Abstract:
A safety hose apparatus delivers water from a standard threaded hose bib to an appliance or plumbing fixture. The apparatus includes an outer hose and an inner hose that extends through the outer hose. A first threaded connector is rotatably attached to the outer hose and is in communication with the inner hose. The first threaded connector is threadably engagable with the spout to communicably connect the inner hose to the hose bib. A second threaded connector is rotatably attached to the outer hose and is in communication with the second end of the inner hose. The second threaded connector is threadably engagable with the inlet to communicably connect the inner hose to the inlet. A first closure is engaged with the first end of the outer hose and a second closure is engaged with a second end of the outer hose for sealing the space between the inner and outer hoses and retaining within the space water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose. The first threaded connector is peripherally exposed by the first end of the outer hose sufficiently to prevent unhindered rotation of the first threaded connector about the outer hose so that the first connector may be threadably with and disengaged from the spout and the second threaded connector is peripherally exposed by the second end of the outer hose sufficiently to permit unhindered rotation of the second threaded connector relative to the outer hose so that the second connection may be threadably engaged with and disengaged from the inlet.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/209,445 filed Jun. 5, 2000. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a safety hose apparatus for delivering water from a standard hose bib to an appliance that utilizes water. More particularly, this invention relates to a safety hose apparatus for washing machines, dishwashers, other appliances and plumbing fixtures. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of appliances, including washing machines and dishwashers as well as assorted plumbing fixtures, such as toilets and sinks, must be interconnected through a hose to a source of water. Conventional water hoses, which are normally composed of rubber or plastic, tend to wear and break down over time. Deterioration is caused, for example, by bending of the hose and the repeated passage of water through the hose. Hot water hoses are particularly susceptible to wear because of the stresses caused by repeated changes in temperature. Hose life is also affected by the water quality, water pressure, geographic locale and frequency of use. As the hose deteriorates, ruptures are likely to occur. Eventually, the hose may rupture or burst, which can result in flooding and serious water damage to the room or building in which the appliance is located, as well as items located therein. Aggravating and extremely expensive repairs may be necessitated. 
     Various techniques and procedures have been employed to combat leaks and ruptures in water hoses. Certain of these devices employ sophisticated electronic sensors that detect leakage in the hose and shut off the supply of water to the hose by closing a valve proximate the hose bib. These products are invariably expensive and virtually impossible for most homeowners to install. They have not significantly reduced the problem of ruptured appliance hoses. 
     Renner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,549 discloses a technique for installing a pair of protective sleeves respectively on the hot and cold water hoses of a washing machine. A drainage hose is interconnected between the sleeves for conducting water that leaks from either of the hoses to a standard drain line. This procedure is complicated, time consuming, labor intensive and wholly impractical. The protective sleeve must be cut in various locations and installed in several segments. Up to 20 fittings and clamps must be used and these components cannot be tested until the protective sleeve is fully installed on the hose. Accordingly, the system operates unreliably. If the hose segments or fittings are not properly and precisely fitted, potentially damaging leaks are still very likely to occur. Moreover, the protective sleeves must be wrapped completely about and secured to both the hose bib spout and the inlet of the washing machine. And the outer sleeve can be installed only after the inner hose is already interconnected between the hose bib and the appliance inlet. As a result, the Renner technique is a time consuming and tedious procedure that usually requires the expertise of an expensive professional plumber. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, yet greatly simplified safety hose for appliances and plumbing fixtures that utilize water. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a universal safety hose that comprises a fully factory assembled product, which may be installed quickly and conveniently on a wide variety of appliances and plumbing fixtures, including but not limited to washing machines and dishwashers. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety hose that employs a relatively simple, uncomplicated and inexpensive construction including no clamps, only a single continuous length of outer hose and only two universal fittings. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety hose that operates effectively and reliably to prevent water leaks and resulting damage. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety hose that is conveniently assembled and pressure tested at the factory so that installation is facilitated and consistently reliable and relatively fail-safe operation is achieved. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety hose employing a protective outer hose that is never under water pressure and which thereby resists rupturing. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety hose that employs an outer sleeve or hose which is not attached directly to the hose bib or the appliance inlet so that installation of the apparatus is facilitated considerably. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a safety hose that is easily and inexpensively installed, even by homeowners and lay persons having no plumbing expertise. 
