Patent Publication Number: US-6983767-B2

Title: Sleeve for a hose

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/429,523, filed Nov. 27, 2002. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The claimed invention relates to a sleeve for a hose. In particular, the invention relates to a protective sleeve that is positionable around a suction hose. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In fire fighting operations where fire hydrants are not accessible, it is necessary to suction or draft water from a water source, such as a pond. Suction hoses are utilized for this purpose and are often corrugated, flexible, and provided in multiple sections. Couplings are attached to either end of the suction hose sections and are utilized to couple multiple sections of the hose together. Suction hose sections are stored on a fire truck and are often positioned along the top, outer edges of the fire truck in hose beds, where they are typically visible from the exterior of the truck. As a result, suction hoses are exposed to the elements and may degrade more quickly than if they were stored in an enclosure. Ultraviolet degradation is common. Suction hoses also tend to get dirty during use. Thus, operators often choose to purchase suction hoses based upon their color, and not necessarily their quality. 
   In use, a suction hose is connected to a pump on the fire truck at one end and positioned in a water source at the other end. Water is pumped from a water source through the suction hose to eventually reach the fire fighting hoses. Many suction hoses have a transparent portion so that the operator can confirm that water is being suctioned continually through the hose. The transparent portion can be positioned between the corrugations of the suction hose, or defined as a window in the ends of the hose. 
   Suction hoses are also utilized for industrial operations. Such operations include suction and low pressure transfer of water and light chemical solutions. One type of industrial usage is in landfill gas recovery operations. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to one embodiment of the invention, a covering for a suction hose having a length is provided. The covering has a sleeve and at least one restraint positioned on the sleeve for removably coupling the sleeve to a suction hose. The at least one restraint includes at least one of an elastic cord and cord lock, an elastic cuff, a lash, a VELCRO™ strap, a belt having a buckle, a strap having a snap, and at least one tie. The at least one restraint is positioned at one end of the sleeve. In one embodiment, the at least one restraint comprises two restraints, each of which is positioned at an end of the sleeve. The restraints are configured to allow the sleeve to be movable along the length of a suction hose. The at least one restraint may be positioned in the vicinity of at least one end of the sleeve. 
   The sleeve is preferably made of a washable material. A type of material that may be used is nylon or nylon blends. 
   At least one handle is preferably positioned on the sleeve. In one embodiment, the at least one handle comprises two handles that are positioned on the sleeve, and the two handles are spaced from the ends of the sleeve. The handles may be sewn to the sleeve. The at least one handle may comprise a strap in the form of a loop positioned around the circumference of the sleeve, with the handle being secured to the sleeve along part of its width and being free of the sleeve along another part of its width. 
   In one embodiment, the sleeve has a width that is greater than a diameter of the suction hose. The sleeve may have a length that extends between a first and a second end of a suction hose. The sleeve may alternatively have a length that exceeds the length of a suction hose. 
   The sleeve may include a storage portion positioned on the sleeve. The storage portion may be at least one of a pocket that is sewn onto the sleeve and a plurality of lashes for lashing an instrument to the sleeve. 
   The sleeve may include indicia on an exterior surface thereof. The indicia may be at least one of a logo, a name, a telephone number, and advertising material. In one embodiment, the indicia is positioned on at least one patch that is connected to the sleeve. The indicia may alternatively be screen printed, sewn, or painted on the sleeve. 
   At least one reflective member may be positioned on the sleeve. The reflective member may comprise at least one reflective band positioned on the sleeve. 
   The sleeve may comprise a single sheet of material that is sewn along a single seam to form the sleeve for surrounding the suction hose. 
   The invention also concerns a method of advertising comprising positioning the covering having indicia around a suction hose. The method may also include positioning the suction hose on a vehicle such that the indicia is visible from an exterior of a vehicle. 
