Abstract:
A collapsible air duct with inflatable insulative sleeve for supplying preconditioned air from a remote source to aircraft and similar vehicles. The system includes first annular interior chamber substantially surrounded by an a non-rigid inflatable sleeve which provides a thermal barrier from adverse environmental conditions. The non-rigid inflatable sleeve is filled by a portion of the air supply transiting the annular interior chamber through a series of perforations, thus providing an insulative air layer.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a system and method for more efficient supply of conditioned air from a ground based air conditioning unit to an aircraft or similar vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a duct or hose with a collapsible insulative layer which nonetheless reduces thermal bleed into a central air stream being transported from the air conditioning unit to the parked aircraft. The system preferably includes a. Thus, a system and method for improving the efficiency of supplying conditioned air to a parked aircraft is disclosed. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Modern civil aviation entails the maintenance and transition of aircraft in a variety environments. Specifically, aircraft are involved in layovers and maintenance work in variety of locations and extreme temperatures which necessitate the need for a steady supply of conditioned air while the aircraft is stopped. As a result, the equipment for supplying such air to the aircraft may itself absorb heat such that the temperature of the airstream being supplied is impacted while the aircraft is stopped. 
         [0003]    Similarly, when such aircraft servicing equipment is not in use, the equipment may unduly heat and/or cool while being exposed to the elements. Thus, the equipment, even if insulated, may become heated so as to defeat the efficacy of the conditioned air stream being delivered. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, the distributed nature of modern airports often includes the stoppage and servicing of aircraft at a location remote from any sheltered stopping point. In addition, the ambient conditions at such sites may preclude long term exposure of such equipment to the elements. 
         [0005]    Thus, the present state of the art reflects a need for collapsible air duct with an inflatable insulative sleeve for use with supplying conditioned air for aircraft and similar equipment, wherein a portion of the air stream being supplied to the aircraft inflates the insulative sleeve, and the insulative sleeve may be collapsed for compact stowage when not in use. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0006]    One example of a prior art approach is found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,203 (Widegren) which discloses generally a portable device for supplying preconditioned air to an aircraft on the ground. Widegren discloses generally a device including a connection hose for connecting to an aircraft on one end, and a mixing chamber on a second end for connection to a mixing chamber for receiving cool conditioned air from an expansion chamber mixed with ambient air. Widegren, however, fails to account for the aforementioned problems of thermal leaking from the connection hose, as well as thermal buildup from have the portal device exposed to the elements. 
         [0007]    Another discussion of a prior art approach may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,291 (Gladfelter et al.) which purports to teach a heat reflective sleeve with an insulating air pocket. Specifically, Gladfelter et al. discusses the use of relflective sleeving for thermal insulation of insulative sleeving for use in aircraft applications (among other uses). Gladfelter et al., however, requires the use of multiple sheets of thermally insulating material, such as glass fiber yarns, and appears to be directed towards permanently connected hoses on aircraft and similar vehicles (e.g., brake lines). 
         [0008]    What is needed is simple, portable structure for providing conditioned air to an aircraft or similar structure when parked, which is nonetheless cost effective and collapsible for compact storage when not in use. 
       DEFINITION OF TERMS 
       [0009]    The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as filed and are intended to have their broadest plain and ordinary meaning consistent with the requirements of the law. 
         [0010]    A “collapsible air duct” is a hose, sleeve, or similar connector extending between an aircraft or similar vehicle on one end, and an conditioned air supply remote from the aircraft or similar vehicle on the other end. This structure further must have a structure design for collapse and storage when not in use. 
         [0011]    A “non-rigid insulative sleeve” is a structure which, when deployed, provides an insulative layer for a conditioned air layer, wherein the insulative layer is air, preferably air which is diverted from a portion of the conditioned air supply being provided to the aircraft or other vehicle. The “non-rigid insulative sleeve” is inflated by the pressure of the air being supplied, and thus deflates and collapses for storage when not in use. 
         [0012]    A “first annular interior chamber” is the pathway for conditioned air being supplied from the conditioned air supply to the aircraft or other vehicle. It is axially to the interior of the “non-rigid insulative sleeve.” 
         [0013]    A perforation is at least one hole or opening defined between the first annular interior chamber and the non-rigid insulative sleeve. 
         [0014]    Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims set forth below are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The apparatus and method of the present invention generally includes a collapsible air duct with an insulative sleeve for supplying air to a vehicle, such as an aircraft parked for layover, maintenance or the like. The collapsible air duct includes a first end for connecting to an air supply (e.g., an air conditioning outlet) remote from the vehicle, and a second end for connection to the vehicle. The device includes a first annular interior chamber for transiting air from the air supply equipment to the vehicle, and a non-rigid insulative sleeve generally surrounding the annular interior chamber. The insulative sleeve includes one or more perforations such that a portion of the air being supplied from the air conditioning unit to the aircraft is diverted from the annular interior chamber to the non-rigid insulative sleeve, thereby permitting such air to act as an insulative barrier and preventing the undue ambient thermal impact on the air passing through the annular interior chamber to the aircraft. In addition, the use of such air permits the air duct to collapse upon disengaging from the aircraft, thereby permitting the air duct to be folded or coiled and stored in a compact fashion (e.g., in a recess container on the airfield in the case of a location far from a hangar or other shelter). 
         [0016]    The immediate application of a present invention will be seen in providing a collapsible sleeve enabling a supply of conditioned air for an aircraft or other vehicle, though those of skill will see that the present invention could be applied to other fields requiring using a collapsible air duct with an insulated sleeve for delivery of conditioned air. 
         [0017]    Thus can be seen that one object of the present invention is to provide an air duct for air conditioning which can be disengaged and collapsed when not in use. 
