10 foot inner tube 14 and 50 foot outer tube 12 are then all attached at a first end and secured together to the coupler with the expansion limiter sleeve 27. The 10 foot inner tube is then stretched and expanded through the hollow interior of the outer tube 12 until the elastic inner tube 14 expands to 5 times its relaxed or contracted length. At this point in the assembly process, both the expanded elastic inner tube 14 and the inelastic outer tube 12 are clamped, both the inner tube 12 and the outer tube being 50 feet long. The inner tube 14, outer tube 12 and expansion limiter sleeve 27 are then attached and secured together at the second end to the coupling while the hose is still in the expanded condition. As described above, the elastic inner tube 14 and the inelastic outer tube 12 are attached and connected together only at the first and second ends. The inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12 are unattached, unbonded, not attached, and not secured along the entire hose length between the first and second ends. This allows the non-elastic outer tube to automatically move relative to the inner tube along the entire length of the hose between the first and second ends.

When the clamp is removed from the expanded 50 foot elastic inner tube 14 and 50 foot inelastic outer tube 12 at the second end, the expanded elastic inner tube 14 automatically contracts back to its original relaxed 10 foot length. The length of the 50 foot inelastic outer tube 12 also shortens to only 10 feet in the contracted state because as the stretched and extended elastic inner tube 14 begins to contract from its expanded length, the unattached, unbonded, unattached and unsecured soft fabric inelastic outer tube 12 snaps over the rubber elastic inner tube 14 material, causing the outer tube 12 to automatically fold, compress and tightly gather around the outer circumference of the entire length of the contracted inner tube 14. Thus, because the 50 foot inelastic outer tube has the folds compressed and tightly gathered around the 10 foot contracted and relaxed inner tube 14, the folded, compressed and tightly gathered 50 foot outer tube 12 has the same 10 foot length as the 10 foot contracted inner tube 12.

When pressurized fluid is introduced into the elastic inner tube 14 in a contracted and relaxed state, the elastic inner tube begins to expand laterally and longitudinally and the outer tube begins to expand and decompress around the outer circumference of the elastic inner tube. As a result, when the inner tube is expanded to its maximum 50 foot length, the outer tube is expanded along the entire length of the inner tube and decompresses until it reaches the same 50 foot length as the inner tube in the expanded state. Moreover, because the inner tube is longitudinally and transversely expanded and its expansion is limited by the inelastic outer tube 12, the inner tube 14 fills all available space within the inelastic outer tube 12, and thus the surface of the expanded and decompressed outer tube 12 becomes smooth in the expanded state, as shown in fig. 5.

The hose in fig. 5 is in an expanded state after pressurized fluid has been introduced into the hose and the pressure and volume of the fluid has increased within the inner tube 14. The extended length of hose 10 is now 50 feet, 60 inches or 15.24 meters. The volume of fluid in hose 10 is 0.943 gallons, 120 ounces, 3.569 liters, or 3180.64 cubic centimeters. The outer circumference of the hose 10 is 2.12 inches or 5.39 centimeters. The diameter of the outer tube 12 is 0.68 inches or 1.73 centimeters. The diameter of the inner tube 14 is 0.64 inches or 1.63 centimeters. The wall thickness of the inner tube 14 is 0.031 inches or 0.079 centimeters. The thickness of the outer tube 12 is 0.031 inch or 0.079 cm. The thickness of the outer tube 12 remains the same as in the expanded and contracted states. The material forming the inner tube 14 may be any color. The hose in fig. 6 is in its contracted state and its dimensions are as follows. The length of the hose is 10 feet, 3.33 yards, or 3.05 meters. The volume of fluid within hose 10 is 0.025 gallons, 3.2 ounces, 0.094 liters, or 94.635 cubic centimeters. The outer circumference of the hose 10 is 2 inches or 5.08 centimeters. The diameter of the outer tube 12 is 0.4 inches or 1.02 centimeters. The Inner Diameter (ID) of the inner tube 12 is 0.25 inches or 0.635 centimeters. The Outer Diameter (OD) of the inner tube was 0.375 (inches). The wall thickness of the inner tube 14 is 0.125 inches or 0.317 centimeters. The thickness of the outer tube 12 is 0.031 inch or 0.079 cm.

The outer tube 12 is relatively smooth in the expanded state, as can be seen in fig. 3 and 5. This smooth surface enables the hose 10 to be used and handled relatively easily. Furthermore, the smooth surfaces of the expanded elastic inner tube 14 and outer tube 12 prevent kinking of the hose. Moreover, the smooth surface enables indicia to be provided on the outer surface. An example of this marking is shown in fig. 5, with the word "MagicHose". All types of indicia, such as letters, numbers, patterns, designs and/or pictures, may be provided on the outer surface of the outer tube 12. Any type of indicia that may be affixed to the outer tube 12 may be used. The indicia may be any color including black and white. The material forming the outer tube 12 may also be any color.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes water to fill and expand the hose 10. However, other fluids may be used with the present invention. For example, gas may be introduced into the hose 10 and transported through the hose 10. Liquids that are not corrosive to the inner tube 14 may also be used in the present invention. Flowable semi-solids may also be used with the present invention. The temperature of the fluid employed in the present invention is below the temperature that would alter the physical and chemical properties of the materials used in the hose of the present invention. Also, because the inner tube is elastic, the inner tube can expand if water freezes inside the tube. For example, if the garden hose of the present invention is left outside in winter, the water contained within the hose will freeze. A common garden hose will split, but when the water turns to ice, the invention expands because the inner tube is elastic.