   In yet another embodiment, a method of transporting a suction hose comprises positioning the covering around a suction hose, grasping the at least one handle of the covering, and transporting the suction hose. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical corrugated suction hose that is used in fire fighting for drafting water; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective top view of a sleeve according to one embodiment of the invention positioned around the suction hose of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective side view of the sleeve shown in  FIG. 2  positioned around the suction hose; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the sleeve shown in  FIG. 2 , but in an uninstalled position; 
       FIG. 5  is an end perspective view of one type of end restraint for the sleeve; 
       FIG. 6  is an end perspective view of the end restraint of  FIG. 5  in an uninstalled position; 
       FIG. 7  is an end perspective view of another type of end restraint; 
       FIG. 8  is an end perspective view of another type of end restraint; and 
       FIG. 9  is an end perspective view of yet another type of end restraint. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   A suction hose  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  as including a corrugated section of hose  10  with couplings  12  positioned at either end of the section of hose  10 . The couplings  12  are configured for adjoining like sections of hose  10  together. Suction hoses  10  may be transparent or have transparent portions for allowing an operator to confirm proper operation during a pumping operation. Some known hoses include transparent portions between the corrugations of the hose  10 . Others utilize windows  14  that are positioned at the respective ends of the hose  10 . Suction hose sections come in various lengths and diameters. Standard diameters for suction hoses  10  include 1.5″, 2″, 2.5″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″, and 8″. A more popular diameter is 6 inches. Standard lengths for suction hose sections include 10 or 12 feet sections with couplings  12  of 6 inches in length each, so that the total length of the suction hose  10  with couplings  12  is approximately 11 or 13 feet. 
   Suction hoses  10  are typically flexible, with the flexibility being provided in part by the corrugations and in part by the type of material utilized to make the hose  10 . Suction hoses  10  are also made of a generally hard material so that they are more durable under the rough conditions that may be associated with drafting water or chemicals from a pool or pond. A typical suction hose  10  is made of PVC. 
   Suctions hoses  10  are often positioned on a fire truck or similar vehicle and exposed to the elements. On fire trucks, they are often positioned along the top, outer surface of the truck in hose beds. Suction hoses  10  are often visible from the exterior of the truck and are continually exposed to the elements, such as ultra violet rays, heat, and smoke and dirt associated with a fire. As a result, they tend to deteriorate more quickly than if they were in an unexposed environment. They also tend to become dirty and may suffer from unwanted wear due to rubbing of the hose  10  against the hose bed. The color of suction hoses is often a basis for selecting a particular suction hose  10 , rather than quality or other factors. 
     FIGS. 2–4  depict a suction hose covering  20  according to the invention. The suction hose covering  20  comprises a sleeve  22  that extends along the length of the suction hose  10  and is used to protect the hose  10  from the detrimental factors discussed above. In addition, the covering  20  may be used in assisting in transporting the suction hose  10 , and in advertising, as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
   The covering  20  comprises a sleeve  22  that is tube shaped so that it surrounds the suction hose  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve  22  has a length that is at least equal to the length of the suction hose  10 . The sleeve may alternatively be longer or shorter than the suction hose  10 . The sleeve  22  also preferably has a width that is greater than the suction hose  10 . For example, for a suction hose  10  having a length of 10 feet and a diameter of 8 inches, one embodiment of the sleeve  22  has a length of approximately 10 feet and a width of about 13 inches. For a six inch diameter, 11 foot long hose, a sleeve having a length of approximately 11 feet and a width of 10 inches is desirable. For a 4 inch diameter, 11 foot long hose, a sleeve having a length of 11 feet and a width of 7 inches is desirable. It is desirable to have a sleeve  22  that is at least the same length as or slightly longer than the hose  10  in order to allow for stretching, flexing, and bending of the underlying hose  10  without pulling on the sleeve  22 . 
   The material of the sleeve  22  is preferably rugged, strong, and washable. A preferred material is nylon. The material may be treated with a fabric protectant, such as SCOTCHGARD™. The fabric protectant can be reapplied to the material after washing. It is preferred that the material is washable in a standard or industrial strength washing machine, such as those readily available at fire stations. 
