WO2017139227A1

WO2017139227A1 - Cooling and/or heating hose assembly and method

Info

Publication number: WO2017139227A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/016696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Resendes MARK; Hudyma MIKE
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date: 2016-02-10
Filing date: 2017-02-06
Publication date: 2017-08-17

Abstract

A hose assembly includes an input connector, an inner hose, and an outer hose. The input connector is configured to be fluidly coupled with a source of temperature-conditioned air. The inner hose is fluidly coupled with the input connector and configured to receive a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air. The inner hose also is configured to be fluidly coupled with a system in order to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to the system to cool or heat the system. The outer hose is fluidly coupled with the input connector. The input connector includes one or more vent holes configured to direct a different, second portion of the temperature-conditioned air from the source of the temperature-conditioned air into the outer hose. The second portion of the temperature-conditioned air thermally insulates the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air.

Description

COOLING AND/OR HEATING HOSE ASSEMBLY AND

METHOD

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/293,451, dated lO-February-2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by refererence.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to hose assemblies that supply temperature- conditioned air from a source toward a location to be heated or cooled by the temperature- conditioned air.

[0003] Some systems may be heated or cooled by air in order to maintain or provide a level of comfort in the systems. For example, some aircraft may sit idle for extended periods of time and, as a result, become uncomfortably hot or cool inside the aircraft (depending on whether the aircraft is stationary in a hot or cold climate). The aircraft may be too hot or cold for a pilot or other crew to board the aircraft until the aircraft is sufficiently cooled or warmed. This situation can arise on military bases, where aircraft may remain stationary for extended periods of time between missions. Additionally, the cooling of aircraft can be used for both commercial and military aircraft to keep electronics onboard the aircraft cool, as well as allow creature comfort (e.g., heating or cooling) for aircraft personnel and commercial customers that are traveling on the aircraft.

[0004] In order to cool or heat the interior of these aircraft, temperature-conditioned air may be directed into the interior of the aircraft via a hose that directs the temperature- conditioned air into the aircraft from a source that is outside of the aircraft. The hose may be a relatively simple design of a single conduit fluidly coupled with the air source and the aircraft to deliver the air through the conduit to the aircraft.

[0005] One problem with this design, however, is that ambient conditions between the air source and the aircraft may reduce the cooling or heating effect of the air. The ground on which the hose lies between the air source and the aircraft and/or the ambient air outside of the hose between the air source and the aircraft may be hot or cold relative to the hose and/or the air flowing through the hose.

[0006] For cooling the interior of an aircraft, the ground and/or ambient air can heat the cool air flowing through the hose and cause the air directed into the aircraft to be warmer than desired. As a result, the interior of the aircraft may not be cooled, or cooling the interior of the aircraft may take much longer than desired. Other factors creating or effecting temperature rise in the aircraft is the angle in the hose (which can restrict airflow in the hose), the material used in the hose (e.g., which can restrict airflow in the hose), and pressure or CFM (cubic feet per minute) at which the flow is delivered.

[0007] For heating the interior of an aircraft, the ground and/or ambient air can cool the hot air flowing through the hose and cause the air directed into the aircraft to be cooler than desired. As a result, the interior of the aircraft may not be heated, or heating the interior of the aircraft may take much longer than desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] While the description herein focuses on cooling or heating aircraft with temperature-conditioned air, one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be used in connection with other types of systems, such as non-aircraft vehicles, stationary facilities (e.g., homes or other shelters), etc. The air directed into the aircraft may be from a stationary or mobile pre-conditioned air supply system or unit. The size of the conduit can vary and the length of the conduit can vary.

[0009] In one embodiment, a hose assembly includes an input connector, an inner hose, and an outer hose. The input connector is configured to be fluidly coupled with a source of temperature-conditioned air. The inner hose is fluidly coupled with the input connector and configured to receive a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air. The inner hose also is configured to be fluidly coupled with a system in order to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to the system to cool or heat the system. The outer hose is fluidly coupled with the input connector. The input connector includes one or more vent holes configured to direct a different, second portion of the temperature-conditioned air from the source of the temperature-conditioned air into the outer hose. The second portion of the temperature-conditioned air thermally insulates the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air. [0010] In one example, the input connector extends from an inlet end through which the temperature-conditioned air is received from the source to an opposite outlet end through which the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air is directed from the input connector into the inner hose.

