Patent Publication Number: US-2002000720-A1

Title: Washdown system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(2), and hereby incorporates by reference, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/213,046, filed Jun. 21, 2000. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0003] This system relates to systems and methods for washing down object surfaces and, in particular, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for delivering water and other cleansing fluids to objects such as automobiles and marine craft.  
       [0004] 2. Background of the Invention  
       [0005] It is often desirable that devices and appliances used onboard boats and other watercraft 1) be configured such that they occupy a minimum amount of space when being stored; 2) be easily retrieved for use; 3) be configured to efficiently and effectively fulfill their intended function; and 4) be easily and efficiently stowed away after being used. Equipment used to cleanse the surfaces of boats can be especially troublesome in these respects. Usually a hose and nozzle are used to deliver a directed stream of water over portions of the boat surface. However, after being used, the hose must usually be coiled before being stowed away. The coiled hose inefficiently requires more space than desired when being stored. Moreover, the hose fittings must be threaded onto, and off of, water supply sources when being connected and disconnected. This method is inefficient and time-consuming. Furthermore, a washer or seal must be present in the hose female protector. This seal is easily lost or becomes torn or worn when the hose is being connected and disconnected.  
       [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,226, issued May 25, 1999 to Goodman, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a very light weight, high-pressure, compact cleaning device for marine and outdoor use. The cleaning device of Goodman delivers water under high pressure via a coiled, retractable hose kit. The coiled hose uses a helical structure to automatically retract when not in use. The helical structure allows the hose to extend substantially the length of a typical fishing boat. A UV and thermal resistant material is used to withstand damage from prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, and cold. Input and output fittings and a nozzle retention bracket hold the hose structure in a tight helical spring configuration for storage. The light weight of the device purportedly allows easy manipulation of the hose kit and provides improved safety by enhancing the ability to move the hose kit from under foot during periods of intense activity. However, the cleaning device of Goodman must be threaded onto, or off of, a water source in order to be disconnected. Moreover, when stretched out for use, a twisting or torsioning is experienced either on the hose or by the user. Finally, the user experiences a further twisting due to the helical orientation of the nozzle.  
       [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,412, issued Oct. 12, 1999 to Thomas, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a garden watering system. The garden watering system of Thomas includes an elongate flexible tube formed in extendable and contrastable helical coils with opposed ends. A faucet connector is attached to one end of the tube. A spray nozzle or wand is connected to the opposite end of the tube. However, the garden watering system of Thomas must be threaded and unthreaded to water-providing connections. Moreover, a user will experience twisting and torsioning when the coil is extended.  
       [0008] There is then a need for a washdown device which 1) conserves space when being stored; 2) is extendable over a long distance; 3) is quickly and efficiently connected and disconnected from a water source; 4) does not twist or exert torsioning force on itself when being extended; and 5) does not twist or otherwise tend to strain a user&#39;s wrist when being extended as well.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009] The present invention substantially meets the aforementioned needs of the industry by providing a hose assembly. The hose assembly may include a hose body, a fluid supply connection assembly, and an optional nozzle fitting. The hose body may define an inner passageway and may include a central portion and first and second end portions extending from the central portion. The central portion may be configured in a resiliently helical confirmation. The orientations of the first and second end portions may substantially depart from the helical confirmation of the central portion, e.g., axially aligned. The fluid supply connection assembly may be attached to the hose body first end portion and may include a female connector. The female connector may display an interior surface, the interior surface defining a passageway in fluid communication with the hose body passageway. The female connector may include a sliding member biased in a first position. The hose assembly may be detachable from a fluid source by moving the female connector sliding member from the first position to the second position. The optional nozzle fitting may be attachable to the hose body second end portion. The present hose assembly may further include a male connector, the male connector connectable to a source of pressurized fluid and including a tubular member. The tubular member may be accommodated in at least a portion of the female connector passageway. When accommodated and secured within the female connector passageway, the tubular member may be pivoted therein, yet retain a fluid-tight seal.  
       [0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly, which is resistant to environmental degradation, such as caused by ultraviolet radiation.  
       [0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly with a hose of a readily noticeable color.  
       [0012] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly attachable to a source of pressurized fluid without the necessity of using tools of any sort.  
       [0013] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly attachable to a source of pressurized fluid without the necessity of threading the hose assembly to, and from, the pressurized source.  
       [0014] It is still yet another object of this invention to provide a hose assembly that eliminates the maintenance required by seals present in the prior art assemblies, which must be threaded on and off pressurized fluid sources.  
       [0015] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly that occupies a minimum amount of space during storage, that readily assumes a compact confirmation requiring a minimum amount of storage, and is extendable to any desired length.  
       [0016] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly which dissipates the tortional forces generated when the present coiled-hose structure is extended during use, the dissipation by a rotatable, quick-connect assembly.  