All patents and applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is shown, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It is well known to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings contained herein.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages described, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Variations and other uses herein known to those skilled in the art and encompassed within the spirit of the invention are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the present invention has been described in particular preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various embodiments of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (26)

1. Garden water hose comprising:

a flexible elongated outer tube having a first end and a second end, the interior of the outer tube being hollow;

a flexible elongated inner tube having a first end and a second end, the interior of the inner tube being hollow, the inner tube being formed of an elastic material;

a first coupler secured to first ends of the inner and outer tubes;

a second coupler secured to second ends of the inner and outer tubes,

the first coupling couples the hose to a source of pressurized fluid, the second coupling couples the hose to a fluid flow restrictor,

whereby the fluid flow restrictor increases fluid pressure within the hose between the first and second ends, the increase in fluid pressure expanding the inner tube longitudinally along the length of the inner tube and transversely along the width of the inner tube, thereby increasing the length of the hose to an expanded state, the hose contracting to an unexpanded length when fluid pressure between the first and second couplings is reduced.

2. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said outer tube is made of a material that does not stretch longitudinally and does not stretch laterally when a force is applied to the interior of said outer tube.

3. The garden water hose of claim 2, wherein said outer tube is made of a material selected from nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.

4. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said inner tube is made of an elastic material having an elongation of up to 6:1 and capable of expanding to 6 times its unexpanded length.

5. The garden water hose of claim 1, comprising an expansion limiter sleeve secured to a first end of the inner and outer tubes and another expansion limiter sleeve secured to a second end of the inner and outer tubes,

whereby, as fluid pressure between the first and second couplings increases, the expansion limiter sleeve and the other expansion limiter sleeve provide a gradual transition of the lateral outward expansion of the inner tube.

6. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer tubes are made of a material that does not kink and entangle around itself when said inner and outer tubes are in their expanded condition, said hose being expandable to 4 to 6 times its unexpanded length.

7. The garden water hose of claim 5, including an expansion limiter sleeve securing the inner and outer tubes at a first end, a securing means securing the outer and inner tubes to the first coupler, and another securing means securing the expansion limiter sleeve at a second end of the inner and outer tubes, the outer and inner tubes to the second coupler.

8. The garden water hose of claim 1, including markings on the outer tube.

9. The garden water hose of claim 8, wherein said marking is identifiable when said hose is in said expanded state and said marking is not identifiable when said hose is in an unexpanded state.

10. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow restrictor is integrally formed with the second coupling.

11. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said fluid flow restrictor is a fluid nozzle removably secured to said hose.

12. A garden water hose according to claim 7, wherein the fixing means and the further fixing means extend around the periphery of the hose.

13. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said hose is a fire hose used by a firefighter.

14. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said outer tube is capable of withstanding internal pressures of up to 250 psi.

15. The garden water hose of claim 1, comprising a female coupling adapted to couple to a tap or other water outlet.

16. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer tubes are made of a material that does not kink when said inner and outer tubes are in their unexpanded state.

17. The garden water hose of claim 1, comprising a female coupling adapted to couple to a tap or other water outlet and a male coupling for securing to a spout or other water dispenser, the outer tube being attached and connected at first and second ends to the inner tube by the male and female couplings.

18. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said outer tube is unattached, unbonded, and unsecured to the elastic inner tube along the entire length of said inner tube between the first and second ends, such that said outer tube is free to move relative to said inner tube along the entire length of said inner tube as said hose expands or contracts.

19. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said hose is 10 feet in length in an unexpanded state.

20. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said outer tube is not smooth but folds, compresses and gathers tightly around the outer circumference of said inner tube when said hose is in an unexpanded state.

21. The garden water hose of claim 1, wherein said outer tube snaps over the rubber elastic inner tube and automatically folds, compresses and gathers tightly around the circumference of the entire length of the unexpanded inner tube.

22. A method of delivering water, comprising:

introducing water into a hose comprising a non-elastic and bendable elongated outer tube having a first end and a second end, the interior of the outer tube being hollow, the hose further comprising an expandable and elastic elongated inner tube having a first end and a second end, the interior of the inner tube being hollow, the inner tube being made of an elastic material;

securing a first coupling to first ends of the inner and outer tubes;

securing a second coupling to second ends of the inner and outer tubes;

securing the inner and outer tubes together only at the first and second ends and not between the first and second ends;

connecting the first coupling to a source of pressurized water;

connecting the second coupling to a water flow restrictor;

increasing the water pressure within said hose between said first coupling and said second coupling, the increase in water pressure causing said inner tube to automatically expand longitudinally along the length of said inner tube and laterally along the width of said inner tube, thereby increasing the length and width of said hose to an expanded state; and

automatically collapsing the hose to an unexpanded length and width by eliminating a water pressure differential between the first coupling and the second coupling;

whereby the inner tube is free to move relative to the outer tube when there is no water pressure differential between the first and second couplings.

23. The method of delivering water of claim 22, wherein the inner tube is elongated up to 6 times its unexpanded length.

24. The method of delivering water as claimed in claim 22, comprising:

securing an expansion limiter sleeve to first ends of the inner and outer tubes;

securing another expansion limiter sleeve to the second ends of the inner and outer tubes,

whereby, when an increase in water pressure expands the inner tube, the expansion limiter sleeve and the further expansion limiter sleeve limit the expansion of the inner tube and the outer tube and prevent the diameter of the inner tube from increasing in a step function.

25. The method of delivering water of claim 22, comprising:

a marker is placed on the outer tube and the outer tube is expanded longitudinally along the length of the outer tube until the marker is identifiable.

26. The method of delivering water of claim 22, comprising:

the outer tube limits lateral or radial expansion and longitudinal expansion of the inner tube as water pressure increases between the first end and the second end within the hose.