     This invention results from a realization that a pre-assembled, factory tested safety hose may be constructed simply and inexpensively by employing a pair of end fittings that carry respective rotatable threaded connectors and by utilizing a pair of inner and outer hoses that are permanently interconnected between the end fittings such that the outer hose extends continuously between the end fittings and the ends of the outer hose are spaced apart from respective rotatable connectors. This permits the safety hose to be quickly and conveniently installed by simply screwing the threaded connectors onto the hose bib and the appliance or plumbing fixture inlet, respectively. 
     This invention features a safety hose apparatus for delivering water from a threaded spout of a hose bib to a threaded appliance inlet. The apparatus includes an outer hose and an inner hose that extends through the outer hose. A first pipe is communicably connected to a first end of the inner hose. The first threaded connector is rotatably attached to the outer hose in communication with the first pipe. The first threaded connector is threadably engagable with the threaded spout to communicably connect the first pipe and the inner hose to the hose bib. A second pipe is communicably connected to a second end of the inner hose. A second threaded connector is rotatably attached to the outer hose in communication with the second pipe. The second threaded connector is threadably engagable with the threaded inlet to communicably connect the second pipe and the inner hose to the inlet. A first closure is attached to the first end of the outer hose and a second closure is attached to the second end of the outer hose for sealing the space between the inner and outer hoses and retaining within that space water leaking through a rupture in the inner hose. The first threaded connector is peripherally exposed by the first end of the outer hose sufficiently to permit unhindered rotation of the threaded connector about the outer hose so that the first connector may be threadably engaged with and disengaged from the spout. The second threaded connector is peripherally exposed by the second end of the outer hose sufficiently to permit unhindered rotation of the second threaded connector relative to the outer hose so that the second connector may be threadably engaged with and disengaged from the appliance inlet. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first and second threaded connectors comprise generally annular components. The first connector may be rotatably attached to the first pipe and the second connector may likewise be rotatably attached to the second pipe. The first closure include an annular flange that is connected to and extends radially from the first pipe within the first threaded connector. Likewise, the second closure may include an annular flange that is connected to and extends radially from the second pipe within the second threaded connector. The pipes may extend through respective central openings in the first and second threaded connectors. The first closure may include at least one annular washer that is engaged and generally axially aligned with the flange. The first closure may be urged to sealingly interengage the inner and outer hoses when the first threaded connector is engaged with the threaded spout. Similarly, the second closure may include at least one annular washer that is engaged and generally axially aligned with the flange of the second pipe. The second closure may be urged to sealingly interengage the inner end and outer hoses when the second threaded connector is engaged with the threaded appliance inlet. Each of the closures may comprise a pair of annular washers, with one of the pair of washers being disposed on one side of a respective flange and the other washers being disposed on the opposite side of that flange. The outer hose may include a drain conduit that directs leaking water from the outer hose to a drain pipe. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Other objects, features and advantages will occur from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine utilizing the safety hose apparatus of this invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevated, partly cross sectional view of the end of safety hose apparatus that is releasably attached to a threaded spout of a standard hose bib; and 
     FIG. 3 is an elevational, partly cross sectional view of the opposite end of the safety hose apparatus, which is selectively interengagable with a threaded appliance inlet. 
    
    
     There is shown in FIG. 1. a safety hose apparatus  10  for delivering water from a standard hose bib  12  to the inlet  14  of a washing machine  16 . Hose bib  12  represents the usual hot water source for the washing machine. An analogous safety hose apparatus may be utilized for the cold water line. However, it is particularly preferred that apparatus  10  be employed for the hot water line because that line is subject to greater stresses due to the relatively high temperature of water usually delivered through the hose. For simplicity, apparatus  10  is shown herein attached only between the hot water bib  12  and washing machine  16 . A standard cold water conduit  18  is secured to cold water inlet  20  in a conventional manner. Although a washing machine is depicted in this embodiment it should be understood that apparatus  10  may be employed with a wide variety of other appliances that are connected to a source of water. As used herein “appliance” includes all types of machines and also includes plumbing fixtures such as toilets and sinks. 