       [0017] It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a hose assembly with end portions deviating substantially from the helical confirmation of the central portion, so that a user&#39;s wrist is not strained or otherwise tortionally challenged while using the present invention. 
     
    
    
     [0018] Additional objects, advantages, and features of various embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and, in part, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of various embodiments of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the description that follows, when considered in view of the accompanying drawings.  
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0019]FIG. 1 a plan view of the washdown system of this invention;  
     [0020]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the washdown system of FIG. 1, the hose portion in an extended position;  
     [0021]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nozzle attached to the washdown system of FIG. 1;  
     [0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the two portions of the water supply connection assembly of this invention;  
     [0023]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the water supply connection assembly of FIG. 4;  
     [0024]FIG. 6 is a plan view of the water supply connection assembly of FIG. 4, a portion thereof depicted in cross section;  
     [0025]FIG. 7 is a cross section of a portion of the water supply connection assembly of FIG. 6 along line  7 - 7 ; and  
     [0026]FIG. 8 is a cross section of a portion of the water supply connection assembly of FIG. 4. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0027] Comprehension of this invention can be gained through reference to the drawings in connection with a review of the following explanation. In order to facilitate a full appreciation of this invention, an overview of an exemplary embodiment is provided. The overview is followed by a more detailed explanation.  
     [0028] The present washdown system includes a hose, a male connector for connection to a nozzle or the like, and a connection assembly for connection to a pressurized fluid source such as a water faucet. The hose, or hose body, includes a helical central portion and first and second end portions. The first end portion is connectable (matable) to a male connector, the male connector adapted for threadably connecting to a nozzle or the like. The hose end portions may be axially disposed with respect to the hose helical central portion. The second end portion is connectable (matable) to a quick disconnect assembly. The quick disconnect assembly includes two matable portions. One of the matable portions may be permanently attached to the hose. The other matable portion may be threaded onto a water supply, such as a faucet fixture or seal. The quick connect assembly may swivel or rotate, yet maintain a water-tight connection or seal.  
     [0029] Referring especially to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the present washdown assembly is depicted generally at  100  and includes a hose  102 , a nozzle fitting  104 , and a water supply connection assembly  106 . The hose (or hose body), in turn, displays outer and inner surfaces  110  and  112 . The inner surface  112  of the hose  102  defines a hose passageway  114 . In this embodiment, the present hose  102  is unitary but may be considered as including a generally helical central portion  116  and respective first and second end portions  118  and  120 . One suitable material used to make the present hose is UV-resistant polyurethane. In one embodiment, the present urethane hose has an outer diameter of about ½ inch and an inner diameter of about ⅜ inch. One satisfactory polyurethane hose has a Shore A durometer hardness measurement between about 85 and 105, between about 90-100, or about 95. Polyurethanes with such a hardness are considered to provide a desired recoil memory and degree of flexibility in many instances. One such satisfactory polyurethane hose material may be obtained from Coilhose Pneumatics, Inc. East Brunswick, N.J. In one embodiment, the hose material has a readily noticeable color, such as yellow, day-glow orange, day-glow lime, or the like. The presence of a readily noticeable color assists persons in easily identifying the presence of the present invention, e.g., on a cluttered deck, so that they can avoid being tripped or entangled, and also so that the readily apparent hose is identified as being out of place and therefore should be stowed away.  
     [0030] The central portion  116  includes a plurality of substantially helical coils  126  wound about a coil longitudinal axis  128 . The above-described materials used in making the present hose may be contemplated to possess the necessary degree of hardness and resilience to return adjacent coils  126  to a close proximity or a generally contacting engagement when not extended during use. For example, a central portion made from the above-described materials, when formed in coils, each coil with an outer diameter of about 4 inches, may be extended over a length of about 15 feet. Yet, when released the central portion coils  126  retract until all or most of the coils come into contact or close proximity. The retracted central portion  116  of an embodiment with an extended length of about 15 feet may be between about 6 inches and 10 inches, any range subsumed therein, or about 8 inches in length. The retracted hose  102  of this length may be between about 20 inches and 28 inches, any range subsumed therein, or about 24 inches.  
     [0031] The first and second end portions  118  and  120  may extend generally axially, or otherwise transversely, from the central portion  116 . In one embodiment, the end portions  118  and  120  join the present central portion  116  at a substantially unitary bend  132 . Alternatively, the present end portions may be joined to the central portion by using an angular joint  134  (FIG. 1). The exterior of the joint  134  includes a sleeve  136 . Internally disposed elements include tubular portions  140  and  142 . The tubular portions  140  and  142  may include ribs or teeth to further secure the hose as is known in the art. One or more crimps  144  are placed in the sleeves  136  and  138  to secure the hose and joint  134  in place. The present first and second end portions may extend axially, or otherwise transversely, from the coiled central portion  116 . Alternatively, the present first and second end portions may extend at a confirmation substantially departing from the generally helical structure of the present central portion. This departure from the generally helical confirmation prevents strain, fatigue, and perhaps injury to users&#39; wrists, hands, and/or arms, because the generally twisting or otherwise torsional forces applied by totally helical hoses when being used in extended positions are substantially absent or are greatly reduced.  
