Patent ID: 6161874
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
In combination: a transeversely foldable water hose assembly that includes an inner elliptical rubber hose (31) having two diammetrically spaced edge strips (31A) located on the major axis of the ellipse to define the hose fold plane, a first fiber covering (32) extending along one half of the elliptical hose, and a second fiber covering (33) extending along the other half of the elliptical hose;said hose assembly having a first end and a second end;means for connecting the first end of said foldable hose assembly to a cylindrical tap (22), wherein the tap can have varying diameters and surface characteristics that include a threaded surface and a smooth unthreaded surface;said connecting means comprising a primary connector (43) having a first externally threaded tube (435) extending in one direction, a second externally threaded tube (431) extending in the opposite direction, and a cylindrical nozzle (433) located within said second tube to telescopically fit into the first end of said water hose assembly, means for fastening said first tube (435) to any one of the aforementioned cylindrical taps, two semi-circular splints (44) encircling the first end of the water hose assembly within said second tube so that the aforementioned edge strips (31A) fit between facing edge surfaces of the splints, and a collar (45) threaded onto said second tube to exert pressure on said splints for establishing a fluid-tight seal between the hose assembly and said nozzle; andreal means for storing the water hose assembly in a rolled-up condition, said reel means comprising an upper base 60, a lower base 70, and elastic means 90 suspending the lower base from the upper base; said upper base and said lower base each having two parallel walls (62 and 72) for retaining the hose assembly in a rolled-up condition; said upper base and said lower base having aligned hollow cylinders (61,71) for accommodating the second end of the water hose assembly when the hose assembly is in a rolled-up condition.