技术领域technical field
本发明涉及流体运载软管领域，尤其涉及当导入增压流体时展开的软管。This invention relates to the field of fluid carrying hoses, and more particularly to hoses that deploy when pressurized fluid is introduced.
背景技术Background technique
用于运载各种流体的软管在本领域是公知的。常规的花园浇水用软管通常由诸如合成橡胶、热塑性橡胶等光化学衍生物的橡胶或其它弹性挠性材料制成。常规花园浇水用软管所遭遇的显著问题是涉及当不使用时软管的储存。花园浇水用软管可储存在软管卷轴上，放置于储存容器内，或者仅留在地上。尽管在一些情形下储存装置实用，但是在许多情况下消费者不能使用或者不期望采用储存容器。例如，消费者可能生活在公寓或小型集合公寓中，并且希望获益于用于植物浇灌、汽车清洗等的花园浇水用软管，但是不具有用于花园浇水用软管储存装置的房间。软管可能留在车辆的车身中或卷置在阳台的角落中，以努力占用尽可能小的空间。另一实施例是船、RV或飞机的所有者，他们可能希望将软管留在车辆中。这些地方对于软管储存容器而言无法实施。Hoses for carrying various fluids are well known in the art. Conventional garden hoses are usually made of photochemically derived rubber such as synthetic rubber, thermoplastic rubber, or other elastic flexible material. A significant problem encountered with conventional garden hoses relates to storage of the hose when not in use. The garden hose can be stored on a hose reel, placed in a storage container, or just left on the ground. While storage devices are practical in some situations, there are many situations where consumers cannot use or desire to employ storage containers. For example, a consumer may live in an apartment or small condominium and would like to benefit from a garden hose for plant watering, car washing, etc., but does not have room for garden hose storage . The hose may be left in the body of the vehicle or rolled up in the corner of the balcony in an effort to take up as little space as possible. Another example is boat, RV or aircraft owners who may wish to leave the hose in the vehicle. These places are impractical for hose storage containers.
存在许多在尽可能小的空间中储存软管有益的情形。如果消费者不具有用于储存软管的装置，则他们必须尽力以不使软管缠于在身之内的方式将软管有条理地放置于地面上。如果放置不当，则当软管解开或展开时将趋于绞缠。频繁使用软管的普通房主通常遭遇该问题，其中软管的不适当储存会导致绞缠的发生。可将软管制成为具有厚的侧壁来防止绞缠并耐受过加压。还可以使用纤维加强件，诸如织带或者在添加外涂层之后进行编织，所有这些均增加了软管的重量。出于此原因，提供重量轻、长度可收缩且耐绞缠的软管极其有益。There are many situations where it is beneficial to store hoses in the smallest possible space. If the consumer does not have a means for storing the hose, they must try to keep the hose organized on the floor in a manner that does not entangle them. If placed incorrectly, the hose will tend to kink as it unwinds or uncoils. The average homeowner who uses hoses frequently suffers from this problem, where improper storage of the hoses can lead to kinking. Hoses can be made with thick side walls to prevent kinks and withstand overpressurization. Fiber reinforcements such as webbing or braiding after adding an outer coating may also be used, all of which add weight to the hose. For this reason, it is extremely beneficial to provide a hose that is lightweight, retractable in length, and resistant to kinks.
已知的可伸缩软管是使用形成为卷形的钢丝和乙烯塑料管，钢丝绕过乙烯塑料管以使其在不使用时通常处于卷曲或卷起构造。当增压水被导入软管中时，软管展开。当去除增压水时，软管回缩到卷起位置。这种软管的实施例包括美国专利2,814,529、3,035,779和美国专利3,966,121。Known retractable hoses use steel wire and vinyl tubing formed into a coil, the wire being looped around the vinyl tubing so that it is generally in a coiled or coiled configuration when not in use. When pressurized water is introduced into the hose, the hose uncoils. When the pressurized water is removed, the hose retracts to the coiled position. Examples of such hoses include US Patents 2,814,529, 3,035,779 and US Patent 3,966,121.
美国专利3,861,424公开了一种由薄的管材和螺旋加强件形成的挠性软管。管材在相邻螺旋匝之间在其沿纵向的厚度上成锥形，以使管材可以褶层的形式向内弯曲。US Patent 3,861,424 discloses a flexible hose formed from thin tubing and helical reinforcements. The tubing tapers in its longitudinal thickness between adjacent helical turns so that the tubing can be bent inwardly in a pleat.
美国专利4,140,154公开了具有柔软主体的挠性软管，所述柔软主体中嵌有刚性的螺旋加强件。US Patent 4,140,154 discloses a flexible hose having a pliable body in which a rigid helical reinforcement is embedded.
美国专利4,009,734公开了一种具有期望回缩强度和弹性记忆力的挠性自缩式管材。卷曲的管材适于作为将受压的流体输送至气动设备的自缩式空气管。US Patent 4,009,734 discloses a flexible self-shrinking tubing with desired retractive strength and elastic memory. Coiled tubing suitable as self-retracting air tubing for delivering fluid under pressure to pneumatic equipment.
美国专利4,091,063公开了具有轴向间隔回旋和由交替的峰和谷限定的可控挠曲性的软管构造，并且所述软管构造具有弹性内层、弹性外层和中间的加强层，中间的加强层由织物材料制成，织物材料在限定织物材料的协作丝线之间具有基本开放的空间。U.S. Patent 4,091,063 discloses a hose construction having axially spaced convolutions and controlled flexibility defined by alternating peaks and valleys, and having an elastic inner layer, an elastic outer layer, and an intermediate reinforcement layer, the intermediate The reinforcing layer is made of a fabric material having substantially open spaces between cooperating threads that define the fabric material.
美国专利4,553,568公开了由于包含一种编结构件和第二编结构件的编结螺旋加强层而适于在压挤之后恢复其原始形状的挠性软管，所述一种编结构件是相对硬的未卷缩的单丝，而第二编结构件是在编结螺旋层中的每个接触点处卷缩到硬的单丝周围的挠性织物材料。U.S. Patent 4,553,568 discloses a flexible hose adapted to return to its original shape after crushing due to braided helical reinforcement layers comprising a braided member which is relatively rigid and a second braided member. uncrimped monofilaments, while the second braided structure is a flexible fabric material crimped around stiff monofilaments at each point of contact in the braided helical layer.
美国专利4,895,185公开了由铠装层加强的挠性软管，铠装层由挠性缆线制成，挠性缆线螺旋布置并且通过使所述层压挤刚性件而至少在一端处附接，其特征在于共轴的支撑元件和抓紧元件具有朝向端部岔开的非粘性锥形压缩表面，并且其特征在于设有狭缝的至少一个楔形件被驱进到加强层之间以确保压缩。US Patent 4,895,185 discloses a flexible hose reinforced by an armor layer made of flexible cables arranged helically and attached at least at one end by pressing the layer against a rigid member , characterized in that the coaxial support and gripping elements have non-adhesive conical compression surfaces diverging towards the ends, and in that at least one wedge provided with a slit is driven between the reinforcement layers to ensure compression .
