Abstract:
An air and water hose apparatus ( 10  or  210 ) for use in an air supply system ( 100 ) for firefighters ( 150 ). The air and water hose apparatus has an air hose ( 32  or  232 ) completely within the water hose ( 12  or  212 ). The air and water hose apparatus comprises only a single length of the overall water hose of the system. This ensures that no part of the air hose is exposed to possible damage. The system supplies high pressure air to the firefighters. The system allows for easy connect and disconnect of the air and water hose apparatus to the firefighter&#39;s mask ( 160 ) and preferably can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus ( 152 ) having a mask and a regulator ( 158 ). A branched conduit ( 46 ) allows several firefighters to be attached to a single air and water hose apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an air and water hose apparatus and the method of using the air and water hose apparatus for use in a system to supply water and air to firefighters during a fire. In particular, the present invention relates to an air and water hose apparatus which has an internal air hose which connects to the mask of the firefighters to provide a constant source of air to the firefighter. 
     (2) Description of the Related Art 
     One of the dangers that firefighters face is being trapped or lost in the structure which is on fire. One of the main reasons that firefighters die in such a situation is that they run out of air. Currently, in most situations, air is supplied to the firefighter by tanks carried by the firefighter. Most of these tanks, due to their size and weight, have very limited air supply. Thus, if a firefighter is trapped for an extensive period of time, the supply is eventually exhausted which usually results in the death of the firefighter. 
     In the past, various system have been developed which try to supply air to a firefighter from a distant source. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. Nos. 386,751 to Loomis, 958,427 to Panian, 1,040,311 to Halloran and 4,974,584 to Goodnoe. 
     Loomis shows an apparatus which has an air tube combined with a fire hose. The outer end of the air tube connects with a flexible air-tube which connects to the mask of the firefighter. The air tube and fire hose have independent unions such that several sections of the apparatus can be connected together. When connecting the sections together, the air tube extends around the outside of the fire hose union. This design exposes the air tube to possible damage which could stop the flow of air through the tube. The air is supplied by an air pump. This system is only intended to operate using air at low pressures such as atmosphere pressure. 
     This system could not be used in conjunction with the compressed air systems currently used by firefighters. The air hoses of current compressed air systems has an inner diameter usually less than 1.0 inch (2.54 cm). The small size of the inner diameter of the air hose would not allow enough air at atmospheric pressure to travel through the air hose to support the firefighter. 
     Panian describes a respirating apparatus where the air is provided to the mask of the firefighter through a flexible tube which extends along the outside of the water hose. The air is supplied to the air tube by bellows which are actuated by water in the water hose rotating a wheel connected to the bellows. One of the disadvantages of this system is that the flow of air depends on the flow of water. If for any reason the water in the hose were to stop running, the firefighter&#39;s air supply would also stop. In addition, as with the apparatus of the Loomis reference, the positioning of the air tube on the outside of the water hose exposes the air tube to possible damage which could stop the flow of air through the tube. In current systems using high pressure, compressed air, air which leaks from a damaged air tube could potentially feed the fire. 
     Halloran shows an air supply device which uses an air suction chamber attached to one end of the fire hose. The air suction chamber is configured to draw fresh air into the chamber through a pipe due to the suction action of the water passing through the fire hose. Funnels in the chamber collect the air entering the air suction chamber and transfer the air through pipes to the firefighter&#39;s masks. However, this system is very unreliable. In addition, as with the apparatus of the Panian reference, if for any reason the water in the hose were to stop running, the firefighter&#39;s air supply would also stop. 
     Goodnoe describes an emergency air supply assembly for firefighters. In this invention, the water supply for the water hose is shut off and the emergency air is provided to the firefighter through the water hose. The end of the water hose is placed in an emergency air collector which collects the air. The firefighter then inserts his breathing tube into the air collector. This system is difficult to use. However, a more substantial disadvantage of this system is that the water must be turned off before air can be supplied. Thus, the firefighter must choose between having water to fight the fire and having air to breathe. Further, this system uses air at low pressures and can only be used as an emergency system. 
     Currently, as shown in the publication by the Fire Protection Publications Oklahoma State University entitled Second Edition, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, an air line can be provided to allow for a longer air supply than is provided by a self-contained breathing apparatus having a tank carried by the firefighter. This air line is attached at one (1) end to one or several air cylinders and is connected at the other end to an open circuit face piece, regulator, and egress cylinder of the firefighter. However, this air line is exposed and therefore is not intended to be used by a firefighter in a burning structure. 
