Patent Publication Number: US-2006005880-A1

Title: Air and water hose apparatus for firefighters

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/359,799 filed Feb. 6, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/802,597 filed Mar. 9, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,178. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
      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 to supply air and water to firefighters during a fire. In particular, the present invention relates to a hose apparatus which has air and water hoses and which has adaptors mounted on each end of the air and water hoses which enable air and water to be provided to a 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 systems have been developed which try to supply air to a firefighter from a distant source. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. No. 386,751 to Loomis, U.S. Pat. No. 958,427 to Panian, U.S. Pat. No. 1,040,311 to Halloran and U.S. Pat. No. 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 atmospheric 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 have 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” pages 66-67, 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 are U.S. Pat. No. 174,286 to Ostberg; U.S. Pat. No. 1,084,958 to Panian and U.S. Pat. No. 2,515,578 to Wilson et al. Ostberg describes a fireman&#39;s suit which is supplied with water and air by a hose. The hose has an inner air pipe and an outer surrounding water pipe. Panian describes a smoke and heat protector for firemen which supplies air and water to the firemen. The air hose is fastened on the exterior of the water hose. Wilson et al. 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 are U.S. Pat. No. 916,886 to Merryman; 1,808,281 to Balthazor; U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,912 to Collins and U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,899 to Green. Merryman describes an air accumulator mounted on the nozzle of a fire hose. The air accumulator has chambers which communicate with tubes which are connected to the user to allow fresh air to be supplied to the user and exhaust air removed. Balthazor describes an air device which mounts adjacent to the water discharge end of a fire hose and collects fresh air from the stream of eater passing through the nozzle. The air supply device includes a means for conducting the fresh air from the nozzle to the user&#39;s mouth. The air supply device also includes a fan for preventing smoke from entering the air supply device when the user is not intaking fresh air. Collins 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. Green describes an air delivery system which uses the water hose to deliver air to firefighters in an emergency. The system requires the water to be purged from the water hose before the water hose is used to deliver air to the firefighters.  
      There remains the need for an air and water hose apparatus and method for supplying air and water to a firefighter from a distant source using a single hose apparatus which allows air to be delivered to the firefighter without interfering with the flow of the water in the water hose and which prevents air from escaping from the hose apparatus when not in use by a firefighter.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention is an air and water hose apparatus to be used in an air and water supply system to deliver water and air to the firefighter at all times. The hose apparatus reduces the need for firefighters to rely on the limited amount of air supplied by their tanks when they are trapped in a structure or fighting a fire. The present invention includes at least one air hose extending along the length of a water hose. Adaptors are provided at each end of the air and water hoses to form the hose apparatus. An outer cover can be provided around the air hose and water hose to connect the air hose and water hose together in a single hose. The adaptors have an inner passageway into which the end of the water hose is mounted. The end of the inner passageway of the first adaptor opposite the hose apparatus is connected to the water supply and acts as a water inlet. The end of the inner passageway of the second adaptor has a nozzle and acts as a water outlet. The inner passageway has an air groove which extends around the inner surface of the inner passageway. The inner passageway also has seals which form an air tight air passageway between the water hose and the air groove. The adaptors have a first air hole which is in fluid communication with the air hose and the air groove. The adaptors also have a second air hole in fluid communication with the air groove. In the first adaptor, the second air hole is connected to the air supply and acts as an air inlet. In the second adaptor, the breathing hose of a firefighter is connected to the second air hole and the second air hole acts as an air outlet. A coupling having a one-way valve can be connected to the second air hole. When the air supply or the breathing hose is connected to the coupling, air can flow into or out of the air hose through the second air hole and the coupling. When the air supply or the breathing hose is disconnected from the coupling, the valve is closed preventing air from entering or exiting the air hose. A pressure regulating device can be positioned between the air supply and the second air hole on the first adaptor. In one (1) embodiment, the hose apparatus is only a single section of the overall water hose of the fire hose. This ensures that no part of the air hose extends outside the hose apparatus and is exposed to possible damage.  