美国专利5,023,959公开了用于废物处理系统的用偶遇伸展和缩回废弃软管的系统，废物处理系统常见于旅游居住拖车并且包括动力或曲柄驱动软管伸展器部件，曲柄驱动软管伸展器部件用于将可塌缩软管从其塌缩模式伸展成伸展构造，曲柄驱动软管伸展器部件可用于将废物从RV保持罐倾倒到RV废物堆站的入口中。U.S. Patent No. 5,023,959 discloses a system for extending and retracting waste hoses by chance for use in waste disposal systems commonly found in recreational dwelling trailers and including powered or crank driven hose spreader components, crank driven hose spreader components For extending the collapsible hose from its collapsed mode to the extended configuration, the crank actuated hose spreader assembly can be used to dump waste from the RV holding tank into the inlet of the RV waste dump.
美国专利5,477,888公开了一种软管，所述软管具有至少一个塑料或橡胶材料的管状层、呈现为链型的网格线的网状网络以及缠绕到所述内层的外表面、可能的外层上的具有管状形状的网格排，所述软管的特征在于，所述网格排关于软管的纵轴线倾斜。根据优选的实施方案，所述网格的线关于软管的纵轴线Y倾斜，顺从与网格排的方向相反的方向。US Patent 5,477,888 discloses a hose having at least one tubular layer of plastic or rubber material, a mesh network of grid lines in the form of chains and an outer surface wound to said inner layer, possibly Grid rows having a tubular shape on the outer layer, the hose being characterized in that the grid rows are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. According to a preferred embodiment, the lines of said grid are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis Y of the hose, following the direction opposite to the direction of the grid rows.
美国专利5,555,915公开了真空清洁用软管，其包括加强线材，所述加强线材在软管主体的整个长度上螺旋地且连续地缠绕在软管主体中。在靠近软管主体的一端或两端时，加强线材的形状类似于在预定长度部分中陡峭倾斜的螺旋形，以使加强线材的相邻螺旋部分彼此接近，而软管主体的软管壁朝向内周表面松弛。US Patent 5,555,915 discloses a vacuum cleaning hose comprising a reinforcing wire wound helically and continuously in the hose body over the entire length of the hose body. When approaching one or both ends of the hose body, the reinforcing wire is shaped like a spiral that slopes steeply in a predetermined length portion so that adjacent helical portions of the reinforcing wire approach each other while the hose wall of the hose body faces toward The inner peripheral surface is loose.
美国专利5,607,107公开了由设定记忆的聚酯片材形成的可伸缩导管。在一种适用作水簸箕的形式中，聚酯片材的远端比能附接至落水管的端宽。在另一种形式中，聚酯片材套接在细长的聚乙烯管中，以形成可伸缩软管。在优选的形式中，软管的远端支撑在软轴上，在软管缠绕和松卷时，卷轴将沿着地面滚动，以进一步确保软管正确地伸缩。管还可根据需要设有用作喷壶的孔。US Patent No. 5,607,107 discloses a collapsible catheter formed from a polyester sheet with a set memory. In one form suitable for use as a water dustpan, the distal end of the polyester sheet is wider than the end that can be attached to the downpipe. In another form, a sheet of polyester is sleeved within an elongated polyethylene tube to form a stretchable hose. In a preferred form, the distal end of the hose is supported on a flexible shaft which will roll along the ground as the hose is wound and unwound to further ensure proper retraction of the hose. The tube can also be provided with a hole for use as a watering can if desired.
美国专利5,894,866公开了具有可变形部的花园浇水用软管组件，所述可变形部允许软管的部分卷绕到支撑件上，所述支撑件用于将软管的端保持在期望位置处。US Patent 5,894,866 discloses a garden hose assembly having a deformable portion that allows portions of the hose to be coiled onto a support for holding the end of the hose in a desired position place.
美国专利6,209,800公开了挠性管，所述挠性管形成为使得相邻线圈在处于收缩位置的同时形成，能够通过伸直线圈来伸展管。US Patent 6,209,800 discloses a flexible tube formed such that adjacent coils are formed while in a retracted position, the tube being able to be stretched by straightening the coils.
美国专利6,568,610公开了用于与标准的花园浇水用软管连接的挠性喷水棒，具有外壳，所述外壳在下端处能与花园浇水用软管连接，而在上端处能与挠性管组件连接，挠性管组件在相对端处与喷嘴连接。U.S. Patent 6,568,610 discloses a flexible sprinkler wand for connection to a standard garden hose, having a housing that is connectable at a lower end to a garden hose and at an upper end to a flexible hose. The flexible tube assembly is connected to the nozzle at the opposite end.
美国专利6,948,527和7,549,448公开了用于输送流体的直线式自致动软管。软管具有偏置弹簧，偏置弹簧沿着整个长度延伸，并且软管可以包括单个或多个弹簧和/或多个直径簧圈。弹簧在外部覆有软管覆盖材料并且在内部覆有软管覆盖材料以形成密封软管，并且弹簧根据软管的期望用途在各个簧圈之间沿径向向内或向外弯成弓形。US Patents 6,948,527 and 7,549,448 disclose linear self-actuating hoses for conveying fluids. The hose has a bias spring that extends along its entire length, and the hose may include a single or multiple springs and/or multiple diameter coils. The spring is coated on the outside and inside with hose covering material to form a sealed hose, and the spring is bowed radially inwards or outwards between individual coils depending on the intended use of the hose.
美国专利6,955,189公开了花园浇水用软管组件，其包括细长且挠性的管状构件，所述管状构件包括第一开口端、第二开口端以及在第一和第二开口端之间延伸的周壁。当管状构件填充有流体时，横向于管状构件的纵轴线截取的截面具有大致长方形，而当管状构件未填充有流体时，管状构件具有大致扁平形状。US Patent 6,955,189 discloses a garden hose assembly comprising an elongated and flexible tubular member including a first open end, a second open end and a hose extending between the first and second open ends. the surrounding wall. A cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member has a generally rectangular shape when the tubular member is filled with fluid, and a generally flattened shape when the tubular member is not filled with fluid.
因此，本领域所需要的是这样的挠性软管：用于传送诸如水的流体，当不使用时长度可收缩，并且当增压流体被导入时长度可伸展，并且当不使用时自动返回至缩短后的长度。Therefore, what is needed in the art is a flexible hose for conveying fluids such as water that can retract in length when not in use and expand in length when pressurized fluid is introduced and automatically return when not in use to the shortened length.