     Hose bib  12  includes a threaded spout  22 . Washing machine inlet  14  is likewise externally threaded. The hose bib includes a valve handle  13 , which rotates about a horizontal axis. The valve handle is opened to provide water to the washing machine in a known manner. A standard washing machine drain hose  24  discharges water from washing machine  16  and empties that water into a conventional drain pipe  26 . 
     In FIG. 2, the hose bib is altered slightly in a known manner. Specifically, hose bib  12   a  includes a threaded spout  22   a  that extends in an axially horizontal manner. Valve handle  13   a  is mounted such that it rotates about a vertical axis. Although positioned somewhat differently, both hose bibs  12  and  12   a  operate in an analogous manner. In fact, the safety hose of this invention may be employed with all types of threaded hose bibs. 
     Hose apparatus  10  includes an elongate outer conduit or hose assembly  30  interconnected between a first end fitting  32 , FIGS. 1 and 2, and a second end fitting  34 , FIGS. 1 and 3. The first and second end fittings  32  and  34  comprise a plurality of pieces that may be composed of various types of non-corrosive metal or plastic material. It should be understood that the end fittings may be constructed in a wide variety of ways. Nonetheless, it is essential that each end fitting includes a generally annular threaded connector that attaches one end of hose assembly  30  to a respective one of the threaded spout  22  and the threaded appliance inlet  14 . Each fitting also includes some type of structure that seals the respective end of hose assembly  30  so that in the event of a leak or rupture in the inner hose, water is retained in outer hose assembly  30  in a manner which will be described more fully below. 
     The construction of hose assembly  30  and end fittings  32  and  34  is shown in FIGS. 1-3. More particularly, hose assembly  30  includes an elongate outer conduit or hose  110  and an elongate inner conduit or hose  112  that extends centrally through hose  110 . The inner and outer hoses may be composed of standard hose material. Specifically, they may employ reinforced rubber or a plastic material. A flexible or corrugated metal may also be employed. Such materials should be well known to persons skilled in the hose art. In some cases, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner and outer hoses  110  and  112  may extend continuously in an uninterrupted fashion between fittings  32  and  34 . Alternatively, a generally cylindrical discharge conduit segment  36 , FIG. 1, may be incorporated into outer hose  110 . Segment  36  may be unitarily joined with outer hose  110  or otherwise fastened to hose  110  in a standard manner. Segment  36  includes a transverse discharge port  62  that serves to discharge water that has leaked from a ruptured inner hose  112 . This is explained more fully below. Segment  36  may be employed at various different locations along the length of hose assembly  30 . In other embodiments, such as in FIGS. 2 and 3, a discharge section and accompanying discharge port may be omitted entirely. 
     End fitting  32  is illustrated in detail in FIG.  2 . Fitting  32  includes a generally annular threaded connector  70 , which resembles the threaded connector typically used at the hose bib end of a standard household appliance (e.g. washing machine) or garden hose. Connector  70  is rotatably attached to a first end of outer hose  110  by a standard crimped retainer assembly  42 . This assembly includes a generally cylindrical insert  44  and a cylindrical ferrule  46  that are pinched or crimped together and sandwiched about the first end of outer hose  110  in a known manner. Connector  70  is rotatably engaged with an annular slot  48  formed in assembly  42 . Specifically, connector  70  includes a radial base  50  that is turned inwardly and received movably by slot  48 . Lip  50  interengages the radially outwardly extending lip  51  of insert  44 . This holds connector  70  to connector  42  and permits the threaded connector to rotate relative to outer hose  110 . As a result, threaded connector  70  is permanently but rotatably attached to retainer assembly  42 . Threaded connector  70  has a threaded interior surface  71 . 
     Inner hose  112  is received centrally through hose  110 . The inner hose is itself rotatably and communicably secured to threaded connector  70 . This is accomplished by the use of a first pipe  52  that is received by the first end of hose  112 . Pipe  52  grips hose  112  by means of a detent or rib  54 . An interior ferrule  56  is disposed about the outer surface of hose  112  proximate its first end. The ferrule is crimped against the inner hose and pipe such that the inner hose is secured between ferrule  56  and pipe  54 . The above described techniques for crimping the inner and outer hoses are performed at the factory or manufacturing facility using processes that will be known to persons skilled in the art. 