     Also of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 2,515,578 to Wilson which describes a firefighting device which conducts mist or fog from the fluid stream within the nozzle to the mask of the firefighters. 
     Only of minimal interest is U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,912 to Collins which describes an air respirator system for painters. The air supply for the painter is removed from the compressed air line which supplies air to the paint sprayer from the compressor. 
     There remains the need for a system for supplying air to a firefighter from a distant source having an air tube completely inside of the water tube which allows for high pressure air to be delivered to firefighters without interfering with the flow of the water in the water hose and where the flow of air is not contingent on the flow of water. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a system which allows a hose apparatus to be used to deliver water and air to the firefighter at all times. The system eliminates the need for firefighters to rely on the limited amount of air supplied by their tanks when they are trapped in a structure. The system could result in firefighters carrying smaller air tanks which equates to less weight carried by the firefighter. The use of a separate air hose in the interior of the water hose allows both water and air to move through the hose apparatus simultaneously. The air and water hose apparatus comprises only a single section of the overall water hose of the system. This ensures that no part of the air hose is exposed to possible damage. The air hose is entirely protected within the water hose. The present system can be used as a primary air supply system allowing the air tanks carried by the firefighter to be used only for emergency purposes. Alternatively, the system can be used as an emergency system to be used when the air tanks carried by the firefighter have been exhausted. The system supplies high pressure air similar to that supplied by the tanks carried by firefighters. The system allows for easy connect and disconnect of the air supply to the firefighter&#39;s mask and preferably can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus used by firefighters and including a mask and a regulator. Thus, the firefighter can easily switch between the air and water hose apparatus and the standard air tanks. A branched conduit allows several firefighters or victims to be attached to a single air and water hose apparatus. 
     The present invention relates to a hose apparatus having an inlet adaptor having a first passageway, an outlet adaptor having a second passageway and connectable to a nozzle for dispensing water and a flexible water hose between and connected to the inlet and outlet adaptors, the improvement which comprises: a first fitting secured in a watertight connection through the inlet adaptor with an opening through the fitting into the first passageway and with a first tubular member which extends towards the water hose; a second fitting secured through the outlet adaptor in a watertight connection with an opening through the fitting into the second passageway with a second tubular member which extends towards the water hose, such that the first and second tubular members are open towards each other; a flexible gas hose for supplying a breathable gas connected between the tubular members inside of the water hose in a gas and watertight connection; a first quick connect and disconnect coupling on the first fitting for connecting a source of the breathable gas through the opening in the first fitting, the first tubular member, the flexible air hose, the second tubular member, and the opening in the second fitting, and for sealing the first fitting when disconnected and for providing the breathable gas when connected to the source of the breathable gas; and a second quick connect and disconnect coupling on the second fitting for connecting the breathable gas to a pressure regulator as part of a firefighter&#39;s mask and for sealing the second fitting when disconnected, wherein the gas hose is able to withstand an external water pressure in the water hose without collapsing and an internal pressure of the breathable gas of at least 125 psig. 
     Further, the present invention relates to a system for providing breathable air to a firefighter wearing a mask with an air pressure regulator along with providing water to fight a fire, the improvement which comprises: a hose apparatus having an inlet adaptor having a first passageway, an outlet adaptor having a second passageway and connectable to a nozzle for dispensing the water and a flexible water hose between and connected to the inlet and outlet adaptors, and further comprising: (i) a first fitting secured in a watertight connection through the inlet adaptor with an opening through the first fitting into the first passageway and with a first tubular member which extends towards the water hose; (ii) a second fitting secured through the second adaptor in a watertight connection with an opening through the fitting into the second passageway with a second tubular member which extends towards the water hose, such that the first and second tubular members are open towards each other; (iii) a flexible gas hose for supplying a breathable gas connected between the tubular members inside of the water hose in a gas and watertight connection; (iv) a first quick connect and disconnect coupling on the first fitting for connecting a source of the breathable gas through the opening in the first fitting, the first tubular member, the flexible air hose, the second tubular member, and the opening in the second fitting, and for sealing the first fitting when disconnected and for providing the breathable gas when connected to the source of the breathable gas; and (v) a second quick connect and disconnect coupling on the second fitting for connecting the breathable gas to the air pressure regulator of the mask and for sealing the second fitting when disconnected, wherein the gas hose is able to withstand an external water pressure in the water hose without collapsing and an internal pressure of the breathable gas of at least 125 psig; and a coupling hose for connecting between the air pressure regulator and the second quick disconnect coupling so that the breathable gas can be supplied to the firefighter by the system while water is flowing through the water hose. 