     [0032] Referring to FIGS.  1 - 3 , the nozzle fitting  104  includes a male portion  150  with threads  152 . The male portion  150  extends outboard from a hexagonal structure  154 . An inner tubular element  156  extends inboard from the hexagonal structure  154 . The inner tubular element  156  may include a plurality of ribs or the like as is known to the art. A sleeve  158  may also extend inboard from the hexagonal structure  154  such that the inner tubular element  156  and the sleeve  158  cooperate to receive the hose material therebetween. When the hose material has been inserted thusly, a plurality of crimps  160  are placed in the outer sleeve  158  to secure the hose in place. A passageway  162  is defined by the interior surface  164  of the inner tubular element  156 . When fitted and secured onto the present hose, the passageway  162  is in fluid communication with the hose passageway  114 . The nozzle fitting  104  may be made of a plastic such as ABS, polypropylene, or nylon or may be made from metals and may be black or yellow in color. The darker pigments, such as black, may include compounds or other materials to retard or prevent deterioration from sunlight (e.g., UV), cleaning materials, adverse weather or the like. In this embodiment, the male portion  150  is a ¾ inch male adaptor.  
     [0033] Referring especially to FIGS.  4 - 8 , the water supply connection assembly  106  may include respective female and male connectors  170  and  172 . The female connector  170 , in turn, includes a connector assembly  176  with an inner tubular element  178  and a sleeve  180  extending generally inboard therefrom. The inner surface  181  of the inner tubular element  178  defines a passageway  182  (FIGS. 1 and 6). When the female connector  170  is connected to the hose of this invention as described hereinbelow, the passageway  182  is in fluid communication with the hose passageway  114 . A plurality of ribs  183 , or the like, may be present on the outer surface  185  of the inner tubular element  178  to further secure the hose to the connector. The inner tubular element  178  and sleeve  180  are disposed so as to receive the hose, e.g., of the end portion  120 , therebetween. The hose is then secured in place by a plurality of crimps  184  in the sleeve  180  (FIGS. 1 and 5).  
     [0034] The connector assembly  176  of this embodiment may be considered to include a unitary body  186  with first and second cylindrical portions  187  and  188  and a shield  190  (FIGS.  4 - 6 ). A sliding member  192  may be radially accommodated by the second cylindrical portion  188  and the shield  190  as discussed hereinbelow. Inner surfaces  193  of the cylindrical portions  186  and  188  cooperate to create a passageway  194 . The passageway  194  is in fluid communication with the passageway  182  defined by the inner tubular element  178 . A generally radial slot  196  may be defined in the second cylindrical portion  188 . The slot  196  accommodates a first portion  198  of the sliding member  192 . A second portion  199  of the sliding member  192  extends orthogonally, or otherwise transversely, from the first portion  198  and is partially surrounded by the shield  190  when the sliding member  192  is in place. The sliding member first portion  198  defines a first opening  200 , which adjoins a second opening  202  (FIG. 7). A cross-sectional dimension, e.g., radius, of the first opening  200  may be larger than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the second opening  202 . The second portion  199  is biased away from the second cylindrical portion  188  by a biasing member, such as a spring  204 . In this embodiment, the spring  204  is disposed between an inner surface of the second portion  199  and an outer surface of the second cylindrical portion  188 . When the sliding member  192  is biased as described above, the smaller opening  202  is substantially aligned with the passageway  194 . When the second portion  199  is displaced toward the second cylindrical portion  188  in the direction of the arrow  205  (FIG. 4), the larger opening portion  200  is generally aligned with the passageway  194 .  
     [0035] An optional male coupling  172  is also provided by the present invention. The male coupling  172  is one embodiment of a fitting which mates and cooperates with the female coupling  170  to allow a substantially 360° rotation, yet to provide a substantially fluid-tight connection or seal. In this embodiment, the male coupling  172  includes a tubular member  216  and a fluid-supply connector  218 . A seal (washer)  220  is disposed within the fluid-supply connector  218  to provide a fluid-tight connection when the fluid-supply connector  218  is threaded onto a fluid source, such as a water supply faucet. A seal such as an  0 -ring  222  is disposed in an inboard groove  224 . The inboard groove  224  is defined proximate an inboard end  225  of the tubular member  216 . An outboard groove  226  and a beveled shoulder element such as a flange  228  are also defined in the tubular member  216  outboard of the inboard groove  224 . A generally flat surface  229  may extend generally radially between the surface defined by the groove  226  and the flange  228 . Respective first and second disc portions  230  and  232  extend generally radially from the tubular member  216  as an outboard end  233  of the tubular member  216  is approached. Respective flanges  234  and  236  are disposed inboard and outboard from a third portion  238 . The space between the flanges  234  and  236  accommodates a portion of the female connector  218  as described hereinbelow. A passageway  240  is defined by an interior surface  241  of the tubular member  216 . The passageway  240  is in fluid communication with the passageway  194  of the connector assembly  176 .  