发明概述Summary of the invention
公开的是构造且布置为在存在于置于软管内的增压流体时伸展的软管。利用定位在具有固定构造的外管内的挠性内管，所述软管的长度和宽度能够沿纵向伸展至六倍。在从内管内释放出增压流体时，内管将收缩。外管定位在内管的外周周围并且仅在端处紧固至内管。优选地，内管在优选地为阴阳水耦合件的转接器的管端处紧固至外管，例如，在一端处为水龙头，而在相对端处为可调节喷头。Disclosed is a hose constructed and arranged to expand in the presence of pressurized fluid disposed within the hose. With a flexible inner tube positioned within an outer tube of fixed configuration, the length and width of the hose can be stretched longitudinally up to six times. As the pressurized fluid is released from within the inner tube, the inner tube will contract. The outer tube is positioned around the periphery of the inner tube and is secured to the inner tube only at the ends. Preferably, the inner tube is fastened to the outer tube at the tube ends of an adapter, preferably a male-female water coupling, eg a tap at one end and an adjustable spray head at the opposite end.
因此，本发明的目标是提供在软管内施加流体压力时纵向、侧向伸展的挠性软管。It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flexible hose that expands longitudinally and laterally upon application of fluid pressure within the hose.
本发明的另外的目标是提供在软管内施加流体压力时加长至其收缩长度的2.5至2.8倍的软管。It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose that elongates to 2.5 to 2.8 times its contracted length when fluid pressure is applied within the hose.
本发明的另一目标是提供在软管内施加流体压力时加长至其收缩长度的6倍的软管。Another object of the present invention is to provide a hose that elongates up to 6 times its contracted length when fluid pressure is applied within the hose.
本发明的又一目标是提供与非伸展式软管相比相对轻的软管，本发明的软管具有薄壁内管，在收缩时，薄壁内管排出流体。It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose that is relatively light compared to non-stretchable hoses, the hose of the present invention having a thin walled inner tube which, when contracted, expels fluid.
本发明的再一目标是提供在使用时不会绞缠或缠结于自身上的软管，所述软管在缩回期间具有将减少或免除形成绞缠的限定状态。It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose which does not kink or become tangled on itself in use, which hose has a defined condition during retraction which will reduce or eliminate the formation of kinks.
本发明的又一目标是提供允许在软管的外套管上设置诸如词语的标记的软管，其中，在伸展状态下可显示所述标记，而在收缩状态下所述标记模糊。Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hose that allows markings such as words to be provided on the outer sleeve of the hose, wherein said markings are visible in the extended state and blurred in the retracted state.
本发明的再一目标是提供能够易于与诸如住宅房产或商用房产上的水龙头的增压水源耦合和解耦合的软管。Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hose that can be easily coupled and uncoupled to a pressurized water source, such as a water tap on a residential or commercial property.
通过结合附图给出的下面的详述，本发明的其它目标和优势将变得明显，其中通过本发明的一些实施方案是示例和实施例阐述的。本文所包含的任何附图构成了本说明书的部分并且包括本发明的示例性实施方案且图示出其各种物体和特征。Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are illustrated and illustrated by way of example. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
附图说明Description of drawings
图1是处于收缩位置的本发明的纵向侧视图；Figure 1 is a longitudinal side view of the present invention in a retracted position;
图2是沿着图1中的线2-2截取的本发明的剖视图；Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1;
图3是处于展开位置的本发明的纵向视图；Figure 3 is a longitudinal view of the invention in the deployed position;
图4是沿着图3中的线4-4截取的本发明的Figure 4 is a view of the present invention taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3
图5是沿着图3中的线4-4截取的本发明的软管的部分的剖视图、立体图；Figure 5 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a portion of the hose of the present invention taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3;
图6是沿着图1中的线2-2截取的本发明的软管的部分的剖视图、立体图；Figure 6 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a portion of the hose of the present invention taken along line 2-2 in Figure 1;
图7是当软管处于其展开状态时紧固到本发明的软管的端上的阳耦合件的立体图；Figure 7 is a perspective view of the male coupling fastened to the end of the hose of the present invention when the hose is in its deployed state;
图8是当软管处于其收缩状态时紧固到本发明的软管的端上的阴耦合件的立体图；Figure 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 retracted state;
图9是处于隐藏了置于外侧壁上的标记的收缩状态的软管的示图；Figure 9 is a view of the hose in a retracted state with markings placed on the outer side wall concealed;
图10是处于展开状态的图9的软管的示图，其中在外壁上能够看到标记；以及Figure 10 is a view of the hose of Figure 9 in a deployed state with markings visible on the outer wall; and
图11是耦合件的实施方案的剖视图。Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coupling.
发明详述Detailed description of the invention
尽管本发明可具有各种形式的实施方案，但是在附图中示出且将在下文说明当前优选而非限制性的实施方案，应当理解的是，本公开应视为本发明的示例，而不意在将本发明限制为所图示的具体实施方案。While the invention is capable of embodiments in various forms, a presently preferred and non-limiting embodiment is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described, it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the invention and that It is not intended that the invention be limited to the particular embodiments illustrated.
总地参照图1-8，阐述了本发明的可伸展软管的优选实施方案。在增压流体导入软管内时，软管自伸展，并且在软管内的流体释放时，软管自收缩。软管10由两个单独且不同的管构成。内管14由延长率为6比1的弹性材料形成，并且当增压流体导入到内管14中时，能够伸展至其松弛或未展开长度的4至6倍。在优选的实施方案中，长度伸展为收缩长度的2.5-2.8倍，并且内管14为天然胶乳橡胶。然而，还可以使用具有类似于橡胶的弹性特性的其它合成材料。弹性内管14相对于其长度沿径向向外或侧向伸展。内管14的径向伸展受非弹性外管12的最大直径约束。外管12由非弹性的、相对软的、可弯曲的管状织物材料形成。用于形成非弹性外管12的优选材料是编结或编织的尼龙、聚酯或聚丙烯。还可以采用其它编结或编织的材料来形成外管12。对外管12的材料的要求是柔软、可弯曲、非弹性，并且应当足够强以承受高达每平方英寸(psi)250磅的内压。Referring generally to Figures 1-8, a preferred embodiment of the extendable hose of the present invention is illustrated. The hose self-expands when pressurized fluid is introduced into the hose and self-contracts when fluid within the hose is released. The hose 10 consists of two separate and distinct tubes. The inner tube 14 is formed from a resilient material with an elongation ratio of 6 to 1 and is capable of stretching to 4 to 6 times its relaxed or undeployed length when pressurized fluid is introduced into the inner tube 14 . In a preferred embodiment, the extended length is 2.5-2.8 times the contracted length, and the inner tube 14 is natural latex rubber. However, other synthetic materials having rubber-like elastic properties may also be used. The elastic inner tube 14 extends radially outward or laterally relative to its length. The radial extension of the inner tube 14 is constrained by the maximum diameter of the non-elastic outer tube 12 . Outer tube 12 is formed from a non-elastic, relatively soft, bendable tubular fabric material. Preferred materials for forming the non-elastic outer tube 12 are braided or braided nylon, polyester or polypropylene. Other braided or braided materials may also be used to form the outer tube 12 . The material requirements for the outer tube 12 are that it is soft, flexible, non-elastic, and should be strong enough to withstand internal pressures up to 250 pounds per square inch (psi).