     Still further, the present invention relates to a method for fighting a fire which comprises the steps of: providing a hose apparatus having an inlet adaptor having a first passageway, an outlet adaptor having a second passageway and connectable to a nozzle for dispensing water and a flexible water hose between the inlet and outlet adaptors and further comprising: (i) a first fitting secured in a watertight connection through the inlet adaptor with an opening through the fitting into the first passageway and with a first tubular member which extends towards the water hose; (ii) a second fitting secured through the second adaptor in a watertight connection with an opening through the fitting into the second passageway with a second tubular member which extends towards the water hose, such that the first and second tubular members are open towards each other; (iii) a flexible gas hose for supplying a breathable gas connected between the tubular members inside of the water hose in a gas and watertight connection; (iv) a first quick connect and disconnect coupling on the first fitting for connecting a source of the breathable gas through the opening in the first fitting, the first tubular member, the flexible air hose, the second tubular member, and the opening in the second fitting, and for sealing the first fitting when disconnected and for providing the breathable gas when connected to the source of the breathable gas; and (v) a second quick connect and disconnect coupling on the second fitting for connecting the breathable gas to a pressure regulator as part of a firefighter&#39;s mask and for sealing the second fitting when disconnected, wherein the gas hose is able to withstand external water pressure in the water without collapsing and an internal pressure of the breathable gas of at least 125 psig; connecting the inlet adaptor of the hose apparatus to a water source; connecting the first quick connect and disconnect coupling to the source of breathable gas; and connecting the second quick connect and disconnect coupling to a pressure regulator on the mask by means of the flexible gas hose and providing the breathable gas to the firefighter from the hose apparatus through the pressure regulator on the mask by means of the flexible gas hose at least part of the time the firefighter is fighting the fire. 
     Further still, the present invention relates to a hose apparatus having an inlet adaptor having a first passageway, an outlet adaptor having a second passageway and connectable to a nozzle for dispensing water and a flexible water hose between the inlet and outlet adaptors, the improvement which comprises: a first fitting secured in a watertight connection through the inlet adaptor with an opening through the fitting into the first passageway and with a first tubular member which extends towards the water hose; a second fitting secured through the second adaptor in a watertight connection with an opening through the fitting into the second passageway with a second tubular member which extends towards the water hose, such that the first and second tubular members are open towards each other; a flexible gas hose for supplying a breathable gas connected between the tubular members inside of the water hose in a gas and watertight connection; a first coupling on the first fitting for connecting a source of breathable gas through the opening in the first fitting, the first tubular member, the flexible gas hose, the second tubular member, and the opening in the second fitting, and for sealing the first fitting when disconnected and for providing the breathable gas when connected to the source of the breathable gas; and a second coupling on the second fitting configured for connecting the breathable gas to a pressure regulator as part of a firefighter&#39;s mask and for sealing the second fitting when disconnected, wherein the gas hose is able to withstand an external water pressure between about 1000 to 2850 psig in the water hose without collapsing and an internal pressure of the breathable gas of at least 125 psig. 
     Still further, the present invention relates to a system for providing breathable air to a firefighter wearing a mask with an air pressure regulator along with providing water to fight a fire, the improvement which comprises: a hose apparatus having an inlet adaptor having a first passageway, an outlet adaptor having a second passageway and connectable to a nozzle for dispensing the water and a flexible water hose between and connected to the inlet and outlet adaptors, which includes: (i) a first fitting secured in a watertight connection through the inlet adaptor with an opening through the fitting into the first passageway and with a first tubular member which extends towards the water hose; (ii) a second fitting secured through the second adaptor in a watertight connection with an opening through the fitting into the second passageway with a second tubular member which extends towards the water hose, such that the first and second tubular members are open towards each other; (iii) a flexible hose for supplying a breathable gas connected between the tubular members inside of the water hose in a gas and watertight connection; (iv) a first quick connect and disconnect coupling on the first fitting for connecting a source of the breathable gas through the opening in the first fitting, the first tubular member, the flexible air hose, the second tubular member, and the opening in the second fitting, and for sealing the first fitting when disconnected and for providing the breathable gas when connected to the source of the breathable gas; and (v) a second quick connect and disconnect coupling on the second fitting for connecting the breathable gas to a pressure regulator as part of a firefighter&#39;s mask and for sealing the second fitting when disconnected, wherein the breathable gas hose is able to withstand an external water pressure between about 1000 to 2850 psig in the water hose without collapsing and an internal pressure of the breathable gas of at least 125 psig; and a coupling hose for connecting between the pressure regulator for the breathable gas and the second coupling so that the breathable gas can be supplied to the firefighter by the system while water is flowing through the water hose. 
