GB2499439A

GB2499439A - Hose Assemblies

Info

Publication number: GB2499439A
Application number: GB1202767.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mario De Feo; Daniel Kenneth Crowe
Original assignee: ARGUS FLUIDHANDLING Ltd
Current assignee: ARGUS FLUIDHANDLING Ltd
Priority date: 2012-02-17
Filing date: 2012-02-17
Publication date: 2013-08-21
Also published as: GB201202767D0; WO2013121180A1

Abstract

A hose assembly comprises a hose 1 having a body 60 and an end 13. A hose end coupling 15 is fitted to the hose end. The hose end coupling 15 comprises a band 3 and an insert 2, the band 2 being around a region of the hose adjacent the hose end 13 and the insert 2 being inserted into the hose end 13. The hose end region is clamped between the band 3 and the insert 2. The outer diameter of the band 3 is less than the outer diameter of the hose body 60. The assembly is made by swaging the band 3.

Description

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HOSE ASSEMBLIES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hose assemblies and to a method of making hose 5 assemblies.

Background to the Invention

WO-A-2011/114141 discloses a method of making hollowcore slabs. The method involves casting concrete around inflated core formers which are deflated and 10 removed from their respective hollowcores when the concrete is sufficiently set. The core formers each comprise a length of hose. One end of the hose is adapted to have inflation air supplied through it and the other end of the hose is sealed. Each hose is removed from its respective hollowcore by pulling it out using a towing mechanism. A sheath is provided over the hose to prevent it from adhering to the 15 concrete. The sheath is attached to the hose at the end opposite to the end at which the pulling force is applied so that, as the hose is pulled out of the hollowcore, the sheath follows the hose, turning inside out on itself as it does so. In order to enable each hose to be pulled through its respective hollowcore, its ends have to be smaller than the diameter of the hollowcore.

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Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect, the invention provides a hose assembly comprising a hose having a body and an end, a hose end coupling fitted to the hose end, the hose end coupling comprising a band and an insert, the band being around a region of the 25 hose adjacent the hose end and the insert being inserted into the hose end, the hose end region being clamped between the band and the insert, wherein the outer diameter of the band is less than the outer diameter of the hose body.

The assembly according to the invention is particularly suited to use in connection 30 with the method described in WO-A-2011/114141 because, as the outer diameter of the band, which is the outermost component of the hose end coupling, is less than the outer diameter of the hose body, there is nothing to prevent the hose assembly

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from being pulled out of its respective hollowcore. Typically, the outer diameter of the band is of the order of 5% less than the outer diameter of the hose.

The band could equally well be termed, for example, a ring, collar or ferrule. 5 Preferably the band and the insert are complementarily shaped. The band may be generally circular and the insert may be generally cylindrical. The band may not extend all the way around the hose end region.

Preferably, the insert is provided with retaining means for retaining the insert at the 10 hose end. The retaining means preferably comprises a flange at the hose open end of the insert.

Optionally, the hose is a lay flat hose, that is to say, a hose which when not conducting or pressurised by a medium, collapses to a flat, tape-like state, enabling 15 it to be easily rolled up for storage. The transverse plane of the hose in the rolled-out tape-like state is known as the pleat. Lay flat hoses are particularly suited to the method described in WO-A-2011/114141 because the potentially long lengths of hose involved mean that hose storage between castings can be problematic. It will be appreciated that, in the case of a lay flat hose, when the outer diameter of the 20 hose is referred to, what is meant is the outer diameter of the hose in the pressurised state.

The hose may be made from plastics material, such as, for example, polyurethane, which may be reinforced with, for example, textile. Furthermore, the hose may have 25 an internal diameter of between, for example, 10 and 400mm, and a wall thickness of between, for example, 1 and 5mm.

The insert may be made from plastics material, such as, for example, polypropylene. Plastics materials have the advantage that they are relatively light and less 30 expensive than metals and are relatively easily manufactured by moulding or extrusion techniques.

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The band may be made from metal, such as, for example, mild steel. The preferred method of clamping the hose end region between the band and the insert involves swaging the band so the band is preferably made from a swageable material.

5 Preferably, the assembly further comprises a first coupling part that is fitted to the insert. The first coupling part is preferably adapted to mate with a coupling part of the opposite sex provided on a range of attachments, such as, for example, a feed line, an intermediate feed delivery assembly intended for siting between a feed line and the hose end coupling or a blanking cap.

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Optionally, the assembly further comprises towing means by which a towing mechanism, such as, for example, a line or lines, can be attached to the hose end coupling. In the case of the method described in WO-A-2011/114141, as mentioned above, there is a requirement to pull the hose, in which case it is advantageous to 15 have some manner of attaching a towing mechanism to the hose end coupling. Preferably, the towing means comprises at least one eye bolt that is screwed into the hose end coupling.