      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 air and water supply system can be used as an emergency system to be used when the air tanks carried by the firefighter have been exhausted. The system enables a firefighter to easily switch between the hose apparatus and the standard air tanks. The air and water supply system supplies high pressure air similar to that supplied by the tanks carried by firefighters. The system allows a user to easily connect and disconnect the air supply to the firefighter&#39;s mask. The system can be used with standard self-contained breathing apparatus used by firefighters including a mask and a regulator.  
      The present invention relates to a hose apparatus for providing air and water to a firefighter which comprises: a water hose having opposed ends with an inner passageway extending therebetween; at least one air hose having opposed ends with an inner passageway extending therebetween and positioned adjacent to the water hose so that the first end of the air hose is adjacent to the first end of the water hose; and an adaptor having a first end and a second end with an inner passageway extending therebetween and having a first air hole, a second air hole, the inner passageway having an inner surface with an air groove wherein the adaptor is configured to be connected to one end of the water hose and one end of the air hose so that the inner passageway of the adaptor is in fluid communication with the inner passageway of the water hose and the air groove in the inner surface of the inner passageway is in fluid communication with the inner passageway of the air hose.  
      Further, the present invention relates to an adaptor for mounting on an end of a hose apparatus having a water hose and an air hose, which comprises: a first end configured to receive an end of the water hose of the hose apparatus and a second end with an inner passageway extending therebetween, the inner passageway having an inner surface, the inner surface having an air groove; a first air hole in the first end in fluid communication with the air groove and configured to connect to the air hose of the hose apparatus; and a second air hole in the first end in fluid communication with the air groove.  
      Still further, the present invention relates to a method for providing air and water to a firefighter during a fire which comprises the steps of: providing a hose apparatus including a water hose having opposed first and second ends with an inner passageway extending therebetween and an air hose having opposed first and second ends with an inner passageway extending therebetween and positioned so that the first end of the air hose is adjacent the first end of the water hose; and a first adaptor having a first end and a second end and a first air hole and a second air hole, the first adaptor having an inner passageway with an inner surface having an air groove, the first adaptor connected at the second end to the first end of the water hose and at the first end to the first end of the air hose so that the inner passageway of the first adaptor is in fluid communication with the inner passageway of the water hose and the air groove is in fluid communication with the inner passageway of the air hose and a second adaptor having a first end and a second end and a first and second air hole, the second adaptor having an inner passageway with an inner surface having an air groove, the second adaptor connected to the second end of the water hose and the second end of the air hose so that the inner passageway of the second adaptor is in fluid communication with the inner passageway of the water hose and the inner passageway of the air hose is in fluid communication with the air groove of the second adaptor; connecting a water supply to the inner passageway of the first adaptor; connecting an air supply to the second air hole in the first adaptor; connecting a breathing hose for the firefighter to the second air hole in the second adaptor; providing water from the water supply through the first adaptor and the water hose and through the second adaptor and out through the second adaptor; and providing air from the air supply through the second air hole of the first adaptor to the air groove of the first adaptor to the first air hole of the first adaptor to the air hose to the first air hole in the second adaptor through the air groove of the second adaptor to the second air hole of the second adaptor and to the breathing hose for the firefighter.  
      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  102 , the hose apparatus  10  and the firefighters  150 .  
       FIG. 2  is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the first adaptor  30  and the water hose  12  and showing the air hose  26  and the protective cap  40 .  
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the first adaptor  30  connected to the water hose  12  and the air hose  26 .  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional end view before the first adaptor  30  showing the outer covering  24  around the air hoses  26  and  27  and the water hose  12 .  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hose apparatus  10  with the pressure regulating device  50  attached to the first adaptor  30  and showing the air supply  110 .  