     Further, the present invention relates to a method for fighting a fire which comprises: providing a hose apparatus having an inlet adaptor having a first passageway, an outlet adaptor having a second passageway and connectable to a nozzle for dispensing water and a flexible water hose between the inlet and outlet adaptors and further comprising: (i) a first fitting secured in a watertight connection through the inlet adaptor with an opening through the fitting into the first passageway and with a first tubular member which extends towards the water hose; (ii) a second fitting secured through the second adaptor in a watertight connection with an opening through the fitting into the second passageway with a second tubular member which extends towards the water hose, such that the first and second tubular members are open towards each other; (iii) a flexible gas hose for supplying a breathable gas connected between the tubular members inside of the water hose in a gas and watertight connection; (iv) a first quick connect and disconnect coupling on the first fitting for connecting a source of the breathable gas through the opening in the first fitting, the first tubular member, the flexible air hose, the second tubular member, and the opening in the second fitting, and for sealing the first fitting when disconnected and for providing the breathable gas when connected to the source of the breathable gas; and (v) a second quick connect and disconnect coupling on the second fitting for connecting the breathable gas to a pressure regulator as part of a firefighter&#39;s mask and for sealing the second fitting when disconnected, wherein the breathable gas hose is able to withstand external water pressure between about 1000 to 2850 psig in the water without collapsing and an internal pressure of the breathable gas of at least 125 psig; connecting the inlet adaptor of the hose apparatus to a water source; connecting the first quick connect and disconnect coupling to the source of breathable gas; and connecting the second quick connect and disconnect coupling to a pressure regulator on the mask by means of the flexible gas hose and providing the breathable gas to the firefighter from the hose apparatus through the regulator on the mask by means of the gas hose at least part of the time the firefighter is fighting the fire. 
     The substance and advantages of the present invention will become increasingly apparent by reference to the following drawings and the description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system  100  showing the fire truck  116 , the standard water hose  110 , the air and water hose apparatus  10  and the firefighters  150 . 
     FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the inlet adaptor  14  showing the first fitting  16  and the gauges  104  and  106  for the air supply  102 . 
     FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the outlet adaptor  36  showing the second fitting  38  and the branched conduit  46 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first fitting  16  showing the first tubular member  30  partially inserted into the first fitting  16 . 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first fitting  16  showing the first tubular member  30  fully inserted into the center bore  18 C of the fixed portion  18  of the first fitting  16 . 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet adaptor  14  showing the first fitting  16 , the first tubular member  30  and the air hose  32  in elevation. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment with the air hose  232  within the sidewall  212 A of the water hose  212 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows the air and water hose apparatus  10  of the present invention in use in an air supply system  100  to provide air or other breathable gas to firefighters  150 . The air supply system  100  includes an air and water hose apparatus  10  connected at one (1) end to an air supply  102  and connected at the other end to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)  152  used by the firefighters  150 . The air and water hose apparatus  10  includes a water hose  12  with a first end  12 A and a second end  12 B with an inner passageway  12 C extending therebetween. An inlet adaptor or coupling  14  is mounted on the first or inlet end  12 A of the water hose  12 . An outlet coupling or adaptor  36  is mounted on the second or outlet end  12 B of the water hose  12 . The water hose  12  is preferably similar to standard firefighting water hoses and is preferably constructed of several layers of materials which are durable and flexible. The water hose  12 , in the preferred embodiment, has an inner diameter of between about 1.25 inches and 2.75 inches (3.18 to 7.00 cm). The inlet adaptor  14  can be connected to a water source or can be connected to a standard firefighting water hose  110  if more than one (1) section of water hose is used. A nozzle  112 , similar to any water hose nozzles well known in the art, is preferably provided on the end of the outlet adaptor  36  opposite the water hose  12 . 
