WO2014184563A1

WO2014184563A1 - Apparatus and methods for transporting fluid substances

Info

Publication number: WO2014184563A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/051492
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Whittaker
Original assignee: Ian Whittaker
Priority date: 2013-05-15
Filing date: 2014-05-15
Publication date: 2014-11-20
Also published as: GB201308799D0; GB2514159A

Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for transporting fluid substances. An expandable hose (10) comprising at least one substantially hollow flexible inner tube (11) having a first end and a second end, said at least one inner tube being elastically expandable; and a substantially hollow flexible outer sleeve (13), in which said at least one inner tube (11) is located, the outer sleeve being of such a material that an increase in fluid pressure within said at least one inner tube expands said at least one inner tube longitudinally, thereby substantially increasing a length of said hose (10), wherein said outer sleeve (13) is attached to said at least one inner tube (11) at two or more distinct longitudinal locations (14), wherein at least one of said locations is between the ends of said inner tube.

Description

Apparatus and methods for transporting fluid substances e present invention relates to apparatus and methods for transporting fluid substances. s generally desirable to make a hose more manageable when it is not in use so as to ow for easy storage of the hose and so as to minimise the amount of time spent loying the hose when it is required for use. Fixed length hoses are generally wrapped und a roll or folded in order to provide for more ready storage and prevent tangling of hose. However, in these cases, the overall length of the hose remains constant, which make them unmanageable despite the aforementioned rolling or folding. In some hose structions, features allow for the length of the hose to be reduced when not in use and in turn allows for a more ready storage of the hose. The time spent preparing the hose storage or use is also reduced. This type of hose may be referred to as an expandable e. pandable hoses have used the inherent pressure of the fluid they carry to elastically and a tube such that the overall size of the hose is increased. However, elastic erials are very susceptible to damage from sharp objects and over-inflation. A ective outer tube or sleeve has been added to some designs to protect the elastic ng and to restrict the expansion of the hose to stop the hose from over-expansion. se outer sleeves can, however become tangled or bunched on the elastic tubing they tain and can serve to restrict the expansion of the hose and, in worst cases, restrict the w of fluid through the hose itself. andable hoses have thus far only been capable of transporting one fluid or fluid ture within them. Presently, if a user wishes to transport more than one fluid or ture separately, then more than one length of expandable hose must be used. rently, the internal elastic tubes merely elastically increase their dimensions when surised. This method of operation imposes a limit on the amount of expansion it is ible to achieve, with the generally established maximum expansion being around three to five times the relaxed length of the hose. ore specifically, US 8,291,941 discloses a prior art expandable hose whichtomatically expands longitudinally and radially (i.e. laterally or transversely) upon theroduction of pressurised fluid into the hose. Upon release of the fluid pressure, the hoseurns to its contracted length. The hose comprises of an elastic inner tube whichpands within a non-elastic outer tube when the pressurised fluid is introduced into the er tube. The outer tube is not attached to the inner tube at any point other than at its s and, as such, the outer tube is free to move relative to the inner tube. The outer tube become bunched or twisted, or can otherwise restrict the elastic expansion of the er tube and, in the worst cases, inhibit the movement of fluid along the hose. irst aspect of the present invention provides an expandable hose comprising:

east one substantially hollow flexible inner tube having a first end and a second end,d at least one inner tube being elastically expandable; and a substantially hollow ible outer sleeve, in which said at least one inner tube is located, the outer sleeveng of such a material that an increase in fluid pressure within said at least one innere expands said at least one inner tube longitudinally, thereby substantially increasing agth of said hose, wherein said outer sleeve is attached to said at least one inner tube at or more distinct longitudinal locations, wherein at least one of said locations isween the ends of said inner tube. econd aspect of the present invention provides a method of transporting one or moreds comprising: introducing a fluid into a hose, said hose including: at least one ible inner tube having a first end and a second end, said inner tube being elasticallyandable; and a flexible outer sleeve, in which said at least one inner tube is located, outer sleeve being of such a material that creating a fluid pressure increase within said ast one inner tube expands said at least one inner tube longitudinally, thereby tantially increasing a length of said hose, wherein said outer sleeve is attached to said ast one inner tube at two or more distinct longitudinal locations, wherein at least oneaid locations is between the ends of said inner tube. comparison to the conventional expandable hose, a number of advantages can be seen the present invention. A feature of the hose is a flexible outer sleeve, which is nnected to the one or more inner tubes at a number of points between the first and ond connectors. These attachments reduce the tendency of the outer sleeve to become nched or twisted and therefore restrict the expansion of the inner tubes, as it is not free move relatively to the inner tubes along its entire length between the first and second nectors. Expansion of the inner tubes using the fluid pressure increase will ensure that outer sleeve becomes taught more evenly along its entire length during the hose's ansion. Since the outer sleeve is less likely to become bunched or otherwise inhibit the e's expansion, the hose may be xised straight from its storage with significantly uced detangling or set-up, which saves the user both time and physical effort. urther advantage over a conventional expandable hose is seen if the user wishes to sport more than one fluid in the same hose. Previous expandable hoses have featured y one inner tube. The inclusion of more than one inner tube in the hose allows the user ransport a corresponding number of different fluids within the separate inner tubes hout mixing of the fluids. user may also transport the same fluid in several of the different inner tubes, if ded. If an inner tube is damaged or blocked, the other inner tubes can still function as mal. If only a single inner tube were present, the hose would no longer be able to ction, however if multiple inner tubes are used, the other undamaged tubes can tinue to transport fluid and expand the hose to its expanded state. ther advantage is the use of a fluid at a high pressure in one inner tube to expand the r inner tubes carrying lower pressure fluids that could not expand the hose fully. If a d must be carried by the hose which is at an insufficient pressure to expand the inner s fully, another readily available higher pressure fluid, such as mains water, could be oduced to one or more of the other inner tubes to expand the hose to its extended state. antageously, the outer sleeve may be constructed from a flexible material that does not allow significant elastic expansion to limit potentially destructive over-expansion of e inner tubes. The outer sleeve may have a total length significantly longer than the ner tubes in their relaxed state, such that the outer sleeve is slack between its nnections to the inner tubes. ther advantageous features of the present invention are provided as recited in the ended dependent claims. scribed herein is an expandable hose can expand to an elongated state when one or re pressurised fluids are introduced into it, and contracts to a shortened, relaxed state en pressure within the hose is decreased. The hose is comprised of a non-elastic outer eve and one or more elastic inner tubes. The circumference of the outer sleeve ircles all of the inner tubes, and the outer sleeve is connected to one or more of the er tubes at both ends and at one or more locations between its two ends. The multiple chments of the sleeve to the inner tubes prevent bunching and twisting of the outer ve which may reduce the effective extendable length of the hose. The introduction of re than one inner tube allows more than one fluid to be carried separately within a gle hose. This arrangement also allows for one inner tube containing a high pressure d to expand the hose for the transportation of a second low pressure fluid in a separate er tube, which would not have sufficient pressure to expand the hose on its own. bodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the ompanying drawings, in which: ure 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of the present ention wherein a hose is provided with multiple inner tubes shown in a relaxed state; ure la is a schematic longitudinal section view of the hose of the first embodiment rein the multiple inner tubes are shown in an expanded state; ure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional transverse view of the hose of the first odiment wherein the cross-section is taken at a longitudinal location where an outer sleeve is not connected to peripheral inner tubes; gure 3 is a further schematic cross-sectional transverse view of the hose of the first bodiment wherein the cross-section is taken at a longitudinal location where the outereve is connected to the peripheral inner tubes at a connection point; ure 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view a second embodiment according to the sent invention wherein a hose is provided with a central tube and an annular inner e; ure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional transverse view of the hose of the secondbodiment wherein the cross-section is taken at a longitudinal location where the ular inner tube is not connected to an outer sleeve; ure 6 is a further schematic cross-sectional transverse view of the hose of the secondbodiment wherein the cross-section is taken at a longitudinal location where the ular inner tube is connected to the outer sleeve at a connection point; and ure 7 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a