       FIG. 6  is an end view of the first adaptor  30  showing the first air hole  30 F, the second air hole  30 G and the air groove  30 I in phantom. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The air and water hose apparatus  10  of the present invention includes a water hose  12  and an air hose  26  extending between a pair of adaptors  30  and  42 . In one (1) embodiment, the hose apparatus  10  is used in an air and water supply system  100  to provide water and air or other breathable gases to firefighters  150  ( FIG. 1 ). The air and water supply system  100  includes the hose apparatus  10  connected at one (1) end to an air supply  110  and water supply and connected at the other end to breathing hose  154  for a firefighter  150 . In one (1) embodiment, the breathing hose  154  is connected to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by the firefighters  150 . Applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,799 describes an air and water hose apparatus which includes a water hose and an air hose which can be used as part of an air and water supply system, the application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
      In one (1) embodiment, the air supply  110  is two (2) portable air tanks  114  ( FIG. 5 ). The use of two (2) air tanks  114  allows an empty tank  114  to be replaced without stopping the flow of air to the firefighters  150 . However, the air supply  110  could be any number of air tanks  114 . Alternatively, the air supply  110  could be mounted on the fire truck  116 . In one (1) embodiment, the air supply  110  is a high pressure air supply such as an air compressor providing air at pressures between about 2500 and 8000 psig. The water supply is similar to a standard water supply used for firefighting hoses. In one (1) embodiment, the water pressure of the water in the water hose  12  is similar to that used in standard water hoses. It is understood that other firefighting fluids or flame retardant materials could also be provided through the water hose  12  of the hose apparatus  10 .  
      The water hose  12  of the hose apparatus  10  has a first end  12 A and a second end (not shown) with an inner passageway  12 C extending therebetween. In one (1) embodiment, the water hose  12  is similar to a standard firefighting water hose. The water hose  12  is constructed of several layers using materials which are durable and flexible. The water hose  12  has an inner layer  12 D forming the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12  and at least one (1) outer layer  12 E. In one (1) embodiment, the water hose  12  is constructed of three (3) layers of material including an outer, durable weather resistant layer  12 E, a first inner layer and a second inner, flexible layer  12 D ( FIG. 3 ). The water hose  12 , in one (1) embodiment, has an inner diameter of between about 1.25 inches and 2.75 inches (3.18 to 7.00 cm).  
      The first and second ends  12 A of the water hose  12  include an expansion ring  14  in the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12  directly adjacent the opening in the ends  12 A of the water hose  12 . The expansion ring  14  has a cylindrical shape. In one (1) embodiment, the expansion ring  14  is constructed of brass. A sleeve  16  is secured around the outer layer  12 E of the water hose  12  at the first and second ends  12 A. The sleeve  16  has a cylindrical shape with an open first end  16 A and an open second end  16 B with a center bore  16 C extending therebetween. The diameter of the opening in the first end  16 A of the sleeve  16  is greater than the diameter of the opening in the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16 . The water hose  12  is inserted into the center bore  16 C through the opening in the first end  16 A of the sleeve  16 . The water hose  12  is moved into the center bore  16 C of the sleeve  16  until the end  12 A of the water hose  12  is adjacent to the opening in the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16 . The smaller diameter of the opening in the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16  prevents the water hose  12  from extending through the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16 . In one (1) embodiment, a gasket  18  is provided in the center bore  16 C of the sleeve  16  adjacent to the opening in the second end  16 B so that when the water hose  12  is inserted into the sleeve  16 , the gasket  18  is spaced between the end  12 A of the water hose  12  and the opening in the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16  ( FIG. 2 ). In one (1) embodiment, the opening in the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16  has a diameter essentially equal to the inner diameter of the water hose  12 . The inner sidewall of the center bore  16 C of the sleeve  16  can be provided with barbs to secure the water hose  12  in the sleeve  16  ( FIG. 2 ).  