   The material of the sleeve  22 , while rugged and durable, is also flexible to allow ease in sliding the sleeve  22  onto the suction hose  10 , and to allow for adjustment of the position of the sleeve  22  during usage. During storage of the suction hose  10  in a hose bed, the sleeve  22  is preferably positioned so that it covers the entire extent of the hose  10 . During usage of the hose  10  for drafting purposes, the sleeve  22  may be slid back from the couplings  12  so that part of the suction hose  10  is visible. Suction hoses  10  typically will include a transparent portion, as discussed above, through which the operator can confirm proper operation of the suction hose  10 . Since the sleeve  22  is flexible, it may be slid back on the suction hose  10  so that any window  14  or transparent sections of the hose  10  are visible. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2–9 , the sleeve  22  utilizes restraints  24  that are positioned on the sleeve for restraining the position of the sleeve relative to the suction hose  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the restraints  24  are positioned at the ends  26  of the sleeve  22 . The restraints  24  are preferably fastenable and unfastenable for restraining the ends  26  of the sleeve  22  at any desired position along the length of the sleeve  22 . The restraints  24  may also be used to restrain the sleeve  22  on the couplings  12  at the end of the suction hose  10 , if desired. 
     FIGS. 2–4  show a first type of restraint  24  where an elastic cord  28  is utilized along with a cord lock  30 . The elastic cord is positioned in a pocket  32  that is sewn into the ends  26  of the sleeve  22 . A reinforced opening  34  is provided in the pocket  32  out of which the two ends of the elastic cord  28  extend. The ends of the elastic cord  28  are inserted in the cord lock  30  and are tied together. In a preferred embodiment, the ends of the cord  28  are reinforced to avoid fraying. In operation, when the sleeve  22  is installed around the hose  10 , the elastic cord  28  is pulled tight at both ends while the cord lock  30  is slid toward the sleeve  22 . The pocket  32  sewn into the sleeve  22  then bunches together as the elastic cord  28  tightens around the hose  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     FIG. 4  shows the cord  28  in an untightened position, prior to assembly of the sleeve  22  on a hose  10 . In one embodiment, the elastic cord  28  is made of nylon and is ⅛″ in diameter, and the cord lock is a standard ¼ inch cord lock made of acetal, both of which are available from American Cord &amp; Webbing Co., Inc. of Woonsocket, R.I. Other types of cording and cord locks may alternatively be utilized. For instance, the cording may be made of cotton, polyester, or polypropylene, among other materials. 
   Another type of end restraint, in the form of a VELCRO™ strap  36 , is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . One end of the VELCRO™ strap  36  is connected to the sleeve  22 , such as by sewing, tacking, or other attachment mechanism. The VELCRO™ strap  36  has hooks  38  positioned at the free end of the strap and loops  40  positioned on at least part of the length of the other side of the strap  36  so that the strap  36  can be wrapped around the sleeve  22  and hose  10 , and the hooks  38  can engage the loops  40  on the strap  36  to tighten the sleeve  22  around the hose  10 .  FIG. 5  shows the strap  36  tightened on the end of the hose  10 . In order to move the location of the sleeve  22  relative to the couplings  12  on the hose  10 , the VELCRO™ strap  36  is loosened and then retightened at the desired position. The strap may be made of an elastic or non-elastic material. Nylon webbing is a preferred material. The hooks  38  may alternatively be positioned on part of the length of the strap  36  while the loops  40  are positioned on the free end of the strap  36 . 