[0011] In one example, the input connector includes the one or more vent holes between the inlet end and the outlet end, and wherein the outer hose is connected with the input connector in a location that is between the inlet end and the one or more vent holes.

[0012] In one example, the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as cooled air having a temperature that is colder than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies. The inner hose can be configured to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air into the system in order to cool an interior of the system.

[0013] In one example, the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as heated air having a temperature that is hotter than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies. The inner hose can be configured to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air into the system in order to heat an interior of the system.

[0014] In one example, the outer hose includes a vent opening in a location between the input connector and the system, the vent opening configured to direct the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air out of the outer hose prior to reaching the system.

[0015] In one example, the inner hose is located inside the outer hose and the inner hose defines an interior chamber through which the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air flows from the input connector to the system. The outer hose and the inner hose can define an exterior chamber between the inner hose and the outer hose through which the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air flows.

[0016] In one example, the system includes an aircraft and the inner hose is configured to be fluidly coupled with the aircraft to cool an interior of the aircraft. [0017] In one example, the input connector includes first and second segments connected with each other at one or more interfaces. The first and second segments can be elongated along transverse directions with respect to each other.

[0018] In one example, the first segment extends from an inlet end to an interface between the first segment and the second segment, and the second segment extends from the interface to an outlet end. The inlet end can receive the temperature-conditioned air from the source and the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air exits the input connector into the inner hose through the outlet end. The second segment can include the one or more vent holes.

[0019] In one example, the input connector includes one or more adjustable bodies configured to be moved relative to the vent holes to adjust how much of the temperature- conditioned air is directed into the outer hose.

[0020] In one embodiment, a hose assembly includes an inner hose, an outer hose, and an input connector. The inner hose is configured to be fluidly coupled with a source of temperature-conditioned air. The inner hose defines an interior chamber through which a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air is directed to a system to be heated or cooled by the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air. The outer hose is disposed outside of the inner hose to define an exterior chamber between the inner hose and the outer hose. The input connector is fluidly coupled with both the inner hose and the outer hose. The input connector includes an inlet end configured to receive the temperature-conditioned air from the source and an outlet end fluidly coupled with the interior chamber of the inner hose. The input connector also includes one or more vent holes fluidly coupled with the exterior chamber of the outer hose. The one or more vent holes are configured to bleed off a second portion of the temperature-conditioned air from the temperature-conditioned air received from the source in order to insulate the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air in the inner hose.

[0021] In one example, the outer hose is connected with the input connector in a location that is between the inlet end of the input connector and the one or more vent holes.

[0022] In one example, the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as cooled air having a temperature that is colder than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies. The inner hose is configured to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air into the system in order to cool an interior of the system.

[0023] In one example, the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as heated air having a temperature that is hotter than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies. The inner hose is configured to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air into the system in order to heat an interior of the system.

[0024] In one example, the outer hose includes a vent opening in a location between the input connector and the system. The vent opening is configured to direct the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air out of the outer hose prior to reaching the system.

[0025] In one example, the input connector includes one or more adjustable bodies configured to be moved relative to the vent holes to adjust how much of the temperature- conditioned air is directed into the outer hose.

[0026] In one embodiment, an input connector of a hose assembly includes a body extending from an inlet end to an outlet end. The inlet end receives temperature-conditioned air from a source, and the outlet end is fluidly coupled with an inner hose configured to be fluidly coupled with a system in order to direct a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to the system to cool or heat the system. The body includes one or more vent holes in a location that is upstream of a location where the inner hose is coupled with the body along a flow direction of the temperature-conditioned air. The one or more vent holes are configured to bleed off a second portion of the temperature-conditioned air into an outer hose that also is fluidly coupled with the input connector. The second portion of the temperature-conditioned air thermally insulates the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air.