third embodiment according to the ent invention wherein a hose is provided with a helical inner tube. irst embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures I to 3 of theompanying drawings. An expandable hose 10 is schematically shown configured with peripheral inner tubes 11 and a central inner tube 12, each of the seven inner tubes g constructed from a material allowing significant elastic expansion, such as rubber licon. An outer sleeve 13 is situated around the inner tubes 11,12. The arrangementuch that the length of each inner tube is located within the length of the outer sleeve The outer sleeve 13 is also connected to each (or a selected number of the) peripheral r tubes 11 at multiple points 14 along the length of the hose. The outer sleeve 13 is lly constructed from a flexible material which allows the sleeve to bend but does notw the sleeve to expand or stretch (either in a longitudinal or radial direction), such as ic or plastics material, or a composite material. he length of the outer sleeve 13 is significantly longer than that of the inner tubes 11,12hen in their longitudinally relaxed (unexpanded) state. st ends of the outer sleeve 13 and the inner tubes 11,12 are connected to a first nector 15 located at a first end of the hose (collocated with first ends of each of the er tubes) and a second connector 16 located at a second end of the hose (collocated h second ends of each of the inner tubes and the outer sleeve 13). The outer sleeve 13 ree to move relative to the inner tubes 11,12 except at said connection points 14 and at locations where it is connected to the first connector 15 and the second connector 16. outer sleeve 13 is substantially slack between the connection points 14 when the hose s in its contracted state, as the length of the outer sleeve is significantly longer than of the inner tubes 11,12 when in their relaxed state. The inner tubes 11,12 are ched to one another along their length between first connector 15 and second nector 16 such that the longitudinal expansion of one inner tube will force the gitudinal expansion of the other inner tubes. This connection may be at specific points ng the length of the inner tubes 11,12 or as a continuous and unbroken line connection g the entire length (or along one or more segments/portions of lengths) of the tubes 2. Where a line connection is used, the means by which tubes are connected to one her must itself be capable of expansion. So, if the connections means is an adhesive, this adhesive should ideally have elastic properties similar to those of the materialm which the inner tubes are manufactured. first connector 15 can be sealingly connected at a first end thereof to a source (not wn) of one or more pressurised fluids. Such a connection may be a threaded nection or, alternatively, another sealed non-permanent (i.e. reieaseable) connection. d or fluids entering the hose 10 via the first connector 15 are directed via passages 17 e first connector into the inner tubes 11,12. Fluid is prohibited f om entering a cavityween the inner tubes 11,12 and the outer sleeve 13 and may only travel along the th of the hose within the inner tubes 11,12. e first connector allows for a first fluid to be introduced to each of the peripheral innerbes i I, for example, or to a selection thereof, and for a second fluid to be introduced thentral inner tube 12. e second connector 16 is connected at a first end thereof to the second ends of the outereve 13 and inner tubes 11,12. The first and second fluids, having travelled along the e, are directed (via passages 18 in the second connector 16) to a connection for a fluidw restriction device, such as a nozzle or spray gun (not shown). The second end of the ond connector 16 may be connected to a fluid flow restriction device which can be d to dispense fluid at a location of a user's choice. he presence of a fluid flow restriction device connected to the second connector 16, fluid travelling along inner tubes 11,12 exerts an increased fluid pressure and causes inner tubes to expand radially (i.e. laterally or transversely) and longitudinally within outer sleeve 13 to expand the hose to its expanded extended state. In the absence of a d flow restriction device connected to the second connector 16, fluid is permitted to e the second end of the hose via the second connector unimpeded. An increase in sure within the inner tubes 11,12 which could potentially damage the inner tubes by r-pressurisation is thus avoided. ure la shows a schematic cross-sectional transverse view of the hose 10 when in the anded state mentioned above, resulting from an increased fluid pressure within the r tubes 11,12. In moving to this state, the inner tubes 11,12 have expanded ificantly in the longitudinal direction and, as such, the distance between consecutivenection points 14 along the length of the hose 10 has increased. The outer sleeve 13omes more taught between consecutive connection points 14 as a result and assumes a tantially tubular shape as shown in Figure la and less of corrugated shape itudinally along it length as shown in Figure 1. outer sleeve 13 does not expand. Therefore, the longitudinal and radial expansion of nner tubes 11,12 between the first connector 15 and second connector 1 is restricted a maximum size substantially similar to that of the outer sleeve 13 itself. This avoids y over-expansion of the hose which may cause damage to the inner tubes 11,12, ure 2 shows a cross-section of the hose 10 at a location where the outer sleeve 13 is connected to the peripheral inner tubes 11. The outer sleeve 13 is free of the inner es 11,12 at this cross-section and is similarly unattached at any cross-section taken ay from a connection point 14. In this embodiment, the six peripheral, inner tubes 11 arranged in a hexagonal formation about the central inner tube 12 for ease of nufacture and to minimize the cavity and wastage of space within the hose. Figure 2, the attachments 21 between the inner tubes 11,12 can be seen. It is also wn that the outer sleeve 13 is not attached to the peripheral inner tubes II at this gitudinal location. diameters of the all inner tubes 11,12 are similar in the first embodiment, however, relative sizes of the inner tubes and the number of inner tubes could be altered whilst aining within the scope of the invention. ure 3 shows a cross section of the hose 10 at a longitudinal location where the outer ve 13 is connected to the peripheral inner tubes 11 at connection point 14 along the gth of the hose. It can be seen that the outer sleeve 13 is bonded