Abstract:
An expandable hose assembly that is able to expand one or more of longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends and radially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose will contract. The hose includes a thermoplastic elastomer inner layer and a slip coating layer thereon having lubricating properties that increases the life of the hose assembly. The hose assembly can include an outer sheath or covering that covers the inner tube and slip coating layer.
Abstract:
The design is the visual features of the RADIALLY EXPANDABLE HOSE ASSEMBLY shown in the drawings, whether those features are features of shape, configuration, ornament or pattern, or a combination of any of those features.The portions of the article shown in stippled lines do not form part of the design.The hose assembly is shown with a symbolic break in its length to denote variable length. The pattern shown on the surface repeats throughout the length of the article.Drawings of the design are enclosed, in which:FIGURE 1 is a top perspective view of a radially expandable hose assembly in a contracted state;FIGURE 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof;FIGURE 3 is a side perspective view thereof, with the other side view being a mirror image thereof;FIGURE 4 is a top perspective view of the radially expandable hose assembly in a radially expanded state;FIGURE 5 is a bottom perspective view as shown in Figure 2 in the radially expanded state; andFIGURE 6 is a side perspective view as shown in Figure 3 in the radially expanded state;FIGURE 7 is a top perspective view of a radially expandable hose assembly of a variant of the design, in a contracted state;FIGURE 8 is a bottom perspective view of the radially expandable hose assembly of Figure 7;FIGURE 9 is a side perspective view of the radially expandable hose assembly of Figure 7, with the other side view being a mirror image thereof;FIGURE 10 is a top perspective view of the radially expandable hose assembly of Figure 7, in a radially expanded state;FIGURE 11 is a bottom perspective view as shown in Figure 8 in the radially expanded state; andFIGURE 12 is a side perspective view as shown in Figure 9 in the radially expanded state.
Abstract:
Compositions especially suitable for forming fibers and films having good elasticity and relatively high modulus are disclosed. Surprisingly, compositions including a styrenic block copolymer having a relatively high melt flow rate, and a detackifier, and optionally, but preferably in some embodiments a polyolefin (co)polymer, and/or polystyrene polymer, and/or a softener have good draw down performance and are processable into fibers having low tack, relatively high modulus and tensile strength. The fibers produced from the composition can be processed easily and are useful to manufacture articles such as fabrics, both woven and non-woven, webs, threads, and yarns. In various embodiments, unique fiber structures are produced having low tack and desirable elasticity.
Abstract:
Thermoplastic elastomer compositions, in particular derived from one or more styrenic block copolymers wherein at least one styrenic block copolymer comprises a controlled distribution copolymer block including a conjugated diene and a mono alkenyl arene, a plurality of biorenewable materials, preferably a softener and one or more synergistic additives such as a polar polymer; a synergistic block copolymer such as a relatively high molecular weight styrenic block copolymer; and/or filler. Numerous desirable articles can be formed from the compositions. Processes for preparing the compositions and articles are disclosed.
Abstract:
A flexible hose assembly, in particular a garden hose, having an end fitting including a protective, strain reducing sleeve fixedly secured at the male end segment of a fluid conveying tube. The sleeve is flexible and provides strain relief to the portion of the tube surrounded by the sleeve and reduces the ability of the tube to kink in the area adjacent to the end fitting. The prevention of kinks at the male end of the tube reduces stresses in this area of the tube and greatly extends the working life of the sleeve and tube assembly. The sleeve additionally serves as a gripping surface for one or more of facilitating the attachment of the hose assembly to another device such as a flow control device and holding the end of the hose during use.
Abstract:
A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is able to expand longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends, as well as radially or circumferentially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose assembly will contract. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a material, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket. This thicker region results in a stiffer section of jacket that makes the hose more controllable and consistent in use.
Abstract:
A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is able to expand longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends, as well as radially or circumferentially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose assembly will contract. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a material, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket. This thicker region results in a stiffer section of jacket that makes the hose more controllable and consistent in use.
Abstract:
A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a fabric jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is radially expandable when pressurized by a fluid, such as water, but does not increase in length. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a fabric, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket. This thicker region results in a stiffer section of jacket that makes the hose more controllable and consistent in use.
Abstract:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garden hose showing our new design; FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof; FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the opposite side thereof; FIG. 4 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being a mirror image thereof; and, FIG. 5 is an end view thereof. The broken line portions in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 show unclaimed features of the garden hose and form no part of the claimed design. The garden hose is shown with a symbolic break at one end. The appearance of any portion of the garden hose beyond the symbolic break line forms no part of the claimed design.