[0027] In one example, the body includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment extends from the inlet end to the second segment. The second segment extends from the first segment to the outlet end. The second segment is coupled with the inner hose and the outer hose.

[0028] In one example, the first segment is elongated along a first direction and the second segment is elongated along a second direction that is transverse to the first direction of the first segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The present inventive subject matter will be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings (which are not necessarily drawn to scale), wherein below:

[0030] Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a super cooling and/or heating hose assembly;

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of an input connector of the hose assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates another side view of one embodiment of the hose assembly shown in Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of the hose assembly shown in Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for supplying cooling and/or heating air to a system;

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates the input connector or flange shown in Figure 1 according to another embodiment;

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a continuous embodiment of the super cooling and/or heating hose or duct assembly;

[0037] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of a segmented embodiment of a super cooling and/or heating hose or duct assembly; and

[0038] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a tubular connector shown in Figure

8 according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a super cooling and/or heating hose or duct assembly 100. The hose or duct assembly 100 may be used to direct temperature-conditioned air from a source of the air to a system that receives the air to be cooled or heated by the air. The temperature-conditioned air may be air that is cooled and supplied by the source to the hose or duct assembly 100 to cool another system, such as an aircraft. Optionally, the temperature-conditioned air may be air that is heated and supplied by the source to the hose or duct assembly 100 to cool another system, such as an aircraft

[0040] The hose or duct assembly 100 includes an input connector or flange 102 that is fluidly coupled with a source of the temperature-conditioned air. The input connector or flange 102 includes an inlet end 104 that may be directly coupled with the source of the temperature-conditioned air or may be indirectly coupled with the source by one or more other conduits. The hose or duct assembly 100 includes plural hoses 106 that are fluidly coupled with the input connector or flange 102 to receive the temperature-conditioned air from the source via the input connector or flange 102. The hoses 106 also are connected with an outlet connector 108 that couples with a system to be heated or cooled by the temperature- conditioned air.

[0041] As described herein, the hoses 106 form inner and outer chambers within the hose or duct assembly 100. The outer chamber forms an insulating air barrier that reduces the change in temperature of the temperature-conditioned air flowing through the inner chamber that is caused by ambient conditions. For example, part of the temperature- conditioned air may be bled off from the temperature-conditioned air directed into the inner chamber of the hose or duct assembly 100. The bled off portion of the air flows in the exterior chamber of the hose or duct assembly 100 and thermally insulates the air flowing in the inner chamber from the ambient conditions outside of the hose or duct assembly 100. The bled off portion of the air may be referred to as insulating air. The air that is thermally insulated by the insulating air may be referred to as cooling air or heating air, depending on whether the air cools or heats the aircraft. In hot environments, the air flowing in the exterior chamber of the hose or duct assembly 100 prevents cooler air flowing in the inner chamber of the hose or duct assembly 100 from being significantly heated (e.g., the temperature of the air in the inner chamber does not increase by more than 3%, 1%, or 0.1%). In cold environments, the air flowing in the exterior chamber of the hose or duct assembly 100 prevents hotter air flowing in the inner chamber of the hose or duct assembly 100 from being significantly cooled (e.g., the temperature of the air in the inner chamber does not decrease by more than 3%, 1%, or 0.1%).

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the input connector or flange 102 of the hose or duct assembly 100. The input connector or flange 102 includes a conduit body 200 that extends from the inlet end 104 to an opposite outlet end 202. The temperature-conditioned air flows through the input connector or flange 102 from the inlet end 104 toward the outlet end 202 along a flow direction. The body 200 includes one or more vent holes 204, or vents, in one or more locations between the ends 104, 202 of the body 200. The vent holes 204 extend through the body 200 such that at least some of the air flowing through the input connector or flange 102 bleeds off or leaks through the vent holes 204 out of the body 200.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 200 includes plural segments 206,