         [0018]    A further object of the present invention is to provide an air duct for air conditioning with an insulative layer which may be easily removed upon disuse so as to permit compact storage. 
         [0019]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide an air duct wherein the insulative layer is provided by a portion of the air stream being supplied. 
         [0020]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an air duct with a wire, mesh or similar collapsible frame upon disengagement. 
         [0021]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, collapsible air duct which reduces or eliminates the thermal effects of extreme temperatures on an air stream being transferred from a remote air supply unit. 
         [0022]    It should be noted that not every embodiment of the claimed invention will accomplish each of the objects of the invention set forth above. In addition, further objects of the invention will become apparent based the summary of the invention, the detailed description of preferred embodiments, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Such objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of a best mode embodiment thereof, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  shows side and end views, respectively, of a first preferred embodiment of the invention employing a lay flat configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention employing a lay flat configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows an exposed, transverse view a first preferred embodiment of the invention employing a lay flat configuration. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention using a configuration with a self supporting hose and wear strip. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the invention using a configuration with a self supporting hose with a spiral wire and wear strip. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be the preferred embodiment or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims in this patent. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  show a first preferred embodiment of collapsible air supply hose assembly  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention using an end view and a side view, respectively. The air supply hose assembly is adapted to be brought next to a parked aircraft, in order to supply the aircraft with preconditioned air, i.e., cool air, to maintain the passenger cabin at comfortable temperature levels. The assembly  10  includes a first or main annular chamber  12  which connects an air conditioning unit (not shown) or other air supply port to a vehicle (also not shown). Alternatively, the hose assembly  10  may connect to a similar assembly, which in turn connects to a vehicle. Surrounding or exterior to the first annular chamber is one or more inflation chambers  14  which provide a sleeve generally surrounding the main annular chamber  12 . The materials for the inflation chambers may be Nylon and/or coated polyester, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The assembly connects to the air conditioning unit port and vehicle through a first end cuff  16  and a second end cuff  18 , respectively. As those of skill in the art will know, such cuffs  16 ,  18  can be attached to aircraft or air conditions units through zipper, clamp, Velcro or similar mechanisms (not shown). The inflation chambers  14  may vary in number, though in this first preferred embodiment there are four such inflation chambers  14  extending along the length of the main annular chamber  12 , with each such chamber extending radially around an approximate 90 degree arc of the circumference of the main annular chamber. 
         [0030]    In this first preferred embodiment, the sole insulation is provided by a portion of the air flow transiting the main annular chamber  12 . A portion of that air stream is diverted from the main annular chamber to the inflation chambers  14  via air passage holes  20  or apertures located in each of the inflation chambers  14  which enable a portion of the pressurized conditioned air stream to inflate the inflation chambers  14 . Ideally, it is believed that a given inflation chamber should have about four holes per foot of annular chamber length in the collapsible air supply hose assembly  10  As a result of the air displaced through these holes  20 , the air contained within the inflation chambers  14  acts as an insulator to absorb any ambient temperature gradient between the temperature of the conditioned air and outside air. 
         [0031]    The air received within the inflation chambers  14  is believed to be delayed or retained in the inflation chambers (as opposed to transiting back through the main annular chamber to the aircraft) because of the nature of the connection between the cuff and the aircraft or air conditioning unit. Namely, as detailed in  FIG. 2  the ends of the inflation chambers  14  are welded or other closed by attachment to the main annular chamber  12  at each end of the annular chamber, and the cuffs  16 ,  18  are connected to the main annular chamber  12  via stitching or similar suitable connection. Thus, only the main annular chamber  12 , and not the inflation chambers  14  have direct fluid communication with the aircraft, which in turn deters the possibility of insulating air leaking back from the inflation chambers  14  into the annular chamber  12  and into the aircraft. Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the insulating air containing within the inflation chambers  14  is further restricted through the use of chamber welds  22  running along the length of the annular chamber  12  and separating the inflation chambers  14  from one another. Such welds are preferable about 1.0″ in width, plus or minus 0.5″. This weld limitation on the ability of the insulating air to rotate radially provides a cushion in almost any radial directions. Thus, the placement of the collapsible air supply hose assembly  10  on the ground during operation does not “push” insulating air away such that thermal energy conduction from the ground does not directly heat the annular chamber  12 . 
         [0032]    A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 . This embodiment alters the path of the inflation chamber  14  in relationship to the length of the annular chamber  12 . That is, the inflation chambers  14  wind helically along the length of the annular chamber  12 . Furthermore, in lieu of the chamber welds  22  of the first embodiment, this second embodiment uses a helical wear strip  28  wraps around the exterior of the inflation chambers  14  to prevent undue abrasion on the collapsible air supply hose assembly  10 . The components are attached to one another via continuous stitching  30  which extends through each of the wear strip  28 , the inflation chambers  14 , and the annular chamber  12 . 
         [0033]    A third preferred embodiment of the present invention in shown in  FIG. 5 . This embodiment is a variant on the second embodiment whereby the structural integrity of the collapsible air supply hose assembly  10  is further reinforced by a helical steel wire  32  which winds around the wall of the annular chamber  12 . In practice, this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, would not lay flat upon disuse, and thus would like entail a different form of storage, though in each of the embodiments the inflation chambers would deflate after use. 
         [0034]    The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. For instance, the numbers of inflation chambers  14  used in the preferred embodiments of present invention is for illustrative purposes with reference to the example drawings only. Similarly, while the wear strips  28  of certain preferred embodiments of the present invention are focused upon their attachment to the inflation chambers  14  and the annular chamber  12 , those of skill will understand the applicability of the present invention to configurations whereby such solely to the inflation chamber  14  through separate stitching and attachment from the stitching connecting the annular chamber  12  to the inflation chambers  14 . Likewise, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, additions, omissions, and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the following claims.