     Pipe  52  extends through the central opening of threaded connector  70 . The upper end of pipe  52  carries a radial flange  56  that is disposed within the boundaries of connector  70 . It is critical that hose  112  be in fluid communication with threaded connector  70 . In certain embodiments, the pipe and flange may be omitted and hose  112  may be connected in some other fashion to the threaded connector. 
     A pair of gaskets comprising annular washers  60  and  61  are disposed within threaded connector  70  on opposite sides of flange  56 . The central openings  64  and  65  in washers  60  and  61 , respectively, are aligned with the central openings in pipe  52  and connector  70 . Flange  56  and adjoining washers  60  and  61  effectively form a closure  80  at the first end of hose assembly  30 . In the event that there is a leak or rupture in inner hose  112 , closure  80  acts as a seal and retains that water within the space  82  between the inner and outer hoses. This operation is explained more fully below. In alternative embodiments the inner hose may be attached to the threaded connector by means other than the pipe and flange shown herein. 
     The opposite, second end of safety hose apparatus  10  is depicted in FIG.  3 . Therein, second fitting  34  is positioned to be attached to threaded inlet  20  of appliance  16 . Fitting  34  includes a threaded annular connector  98  constructed analogously to connector  70  and rotatably attached to the opposite second end of outer hose  110 . Fitting  34  includes an annular retainer assembly  35  comprising an insert  90  and a ferrule  92 . These components are engaged with the inner and outer surfaces of hose  110  proximate the second end of that hose. Components  90  and  92  are crimped or otherwise machined together such that they are secured permanently to the second end of outer hose  110 . Threaded connector  98  includes an inwardly turned base  94  that is slidably received in an circumferential slot  96  formed in retainer  35 . Inwardly turned lip  99  of insert  90  interferes with inwardly turned lip  96  of connector  98  and thereby retains connector  98  in rotatable interengagement with connector  34 . 
     A second pipe  100  is inserted within inner hose  112  and attached to the hose by a gripping rib  102 . Pipe  100  extends through the central opening  104  in connector  98 . A flange  106  is connected unitarily to pipe  100  and extends radially outwardly therefrom within the periphery of threaded connector  98 . A pair of annular washers  108  and  111  are disposed on respective sides of flange  106 . Washers  108  and  111  are composed analogously to the previously described washers. The washers include central openings that are aligned with the opening in the base  95  of connector  98 . The connector has internal threads  112  that allow connector  98  to releasably interengage the threads of appliance inlet  20 . Washers  108 ,  111  and flange  106  again define a closure which, in this case is located at the opposite, second end of hose assembly  30 . Essentially, the space  82  between the inner hose  112  and the outer hose  110  is sealed by the closures of the opposing ends of the hose assembly, particularly when the threaded connector  98  is engaged with threaded inlet  20  and connector  70  is engaged with spout  22 ,  22   a . Once again, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments the central hose may be communicably connected directly to threaded connector. The pipe and associated flange may be eliminated. 
     The inner and outer hose segments may be composed of various flexible, water resistant materials including rubber, neoprene and a wide variety of other natural and plastic substances. In certain versions one or more of the hoses may have a corrugated configuration. The drainage port segment  36  may be installed at various locations along the length of the hose assembly. Various known means may be used for fastening the drainage port section to the remainder of the outer hose. Preferably, the entire safety hose apparatus  10  is mass produced or otherwise fully assembled and tested at the factory. It should be understood that the end fittings and the particular components of those fittings are merely intended to be preferred representative means for accomplishing the purpose of this invention. In alternative embodiments, various other types of structure may be used. 