     FIG. 7  shows an another alternative restraint  24  in the form of snap buckles  42  that are attached to straps  44 . Two straps  44  are utilized and are connected to the sleeve  22 , such as by sewing, tacking, or other attachment mechanism. Mating snap buckles  42  are positioned at the free ends of the straps  44  and are buckled together to tighten the sleeve  22  around the hose  10 . In this embodiment, the straps  44  are non-elastic and preferably have a length so that they will tightly engage the hose  10  when the buckles  42  are snapped together. Alternatively, the straps  44  may be made of an elastic material that together are preferably slightly shorter than the circumference of the hose  10 . The elastic straps are stretched in order to allow the two parts of the buckle  42  to snap together. In order to move the location of the sleeve  22  relative to the couplings  12  on the hose  10 , the buckles  42  are disengaged and then reengaged at the desired position. 
     FIG. 8  shows yet another embodiment of the end restraint  24  in the form of a tie  46 . The tie  46  is secured to the sleeve  22  by any known means of attachment so that the ends  48  of the tie are free. In order to secure the sleeve  22  to the hose  10 , the ends  48  of the tie  46  are wrapped around the sleeve  22  and hose  10  and pulled tight and knotted together in a bow  50  or other type of knot. The sleeve location is movable by untying the knot  50 , moving the sleeve location, and retying the knot  50 . 
     FIG. 9  shows another alternative restraint  24  in the form of an elastic cuff  52 . In this embodiment, a cuff  52  is formed at the ends  26  of the sleeve  22  and is elasticized so that it grips the underlying hose  10 . The cuff  52  at the end  26  of the sleeve may be elasticized by any conventionally known means for elasticizing. For example, a pocket  54  can be sewn in the ends of the sleeve and an elastic ribbon (not shown) may be threaded into the pocket  54  and sewn in a loop. The elastic cuff  52  is preferably sized so that it grips the hose  10 , but allows the sleeve  22  to be slid along the hose  10  should the operator desire to move the sleeve  22 . Other types of restraints  24  may also be utilized, such as lashes, hooks, buckles, clasps, double D-rings, and the like, the invention not being limited to a particular type of restraint. One manufacturer of such clasps is American Cord &amp; Webbing Co., Inc. of Woonsocket, R.I. 
   Suction hoses  10  can weigh 50 lbs. or more per section. Thus, one embodiment of the invention adds handles  56  to the sleeve  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 2–4 , handles  56  may be positioned at various positions along the length of the sleeve  22 . The handles  56  can be formed of the same material, or of a different material than the material of the sleeve  22 . For instance, nylon webbing may be utilized as handles  56 , with the ends of the webbing being sewn to the sleeve  22  at the desired location along the length of the sleeve  22 . Alternatively, rubber-like handles (not shown) may be utilized with straps or ropes that are coupled to the handles and to the sleeve  22 . Other types of handles may also be utilized. For instance, the webbing may be made of polypropylene or cotton, among other materials. 
   The handles  56  are sturdy enough to allow for transporting the suction hose  10 , and are also preferably substantial enough so that they do not hurt the transporter&#39;s hand during transport. In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 2–4 , handles  56  are positioned in proximity to the ends  26  of the sleeve  22 , such that two handles  56  are provided. In a preferred embodiment where the sleeve is about 10 feet long, the handles  56  are positioned at about 2 feet from each end  26  of the sleeve  22 . In another embodiment, which is not shown, the handles  56  are positioned at spaced distances along the length of the sleeve  22 . For instance, for an 11 foot long sleeve, handles  56  are positioned at about 3.5 feet from the ends and also in the center of the sleeve, for a total of three handles  56 . Handles  56  may be positioned in any number at any desired position along the length of the sleeve  22 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 2–4 , the handles  56  are formed from a flat webbing strap that extends around the circumference of the sleeve  22 . The ends of the webbing may be sewn into a seam that runs along the length of the sleeve. This seam is preferably positioned at the bottom of the sleeve. Alternatively, the ends of the webbing may be sewn together to form a loop. The webbing is preferably fastened to the lower part of the circumference of the sleeve using stitching  58 , while the upper part of the webbing is free and is utilized for carrying the sleeve. A reinforced area of stitching  60  is preferably positioned at the end of the stitched area to promote durability of the sleeve  22 . The webbing preferably has a length that is greater than the circumference of the sleeve  22  in order to promote ease in grasping the handle  56 . In one embodiment, the webbing has a length that is about an inch greater than the circumference of the sleeve  22 . One type of webbing that may be utilized is made of nylon, has a width of two inches, and is available from American Cord &amp; Webbing Co., Inc. of Woonsocket, R.I. Other widths of webbing may alternatively be utilized. The stitching used for sewing on the handles or defining the pockets, described above, in a preferred embodiment, is made of heavy duty polyester blend thread, although other types of thread may be used. 