     The inlet adaptor  14  at the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  has opposed ends with a sidewall  14 C extending therebetween and forming an inner first passageway  14 A. The inner first passageway  14 A is in fluid communication with the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the inlet adaptor  14  is a swivel joint adaptor or coupling similar to those manufactured by Harrington. However, the inlet adaptor  14  could be similar to any standard adaptors well known in the art for use on standard water hoses for firefighters. A hole  14 B is provided through the sidewall  14 C of the inlet adaptor  14  and into the inner first passageway  14 A of the adaptor  14 . The hole  14 B is preferably threaded. A first fitting  16  is preferably threadably mated into the hole  14 A in the sidewall  14 C of the inlet adaptor  14 . It is understood that the fitting  16  may be mounted in the hole  14 B of the inlet adaptor  14  by any well known means. The first fitting  16  and the inlet adaptor  14  could also be constructed as a single piece. The first fitting  16  is preferably a swivel fitting having a male to male fixed portion  18  and a female to female rotating portion  20  (FIGS.  4  and  5 ). The first fitting is preferably similar to a swivel valve manufactured by Harrington Weatherhead. The outer end  18 A of the male to male fixed portion  18  is mounted in the hole  14 B of the inlet adaptor  14 . The fixed portion  18  has a center bore  18 C between its ends  18 A and  18 B which is in fluid communication with a center bore  20 C of the rotating portion  20 . The inner end  18 B of the fixed portion  18  adjacent the rotating portion  20  is preferably beveled to accommodate the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  (to be discussed in detail hereinafter). The end  16 B of the female to female rotating portion  20  opposite the male to male fixed portion  18  preferably has a threaded, female connector. In the preferred embodiment, a male to male elbow  22  is mounted in the female connector of the rotating portion  20  of the first fitting  16  (FIG.  2 ). The first fitting  16  and the elbow  22  could be constructed as a single unit. The swiveling ability of the first fitting  16  enables the female connector to be connected to other fittings without affecting the mounting of the first fitting  16  in the inlet adaptor  14  or the air hose  32  in the air and water hose apparatus  10 . The first fitting  16  is sealingly mounted in the inlet adaptor  14  such that water and air can not escape from the inner first passageway  14 A and the inlet adaptor  14  through the hole  14 B around the first fitting  16 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, a quick connect/disconnect coupling  24  is mounted to the other end of the male to male elbow  22  connected to the first fitting  16 . The coupling  24  is preferably similar to the D series automatic connect, single shut off couplings manufactured by the Perfecting Coupling Company. The coupling  24  is preferably a ¼ NPT coupling constructed of brass or stainless steel. However, the coupling  24  can be similar to any pneumatic or hydraulic coupling able to handle the fluid pressures provided by the air supply  102 . Preferably, the coupling  24  is able to handle up to 5000 psig. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling  24  includes a plug  26  and a socket  28  (FIG.  2 ). Preferably, the plug  26  is mounted on the male to male elbow  22 . The socket  28  of the coupling  24  is mounted on one (1) end  100 A of an air supply tube  108 . In the preferred embodiment, the socket  28  of the coupling  24  has a valve (not shown) which is opened when the socket  28  is fitted over the plug  26  to allow fluid to flow through the coupling  24 . When the socket  28  is removed from the plug  26 , the valve in the socket  28  closes preventing fluid in the air supply tube  108  from escaping. In an alternate embodiment, the plug  26  also includes a valve (not shown) which is opened when the socket  28  is fitted over the plug  26 . When the socket  28  is removed from the plug  26 , the valve in the plug  26  closes preventing contamination to the air in the air hose  32 . The socket  28  of the coupling  24  is mounted on one (1) end  100 A of an air supply tube  108 . The other end  100 B of the air supply tube  108  is connected to the air supply  102  (FIG.  1 ). The air supply  102  is preferably two (2) portable air tanks  114 . The use of two (2) air tanks allows an empty tank to be replaced without stopping the flow of air to the firefighters  150 . However, the air supply  102  could be any number of air tanks. Alternatively, the air supply  102  could be mounted on the fire truck  116 . The air supply  102  preferably is a high pressure air supply providing air at pressures between about 3000 and 5000 psig. In one (1) embodiment, a regulator  105  is preferably provided in the air supply tube  108  between the coupling  24  and the air supply  102  (FIG.  2 ). However, the regulator  105  could be provided at any point before the first fitting  16  such as on the top of the tanks  114 . The regulator  105  reduces the pressure of the air exiting the tank  114  to between about 125 to 500 psig before it enters the coupling  24 . In another embodiment, a regulator is not used. In this embodiment, the pressure of the air entering the coupling  24  is essentially equal to the pressure of the air exiting the tanks  114 . Gauges  104  and  106  are preferably provided in the air supply tube  108  between the coupling  24  and the air supply  102 . The gauges  104  and  106  measure the pressure of air flowing through the air supply tube  108  and into the coupling  24  and the amount of the air remaining in the tanks  114 . 