The assembly may further comprise fastening means to which a sheath provided 20 over the hose may be fastened.

Preferably, the hose comprises another, opposite end with a hose end coupling also fitted to that end. The hose end coupling may be the same as the hose end coupling at the first end or may be different.

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According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of fitting a hose end coupling comprising a band and an insert to a hose having a body and an end to make a hose assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

putting the band around a region of the hose adjacent the hose end; 30 swaging the band thereby to reduce the diameter of the band and the hose end region to a size at which the insert can be both inserted into and retained in the hose end;

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inserting the insert into the hose end and retaining the insert at the hose end; further swaging the band thereby to further reduce the diameter of the band and the hose end region until the hose end region is clamped between the band and the insert;

5 wherein the outer diameter of the further swaged band is less than the outer diameter of the hose body.

Optionally, inserting the insert involves orienting the insert. In the event that the hose is a lay flat hose that has a pleat, the insert may be oriented in relation to the pleat. 10 The insert may be inserted using a tool.

Preferably, the method further comprises fitting a first coupling part to the insert.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing the hose end coupling with 15 towing means by which a towing mechanism can be attached to the hose end coupling.

The method may further comprise providing the hose end coupling with fastening means to which a sheath provided over the hose may be fastened to the hose end 20 coupling.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a hose assembly according to the invention together with attachments;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the hose assembly and attachments shown in Figure 30 1;

Figure 3 is an end view of the sheath anchor member shown in Figure 2; and

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Figures 4a to 4g illustrate the steps involved in a method of making a hose assembly according to the invention.

5 Description of Embodiments

In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a lay flat hose (of the type available from Gollmer & Hummel GmbH of Germany under the Trade Mark Hilcoflex PU) indicated 10 generally at 1 has a first, right hand end 13, a body 60 and a second, left hand end 62. As the hose is of the lay flat type, it is notionally shown as though in a pressurised state.

A hose end coupling is fitted to each end of the hose 1. In the embodiment 15 illustrated, the two hose end couplings are the same, so, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, only the hose end coupling indicated generally at 15, fitted to the first, right hand end 13, will be described. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the two hose end couplings are different.

20 The hose end coupling 15 comprises a generally cylindrical insert 2 which is inserted into the pipe end 13 and a circular band 3 which is around a region of the hose adjacent the hose end 13. The insert 2, which is made from acrylic, has a hose open end 17 and a hose enclosed end 19. The insert 2 also includes a middle outer surface portion 12 of substantially constant diameter. To the hose open end side of 25 the middle outer surface portion 12, the insert 2 has a flange 16 against which the hose end 13 abuts. To the hose enclosed end of the middle outer surface portion 12, the insert 2 has an increased diameter portion 14. The insert 2 also includes a central bore 18 which is stepped, being divided broadly into two with a reduced internal diameter portion 40 adjacent to the hose open end 17 and an increased 30 diameter portion 42 adjacent to the hose enclosed end 19. The reduced internal diameter portion 40 is threaded.

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A male pipe coupling part 6 is screw fitted into the reduced internal diameter portion 40. An anchor member 4, which is generally ring-shaped (as best seen in Figure 3), is captive between the male pipe coupling part 6 and the insert 2. The anchor member 4 is provided with equally spaced attachment eyelets 64.

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Two eyebolts 5 are screwed into the inserts 2. Holes 20 for the bolts 5 extend through the hose open end 17 into the body of the insert 2. The holes 20 are diametrically opposed. The eyebolts 5 are for attaching two towing lines (not shown) to the hose end coupling 15.

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With the hose end coupling 15 fitted to the hose 1, the band 3, which is made from mild steel, has an outer diameter which is less than the outer diameter of the body 60 of the hose 1. This ensures that, in the event the hose 1 needs to pass through an opening (not shown) which is the same size as the outer diameter of the body 60, 15 passage of the hose 1 will not be impeded by the hose end coupling 15 catching or snagging on the opening.

The sequence of steps involved in fitting the hose end coupling will be described with reference to Figures 4a to g.

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In the unfitted state of the hose end coupling 15, the outer diameter of the hose body 60 and the outer diameter of the hose end 13 are the same, 158mm. In addition, the internal diameter of the band 3 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the hose 1 such that the band 3 is a close fit with and can be put neatly around the hose 25 end region (figs. 4a and b). The inner diameter of the hose 1 is much greater than the outer diameter of the flange 16 of the insert 2, which is the outermost part of the insert 2, such that there would be nothing to retain the insert 2 at the hose end 13 if it was inserted into the hose end 13. In other words, the insert 2 could disappear into the body 60 of the hose 1 and would not be prevented from doing so.