208. The segment 206 may be referred to as an upstream segment that is elongated and extends from the inlet end 104 to an interface 210 between the segments 206, 208. The segment 208 may be referred to as a downstream segment that is elongated and extends from the interface 210 to the outlet end 202. The segments 206, 208 may be elongated along directions 212, 214 that are transversely oriented with respect to each other. For example, the segments 206, 208 may form a bent shape at the interface 210. This bent shape of the body 200 can reduce stress and/or strain on the hoses of the hose or duct assembly 100 by directing the hoses away from the source of the temperature-conditioned air. Additionally, the bent shape can allow the hose assembly 100 to be connected with the source of the temperature- conditioned air without significantly reducing the cross-sectional area of the inner and outer hoses 310, 308. For example, without the bent shape, the input connector 102 may cause the hoses 308, 310 to be at least partially compressed (e.g., by gravity pulling the hoses 308, 310 against the source of the air) and reduce the flow of air to the object being heated or cooled by the air.

[0044] As described below, one of the hoses 106 may be coupled with the input connector or flange 102 upstream of the vent holes 204 (along the flow direction of the air, e.g., in one or more locations between the vent holes 204 and the inlet end 104) and another one of the hoses 106 may be coupled with the input connector or flange 102 downstream of the vent holes 204 (e.g., in one or more locations between the vent holes 204 and the outlet end 202).

[0045] Part of the temperature-conditioned air flows from the source, through the input connector or flange 102, into one of the hoses via the outlet end 202, and flows to the system to be cooled or heated by the air. Another, different portion of the temperature- conditioned air flows from the source, partially through the input connector or flange 102, is bled off and out of the input connector or flange 102 via the vent holes 204, and into a space that is inside the hoses 106 but that is outside of the hose carrying the air flowing to the system to be heated or cooled. The bled off portion of the air insulates the portion of the air flowing to the system being heated or cooled and prevents the temperature of the air flowing to the system from being heated or cooled by more than a designated amount (e.g., the temperature does not change by more than 3%, 1%, or 0.1%).

[0046] Figure 3 illustrates another side view of one embodiment of the hose or duct assembly 100. A source 300 of temperature-conditioned air 302 represents a location from where the cooled or heated air used to cool or heat the aircraft is supplied. The source 300 can include one or more cooling elements (e.g., fans, condensers, etc.) that cool the temperature-conditioned air and/or can include one or more heating elements (e.g., resistive elements, etc.) that heat the temperature-conditioned air prior to delivery of the air to the hose or duct assembly 100. The source 300 can be fluidly directly coupled with the input connector or flange 102 of the hose or duct assembly 100 or may be indirectly coupled with the input connector or flange 102 by one or more other conduits (e.g., hoses, tubes, pipes, etc.).

[0047] The hoses 106 of the hose or duct assembly 100 include an outer hose 308 and an inner hose 310. The inner hose 310 defines an inner or interior chamber 314 inside the inner hose 310 and the outer hose 308 defines an external or exterior chamber 312 in the space between the outer hose 308 and the inner hose 310. A portion of the temperature- conditioned air flows through the inner hose 310 in the inner chamber 314 to the aircraft while another, different portion of the temperature-conditioned air flows through the outer hose 308 in the external chamber 312 to insulate the air in the inner chamber 314 from the temperature of the ambient environment.

[0048] The hoses 308, 310 may be any of a variety of different types of hoses. For example, the hoses 308 and/or 310 may be lie-flat hoses, such as hoses that lie flat or substantially flat on the ground when the hoses 308, 310 are not filled and internally supported by air. Optionally, the hoses 308 and/or 310 may be wire wound or wire supported hoses. These types of hoses can have wires helically wound around the hoses 308, 310 in order to support the hoses 308, 310 in an open shape. Optionally, the hoses 308 and/or 310 may be rigid conduits. [0049] The inner hose 310 is coupled with the input connector or flange 102 in a location that is downstream from the vent holes 204 relative to a direction of flow of the temperature-conditioned air from the source 300. For example, the inner hose 310 may be connected with the input connector or flange 102 such that a seal is formed around the input connector or flange 102 and between the inner hose 310 and the input connector or flange 102 in a location between the vent holes 204 and the outlet end 202. This can cause at least some of the temperature-conditioned air, such as most of the air flowing from the source 300, to flow through the input connector or flange 102, into the inner hose 310, and to the aircraft.