   The invention also concerns a method for transporting a suction hose  10 . The method includes positioning a sleeve  22  having handles  56  around the suction hose  10 , grasping at least one of the handles  56 , and transporting the hose  10 . 
   The sleeve may also utilize a pocket  62  positioned on the sleeve  22  for storing tools or other materials on the sleeve  22 . A pocket  62  is shown sewn onto the sleeve  22  in  FIG. 4 . Alternatively, VELCRO™ straps or other ties or lashes (not shown) may be utilized for holding tools or other materials on the sleeve  22  in a conventional manner. 
   The sleeve  22 , handles  56 , and straps  44  utilized with the current invention are preferably made of a nylon or nylon blend material. A nylon canvas or tarp material may be utilized. Other types of blends or materials may also be utilized, the invention not being limited to a particular type of material. The sleeve  22  may be manufactured of a different material from the handles  56  and straps  44 , or the sleeve  22 , handles  56  and straps  44  may be manufactured of the same material. The material selected is preferably durable enough to withstand the elements to which suction hoses are typically subjected and preferably strong enough to allow an operator to transport the suction hose  10  by either grasping the cover or by grasping the handles  56 . 
   The material of the sleeve  22  may be formed from a sheet of material that is sewn to form a tubular shaped sleeve  22 . Alternatively, the sleeve  22  may be manufactured as a one-piece woven material. Other constructions for the sleeve  22  may also be utilized, the invention not being limited to a particular construction. 
   In yet another embodiment of the invention, the sleeve  22  may be utilized for advertising purposes. Since suction hoses  10  are typically positioned along the outer, upper sides of a fire truck, they are usually visible to the public. The sleeve  22  can be utilized for sporting advertising material, logos, names, phone numbers, or any other type of indicia that is desirable. This indicia may be screen printed onto the sleeve  22 , sewn on, painted on, or otherwise associated with the sleeve  22 . An example of a company logo is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  as being attached on the side of the sleeve  22  with a patch  64 . Thus, the current invention also concerns a method of advertising, which includes positioning a sleeve  22  having indicia around a suction hose  10  and positioning the suction hose  10  on a vehicle so that the indicia is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The method may also be utilized without positioning the hose  10  on a vehicle. 
   In yet another embodiment, the invention includes positioning reflective material  66  at various locations along the length of the sleeve  22 . Reflective material  66  will make the sleeve  22  and hose  10  more visible. The reflective material  66  may be in the form of bands, patches, or otherwise. In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 2–4 , reflective bands are positioned along the length of the sleeve  22 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  show reflective bands of a single color while  FIG. 4  shows reflective bands having more than one color of reflective material. In another embodiment, which is not shown, patches or reflective material are dispatched circling the sleeve, or as patches at various positions along the length of the sleeve  22 . Other positions for the reflective material  66  may also be utilized, if desired. 
   While the above description has been in the context of fire fighting applications, the invention is not limited to usages in fire fighting situations. The invention is applicable in other applications where suction hoses are utilized, such as industrial and other applications. 
   While various features of the claimed invention are presented above, it should be understood that the features may be used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed invention is not to be limited to only the specific embodiments depicted herein. 
   Further, it should be understood that variations and modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. The embodiments described herein are exemplary of the claimed invention. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise correspond to the elements of the invention recited in the claims. The intended scope of the invention may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The scope of the present invention is accordingly defined as set forth in the appended claims.