      A retainer  20  is provided for mounting on the first end  16 A of the sleeve  16  ( FIG. 4 ). The retainer  20  has a center opening  20 A which allows for positioning the retainer  20  on the water hose  12  prior to mounting the sleeve  16  on the water hose  12 . Once the sleeve  16  is mounted on the end  12 A of the water hose  12 , the retainer  20  is moved along the water hose  12  until the retainer  20  contacts the first end  16 A of the sleeve  16 . The retainer  20  is then secured to the first end  16 A of the sleeve  16 .  
      The air hose  26  has a first end  26 A and a second end (not shown) with an inner passageway  26 C extending therebetween. The air hose  26  is positioned adjacent the outer most layer  12 E of the water hose  12  and extends essentially parallel to the water hose  12  such that the first end  26 A of the air hose  26  is adjacent the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  and the second end of the air hose  26  is adjacent the second end of the water hose  12 . In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  26  has a length essentially equal to the length of the water hose  12 . In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  26  has an inner diameter of approximately 0.125 inches (0.040 cm) and an outer diameter of approximately 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). However, the air hose  26  can have an inner diameter of between about 0.125 inches and 0.38 inches (0.040 cm and 0.97 cm). In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  26  has an inner layer  26 D and an outer layer  26 E. The air hose  26  may be constructed of any well known material which can withstand high fluid pressure on the inside caused by the air moving through the air hose  26 . In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  26  is capable of carrying air at a pressure of between about 75 and 5000 psig. The ability of the system  100  to operate at lower air pressures between 75 psig and 125 psig allows for the use of air hoses  26  which have an inner diameter of between 0.125 inches (0.040 cm) and 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). The ability of the air hose  26  to carry air up to 5000 psig enables the air hose  26  to be used as a means to fill the air tanks  162  of the firefighters  150 . The air hose  26  must be supple enough to bend 180° and still spring back to its original shape to prevent damage to the air hose  26  due to repeated bending and folding for storage. In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  26  is constructed of a material which has memory. Thus, the air hose  26  will attempt to return to its original shape to remove any kinks in the air hose  26 . The air hose  26  is constructed of a material which will not contaminate the air such as material used to construct air hoses used and approved for scuba diving. In one (1) embodiment, the inner layer  26 D of the air hose  26  is constructed of reinforced rubber tubing which is approved for human use. In one (1) embodiment, the hose apparatus  10  has two (2) air hoses  26  and  27  which are spaced apart approximately 180° about the outer circumference of the water hose  12  ( FIG. 4 ). The spacing of the air hoses  26  and  27  approximately 180° apart around the water hose  12  reduces the chances that both air hoses  26  and  27  would be kinked or closed off simultaneously. The use of two (2) air hoses  26  and  27  increases the likelihood that air will continue to flow to the firefighter  150 , regardless of the position of the water hose  12 .  