[0050] The outer hose 308 is coupled with the input connector or flange 102 in a location that is upstream from the vent holes 204 relative to a direction of flow of the temperature-conditioned air from the source 300. For example, the outer hose 308 may be connected with the input connector or flange 102 such that a seal is formed around the input connector or flange 102 and between the outer hose 308 and the input connector or flange 102 in a location between the inlet end 104 and the vent holes 204. This can cause at least some of the temperature-conditioned air to bleed off of the air flowing into the inner hose 310 and flow through the vent holes 204 and into the outer hose 308. This air that has been bled off can flow through the outer hose 308 between the outer hose 308 and the inner hose 310 to insulate the air flowing through the inner hose 310.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of the hose or duct assembly 100. The outlet connector 108 of the hose or duct assembly 100 can be coupled with a system 400, such as an aircraft. In one embodiment, the outer hose 308 includes an opening 402 (also referred to as a vent or vent opening) that allows the portion of the temperature-conditioned air flowing in the exterior chamber 312 of the hose or duct assembly 100 to flow out of the hose or duct assembly 100. This air may flow out of the hose or duct assembly 100 after insulating the air flowing in the inner chamber 314 of the hose or duct assembly 100. The air may exit the hose or duct assembly 100 without entering the system 400. The air may exit the hose or duct assembly 100 because the air in the exterior chamber 312 may have been heated or cooled by the external environment, and therefore may not be useful for cooling or heating the system 400 as desired. The inner hose 310 may be fluidly coupled with the interior of the system 400 by the outlet connector 108 in order to deliver the temperature-conditioned air to the interior of the system 400. For example, in contrast to the outer hose 308 which is not continuous from the input connector or flange 102 to the system 400, the inner hose 310 may be continuous from the input connector or flange 102 to the system 400. The continuity of the outer hose 308 is broken or prevented by the vent opening 402, while the continuity of the inner hose 310 is maintained by the absence of any vent opening 402 in the inner hose 310 in a location from the input connector or flange 102 to the system 400.

[0052] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method 500 for supplying cooling and/or heating air to a system. The method 500 may be performed by one or more embodiments of the hose or duct assembly 100 shown in Figures 1 through 4. At 502, temperature-conditioned air is received. This air may be air that is cooled to a temperature that is colder than an ambient temperature or that is heated to a temperature that is hotter than the ambient temperature. At 504, a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air is directed into an inner or interior hose of the hose assembly. At 506, a second portion of the temperature-conditioned air is bled off of the air supplied from the air supplied from the source. This portion of the air is bled off into an exterior chamber extending between an exterior surface of the inner hose and an interior surface of an exterior hose.

[0053] At 508, the second portion of the air insulates the first portion of the air. The second portion flows through the hose assembly in the exterior chamber that extends around the inner hose and interior chamber of the hose assembly. If the temperature-conditioned air is cooler than the ambient temperature that is outside of the hose assembly, then the second portion of the air in the exterior chamber may be heated by the ambient air and/or ground outside of the hose assembly. But, the first portion of the air in the interior chamber of the hose assembly may not be heated, or may be heated by a lesser amount relative to the second portion of the air. If the temperature-conditioned air is hotter than the ambient temperature that is outside of the hose assembly, then the second portion of the air in the exterior chamber may be cooled by the ambient air and/or ground outside of the hose assembly. But, the first portion of the air in the interior chamber of the hose assembly may not be cooled, or may be cooled by a lesser amount relative to the second portion of the air.

[0054] At 510, the second portion of the air exits the hose assembly prior to reaching the system being heated or cooled by the temperature-conditioned air. For example, the exterior hose may have a hole or opening that allows the second, insulating portion of the air to escape from the hose assembly while the first portion of the air continues to flow through the hose assembly without escaping through the same hole or opening. At 512, the first portion of the air in the inner hose is directed into the system being heated or cooled by the first portion of the air. For example, this air may be directed into an aircraft to cool the interior of the aircraft.