to the peripheral inner es 11 at attachment points 31 about its inner surface. The outer sleeve 13 is unable to ve relative to the inner tubes 11 at the attachment points 31. The outer sleeve 13 and r tubes 11 will be connected in the same manner at all connection points 14 along the e 10. The tubes may or may not be similarly connected at their interface with the first nector 15 or second connector 16. igure 4, a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment according to present invention is shown. An alternative hose 40 is shown provided with a central r tube 41 located within the circumference of a peripheral inner tube 42. Both inner s are contained within the circumference of an outer sleeve 43 between a first connector 45 and a second connector 46. An outer sleeve 43 is connected to the peripheral ner tube 42 at connection points 44 along the length of the hose. The outer sleeve 43 is e to move relative to the inner tubes except at connection points 44 and where it isnnected at its ends to the first connector 45 and the second connector 46. ntral inner tube 41 and peripheral inner tube 42 are located such that an annulus 47 isfined between them and said annulus 47 is sealed and continuous between the firstnnector 45 and the second connector 46, On its first end, the first connector 45 allows ling attachment of the hose to a pressurised fluid source in a similar manner to the e of the first embodiment The first connector 45 directs a first fluid into the central er tube 41 and directs a second fluid separately into the annulus 47. The first and ond fluids may be the same fluid if the user requires. The first fluid is transportedng the hose through the central inner tube 41 and the second fluid is transported along hose through the annulus 47. The second connector 46 allows attachment of the hose fluid flow restriction device which can be used to dispense the first and second fluids location of the user's choice. Although the second embodiment comprises only twoer tubes, further inner tubes could be added to the design to define further annuli for transport of further fluids. ure 5 shows a cross-section of the hose 40 at a longitudinal location where the pheral inner tube 42 is not connected to the outer sleeve 43. The annulus 47 defined central inner tube 41 and the peripheral inner tube 42 can be seen clearly. The pheral inner tube 42 is not connected to the outer sleeve 43 at any point on its umference. ure 6 shows a cross-section of the hose 40 at a longitudinal location at which pheral inner tube 42 is connected to outer sleeve 43 at a connection point 44. The r sleeve 43 is bonded about its entire inner circumference to the outer circiimference he peripheral inner tube 42, such that the outer sleeve cannot move relative to theular inner tube at this point. It is to be understood that outer sleeve 43 and annular r tube 42 will be similarly connected at all connections points 44. Figure 7, a further embodiment is illustrated as hose 70 in a relaxed state. A single ner tube 71 adopts by its design a coiled or helical shape when no fluid pressure is roduced to the inside of the tube. In this manner, the total length of the inner tube 71 is nificantly longer than the apparent distance between its first and second ends when in relaxed state. An outer sleeve 72 of the same or similar design to the outer sleeves of first and second embodiments is attached to the inner tube at multiple points 73 along length between a first connector 74 and a second connector 75. Both the inner tube 71 d the outer sleeve 72 are connected to the first connector 74 at their first ends and to the ond connector 75 at their second ends. e first connector 74 is can be connected on its first end to a source (not shown) of ssurised fluid which is directed through the first connector into the inner tube 71. The nection to the fluid source may be made using a sealed threaded connection or other dly sealed temporary (releaseabie) connection. Fluid passing through the connector 74 rohibited from entering the cavity between the inner tube 71 and the outer sleeve 72, may only travel along the hose 70 within the inner tube 71. on the introduction of the pressurised fluid into the inner tube 71 and the subsequent ssure increase, the inner tube 71 will expand elastically bom in diameter and length radially and longitudinally), whilst also distorting from its coiled shape into a ighter tubular shape substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hose 70 itself. s expansion and distortion can increase the length of the hose up to approximately ht times its relaxed length. The expansion of the inner tube 71 is limited by the non- tic outer sleeve 72 such that the maximum longitudinal dimension the inner tube 71 adopt is substantially similar to the length of the outer sleeve 72. This prevents any r-expansion of the inner tube 71 that could damage the hose or prevent the inner tube rom adopting its coiled shape when relaxed. d from the inner tube 71 enters the second connector 75 at its first end. The second nector 75 may be fluidly coupled at its second end to a fluid flow restriction device shown) which can be used to dispense fluid at a location of the user's choice. The fluid flow restriction device will cause a fluid pressure increase within the inner tube 71. e outer sleeve 72 is connected to the inner tube 71 at multiple points 73 along its lengthtween the first connector 74 and second connector 75. The outer sleeve 72 is stantially slack between the connection points 73 when the hose 70 is in its contracted e. This is because the length of the outer sleeve is greater than that of the hose 70en in its contracted state. ch of the described embodiments of hose 10, 40,70 may be employed with a variety of ds including, but not limited to, mixtures of fluids, semi-solid materials, and mixtures fluid and particulate solids. Due to the nature of elastic materials used for the struction of the inner tubes, extremes of temperature (both hot and cold) can be to theriment of the elastic properties of the inner tubes. As such, the temperatures of ration of the hose will lie within the range which does not substantially alter theperties of the inner tube. embodiments 10,40,70 can be manufactured in a range of lengths by simply altering length of the inner tubes and outer sleeve, however with other parameters remaining same, the factor of expansion will remain substantially unchanged regardless of thegth of the hose in its relaxed state. present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the