软管10采用位于第一端处的阴耦合件18和位于第二端处的阳耦合件16。阳耦合件16包括螺纹部20、中部22和部分24，内管14、外管12和伸展限制套筒26紧固到螺纹部20、中部22和部分24上。内管14、外管12和伸展限制套筒26紧固到阳耦合件上，下文将进行说明。The hose 10 employs a female coupling 18 at a first end and a male coupling 16 at a second end. Male coupling 16 includes threaded portion 20 , central portion 22 and portion 24 to which inner tube 14 , outer tube 12 and extension limiting sleeve 26 are secured. The inner tube 14, outer tube 12 and extension limiting sleeve 26 are secured to the male coupling, as will be described below.
阴耦合件18包括位于阴耦合件内部的螺纹部28，见图1、图3和图8。螺纹部28构造为接受阳螺纹20并且使一个软管能与另一软管耦合。螺纹部28还构造为与水龙头、插口或常见于住宅房产或商用房产外部的类似阀控件耦合。住宅中的大多数水龙头采用标准尺寸的阳耦合件或装配件。这种耦合件在行业中是公知的，大多数常规的花园浇水用软管具有将与这种水龙头啮合的标准尺寸的阴耦合件或装配件。The female coupling 18 includes a threaded portion 28 inside the female coupling, see FIGS. 1 , 3 and 8 . Threaded portion 28 is configured to accept male thread 20 and enable coupling of one hose with another. The threaded portion 28 is also configured to couple with a faucet, socket or similar valve control commonly found on the exterior of residential or commercial properties. Most faucets in homes have standard size male couplings or fittings. Such couplings are well known in the industry and most conventional garden hoses have standard size female couplings or fittings that will engage such faucets.
内管14、外管12和伸展限制套筒27紧固到阴耦合件上，下面将进行说明。在优选的实施方案中，阴耦合件还包括垫圈29，垫圈29确保阳耦合件和阴耦合件之间或者任何其它阳耦合件或阴耦合件之间的流体气密连接。在组装过程中，非弹性的外管12仅在第一端和第二端处通过阳耦合件16和阴耦合件18与内管14附接和连接。优选的是，外管12沿着内管14在第一端和第二端之间的整个长度与弹性的内管14不连接、分离、不接合且不紧固，并且因此，当软管展开或收缩时，外管14能够沿着内管14的整个长度相对于内管自由地移动。The inner tube 14, outer tube 12 and extension limiting sleeve 27 are secured to the female coupling, as will be described below. In a preferred embodiment, the female coupling also includes a gasket 29 which ensures a fluid-tight connection between the male and female couplings or any other male or female coupling. During assembly, the non-resilient outer tube 12 is attached and connected to the inner tube 14 only at the first and second ends by the male coupling 16 and the female coupling 18 . Preferably, the outer tube 12 is not connected, disconnected, not engaged and not fastened to the elastic inner tube 14 along the entire length of the inner tube 14 between the first end and the second end, and thus, when the hose is deployed Or contracted, the outer tube 14 is free to move relative to the inner tube along the entire length of the inner tube 14 .
本发明的软管10在图1、图2、图6和图8中展示为处于其收缩状态。在该状态下，具有弹性的内管14处于松弛的收缩状态，其中不向内管14施加力而使其伸展或拉伸。在其收缩状态下可驻留于管中的流体的量比在其展开状态下少得多。而且，应当注意的是，当软管处于该收缩状态时，外管12优选地不与内管14接合而相接触。在内管14和外管12之间存在空间15(图6)。如图6所示，在收缩位置上，内管14的壁的厚度与图5中处于展开位置的内管14的厚度相对大。弹性内管14侧向展开是内管14内的流体压力和流体量增加的结果。内管14中流体压力和量的这种增加也使得弹性内管14的长度伸展。内管14在侧向以及纵向上的伸展使得内管的壁厚减小，内管直径的增大因此增加了能够流经内管14的流体量。壁厚的这种减小清楚地示于图5中，其中由于内管14内流体压力和量的增加，内管的内径已经扩张和伸长。The hose 10 of the present invention is shown in its contracted state in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 6 and 8 . In this state, the elastic inner tube 14 is in a relaxed contracted state in which no force is applied to the inner tube 14 to stretch or stretch it. The amount of fluid that can reside in the tube in its contracted state is much smaller than in its expanded state. Also, it should be noted that the outer tube 12 is preferably not engaged with the inner tube 14 but is in contact when the hose is in this contracted state. There is a space 15 between the inner tube 14 and the outer tube 12 (Fig. 6). As shown in FIG. 6 , in the retracted position, the thickness of the wall of the inner tube 14 is relatively greater than that of the inner tube 14 in the expanded position in FIG. 5 . The lateral expansion of the elastic inner tube 14 is a result of the increase in fluid pressure and fluid volume within the inner tube 14 . This increase in fluid pressure and volume in the inner tube 14 also causes the length of the elastic inner tube 14 to stretch. The lateral 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 thus increases the amount of fluid that can flow through the inner tube 14 . This reduction in wall thickness is clearly shown in Figure 5, where the inner diameter of the inner tube 14 has expanded and elongated due to the increased pressure and volume of fluid within the inner tube 14.
在图3-5所示的扩张或伸长的状态下，内管14伸展或拉伸。在该展开状态下，非弹性外管12限制了内管14的侧向伸展。参见图3和图5，在该伸长状态下，外管12也沿其长度高、平滑且相对平坦。由于外管12不侧向或纵向伸展，所以外管12的实际长度和宽度确定了处于其伸展状态的软管10的最大长度和最大宽度。因此，在流体压力施加到弹性内管14的内部时，外管12的直径和长度确定了本发明的软管的直径和长度。非弹性外管的该直径和长度是当软管10处于其展开状态并且在使用时输送或传送流体时软管10的最后直径和最后长度。In the expanded or elongated state shown in Figures 3-5, the inner tube 14 stretches or stretches. In this deployed state, the non-elastic outer tube 12 limits the lateral expansion of the inner tube 14 . 3 and 5, in this elongated state, the outer tube 12 is also tall, smooth and relatively flat along its length. Since the outer tube 12 does not extend laterally or longitudinally, the actual length and width of the outer tube 12 determine the maximum length and maximum width of the hose 10 in its extended state. Thus, when fluid pressure is applied to the interior of the resilient inner tube 14, the diameter and length of the outer tube 12 determine the diameter and length of the hose of the present invention. This diameter and length of the non-elastic outer tube is the final diameter and final length of the hose 10 when the hose 10 is in its deployed state and in use conveying or conveying fluid.