      In one (1) embodiment, an outer cover  24  extends around the air hose  26  and the water hose  12  which enables the air hose  26  to be sandwiched between the outer most layer  12 E of the water hose  12  and the outer cover  24 . This construction allows use of a standard fire hose as the water hose  12 . The outer cover  24  provides reinforcement and another layer of protection to the water hose  12  and the air hose  26 . In one (1) embodiment, the outer cover  24  is secured around the air hose  26  such that the air hose  26  is separated from the water hose  12  ( FIG. 4 ). In one (1) embodiment, the outer cover  24  is constructed of a material similar to the material used for the layers for a standard fire hose. In one (1) embodiment where the adaptors  30  and  42  include a protective cap  40 , the outer cover  24  is cut to allow separation of the portion of the outer cover  24  covering the water hose  12  from the portion of the outer cover  24  covering the air hose  26  so that only the portion of the outer cover  24  covering the water hose  12  extends into the interior of the protective cap  40 . The end of the outer cover  24  is anchored between the protective cap  40  and the first side  30 A of the adaptor  30  or  42 . In one (1) embodiment, tubing is mounted over the outer layer  12 E of the water hose  12  adjacent to and spaced apart from the ends  12 A of the water hose  12 . The tubing is positioned between the adaptor  30  or  42  and the protective cap  40  when the adaptor  30  and  42  is secured on the water hose  12 . In one (1) embodiment, the tubing is stiff and inflexible. The tubing allows for clamping and securing the outer cover  24  on the water hose  12  without crimping or reducing the inner diameter of the water hose  12 . In one (1) embodiment, a hose clamp is used to secure the outer cover  24  onto the water hose  12  ( FIG. 3 ). In one (1) embodiment, wedge locks  25  are used to secure the outer cover  24  in the protective cap  40  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). In this embodiment, the interlocking wedge locks  25  include a male wedge lock  25 A and a female wedge lock  25 B in the form of rings which mount over the end  12 A of the water hose  12 . The outer cover  24  is wrapped around the male wedge lock  25 A and the female wedge lock  25 B is moved over the outer cover  24  to secure the outer cover  24  between the male and female wedge locks  25 A and  25 B ( FIG. 3 ).  
      The first adaptor  30  is connected to the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  and the first end  26 A of the air hose  26 . The second adaptor  42  is connected to the second end of the water hose  12  and the second end of the air hose  26 . The first and second adaptors  30  and  42  are similar and are connected to the ends  12 A and  26 A of the water hose  12  and air hose  26  similarly. Therefore, only the first adaptor  30  will be described in detail. The first adaptor  30  has a first end  30 A and a second end  30 B with an inner passageway  30 C extending therebetween. The inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30  has an inner surface  30 H with an air groove  30 I. In one (1) embodiment, the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30  has a cylindrical shape and the air groove  30 I extends around a circumference of the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C. In one (1) embodiment, the inner passageway  30 C has a first portion adjacent the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30  and a second portion adjacent the second end  30 B of the first adaptor  30 . In one (1) embodiment, the diameter of the first portion of the inner passageway  30 C is greater than the diameter of the second portion of the inner passageway  30 C so that a shoulder  30 K is formed between the first and second portion. In one (1) embodiment, the air groove  30 I is located adjacent the first end  30 C of the first adaptor  30  in the first portion of the inner passageway  30 C. In one (1) embodiment, the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C adjacent the first end  30 A is provided with several grooves  30 J for positioning seals to secure the water hose  12  in the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30 . In one (1) embodiment, the seals are o-rings  38  positioned in the grooves  30 J in the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C. In one (1) embodiment, the seals are located on opposite sides of the air groove  30 I along the inner passageway  30 C.  
      The first adaptor  30  also has a first air hole  30 F and a second air hole  30 G in the first end  30 A. The first and second air holes  30 F and  30 G extend partially into the first adaptor  30  from the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30  and are in fluid communication with the air groove  30 I in the inner surface  30 H of the air passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30  ( FIG. 6 ). In one (1) embodiment, the first and second air holes  30 F and  30 G have a side passageway adjacent the end of the first and second air holes  30 F and  30 G opposite the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30  which connects the first and second air holes  30 F and  30 G to the air groove  30 I ( FIG. 6 ). The first air hole  30 F is connected to the first end  26 A of the air hose  26 . In one (1) embodiment, where the hose apparatus  10  has two (2) air hoses  26  and  27 , the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30  has two (2) first air holes  30 F. It is understood that the first adaptor  30  may have multiple first air holes  30 F depending on the number of air hoses  26  and  27  used in the hose apparatus  10 . The second air hole  30 G of the first adaptor  30  is connected to the air supply  110 . The second air hole of the second adaptor  42  is connected to the breathing hose  154  of the firefighter  150 . The first adaptor  30  may have multiple second air holes  30 G depending on the number of air supply tubes  108  for the air supply  110 . In the second adapter  42 , the number of second air holes  30 G depends on the number of persons or firefighters  150  to be connected to the hose apparatus  10 . In one (1) embodiment, the first and second adaptors  30  and  42  have two (2) first air holes  30 F and two (2) second air holes  30 G ( FIG. 6 ).  