     [0036] The fluid-supply connector  218  of this embodiment is configured as a cylindrical member  244  and a plate-like, inboard member  246  unitarily extending the inboard end  247  of the cylindrical member  244 . An opening  248  is defined in the disc member  246 . The opening accommodates the third portion  238  of the tubular member  216 . The flange  234  is disposed outboard the disc member  246  and the flange  236  is disposed in the interior of the female connector  218  as shown. The seal  220  is placed inboard, and contacting, the flange  236 . The tubular member  216  thus seated, rotates freely within the female connector  218  until the female connector  218  is threaded onto a fluid source. When the female connector  218  is threaded onto a fluid source, the tubular member  216  is usually held in place by the friction generated by the pressure from the threaded connection. A plurality of ribs  250  may be defined on an outer surface  251  of the cylindrical member  244 . A plurality of threads  252  are defined in the interior surface  253  of the cylindrical member  244  in this embodiment. As may be the case with the nozzle fitting  104 , all or many of the components of the water supply connection assembly  106  may be made from a dark colored (e.g., black) plastic. The black pigmentation, as well as other optional materials known to the art, may impart a resistance to deterioration (e.g., photodecomposition) from ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, the plastic materials provide for lighter weight and are less likely to damage decks and other objects when dropped thereon.  
     [0037] In use, the male connector  172  is threaded to a fluid source, such as a water supply nozzle. The sliding member  192  is depressed and the tubular member  216  is placed inside the passageway  194 . Alternatively, the tubular member  216  is inserted without depressing the sliding member  192 . When the sliding member  192  is not depressed, the portion of the first portion  198  proximate (e.g., bordering) the first opening  200  contacts the beveled surface  228 . As the tubular member  216  is further inserted, the beveled surface  228  displaces the sliding member  192  in the direction of arrow  192  (FIG. 4). When the beveled surface has slid past the sliding member  192 , the surface  229  returns to contact the first portion  198  to retain the tabular member  216  in a mated position within the passageway  194  of the female connector  170 . When the tubular member  216  is mated in this manner, the O-ring  222  contacts the inner surface of the present female connector passageway and thereby establishes a substantially fluid-tight connection or seal, which remains intact as the tubular member  216  is rotated within the passageway  194 . When a user desires to decouple the female and male connectors  170  and  172 , the second portion  199  of the sliding member  192  is depressed, removing the first portion  198  from contacting the surface  229  and thereby releasing the tubular member  216 . The tubular member  216  can then be withdrawn from the passageway  194 .  
     [0038] A nozzle  270  may be threaded onto the nozzle fitting  104  and water under pressure may be released to flow through the washdown assembly  100  to produce a stream of a desired pressure and pattern for use in cleaning, e.g., a boat deck. During use, the hose  102  may be extended by pulling the coils  126  apart (FIG. 2). A twisting or torsional force generated when the present hose central portion is extended will be greatly reduced or totally eliminated because the orientations of the present hose end portions depart from the helical conformation of the hose central portion as described above. Also, because the tubular member  216  can freely rotate within the female connector  170 , the torsion generated when the hose is extended is further dissipated when the hose is rotated in response to this torsion.  
     [0039] When the user has completed the washdown task, the pressurized fluid is discontinued and the female coupling  170  is detached from the male coupling  172  by depressing the second portion  199  of the sliding member  192  and pulling the female coupling  170  away from the male coupling  172 .  
     [0040] The present invention can be used at several sites without the necessity of threading a male connector  172  to a fluid source at each site. Rather, a male connector  172  may be threaded onto the fluid source at each site. When the user discontinues extending the present hose, the coils draw together, usually until adjacent coils are either in contact or in close proximity. During periods of extremely warm weather, the coils may not resiliently rebound into contact, but usually are within a close proximity, e.g., ¼-½ inch. The extremely compact configuration of the coiled hose makes it easily stored and requires a minimum of space.  
     [0041] While the present invention has been described in connection with marine use, e.g. boat surface washdown, it is obvious that the present invention could also be used at any number of other sites. These other sites include recreational vehicles, home and garden, automotive, industrial, agricultural or the like.  
     [0042] Because numerous modifications of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments described and illustrated herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.