     A first tubular member  30  having opposed ends  30 A and  30 B connects the first fitting  16  to an air hose  32  in the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12  (FIG.  6 ). The first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  is inserted into the outer end  18 A of the center bore  18 C of the first portion  18  of the first fitting  16  from the inner passageway  14 A of the inlet adaptor  14  (FIG.  4 ). The first tubular member  30  is pushed completely through the center bore  18 C such that the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  extends beyond the inner end  18 B of the center bore  18 C of the fixed portion  18  of the first fitting  16  (FIG.  5 ). The first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  is then flared or flanged such that the first tubular member  30  can not be removed from the first fitting  16 . In the preferred embodiment, the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  is flanged such that the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  is seated in the beveled inner end  18 B of the fixed portion  18  of the first fitting  16 . Flaring the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  prevents air from escaping and to ensure the air provided to the firefighters  150  is uncontaminated. The insertion of the first tubular member  30  into the fixed portion  18  of the first fitting  16  preferably does not interfere with the swiveling ability of the first fitting  16 . The inner diameter of the first tubular member  30  is preferably substantially constant along the length of the first tubular member  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the first tubular member  30  is constructed of stainless steel and has an inner diameter of 0.1875 inch (0.4763 cm). The outer diameter of the portion of the first tubular member  30  inserted into the fitting  16  is preferably less than the outer diameter of the remainder of the first tubular member  30 . The shoulder formed by the different outer diameters helps to determine how far the first tubular member  30  is inserted into the first fitting  16 . In addition, the thinner sidewall at the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  allows the first end  30 A of the first tubular member  30  to be flanged easier. The first tubular member  30  extends outward from the first fitting  16  into the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12 . The first tubular member  30  is angled such as to extend toward the second end of the air and water hose apparatus  10 . The second end  30 B of the first tubular member  30  is inserted into the first end  32 A of the air hose  32 . Barbs  30 C are provided on the second end  30 B of the first tubular member  30  to help hold the second end  30 B of the first tubular member  30  in the air hose  32 (FIG.  4 ). A sleeve  34  is placed around the first end  32 A of the air hose  32  having the first tubular member  30  and is crimped in place. It is understood that the first tubular member  30  and the air hose  32  can be connected together by any well known means which forms an airtight connection. The first tubular member  30  is preferably non-flexible and constructed of an anti-corrosive material such as stainless steel. 