      In one (1) embodiment, the first end  26 A of the air hose  26  is connected by an air connector  32  to the first air hole  30 F. In this embodiment, the air connector  32  has a first end  32 A and a second end  32 B with a center bore  32 C extending therebetween. The first air hole  30 F has threads and the first end  32 A of the air connector  32  is threadably mounted in the first air hole  30 F. However, it is understood that the air connector  32  can be connected to the first air hole  30 F by any well known means. The second end  32 B of the air connector  32  is connected to the first end  26 A of the air hose  26 . The second end  32 B of the air connector  32  is inserted into the inner passageway  26 C of the air hose  26 . The second end  32 B of the air connector  32  has barbs which prevent the air hose  26  from slipping off of the air connector  32 . It is understood that any means well known in the art could be used to connect the air hose  26  to the air connector  32  or connect the air hose  26  to the first air hole  30 F. In one (1) embodiment, an air fitting  34  is secured in the second air hole  30 G. The air fitting  34  has opposed ends  34 A and  34 B with a center bore extending therebetween. The second air hole  30 G is threaded and the first end  34 A of the air fitting  34  is threadably mounted in the second air hole  30 G. However, it is understood that the air fitting  34  can be secured in the second air hole  30 G by any well known means. In one (1) embodiment, a quick connect coupling  36  is connected to the second end  34 B of the air fitting  34 . The quick connect coupling  36  allows for quick and easy connecting and disconnecting of the air supply tube  108  to the first adaptor  30  or the breathing hose  154  to the second adaptor  42 . In one (1) embodiment, the quick connect coupling  36  includes a valve (not shown) which when open, allows air to flow through the coupling  36  but prevents air from exiting through the coupling  36  when the valve is closed. When the air supply tube  108  or breathing hose  154  is connected to the coupling  36 , the valve in the coupling  36  is open allowing air to flow through the coupling  36  to or from the air hose  26 . When the air supply tube  108  or the breathing hose  154  is disconnected from the coupling  36 , the valve in the coupling  36  closes preventing air or other fluid in the air hose  26  from exiting the air hose  26  through the coupling  26 . The use of a coupling  36  having a one-way valve at the second end of the air hose  26  allows the user to control the flow of air adjacent the fire. This valving and control of air flow reduces the possibility that air from the air hose  26  will feed the fire when the firefighter  150  is not using the air and water supply system  100 . The quick connect coupling  36  can be similar to any quick connect/disconnect coupling. In one (1) embodiment, the coupling  36  is similar to the D series automatic connect, single shut off couplings manufactured by the Perfecting Coupling Company. In this embodiment, the coupling  36  is a ¼ NPT coupling constructed of brass or stainless steel. However, the coupling  36  can be similar to any pneumatic or hydraulic quick release coupling able to handle the fluid pressures provided by the air supply  110 . In one (1) embodiment, the coupling  36  is able to handle up to 5000 psig. In one (1) embodiment, the coupling  36  is a quick connect/disconnect coupling similar to the Hansen HK series couplings sold by Tuthill Coupling Group. However, it is understood that the air supply tube  108  and the breathing hose  154  can be connected to the second air holes  30 G in the first and second adaptors  30  and  42 , respectively by any well known means.  
