Abstract:
A system for supporting a hose configured to deliver preconditioned air from a source to an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a base support and a stationary bearing assembly connected to the base support proximate a first end of the stationary bearing assembly. The stationary bearing assembly is configured to engage the hose to support the hose. The system also includes a frame assembly connected to the stationary bearing assembly proximate a second end of the stationary bearing assembly. The frame assembly has a support extending away from the frame assembly that is configured to engage the hose.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/961,174, entitled “System for Controlled Dispensing of Flexible Pneumatic or Hydraulic Media Conduit by Incrementally Programmed Linear Propulsion,” filed Jul. 19, 2007, and claims the benefit thereof, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/961,178, entitled “System for Controlled Dispensing of Flexible Pneumatic or Hydraulic Media Conduit Regardless of its Functionary Status,” filed Jul. 19, 2007, and claims the benefit thereof. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a system and method for connecting a source of preconditioned air to a receiver for the preconditioned air, typically an aircraft. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for storing and moving a hose leading from the source of preconditioned air to an aircraft. The system reduces the potential for damaging the hose due to sliding friction against components of the system and facilitates efficient storage and dispensing of the hose. 
         [0004]    When an aircraft is at rest on the ground, the aircraft is often connected to a source of preconditioned air. That is, rather than tax the onboard heating or air-conditioning systems of the aircraft, a connection is made to a ground source that provides heated or air-conditioned air to the aircraft. To facilitate such a connection, a hose is extended from the preconditioned air source to a standardized hatch door located, generally, on the underside of the aircraft. To create a secure connection between the hose and the aircraft, a standard air chute is typically used that mates and locks with the area about the hatch door through a clamping or similar fixed connection system. 
         [0005]    After departure of the aircraft, it is preferable to move the hose to a position where the hose is less likely to be damaged, for example, by airport vehicles or direct exposure to precipitation and other elements. Some hoses are provided in multiple detachable segments and, as such, an operator may disassemble the segments for storage. Other hoses are flexible and, as such, an operator may fold, roll, or compress the hose into a more compact position for storage. However, such tasks can be time consuming for operators and, thus, may not be consistently performed. 
         [0006]    Some systems have been developed that attempt to alleviate this problem. For flexible hoses in particular, systems have been developed that retract the hose into a storage position without operator assistance. An example of such a system is shown in  FIG. 1 . The prior art storage system  10  includes drive mechanisms  12  that move a flexible hose  14  between a use position and a storage position. The hose  14  is axially compressed and supported by a rigid tube  16  in the storage position. To dispense the hose  14  the drive mechanisms  12  may drive in the opposite direction to push the hose  14  from the tube  16 . The prior art system  10  optionally includes actuators  18  that release the drive mechanisms  12  from engagement with the hose  14  to permit the hose  14  to be manually pulled from the storage position. 
         [0007]    However, the drive mechanisms of systems such as those shown in  FIG. 1  typically result in high friction between the inner surface of the hose  14  and the tube  16 . The high friction can cause wear on the hose  14  that may render the hose  14  ineffective for supplying preconditioned air. In addition, providing additional components within the hose, such as the tube, increases the weight of the system and the resistance to airflow resulting in reduced airflow efficiency. Therefore, increased power input may be necessary to deliver preconditioned air to the aircraft. Further still, systems such as those shown in  FIG. 1  typically dispense and retract the hose slowly. 
         [0008]    Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system for storing and moving a hose without reducing the product life of the hose and that permits preconditioned air to be delivered efficiently. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by providing a light-weight system for moving a preconditioned air hose. The system is designed to move the hose without reducing the product life of the hose and permit preconditioned air to be delivered efficiently. 
         [0010]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for supporting a hose configured to deliver preconditioned air from a source to an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a base support and a stationary bearing assembly connected to the base support proximate a first end of the stationary bearing assembly. The stationary bearing assembly is configured to engage the hose to support the hose. The system also includes a frame assembly connected to the stationary bearing assembly proximate a second end of the stationary bearing assembly. The frame assembly has a support extending away from the frame assembly that is configured to engage the hose. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a system for supporting a hose configured to deliver preconditioned air from a source to an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a base support and a plurality of longitudinal members connected to the base support proximate a first end of the plurality of longitudinal members. The plurality of longitudinal members are configured to engage an inner surface of the hose to support the hose. The system also includes a frame assembly connected to the plurality of longitudinal members proximate a second end of the plurality of longitudinal members. The frame assembly includes a plurality of supports extending away from the frame assembly that are configured to engage the inner surface of the hose. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a kit for retrofitting a system for supporting a hose for delivering preconditioned air to an aircraft is provided. The kit includes a base support and a stationary bearing assembly configured to connect to the base support and extend from base support in a travel direction of the hose. The stationary bearing assembly is configured to engage the hose to support the hose. The kit also includes a frame assembly configured to connect to the stationary bearing assembly at a position spaced apart from the base support in the travel direction of the hose. The frame assembly includes a support extending away from the frame assembly that is configured to engage the hose. 