在本发明的优选实施方案中，在水导入到已经具有至少20psi的压力的管中时，软管10自动伸展为其收缩长度的4至6倍。因此，当受压的流体供给到软管的内管12的内部时，处于收缩状态的十英尺的软管将自动伸展为40至60英尺。软管内的流体压力是通过将受压的流体导入到软管的一端中并且限制流体从软管的另一端流出来实现的。例如，当本发明的软管10用作房屋周围的花园浇水用软管时，耦合件18紧固到房屋外壁上的水龙头或出水口上。水龙头接通或打开以使受压的水现在能够进入软管10中。市政用水的相对正常的压力为60psi。然而，软管内的水的压力可根据多种情形而宽泛地变化。例如，由自来水公司供给的水的压力。当从井中供水时，由泵供给且由气囊保持的水的压力，等等。喷嘴或其它流体分配器在软管的相对端处紧固到阳耦合件16上。喷嘴可以为改变从喷嘴出来的水的流量和喷洒模式的常规喷嘴。许多喷嘴为L形以便能够由个体舒适地抓握和使用。这些喷嘴还具有操作内部阀门的枢转通断手柄。该内部阀门容许、限制和停止水流经喷嘴。In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hose 10 automatically expands 4 to 6 times its contracted length when water is introduced into the tube which already has a pressure of at least 20 psi. Thus, a ten foot hose in a contracted state will automatically expand to forty to sixty feet when fluid under pressure is supplied to the interior of the inner tube 12 of the hose. Fluid pressure within the hose is achieved by introducing pressurized fluid into one end of the hose and restricting fluid flow from the other end of the hose. For example, when the hose 10 of the present invention is used as a garden hose around the house, the coupling 18 is fastened to a faucet or spout on the outside wall of the house. The water tap is turned on or opened so that water under pressure can now enter the hose 10 . A relatively normal pressure for municipal water is 60 psi. However, the pressure of the water within the hose can vary widely depending on a variety of circumstances. For example, the pressure of the water supplied by the water company. When water is supplied from a well, the pressure of the water supplied by the pump and maintained by the bladder, etc. A nozzle or other fluid dispenser is secured to the male coupling 16 at the opposite end of the hose. The nozzles may be conventional nozzles that vary the flow and spray pattern of water coming out of the nozzles. Many nozzles are L-shaped to allow for comfortable grip and use by an individual. These nozzles also feature a pivoting on-off handle that operates the internal valve. This internal valve allows, restricts and stops water flow through the nozzle.
根据喷嘴的开口有多大，喷嘴提供了在软管端处的流体的各种限制量。喷嘴中的开口越小，喷嘴更多限制在软管的端处释放流体，并且软管内部的压力和流体量越高。喷嘴中的开口越大，喷嘴更少地限制在软管的端处释放流体，并且软管内部的压力和流体量越低。出自典型房屋的压力大约为60psi。如果在本发明的另一端处的流体流被关断且完全限制，则内管内的psi将与出自房屋的压力60psi相同。在该高压下，本发明的内管14和外管12将伸展至其最大长度五十英尺。随着软管端处的流体释放，软管内部的压力变小，并且软管开始收缩。然而，即使当相对端处的压力降至出自房屋的典型压力60psi以下时，本发明也将保持完全展开。在一个实施例中，出自房屋的水压为60psi，并且在软管的另一端处从喷嘴出来的水压为35psi。弹性内管14内部的该35psi的压力为足以使内管14侧向和纵向伸展直至其侧向和纵向伸展变得受非弹性外管12限制且伸展至非弹性外管12的最大长度和宽度为止的压力。在优选的实施方案中，软管10从其收缩状态下的十英尺的长度伸展为其展开状态下的五十英尺的长度。Depending on how large the opening of the nozzle is, the nozzle provides various restrictions on the amount of fluid at the end of the hose. The smaller the opening in the nozzle, the more the nozzle restricts releasing fluid at the end of the hose, and the higher the pressure and volume of fluid inside the hose. The larger the opening in the nozzle, the less the nozzle restricts releasing fluid at the end of the hose, and the lower the pressure and volume of fluid inside the hose. The pressure from a typical house is about 60psi. If the fluid flow at the other end of the invention is shut off and fully restricted, the psi inside the inner tube will be the same as 60 psi out of the house. At this high pressure, the inner tube 14 and outer tube 12 of the present invention will expand to their maximum length of fifty feet. As the fluid at the hose end is released, the pressure inside the hose decreases and the hose begins to contract. However, the invention will remain fully deployed even when the pressure at the opposite end drops below the typical pressure of 60 psi out of the house. In one embodiment, the water pressure coming out of the house is 60 psi and the water pressure coming out of the nozzle at the other end of the hose is 35 psi. This 35 psi pressure inside the elastic inner tube 14 is sufficient to cause the inner tube 14 to expand laterally and longitudinally until its lateral and longitudinal extension becomes constrained by the non-elastic outer tube 12 and stretches to the maximum length and width of the non-elastic outer tube 12 pressure so far. In a preferred embodiment, hose 10 extends from a length of ten feet in its contracted state to a length of fifty feet in its expanded state.
图7和图8示出了阳耦合件16和阴耦合件18如何分别紧固到本发明的优选实施方案的软管上。在图7中，阳耦合件16包括多个螺纹20。阳耦合件16还包括管状延伸部32，管状延伸部32延伸到内管14、外管12和伸展限制套筒26的内部。管状延伸部32具有中空内部34，流体能够流经中空内部34。紧固装置34包围外套筒26、外管12和内管14并且将这些元件紧固到管状延伸部34上。单独的流限制器37图示为位于耦合件16内。还可以采样诸如软管喷嘴、喷洒器等其它类型的流限制器。可采用限制流体在软管内流动的任何部件。从图7中可以看出，与其较厚的收缩状态相比，外管12相对平滑，内管壁相对薄，并且伸展限制套筒26限制内管和外管在紧固装置34的接合处伸展。不使用套筒26，内管会立即呈阶跃函数向外伸展并且可能破裂。套筒26容许内管14逐渐向外伸展和渐缩，从而防止内管在该接合处破裂。诸如装夹和模压等其它类型的连接也可用于将阳耦合件紧固到内管14、外管14和套筒26上。通过使用其它类型的连接，可以无需伸展限制套筒。Figures 7 and 8 show how the male coupling 16 and the female coupling 18, respectively, are fastened 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 that extends into the interior of the inner tube 14 , the outer tube 12 and the extension limiting sleeve 26 . The tubular extension 32 has a hollow interior 34 through which fluid can flow. Fastening means 34 surround outer sleeve 26 , outer tube 12 and inner tube 14 and fasten these elements to tubular extension 34 . A separate flow restrictor 37 is shown within the coupling 16 . Other types of flow restrictors such as hose nozzles, sprinklers, etc. may also be sampled. Any component that restricts the flow of fluid within the hose may be used. It can be seen from FIG. 7 that the outer tube 12 is relatively smooth compared to its thicker collapsed state, the inner tube wall is relatively thin, and the extension limiting sleeve 26 limits the expansion of the inner and outer tubes at the junction of the fastening means 34. . Without the sleeve 26, the inner tube would immediately stretch outwards in a step function and possibly rupture. The sleeve 26 allows the inner tube 14 to gradually expand and taper outwardly, thereby preventing the inner tube from breaking at this junction. Other types of connections, such as clamping and swaging, may also be used to secure the male coupling to the inner tube 14 , outer tube 14 and sleeve 26 . By using other types of connections, the extension limiting sleeve may not be required.