     The air hose  32  extends completely through the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12  to the outlet coupling or adaptor  36  at the second end  12 B of the water hose  12 . In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  32  is separate from the water hose  12  and extends along the inner sidewall of the water hose  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the air hose  232  and water hose  212  are constructed as an integral piece with the air hose  232  within the sidewall  12 A or  212 A of the water hose  12  or  212  (FIG.  7 ). The sidewall  212 A of the water hose  212  is preferably constructed of several layers of material including at least an outer, durable weather resistant layer and an inner, flexible layer. The air hose  232  of the alternate embodiment is preferably sandwiched between the layers of the sidewall  212 A of the water hose  212 . The air hose  232  is preferably provided in a spiral pattern inside the sidewall  212 A of the water hose  212 . The spiraling of the air hose  232  allows the water hose  212  with the air hose  232  to be uniformly folded for storage. The air hose  232  also preferably has an elliptical cross-sectional shape which allows for bending and folding of the air and water hose apparatus  210  without crimping the air hose  232  within the sidewall  212 A of the water hose  212 . In this alternate embodiment, the air hose  232  spirals around in the inside of the sidewall  212 A of the water hose  212  about 5 or 6 times for a water hose  212  having a length of about 50 feet (1524 cm). The remainder of the air and water hose apparatus  210  of the alternate embodiment is preferably similar to the air and water hose apparatus  10  of the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the air hose  32  has a length essentially equal to the length of the water hose  12  without the adaptors  14  and  36  and has an inner diameter of about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). The air hose  32  or  232  may be constructed of any well known material which can withstand high fluid pressure on the outside caused by the flow of water through the water hose  12  or  212  and high fluid pressure on the inside caused by the air moving through the air hose  32  or  232 . In the preferred embodiment, the air hose  32  or  232  is able to withstand external pressure of up to about 3000 psig produced by water moving through the water hose  12  and is capable of carrying air at between about 125 and 5000 psig. Also preferably, the air hose  32  or  232  is constructed of a material which does not have memory. The air hose  32  or  232  must be supple enough to bend 180° and still spring back to its original shape to prevent damage to the air hose  32  or  232  due to repeated bending and folding for storage. The air hose  32  or  232  must also be constructed of a material which will not contaminate the air such as air hoses used and approved for scuba diving. 
     The outlet adaptor  36  is also provided with a hole  36 A into which is secured a second fitting  38 . The second fitting  38  is preferably similar to the first fitting  16 . A second tubular member (not shown) extends between the second fitting  38  and the second end (not shown)of the air hose  32 . The connection of the second tubular member to the second fitting  38  and to the second end of the air hose  32  is preferably similar to the connection of the first tubular member  30  to the first fitting  16  and the first end  32 A of the air hose  32 . A male to male elbow  42  is preferably connected to the female connector of the rotating portion  44  of the second fitting  38  (FIG.  3 ). A branched conduit or connector  46  is threadably mated to the other end of the elbow  42 . The second fitting  38 , elbow  42  and branched conduit  46  could be constructed as one or more pieces. In the preferred embodiment, the branched conduit  46  has two (2) outlets  46 A and  46 B and one (1) inlet  46 C with the inlet  46 C connected to the elbow  42 . The branched conduit  46  is preferably a T-shaped conduit and is preferably constructed of stainless steel. In the preferred embodiment, the branched conduit  46  allows two (2) firefighters  150  to connect to the same air and water hose apparatus  10 . Each of the outlets  46 A and  46 B of the branched conduit  46  is preferably provided with a quick connect/disconnect coupling  50  and  52  having a plug  54  and  56  and a socket  58  and  60 . The couplings  50  and  52  are preferably quick release couplings similar to the Hansen HK series couplings sold by Tuthill Coupling Group. However, it is understood that the couplings  50  and  52  can be similar to any couplings able to accommodate fluid pressures up to 5000 psig. It is understood that the couplings  50  and  52  can be similar to any quick release couplings well known in the art and able to accommodate fluid pressure similar to the fluid pressure provided by the air supply  102 . In the preferred embodiment, the plugs  54  and  56  of the couplings  50  and  52  are preferably provided with a valve (not shown) which is opened when the socket  58  and  60  is fitted over the plugs  54  and  56  to allow fluid to flow through the couplings  50  and  52 . When the socket  58  and  60  are removed from the plug  54  and  56 , the valve closes preventing the air in the air hose  32  from escaping. In an alternate embodiment, the socket  58  and  60  are also provided with a valve which opens when the socket  58  and  60  is fitted over the plug  54  and  56  and which closes when the socket  58  and  60  is removed from the plugs  54  and  56 . The closed valve prevents air in the second breathing hose  156  from escaping. The plugs  54  and  56  of the couplings  50  and  52  are preferably mounted on the outlets  46 A and  46 B of the branched conduit  46 . The sockets  58  and  60  of the couplings  50  and  52  are preferably mounted on the ends of the second breathing hoses  156  for the self-contained breathing apparatus  152  of the firefighters  150 . Alternatively, separate breathing hoses (not shown) can be provided which connect to the breathing apparatus  152  of the firefighter  150 . The breathing apparatus  152  for the firefighter  150  preferably includes a first breathing hose  154 , a second or buddy breathing hose  156 , a regulator  158  and a mask  160  and at least one (1) air tank  162 . In the preferred embodiment, the first breathing hose  154  extends between the air tank  162  and the regulator  158  and provides air from the tank  162  to the firefighter  150 . In one (1) embodiment, the regulator  158  is directly mounted on the mask  160 . The regulator  158  allows high pressure, compressed gas to be used as the air supply. Preferably, the second breathing hose  156  is connected at one (1) end to a Y-connector in the first breathing hose  154  and is connected at the other end to one (1) of the couplings  50  or  52  on the outlets  46 A or  46 B of the branched conduit  46 . 