         [0013]    Various other features of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a prior art system for moving a flexible hose for providing preconditioned air to an aircraft; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side-elevational view of a system for moving a preconditioned air hose in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side-elevational view of the system of  FIG. 2  with a preconditioned air hose in a storage position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side-elevational view of the system of  FIG. 2  with the preconditioned air hose in a deployed position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the system of  FIG. 2  in addition to a frame and grippers; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a front view of system of  FIG. 2  in addition to a frame and retraction rollers; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of the system of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-7  and specifically to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a system  20  for supporting a preconditioned air hose  22  includes a base support  24  that fixedly connects to an end of the hose  22  and a stationary bearing assembly  26  and frame assemblies  28  that engage the hose  22 . The hose  22  moves between a storage position, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in which the hose  22  is axially compressed along the stationary bearing assembly  26 , and a deployed position, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in which the hose  22  delivers preconditioned air from an air source (not shown) to an aircraft (not shown). In the deployed position, the hose  22  is supported by the frame assemblies  28 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-5  and  8 , the base support  24  is a generally circular member that fixedly connects to an end of the hose  22  by a hose clamp  30  or other similar component. The end of the base support  24  opposite the hose  22  connects to the air source or a conduit in fluid communication with the air source. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the base support  24  includes a plurality of support holes, two of which are indicated by reference numeral  32 , to connect the stationary bearing assembly  26 . The support holes  32  are advantageously spaced about the circumference of a base circle at generally equal angles from one another. For example, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , six support holes  32  are spaced about 60 degrees from one another. The base circle has a diameter of about 8.75 inches to properly accommodate the hose  22 . However, the diameter of the base circle may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. The base support  24  advantageously has thin walls  25  as viewed in  FIG. 8 . The walls  25  define a plurality of passages  34  that permit air to pass from one side of the base support  24  to the other. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the stationary bearing assembly  26  defines a longitudinal axis  35  in the direction in which the hose  22  generally moves. The stationary bearing assembly  26  advantageously includes a plurality of longitudinal members  36  that engage the hose  22 . Each longitudinal member  36  connects to the base support  24  by a single support hole  32 . As such, it can be appreciated from  FIGS. 6 and 8  that the longitudinal members  36  define a generally hexagonal-shaped cross-sectional area with generally equal side lengths. That is, the longitudinal members  36  are spaced about the longitudinal axis  35  at generally equal angels from one another. The longitudinal members  36  provide low resistance to airflow through the system  20  resulting in high airflow efficiency. In addition, the longitudinal members  36  are light-weight compared to similar components in prior-art designs. 
         [0026]    Referring to FIGS.  2  and  5 - 7 , a first of the frame assemblies  28  connects to the stationary bearing assembly  26  near an end opposite the base support  24 . A second of the frame assemblies  28  connects to and is positioned along the stationary bearing assembly  26  between the first frame assembly  28  and the base support  24 . The second frame assembly  28  is advantageously closer to the first frame assembly  28  than the base support  24 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the first frame assembly  28  is fixed relative to the longitudinal members  36  by collars  37  connected to three of the longitudinal members  36 . The second frame assembly  28  is fixed relative to the longitudinal members  36  by collars  37  connected to the other three of the longitudinal members  36 . 
         [0027]    The frame assemblies  28  are generally identical, and therefore only the first frame assembly  28  will be described in detail. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the first frame assembly  28  includes a generally annular-shaped member  38  having a plurality of mounting sections  40  that each engage a single longitudinal member  36 . The frame assembly  28  also includes a plurality of supports, two of which are indicated by the reference numeral  42 , to engage the hose  22 . The supports  42  extend radially outwardly from the annular-shaped member  38 . The supports  42  may be a friction reducing bearing, which should be understood as a wear material with a low coefficient of friction, a support that includes a roller element, or, as shown in the figures, a support that includes a ball element  44 . The supports  42  define a cross-sectional area larger than the hexagonal area defined by the longitudinal members  36  and thereby limit the amount of friction between components of the system  20  and the hose  22 . Limiting the amount of friction reduces the amount of wear experienced by the hose  22 . 