图8示出了紧固到处于收缩状态的本发明的软管上的阴耦合件18。阴耦合件18设有多个内螺纹28。螺纹28设计成与阳耦合件上的互补螺纹20相互作用和协作，以在阳耦合件16和阴耦合件18之间提供流体气密连接。阴耦合件18还包括管状延伸部36，管状延伸部36延伸到内管14、外管12和伸展限制套筒27的内部。管状延伸部36具有中空内部38，流体能够流经中空内部38。紧固装置40包围外套筒27、外管12和内管14并且将这些元件紧固到管状延伸部36上。从图8中可以看出，与其伸长状态相比，柔软织物制外管12不平滑，而是折叠、压缩和紧密地聚集到内管14的周边周围，内管14的壁相对厚，并且套筒27不限制内管和外管在紧固装置40的接合处伸展。不使用套筒27，内管14会立即呈阶跃函数向外展开并且在流体压力施加到软管10的内部时可能破裂。套筒27容许内管14逐渐向外伸展和渐缩，从而防止内管在该接合处破裂。还可以采用诸如装夹和模压等其它类型的连接来将阴耦合件紧固到内管14、外管12和套筒27上。通过使用诸如图11中所公开的其它类型的连接，可以免除对限制套筒的需要。Figure 8 shows the female coupling 18 fastened to the hose of the invention in a contracted state. The female coupling 18 is provided with a plurality of internal threads 28 . Threads 28 are designed to interact and cooperate with complementary threads 20 on the male coupling to provide a fluid-tight connection between male coupling 16 and female coupling 18 . The female coupling 18 also includes a tubular extension 36 that extends into the interior of the inner tube 14 , the outer tube 12 and the extension limiting sleeve 27 . The tubular extension 36 has a hollow interior 38 through which fluid can flow. The fastening means 40 surround the outer sleeve 27 , the outer tube 12 and the inner tube 14 and fasten these elements to the tubular extension 36 . As can be seen from Figure 8, the soft fabric outer tube 12 is not smooth compared to its elongated state, but is folded, compressed and tightly gathered around the perimeter of the inner tube 14, which has a relatively thick wall and The sleeve 27 does not restrict the expansion of the inner and outer tubes at the junction of the fastening device 40 . Without the use of sleeve 27 , inner tube 14 would immediately expand outward in a step function and could rupture when fluid pressure is applied to the interior of hose 10 . The sleeve 27 allows the inner tube 14 to gradually expand and taper outwardly, thereby preventing the inner tube from breaking at this junction. Other types of connections, such as 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 such as that disclosed in FIG. 11 , the need for a restraint sleeve may be obviated.
本发明的另一特征是减轻软管的重量。软管10在其收缩状态下相对高，并且在其伸展至4至6倍之后，软管的重量不增加。而且，因为软管沿软管在阳连接器和阴连接器之间的整个长度不包含诸如弹簧、丝网或其它金属部件的任何金属构件，所以收缩的十英尺的软管仅重小于2磅，并且在展开状态下，五十英尺的软管也仅重小于2磅(不计展开后的软管内的流体的重量)。然而，相反，常规橡胶制1/2英寸ID的50英尺的软管可重达12磅。这种重量的减轻使本发明的软管能易于携载、易于拖曳、易于处理且易于由使用软管的任何人尤其是不具有非凡力气或者不期望拖曳、携载或使劲拉着沉重、笨重的常规橡胶软管的个体使用。Another feature of the invention is to reduce the weight of the hose. The hose 10 is relatively tall in its contracted state, and after it has been stretched 4 to 6 times, the hose does not increase in weight. Also, because the hose does not contain any metal components such as springs, wire mesh, or other metal parts along the entire length of the hose between the male and female connectors, the collapsed ten foot hose weighs only less than 2 lbs. , and in the deployed state, the fifty foot hose only weighs less than 2 pounds (excluding the weight of the fluid in the deployed hose). In contrast, however, a 50 foot hose of conventional rubber 1/2 inch ID can weigh as much as 12 lbs. This reduction in weight makes the hose of the present invention easy to carry, easy to tow, easy to handle and easy to use by anyone using the hose especially who does not have extraordinary strength or desire to tow, carry or strain heavy, cumbersome Individual use of conventional rubber hoses.
本发明的另一特征是，当内管14不存在压力时，外管12的长度减小或缩小。在弹性内管12内无压力或容积的情况下，内管自动收缩。当内管14处于收缩状态时外管12的状态示于图1、图2和图6中。因为外管未沿着软管在第一端和第二端之间的整个长度紧固到内管上，所以外管12的柔软织物材料能够相对于内管自由地移动。外管能够沿着软管的整个长度相对于内管自由移动的事实使得，当内管14内无流体压力时，外管能变得折叠、压缩和紧密聚集到处于收缩状态的内管沿其长度的周边外部的周围。外管12的这种折叠、压缩和紧密聚集的状态防止软管10绞缠，并且也有助于防止软管缠结到其自身。因此，处于收缩状态的空软管10易于储存，而无需担心软管绞缠或缠结，就如大多数常规的软管一样。软管10不变得绞缠或缠结的趋向使用户能够在极小的空间中储存软管10，而无需担心当从储存处移除并使用时不得不解开或松开软管。本发明的使用者可从储存状态取出软管10，将喷嘴或其它流体限制器紧固到软管的一端上，将软管10紧固到水龙头，并且打开自来水，而无需担心软管缠结或绞缠或者无需解开或松开软管。Another feature of the present invention is that the length of the outer tube 12 decreases or contracts when no pressure is present on the inner tube 14 . In the absence of pressure or volume within the elastic inner tube 12, the inner tube automatically contracts. The state of the outer tube 12 when the inner tube 14 is in the contracted state is shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 and 6 . Because the outer tube is not fastened 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 length of the hose is such that, when there is no fluid pressure within the inner tube 14, the outer tube can become folded, compressed and tightly packed to the point where the inner tube in its contracted state The length of the perimeter outside the perimeter. This folded, compressed and tightly packed condition of the outer tube 12 prevents the hose 10 from kinks and also helps prevent the hose from tangling on itself. Thus, the empty hose 10 in the collapsed state is easy to store without worrying about the hose becoming kinked or tangled, as with most conventional hoses. The tendency of the hose 10 not to become kinked or tangled enables the user to store the hose 10 in a very small space without worrying about having to untie or loosen the hose when it is removed from storage and used. A user of the present invention can remove hose 10 from storage, secure a nozzle or other fluid restrictor to one end of the hose, secure hose 10 to a faucet, and turn on running water without worrying about hose tangling or kinking or without untwisting or loosening the hose.