ompanying drawings and described herein. Alternative arrangements and materials be apparent to a reader skilled in the art. For example, in an alternative embodiment, fluid flow restriction device may be incorporated into the second connector 16, such a separate fluid flow restriction device is not required. The exemplary embodimentshe invention may be combined with one another relatively diversely, for exampleular arrangement of the inner tubes 41,42 with the multiple tube arrangement of hose

Claims

CLAIMS An expandable hose comprising:

east one substantially hollow flexible inner tube, having a first end and a second end, said at least one inner tube being elastically expandable; and

bstantially hollow flexible outer sleeve, in which said at least one inner tube is located, the outer sleeve being of such a material that an increase in fluid pressure within said at feast one inner tube expands said at least one inner tube longitudinally, thereby substantially increasing a length of said hose,

rein said outer sleeve is attached to said at least one inner tube at two or more distinct longitudinal locations, wherein at least one of said locations is between the ends of said inner tube. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first connector attaching a first end of said outer sleeve to a first end of said at least one inner tube; and a second connector attaching a second end of said outer sleeve to a second end of said at least one inner tube, An expandable hose as claimed in claim 2, wherein said outer sleeve is attached to said at least one inner tube at one or more locations between said first connector and said second connector. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein two or more inner tubes are provided. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 4 when dependent on claim 2 or 3, wherein two or more of said inner tubes are attached to one another between said first and second connectors. An expandable hose as claimed in claim any preceding claim, wherein the outer sleeve may not substantially expand longitudinally or radially. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 4, wherein one or more of said inner tubes is located within the circumference of another of said inner tubes. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 7, wherein each of said inner tubes carries fluid independently between first and second connectors. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the one or more inner tubes adopt a substantially helical shape in the absence of said fluid pressure increase. An expandable hose as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9, wherein said first connector fluidly couples said inner tube to a source of at least one fluid. An expandable hose as claimed in any of claims 2 to 10, wherein said second connector fluidly couples said inner tube to a fluid flow restrictor. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 11, wherein said fluid flow restrictor restricts fluid from exiting the inner tube, thereby creating said increase in fluid pressure. An expandable hose as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein removing said fluid pressure increase substantially decreases a length of said hose. An expandable hose as claimed in claim 1 , 2, or 3 wherein one inner tube is provided. A method of transporting one or more fluids comprising:

oducing a fluid into a hose, said hose including:

at least one flexible inner tube having a first end and a second end, said inner tube being elasticaliy expandable; and a flexible outer sleeve in which said at least one inner tube is located, the outer sleeve being of such a material that creating a fluid pressure increase within said at least one inner tube expands said at least one inner tube longitudinally, thereby substantially increasing a length of said hose; whherein said outer sleeve is attached to said at least one inner tube at two or more distinct longitudinal locations wherein at least one of said locations is between the ends of said inner tube. A method of transporting one or more fluids as claimed in claim 15, further comprising the step of:

connecting said hose to a source of pressurised fluid. A method of transporting one or more fluids as claimed in claim 15 or 16, further comprising the step of:

connecting said hose to multiple sources of pressurised fluid. A method of transporting one o more fluids as claimed in claim 15, 16 or 17, further comprising the step of:

connecting said hose to a fluid flow restrictor. A method of transporting one or more fluids as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18, further comprising the step of:

substantially decreasing a length of said hose by removing said fluid pressure increase. A method of transporting one or more fluids as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein one of said fluids is water. A method of transporting one or more fluids as claimed in any of claims 15 to 20, wherein one of said fluids is air. A method of transporting one of more fluids as claimed in any of claims 15 to, wherein said hose is as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14.

An expandable hose substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. A method of transporting one of more fluids substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.