     Safety hose apparatus  10  is installed quickly and conveniently. First, the homeowner or other installer turns off the valve  13  at hose bib  12 ,  12   a . The old hose interconnecting the bib and the appliance is then removed and discarded. Next, fully assembled apparatus  10  is installed. In the version disclosed herein, the new safety hose apparatus  10  comprises an outer hose having a pair of rotatable connectors formed permanently at respective ends thereof. An inner hose extends through the outer hose and is rotatably and communicably connected to the rotatable connectors by means of the respective flanged pipes. The flanges and adjoining washers form the closures at each end of the safety hose apparatus. To install apparatus  10 , threaded connector  70  is screwed onto threaded spout  22  or  22   a . The opposite threaded connector  98  is similarly screwed onto threaded appliance inlet  14 . Finally, a drain hose  66 , FIG. 1, is optionally attached to drain port  62  in cases where a drain conduit segment  36  is employed. Hose  66  is inserted into the standard appliance drain pipe  26 . Apparatus  10  is now fully installed and ready for use. When threaded connectors  98  and  70  are attached to appliance inlet  14  and threaded spout  22 ,  22   a , respectively, the washers are tightened against the distal ends of the hoses. As a result, the washers and the flanges (about which the washers are sandwiched) form effective sealing closures at each end of the safety hose apparatus. 
     To operate appliance  16 , valve  13 ,  13   a  is opened. Each time the washing machine or other appliance is used, water is delivered through the apparatus  10  from the hose bib to the appliance inlet  14 . Specifically, water is introduced through connector  70  into first pipe  52 . Water travels in the direction of arrow  119 , FIG. 2, through inner hose  112 . As shown in FIG. 3, this water eventually reaches second pipe  100 . The water exits through pipe  100  as indicated by arrows  119  in FIG.  3  and is introduced through discharge connector  98  into inlet  14  of appliance  16 . During normal operation, the appliance uses the water and eventually discharges the water through drain line  24 , FIG. 1, into drain pipe  26 . 
     In the event that a crack, break, leak or other rupture occurs in hose  112 , water enters the space  82  between inner hose segment  112  and outer hose segment  110 . The closures formed at respective ends of the apparatus serve effectively to plug or stopper the ends of outer hose  110  and retain water within space  82 . This water is discharged through outlet port  62 , FIG. 1, into drain hose  66 . The drain hose conducts the water into drain pipe  26 , FIG.  1 . As a result, the leaking water is captured by the outer hose  110  and released into the standard drain pipe. Potentially expensive damage to the room, building and/or furniture is thereby avoided. 
     In alternative embodiments, the permanent outlet  62  and drain hose  66  may be omitted. In such versions, the device preferably employs some type of indicator, which warns the homeowner that the inner hose has burst or otherwise ruptured. A visual or audio indicator may be employed. In such embodiments, when the inner hose bursts or ruptures, the outer hose prevents water from leaking into the room. Water continues to be delivered to and used by the appliance. The use of some type of warning indicator is desirable in such cases because eventually the outer hose may deteriorate and leak. It should be noted that a warning indicator may also be employed when a drain conduit is used, as in the above described manner. 
     It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the closures may be formed by various other types of structure. For example, each end fitting may include structure as shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,184 issued Aug. 3, 1999. The closure may also be formed by other single or multiple part components. In all versions, the threaded connector at each end of the hose assembly should be exposable sufficiently by the outer hose such that the connector is freely rotatable by hand and thereby easily engaged with and disengaged from either the hose bib spout or the appliance inlet. Additionally, a closure should be formed at each end of the outer hose so that water leaking from a hole or rupture in the inner hose is retained within the space between the hoses. A drain port may then be provided for removing this water from the space. The drain outlet may be located at various positions along the length of the safety hose apparatus. 
     Accordingly, the present invention features a very reliable, easy to install and inexpensively manufactured safety hose that is suitable for use on washing machines, dishwashers and all types of appliances and plumbing fixtures utilizing water. Only two universal fittings are required and these fittings may be pressure tested at the factory. Installation is quick, simple and inexpensive. Clamps and multiple sleeve segments are eliminated. Reliable protection is provided against potentially catastrophic hose ruptures. Because each end of the outer hose is fastened to a respective fitting at a point that fully exposes the rotatable threaded connector, the entire product may be installed by virtually anyone in only a few moments. The prior art, which requires that the outer sleeve be attached directly to and cover the threaded connectors, does not permit such an installation. Accordingly, the known art teaches a fairly intricate and costly installation procedure for covering an existing hose. In contrast, the present invention discloses a fully assembled, factory tested product that is installed quickly, simply and inexpensively onto the appliance. 
     Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention. 
     Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.