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates the input connector or flange 102 shown in Figure 1 according to another embodiment. The input connector or flange 102 may include an adjustable body 600 that can be moved to change how much air flows through the vent holes 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 600 is a ring-shaped object having alternating solid or air-impermeable sections 602 and open or air permeable sections 604. The body 600 is shown as being located inside the connector or flange 102, but optionally may be located on the exterior of the connector or flange 102. The body 600 can be rotated relative to the connector or flange 102 to change how much of the solid sections 602 block the vent holes 204. As more of the solid sections 602 block the vent holes 204, less air can bleed off of the air flowing into the inner hose 310 and be directed into the outer hose 308 for insulation. As less of the solid sections 602 block the vent holes 204, more air can bleed off of the air flowing into the inner hose 310 and be directed into the outer hose 308 for insulation. An operator of the hose or duct assembly 100 can thereby control how much air is used for insulation.

[0056] Alternatively, the vent holes 204 may be at least partially blocked in another manner, such as by having individual adjustable bodies 600 for one or more of the vent holes 204. The individual bodies 600 can be adjusted to control how much of the vent holes 204 are blocked. These bodies 600 may be movable with respect to the vent holes 204, such as by individually sliding the bodies 600 over or away from respective ones of the vent holes 204 to control how much air is allowed to bleed off for insulation in the outer hose 308.

[0057] Figure 7 illustrates a continuous embodiment of the super cooling and/or heating hose or duct assembly 100. As shown, the assembly 100 may be continuous from the input connector or flange 102 to the outlet connector 108. The assembly 100 can be continuous in that the assembly 100 cannot be separated into smaller segments without cutting or tearing both of the hoses 308, 310. While the outer hose 308 may include a vent hole, as described above, the vent hole may not separate the hose assembly 100 into smaller tubular segments. Potential drawbacks to a continuous hose assembly 100 are that storage of a long hose assembly 100 may consume a large amount of space and longer hose assemblies 100 are heavier and more cumbersome to move. [0058] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of a segmented embodiment of a super cooling and/or heating hose or duct assembly 800. The hose assembly 800 may be similar or identical to the hose assembly 100 described above, with one difference being that the hose assembly 800 is formed from two or more separate, discrete tubular segments 802. The segments 802 may each include lengths of the hoses 308, 310 that are shorter than the entire length of the hose assembly 800. One of the segments 802 may include or be coupled with the input connector or flange 102 while another one of the segments 802 includes or is coupled with the outlet connector 108.

[0059] Each of the segments 802 may be too short to extend from the source of conditioned air to the system being heated or cooled (e.g., an aircraft). Instead, the segments 802 are fluidly coupled with each other by tubular connectors 804. The tubular connectors 804 can connect several segments 802 together in a series, such as in a daisy chain formation. When the segments 802 are separated from each other, the segments 802 may lie flat for easier storage than longer hoses that need to be rolled up (e.g., the segments 802 may lie flat and take up less space than a rolled up hose). The tubular connectors 804 can be coupled with segments 802 on opposite ends of the tubular connectors 804 in order to fluidly couple the segments 802 and form a hose assembly that operates as the hose assembly 100. The tubular connectors 804 may be connected with the segments 802 using any of a variety of connectors, such as zippers, hook-and-loop material, belts, latches, or the like.

[0060] Each of the segments 802 may include portions of the inner and outer hoses

310, 308 that define the inner and outer chambers 314, 312 described above. When the segments 802 are coupled with the connectors 804, the combination of the segments 802 and connectors 804 forms a hose assembly having inner and outer chambers with part of the air entering the hose assembly flows through the inner chamber to the system being heated or cooled and another part of this air is bled off into the outer chamber for insulating the air used for heating or cooling the system.