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Next (fig. 4c), the band and hose end assembly is placed into a swaging machine (not shown) which has a number of circularly arranged dies 22. The assembly is

positioned in relation to the dies 22 so that the dies 22 can apply a radially inward force to the band 3. This causes the band 3, and hence the hose end 13, to reduce in diameter. The dies 22 continue to apply a force until such time as the internal diameter of the hose end 13 is slightly less than the outer diameter of the flange 16, 5 but not so much less as to prevent the insert 2, with its increased diameter portion 14, from being inserted into the hose end 13. That is to say, the diameter of the hose end is reduced until a point at which the insert 2 can be inserted into the hose end 13 and will be retained there by the flange 16 butting up against the hose end 13.

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After that (fig. 4d), an orientation tool 48 comprising a rod 64 with a threaded tip is screwed into the reduced diameter portion 40 of the insert 2. The orientation tool also has an arm 66 extending transversely from the rod 64 and a locating pin 68 which extends into one of the bolt holes 20 in the insert 2, so as to prevent the 15 orientation tool 48, when fitted to the insert 2, from rotating relative to the insert 2. In other words, rotation of the fitted tool 48 results in rotation of the insert 2.

Using the tool 48 (fig 4e), the insert 2 is inserted into the hose end 13 until the hose end 13 abuts the flange 16, and the band 3 overlies the middle constant diameter 20 portion 12. The insert 2 is oriented so that the boltholes 20 are aligned as required in relation to the pleat of the hose 1, thereby ensuring that the hose can be pulled using the eyebolts 5 in the boltholes 20 in a way that is conducive to the hose 1 rolling easily for storage. Then (fig. 4f), a radially inward force is again applied by the die 22 to reduce the diameter of the band 3 and the hose end 13 until the hose end 25 region is firmly clamped onto the insert 2, the clamping being assisted by the increased diameter portion 14 of the insert 2. The dies 22 are then removed, the assembly is taken out of the swaging machine and the tool 48 is detached from the insert 2 (fig. 4g). The outer diameter of the swaged band 3 is 150mm, approximately 5% less than the outer diameter of the hose body 60.

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In use, the hose 1 may be attached at one end to a medium feed line (not shown) which may be connected directly or using an intermediate feed delivery assembly

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indicated generally at 50 having a pressure gauge 10, fitted to a pressure sampling spigot 9 and a ball valve 11 (also provided with a male coupling part). In either case, the attachment will be provided with a female coupling part 8 which is adapted to mate with the male coupling part 6. At the left hand end, the hose 1 is coupled to a 5 female coupling part 7 which is blanked off. A sheath (not shown), provided over the hose 1, may be attached to the anchor member 4 by tying it to the attachment eyelets 64 at the end opposite to the end at which the pulling force is applied.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and 10 "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to" and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating 15 plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless 20 incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing 25 embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

30 The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application

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and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hose assembly comprising a hose having a body and an end, a hose end coupling fitted to the hose end, the hose end coupling comprising a band and an insert, the band being around a region of the hose adjacent the hose end and the insert being inserted into the hose end, the hose end region being clamped between the band and the insert, wherein the outer diameter of the band is less than the outer diameter of the hose body.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the band and the insert are complementarily shaped.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the band is generally circular and the insert is generally cylindrical.

4. An assembly according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert is provided with retaining means for retaining the insert at the hose end.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the retaining means comprises a flange at the hose open end of the insert.

6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the hose is a lay flat hose.

7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a first coupling part that is fitted to the insert.

8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first coupling part is adapted to mate with a coupling part of the opposite sex provided on a range of attachments.

9. An assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising towing means by which a towing mechanism is attached to the hose end coupling.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the towing means comprises at least one eye bolt that is screwed into the hose end coupling.

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11. An assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising fastening means to which a sheath provided over the hose is fastened.

12. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the hose another, opposite end with a hose end coupling also fitted at that end.

13. A method of fitting a hose end coupling comprising a band and an insert to a hose having a body and an end to make a hose assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

putting the band around a region of the hose adjacent the hose end;

swaging the band thereby to reduce the diameter of the band and the hose end region to a size at which the insert can be both inserted into and retained in the hose end;

wherein the outer diameter of the band is less than the outer diameter of the hose body.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein inserting the insert involves orienting the insert.

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the insert is inserted using a tool.

16. A method according to any of claims 13 to 15, further comprising fitting a first coupling part to the insert.

17. A method according to any of claims 13 to 16, further comprising providing the hose end coupling with towing means for attaching a towing mechanism is to the hose end coupling.

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18. A method according to any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising providing the hose end coupling with fastening means for fastening a sheath provided over the hose.