在被使用之后，常规的花园浇水用软管通常携载或拖曳回它们的储存地，并且储存在卷轴或卷绕于自身之上，放置于平坦面上。这需要时间来携载并拖曳软管以及恰当地储存软管，并且也需要成本来购买软管卷轴。本发明的软管10自动且快速地收缩至其原始储存地，然后容易地折起、卷起或盘起并储存在任何容器(甚至是极小的容器)或任何表面上，从而节省软管主人的时间和花费。After being used, conventional garden hoses are usually carried or towed back to their storage location and stored on a reel or wound up on themselves, placed on a flat surface. This requires time to carry and haul the hose and store the hose properly, and also costs to purchase the hose reel. The hose 10 of the present invention automatically and quickly collapses to its original storage location, then is easily folded, rolled or coiled and stored in any container (even the smallest container) or on any surface, thereby saving hose Master's time and expense.
图5和图6示出了本发明的优选实施方案。在软管组装过程中，在优选的实施方案中，处于其松弛或收缩状态的十英尺的弹性内管14插入到五十英尺的非弹性外管12的中空内部中。十英尺的内管14和50英尺的外管12以及伸展限制套筒27然后全部在第一端处一起附接且紧固到耦合件上。十英尺的内管随后伸长或伸展而通过外管12的中空内部，直到弹性内管12伸展至其松弛或收缩长度的5倍。在组装过程中的该点处，展开的弹性内管12和非弹性外管14均向下夹紧，并且内管12和外管14均为50英尺长。内管12、外管14和伸展限制套筒27随后在第二端处一起附接且紧固到耦合件上，而软管仍处于展开状态。如之前所述，弹性的内管14和非弹性的外管14仅在第一端和第二端处附接且紧固到一起。内管12和外管14沿着软管在第一端和第二端之间的整个长度不紧固。这使得非弹性的外管沿着软管在第一端和第二端之间的整个长度相对于内管自由地移动。Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. During hose assembly, in a preferred embodiment, ten feet of elastic inner tube 14 in its relaxed or contracted state is inserted into the hollow interior of fifty feet of non-elastic outer tube 12 . The ten foot inner tube 14 and fifty foot outer tube 12 and stretch limiting sleeve 27 are then all attached together at a first end and secured to the coupling. A ten foot inner tube is then elongated or stretched through the hollow interior of the outer tube 12 until the elastic inner tube 12 is stretched to 5 times its relaxed or contracted length. At this point in the assembly process, both the expanded elastic inner tube 12 and the non-elastic outer tube 14 are clamped down, and both the inner tube 12 and the outer tube 14 are 50 feet long. The inner tube 12, outer tube 14 and stretch limiting sleeve 27 are then attached together at the second end and secured to the coupling while the hose is still in the deployed state. As previously stated, the elastic inner tube 14 and the non-elastic outer tube 14 are only attached and fastened together at the first and second ends. The inner tube 12 and outer tube 14 are loose along the entire length of the hose between the first and second ends. This allows the non-elastic outer tube to move freely relative to the inner tube along the entire length of the hose between the first and second ends.
当在第二端处从展开的50英尺的弹性内管14和50英尺的非弹性外管12移除夹子时，展开的弹性内管14自动地在其自身内缩回至其十英尺的原始松弛长度。因为当伸长且延伸后的弹性内管12开始从其展开后的长度收缩，未附接的、未接合的、未连接和未紧固的柔软织物制非弹性外管12卡到橡胶制弹性内管14材料上以使外管12自动折叠、压缩并紧密聚集到收缩的内管14的整个长度的外周周围，所以50英尺的非弹性外管12的长度也缩小至收缩状态下的仅十英尺。因此，因为50英尺的非弹性外管具有许多压缩且紧密聚集到10英尺的收缩和松弛的内管14周围的褶，所以折叠、压缩和紧密聚集的50英尺的外管12具有与10英尺的收缩内管12相同的10英尺长度。When the clip is removed from the deployed 50-foot elastic inner tube 14 and the 50-foot non-elastic outer tube 12 at the second end, the deployed elastic inner tube 14 automatically retracts within itself to its original ten-foot length. Slack length. The non-attached, unjoined, unconnected and unfastened soft fabric non-elastic outer tube 12 snaps to the rubber elastic as the elongated and extended elastic inner tube 12 begins to contract from its expanded length. The inner tube 14 is made of such a material that the outer tube 12 automatically folds, compresses, and gathers tightly around the periphery of the entire length of the contracted inner tube 14, so the length of the 50-foot non-elastic outer tube 12 also shrinks to only ten feet in the contracted state. foot. Thus, because the 50-foot non-elastic outer tube has many pleats that compress and tightly gather to the 10-foot contracted and relaxed inner tube 14, the folded, compressed, and tightly-gathered 50-foot outer tube 12 has the same pleats as the 10-foot Shrink inner tube 12 to the same 10 foot length.
当增压流体导入到处于收缩和松弛状态的弹性内管12中时，弹性内管开始侧向和纵向地展开，并且外管开始在弹性内管的周边周围展开和解压缩。结果，当内管伸展至其例如50英尺的最大长度时，外管沿着内管的整个长度展开并解压缩，直到其达到与处于展开状态的内管相同的50英尺长度。而且，因为内管在纵向和侧向上均展开并且其伸展受非弹性外管12限制，所以内管12填充到非弹性外管12内部的全部可用空间中，并且因此，展开、解压缩的外管12的表面在如图5所示的展开状态下变得平滑。When pressurized fluid is introduced into the elastic inner tube 12 in the 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 perimeter of the elastic inner tube. As a result, when the inner tube is extended to its maximum length of, say, 50 feet, the outer tube expands and decompresses along the entire length of the inner tube until it reaches the same 50-foot length as the inner tube in its deployed state. Moreover, because the inner tube expands both longitudinally and laterally and its expansion is limited by the non-elastic outer tube 12, the inner tube 12 fills the entire available space inside the non-elastic outer tube 12, and thus, the expanded, decompressed outer The surface of the tube 12 becomes smooth in the unfolded state as shown in FIG. 5 .