[0061] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of one of the tubular connectors 804 shown in Figure 8 according to one embodiment. The tubular connector 804 includes an outer tubular body or shell 900 with a central passage 902 extending through and defined by the outer shell 900. The shell 900 may be a rigid body formed from metal or another non- flexible material. Alternatively, the shell 900 may be a flexible body. The shell 900 may be connected with the segments 802 shown in Figure 8 so that the interior chamber 314 of the segments 802 is fluidly coupled with the central passage 902. The shell 900 may include conduits 904 extending along the length of the shell 900. The conduits 904 and the shell 900 may be tubular bodies with open ends on the same sides of the shell 900. The conduits 904 may be disposed along the inside of the shell 900 or in another location. The outer chambers 314 of the segments 802 may be fluidly coupled with the conduits 904 by connecting the inner surfaces of the outer hoses 308 and the outer surfaces of the inner hoses 310 in the segments 802 with the outer edges of the conduits 314 such that the air flowing in the outer chambers 314 in the segments 802 flows into and through the conduits 904 instead of the central passages 902 of the connectors 804. The conduits 904 can help keep the insulating air flowing in the outer chambers 312 of the segments 802 from flowing into the inner chambers 314 of the segments 802 and to keep the air used for heating or cooling the system and flowing in the inner chambers 314 of the segments 802 from flowing into the outer chambers 312 of the segments.

[0062] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventive subject matter without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the inventive subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the inventive subject matter should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their obj ects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U. S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure. For example, the recitation of a "mechanism for," "module for," "device for," "unit for," "component for," "element for," "member for," "apparatus for," "machine for," or "system for" is not to be interpreted as invoking 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), and any claim that recites one or more of these terms is not to be interpreted as a means-plus-function claim.

[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose several embodiments of the inventive subject matter, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of inventive subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0064] The foregoing description of certain embodiments of the present inventive subject matter will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

[0065] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the presently described inventive subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising," "comprises," "including," "includes," "having," or "has" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hose assembly comprising: an input connector configured to be fluidly coupled with a source of temperature- conditioned air; an inner hose fluidly coupled with the input connector and configured to receive a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air, the inner hose also configured to be fluidly coupled with a system in order to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to the system to cool or heat the system; and an outer hose fluidly coupled with the input connector, wherein the input connector includes one or more vent holes configured to direct a different, second portion of the temperature-conditioned air from the source of the temperature-conditioned air into the outer hose, wherein the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air thermally insulates the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air.

2. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the input connector extends from an inlet end through which the temperature-conditioned air is received from the source to an opposite outlet end through which the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air is directed from the input connector into the inner hose.

3. The hose assembly of claim 2, wherein the input connector includes the one or more vent holes between the inlet end and the outlet end, and wherein the outer hose is connected with the input connector in a location that is between the inlet end and the one or more vent holes.

4. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as cooled air having a temperature that is colder than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies, the inner hose configured to direct the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air into the system in order to cool an interior of the system.

5. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as heated air having a temperature that is hotter than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies, the inner hose configured to direct the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air into the system in order to heat an interior of the system.

6. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer hose includes a vent opening in a location between the input connector and the system, the vent opening configured to direct the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air out of the outer hose prior to reaching the system.

7. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner hose is located inside the outer hose and the inner hose defines an interior chamber through which the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air flows from the input connector to the system, and wherein the outer hose and the inner hose define an exterior chamber between the inner hose and the outer hose through which the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air flows.

8. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the system includes an aircraft and the inner hose is configured to be fluidly coupled with the aircraft to cool an interior of the aircraft.

9. The hose assembly of claim 1 , wherein the input connector includes first and second segments connected with each other at one or more interfaces, the first and second segments elongated along transverse directions with respect to each other.

10. The hose assembly of claim 9, wherein the first segment extends from an inlet end to an interface between the first segment and the second segment, and the second segment extends from the interface to an outlet end, wherein the inlet end receives the temperature-conditioned air from the source and the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air exits the input connector into the inner hose through the outlet end, and wherein the second segment includes the one or more vent holes.

11. The hose assembly of claim 1, wherein the input connector includes one or more adjustable bodies configured to be moved relative to the vent holes to adjust how much of the temperature-conditioned air is directed into the outer hose.