     The air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  is preferably used in the primary breathing system or source of air for firefighters  150  during a fire. The air and water apparatus  10  or  210  is used as the last section of the water hose used by the firefighters  150 . Limiting use of the air and water hose apparatus  10  to a single section of the water hose, eliminates the need to connect the air hoses  32  or  232  from several air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  together. This reduces the risk of air leakage and also reduces the possibility of damage to the air hose  32  which could result in air leakage. Air leakage in high pressure compressed air systems could potentially be dangerous since the leaked air could feed the fire. Any number of standard water hoses  110  can be used to allow the needed length, provided the last hose is the air and water hose apparatus  10 . In the preferred embodiment, the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  has a length of between 50 and 150 feet (127 and 254 cm). However, it is understood that the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  can be of any length. To use the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  in the air supply system  100 , the inlet adaptor  14  of the air and water apparatus  10  or  210  is attached to the outlet adaptor of the last section of standard water hose  110 . The inlet end of the standard water hose  110  is connected to a source of water. Alternatively, if only the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  is used, the inlet adaptor  14  of the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  is connected directly to a source of water. The air supply  102  is preferably positioned adjacent the inlet adaptor  14  of the air and water hose apparatus  10 . The air supply tube  108  for the air supply  102  is then connected to the plug  26  on the first fitting  16  on the inlet adaptor  14  and the air supply  102  is turned on. In the preferred embodiment, the air supply  102  provides air at a pressure of at least 125 psig with or without the use of a regulator  105 . However, it is understood that the pressure of the air entering the first fitting  16  must be great enough to provide sufficient air to the firefighters  150  at the other end of the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210 . How much pressure is needed would depend on the length of the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210 , the inner diameter of the air hose  32  or  232  and the number of persons using the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210 . It is believed that 125 psig is the lowest amount of pressure needed for use in a 50 ft air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  used by two (2) persons. It is understood that other breathable gases could also be provided through the air hose  32  or  232  of the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210 . Next, the nozzle  112  connected to the outlet adaptor  36  of the air and water apparatus  10  is provided to one or more firefighters  150 . Each firefighter  150  then connects the second breathing hose  156  of his breathing apparatus  152  to one of the plugs  54  or  56  on the outlets  46 A or  46 B of the branched conduit  46 . It is understood that there could be numerous outlets on the branched conduit  46  to accommodate any number of firefighters  150 . A secondary hose and mask (not shown) could also be connected to any remaining plug  54  or  56 . The secondary hose and mask can then be used to provide air to a civilian trapped in a fire. Preferably, the firefighter  150  does not turn on the tanks  162  of the breathing apparatus  152  unless the air from the air and water apparatus  10  or  210  stops. Preferably, the air tanks  162  are not on when the air and water apparatus  10  or  210  is being used. In an alternative embodiment where the breathing apparatus does not have a second breathing hose, the firefighter  150  disconnects the single breathing hose from the tank  162  and connects the single breathing hose to the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210 . Once the firefighters  150  are connected to the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  and are holding the nozzle  112 , the water supply is turned on. Preferably, the air supply  102  is turned on before the water supply such that the internal pressure of the air in the air hose  32  or  232  helps to compensate for the external pressure of the water. The water running through the water hose  12  or  212  is preferably at a pressure of between about 1000 and 2850 psig. The water pressure is preferably similar to that used in standard water hoses  110 . It is understood that other firefighting fluids or flame retardant materials could also be provided through the water hose  12  or  212  of the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210 . The system  100  is preferably constructed such that the firefighter  150  breathes air or other breathable gas from the air and water hose apparatus  10  or  210  as long as the air supply  102  is available. Thus, a firefighter  150  would only use the air in the tank  162  of his breathing apparatus  152  which he carries, if the primary air supply  102  should be stopped. 
     It is intended that the foregoing description be only illustrative of the present invention and that the present invention be limited only by the hereinafter appended claims.