在受压流体已经导入到软管中并且内管14的内部的流体的压力和量已经增加之后，图5中的软管处于其展开状态。软管10的展开长度现在为50英尺、600英寸或15.24米。软管10内的流体的量为0.943加仑、120盎司、3.569升或3180.64立方厘米。软管10的外周为2.12英寸或5.39厘米。外管12的直径为0.68英寸或1.73厘米。内管14的直径为0.64英寸或1.63厘米。内管14的壁厚为0.031英寸或0.079厘米。外管12的厚度为0.031英寸或0.079厘米。外管12的厚度在展开和收缩状态下保持相同。形成内管14的材料可以为任意颜色。图6中的软管处于其收缩状态，其尺寸如下。软管的长度为10英尺、3.33码或3.05米。软管10内的流体的量为0.025加仑、3.2盎司、0.094升或94.635立方厘米。软管10的外周为2英寸或5.08厘米。外管12的直径为0.4英寸或1.02厘米。内管14的内径(ID)为0.25英寸或0.635厘米。内管的外径(OD)为0.375。内管14的壁厚为0.125英寸或0.317厘米。外管12的厚度为0.031英寸或0.079厘米。The hose in FIG. 5 is in its expanded state after pressurized fluid has been introduced into the hose and the pressure and volume of fluid inside the inner tube 14 has increased. The deployed length of the hose 10 is now 50 feet, 600 inches or 15.24 meters. The amount of fluid within the 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 outer tube 12 has a diameter of 0.68 inches or 1.73 centimeters. The inner tube 14 has a diameter of 0.64 inches or 1.63 centimeters. The inner tube 14 has a wall thickness of 0.031 inches or 0.079 centimeters. The outer tube 12 has a thickness of 0.031 inches or 0.079 centimeters. The thickness of the outer tube 12 remains the same in the expanded and contracted states. The material forming the inner tube 14 may be of any color. The hose in Figure 6 in its contracted state has the following dimensions. Hose is available in lengths of 10 feet, 3.33 yards or 3.05 meters. The amount of fluid within the hose 10 is 0.025 gallons, 3.2 ounces, 0.094 liters or 94.635 cubic centimeters. The hose 10 has an outer circumference of 2 inches or 5.08 centimeters. The outer tube 12 has a diameter of 0.4 inches or 1.02 centimeters. The inner diameter (ID) of the inner tube 14 is 0.25 inches or 0.635 centimeters. The outer diameter (OD) of the inner tube is 0.375. The inner tube 14 has a wall thickness of 0.125 inches or 0.317 centimeters. The outer tube 12 has a thickness of 0.031 inches or 0.079 centimeters.
外管12在展开状态下相对平滑，如图3和图5所示。该平滑的表面使能相对容易地使用和操纵软管10。另外，展开的弹性内管14和外管12的平滑表面防止软管绞缠。而且，平滑表面使能将标记放置到外表面上。在管处于收缩状态的同时，能够隐藏放置到外管上的标记，并且标记在展开时变得可读。该标记的实施例示于图9和图10中，其中词语“XHoseTM”放置到外管12上，当软管处于如图9所示的收缩状态时，不能读取标记13。当软管处于如图10所示的展开状态时，能够易于读取标记。所有类型的标记可放置到外管12的外部上，诸如字母、数字、图案、设计和/或图片。可以使用能够固定到外管12上的任何类型的标记。标记可以为任意颜色，也包含黑色或白色。形成外管12的材料也可以为任意颜色。The outer tube 12 is relatively smooth in the unfolded state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . This smooth surface enables relatively easy handling and manipulation of the hose 10 . Additionally, the smooth surfaces of the expanded elastic inner tube 14 and outer tube 12 prevent hose kinks. Also, the smooth surface enables marking to be placed on the outer surface. The markings placed on the outer tube can be hidden while the tube is in the retracted state and become readable when unfolded. An example of this marking is shown in Figures 9 and 10, where the word "XHose™ " is placed on the outer tube 12, the marking 13 cannot be read when the hose is in the retracted state as shown in Figure 9 . The markings can be easily read when the hose is in the unfolded state as shown in FIG. 10 . All types of indicia can be placed on the exterior of the outer tube 12, such as letters, numbers, patterns, designs and/or pictures. Any type of marker that can be secured to the outer tube 12 can be used. Markers can be any color, including black or white. The material forming the outer tube 12 can also be of any color.
本发明的优选实施方案用水来填充和展开软管10。然而，本发明还可使用其它流体。例如，气体可导入软管10中并且通过软管10传送。可以导入能够与内管14一起使用的液体，包括能流动的半固体。因为内管为弹性的，所以如果管内的水冻结，内管会展开。例如，如果本发明的花园浇水用软管在冬季留置在外面，则其中收容的水将冻结，导致展开。常规的花园浇水用软管由于内部伸展而裂开，因为内管具有弹性，所以本发明的挠性软管将展开而不损坏。The preferred embodiment of the present invention fills and deploys the hose 10 with water. However, other fluids may also be used with the present invention. For example, gas may be introduced into the hose 10 and conveyed through the hose 10 . Liquids capable of use with the inner tube 14 may be introduced, including flowable semi-solids. Because the inner tube is elastic, it will expand if the water inside the tube freezes. For example, if the garden hose of the present invention is left outside during the winter, the water contained therein will freeze, causing it to unfold. Whereas conventional garden hoses split due to internal stretching, the flexible hose of the present invention will unfold without damage due to the elasticity of the inner tube.
本说明书中提到的所有专利和公布表示本发明所属领域技术人员的水平。所有的专利和公布通过引用合并于本文中，所达到的程度就好像特别地且单独地表明每个单独的公布通过引用并入本文。All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which the 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.
应当理解的是，尽管阐述了本发明的一些形式，但是不限于本文所述和图示的具体形式或布置。本领域技术人员显而易见的是，可以在不偏离本发明的范围的情况下可以进行各种变型，并且本发明不应视为限制于说明书以及本文所包含的任何附图/图所图示和所描述的内容。It should be understood that while forms of the invention have been illustrated, it is not limited to the precise forms or arrangements described and illustrated herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and that the invention is not to be considered limited to what is illustrated and depicted in the description and any drawings/figures contained herein. The content of the description.
本领域技术人员将易于理解的是，本发明适于实现目标并且获得所提及以及本文所固有的目的和优势。本文所述的实施方案、方法、过程和技术当前表示优选实施方案，旨在示例而不旨在对范围的限制。本领域技术人员可构思出本发明的变型及其它使用，这些变型和使用包含在本发明的主旨内且由随附权利要求的范围限定。尽管已经结合具体的优选实施方案说明了本发明，但是应当理解的是，本发明不应不当地局限于这些具体的实施方案。事实上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的所述的用于实施本发明的方式的各种改进方案旨在包含在随附的权利要求的范围之内。Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the objects and advantages mentioned as well as inherent herein. The embodiments, methods, processes, and techniques described herein presently represent preferred embodiments, are intended to be illustrations, and are not intended to be limitations of scope. Variations and other uses of the invention may be conceived by those skilled in the art, which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201210435095.0ACN103791179B (en) | 2012-11-02 | 2012-11-02 | Extendable Hose Assemblies |
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201210435095.0ACN103791179B (en) | 2012-11-02 | 2012-11-02 | Extendable Hose Assemblies |
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN103791179A CN103791179A (en) | 2014-05-14 |
| CN103791179Btrue CN103791179B (en) | 2017-03-01 |
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201210435095.0AExpired - Fee RelatedCN103791179B (en) | 2012-11-02 | 2012-11-02 | Extendable Hose Assemblies |
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN103791179B (en) |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee | ||
| CF01 | Termination of patent right due to non-payment of annual fee | Granted publication date:20170301 Termination date:20171102 |