12. A hose assembly comprising: an inner hose configured to be fluidly coupled with a source of temperature- conditioned air, the inner hose defining an interior chamber through which a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air is directed to a system to be heated or cooled by the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air; an outer hose disposed outside of the inner hose to define an exterior chamber between the inner hose and the outer hose; and an input connector fluidly coupled with both the inner hose and the outer hose, the input connector including an inlet end configured to receive the temperature-conditioned air from the source and an outlet end fluidly coupled with the interior chamber of the inner hose, the input connector also including one or more vent holes fluidly coupled with the exterior chamber of the outer hose, wherein the one or more vent holes are configured to bleed off a second portion of the temperature-conditioned air from the temperature-conditioned air received from the source in order to insulate the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air in the inner hose.

13. The hose assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer hose is connected with the input connector in a location that is between the inlet end of the input connector and the one or more vent holes.

14. The hose assembly of claim 12, wherein the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as cooled air having a temperature that is colder than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies, the inner hose configured to direct the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air into the system in order to cool an interior of the system.

15. The hose assembly of claim 12, wherein the inner hose is configured to receive the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air as heated air having a temperature that is hotter than an ambient temperature of one or more of air or ground on which the hose assembly lies, the inner hose configured to direct the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air into the system in order to heat an interior of the system.

16. The hose assembly of claim 12, wherein the outer hose includes a vent opening in a location between the input connector and the system, the vent opening configured to direct the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air out of the outer hose prior to reaching the system.

17. The hose assembly of claim 12, wherein the input connector includes one or more adjustable bodies configured to be moved relative to the vent holes to adjust how much of the temperature-conditioned air is directed into the outer hose.

18. An input connector of a hose assembly, the input connector comprising: a body extending from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inlet end receiving temperature-conditioned air from a source, the outlet end fluidly coupled with an inner hose configured to be fluidly coupled with a system in order to direct a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to the system to cool or heat the system, wherein the body includes one or more vent holes in a location that is upstream of a location where the inner hose is coupled with the body along a flow direction of the temperature-conditioned air, the one or more vent holes configured to bleed off a second portion of the temperature-conditioned air into an outer hose that also is fluidly coupled with the input connector, wherein the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air thermally insulates the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air.

19. The input connector of claim 18, wherein the body includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment extending from the inlet end to the second segment, the second segment extending from the first segment to the outlet end, wherein the second segment is coupled with the inner hose and the outer hose.

20. The input connector of claim 19, wherein the first segment is elongated along a first direction and the second segment is elongated along a second direction that is transverse to the first direction of the first segment.

21. A segmented hose assembly comprising: an input connector configured to be fluidly coupled with a source of temperature- conditioned air; plural hose segments each including: an inner hose segment fluidly coupled with the input connector and configured to receive a first portion of the temperature-conditioned air, the inner hose segment also configured to be fluidly coupled with a system in order to direct the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to the system to cool or heat the system; and an outer hose segment fluidly coupled with the input connector, wherein the input connector includes one or more vent holes configured to direct a different, second portion of the temperature-conditioned air from the source of the temperature- conditioned air into the outer hose segment; and one or more tubular connectors configured to fluidly couple the hose segments with each other, to form an inner chamber that directs the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air from the source to the system and to form a separate outer chamber that directs the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air outside of the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air to thermally insulate the first portion of the temperature- conditioned air.

22. The segmented hose assembly of claim 21 , wherein each of the hose segments is shorter than a distance between the source of the temperature-conditioned air and the system.

23. The segmented hose assembly of claim 21, wherein the one or more tubular connectors are coupled with the hose segments by one or more of zippers, hook-and-loop material, belts, or latches.

24. The segmented hose assembly of claim 21, wherein the one or more tubular connectors include a tubular shell having a central passageway and one or more conduits that extend from one end of the tubular shell to an opposite end of the tubular shell, wherein the one or more conduits direct the second portion of the temperature-conditioned air through the shell and the central passageway directs the first portion of the temperature-conditioned air through the shell.