         [0028]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 6 , several of the supports  42 ′ are advantageously biased radially outwardly from the annular-shaped member  38 , for example, by springs  43 . Spring-biased supports  42 ′ advantageously compensate for variations in hose diameter due to manufacturing processes. Spring-biased supports  42 ′ also hold the hose  22  in a taught configuration which in turn holds the hose  22  in a proper orientation as it passes over the frame assembly  28 . This aspect of the invention will be described in further detail below. The supports  42 ′ to the sides of the supports  42  at the 12 o&#39;clock and 6 o&#39;clock positions are advantageously spring-biased supports  42 ′ because of deflection due to the cantilevered configuration of the stationary bearing assembly  26 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the base support  24  connects to a frame  46  that connects to a lower surface of a jetway (not shown) or similar structure to support the system  20 . The frame  46  may include joints or other components that permit the system  20  to pivot about vertical and horizontal axes relative to the lower surface of the jetway. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the frame  46  includes grippers  48  that move between open and closed positions to engage a portion of the hose  22 . Actuators  50  move the grippers  48  generally in the direction of the longitudinal axis  35 . The actuators  50  may be pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, power screws, solenoid actuators, or any other type of linear actuator known in the art. Similarly, it is contemplated that the grippers  48  may take many forms. 
         [0030]    Motion of the actuators  50  and the grippers  48  compress the hose  22  along the stationary bearing assembly  26 . The grippers  48  move in a cyclic manner and engage different portions of the hose  22  in different cycles. Specifically, the grippers  48  first move to the closed position to engage the hose  22 . The actuators  50  then move the grippers  48 , for example, 1′ toward the base support  24 . The grippers  48  then open to release the hose  22  and the actuators  50  move the grippers  48  to the original position. The cycle is then repeated. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the process advantageously compresses the hose  22  having a length of 70 feet along the stationary bearing assembly  26  having a length of 8 feet. The hose  22  advantageously includes seams  52  that are engaged by the grippers  48  during the retraction process. As such, the hose  22  is the hose described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/700,977, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0031]    The hose  22  used with the system  20  of the present invention is advantageously deployed manually by an operator. The force required to deploy the hose  22  is low due to the reduced friction provided by the frame assemblies  28 . Alternatively, the hose  22  could be automatically deployed, as will be described further below. As briefly described above, the spring-biased supports  42 ′ hold the hose  22  in a taught configuration which in turn holds the hose  22  in a proper orientation as it passes over the frame assembly  28 . Specifically, the hose  22  is held such that the seams  52  are near the grippers  48 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , at the sides of the frame assembly  28 . 
         [0032]    The hose  22  has a diameter of 14 inches, which is the same as the standard size for a coupling or tube of the preconditioned air source. However, the diameter of the hose may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, referring to  FIG. 3 , the end of the hose  22  opposite the base support  24  includes a Velcro section  54  that connects to an aircraft hatch door coupling (not shown). 
         [0033]    The system  20  includes a switch or emergency stop (not shown) that may be pressed to stop the retraction process. This may be useful if the hose  22  becomes caught on an object or an obstruction during the retraction process. In addition, the system  20  may include a current sensor (not shown) to stop the grippers  48  and actuator  50  when the hose  22  reaches the storage position. 
         [0034]    Furthermore, several design modifications are contemplated for the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 7 , the frame  46  may include retraction rollers  56  that engage the hose  22  instead of grippers. The retraction rollers  56  may be resilient or include serrated surfaces to ensure proper engagement with the hose  22 . One of the retraction rollers  56  in each set may be a driven roller and the other may be an idler, and the retraction rollers  56  may both retract and deploy the hose  22 . Alternatively, the retraction rollers  56  may be actuated to separate and disengage the hose  22  to permit manual deployment. Further still, the driven roller may include an overload clutch to limit the torque output of the retraction rollers  56 . 
         [0035]    The system  20  may be provided with only a single frame assembly  28  depending on the characteristics of the hose  22 . In addition, instead of connecting to a jetway, the frame  46  may include casters (not shown) that permit the entire system  20  to be moved on the ground. Further still, sensors may be provided that monitor the position of the hose  22  during a retraction process. The sensors may be in communication with a controller that varies the displacement of the actuators  50  and the grippers  48  during the retraction process. 
         [0036]    Further still, the frame  46  may include brakes  58  that engage the hose  22  after the retraction process. In addition, the brakes  58  may engage the hose  22  when the grippers  48  release the hose  22  during the retraction process. This may prevent the hose  22  from decompressing when released by the grippers  48 . However, the hose  22  may not have a tendency to decompress depending on the specific hose used with the system  20 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the brakes  58  may be positioned, for example, above and below the supports  42  at the 12 o&#39; clock and 6 o&#39; clock positions, respectively. In addition to the design modifications described above, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
         [0037]    It is also contemplated that the present invention may be provided as an unassembled kit of components for retrofitting existing systems for supporting preconditioned air hoses. 
         [0038]    The above-described assemblies and components provide a light-weight system for moving a preconditioned air hose. The above-described system is designed to move the hose without reducing the product life of the hose and permit preconditioned air to be delivered efficiently. 
         [0039]    The present invention has been described in terms of the various embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to a particular described embodiment.