      In one (1) embodiment, a protective cap  40  is mounted on the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30 . A protective cap  40  can also be mounted similarly on the first end of the second adaptor  42 . The protective cap  40  has a first opening  40 A to allow the protective cap  40  to be mounted over the water hose  12 . The protective cap  40  also has a second opening  40 B to allow the air hose  26  to be connected to the first air hole  30 F and a third opening  40 C to allow access to the second air hole  30 G or the quick connect air coupling  36 . In one (1) embodiment, the first opening  40 A and the second opening  40 B are combined together as a single opening. The protective cap  40  may have additional openings depending on the number of first and second air holes  30 F and  30 G in the adaptors  30  and  42 . The protective cap  40  reduces the possibility of damage to the air connector  32  or the air fitting  34  connected to the first and second air holes  30 F and  30 G, respectively. In one (1) embodiment, the first opening  40 A of the protective cap  40  had barbs to hold the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  in position in the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30 .  
      To construct the hose apparatus  10 , the water hose  12  is constructed such that the expansion ring  12  is positioned in the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12  adjacent each end  12 A. The air hose  26  is then positioned adjacent the outer layer  12 E of the water hose  12  and the outer cover  24  is extended around the air hose  26  and the water hose  12  to secure the air hose  26  and water hose  12  together. The outer cover  24  adjacent the ends  12 A and  26 A of the water hose  12  and air hose  26  is cut to allow separation of the water hose  12  from the air hose  26  adjacent the adaptors  30  and  42 . The securing of the first and second adaptors  30  and  42  on the ends  12 A and  26 A of the water hose  12  and the air hose  26  is similar. Therefore, only the attachment of the first adaptor  30  will be discussed. The protective cap  40  is first mounted over the ends  12 A and  26 A of the water hose  12  and air hose  26  so that the water hose  12  with the outer cover  24  extends through the first opening  40 A and the air hose  26  without the outer covering  24  extends through the second opening  40 B in the protective cap  40 . The outer cover  24  is then anchored to the protective cap  40  or the water hose  12  on the side of the protective cap  40  adjacent the first end  12 A of the water hose  12 . The retainer  20  is mounted over the end  12 A of the water hose  12  and the sleeve  16  is mounted on the end  12 A of the water hose  12 . The retainer  20  is then moved toward the sleeve  16  and secured to the sleeve  16 . The expansion ring  14  is then expanded in the inner passageway  12 C of the water hose  12  and forces the outer layer  12 E of the water hose  12  into the sleeve  16  and the gasket  18  and creates a water tight seal between the outer layer  12 E of the water hose  12  and the sleeve  16 . Next, the air connector  32  and the air fitting  34  are secured to the first adaptor  30 . The first end  26 A of the air hose  26  is then connected to the air connector  32 . The first end  12 A of the water hose  12  including the sleeve  16  is inserted into the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30  at the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30 .  
      The outer diameter of the sleeve  16  is only slightly less than the diameter of the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30  such that when the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  is inserted into the inner passageway  30 C, the outer surface  16 D of the sleeve  16  is only slightly spaced apart from the inner surface  30 H and the sleeve  16  is a close fit in the inner passageway  30 C. When o-rings  38  are positioned in the grooves  30 J in the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 G, the o-rings  38  provide a seal between the outer surface  16 D of the sleeve  16  and the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C. When the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  is inserted into the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30 , the outer surface  16 D of the sleeve  16  acts with the air groove  30 I in the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C and forms an air passageway around an outer circumference of the sleeve  16  and around an inner circumference of the inner passageway  30 C. When the o-rings  38  are positioned in grooves on opposite sides of the air groove  30 I along the inner passageway  30 C, the o-rings  38  prevent air in the air passageway from exiting along the inner passageway  30 C between the outer surface  16 D of the sleeve  16  and the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C. In the embodiment where the inner passageway  30 C has a first portion with a diameter greater than a second portion, the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  is inserted into the inner passageway  30 C from the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30  until the second end  16 B of the sleeve  16  contacts the shoulder  30 K between the first and second portion of the inner passageway  30 C ( FIG. 3 ). When the first end  12 A of the water hose  12  is correctly positioned in the first adaptor  30 , the retainer  20  is adjacent the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30 . The retainer  20  has extensions which extend beyond the air connector  32  and the air fitting  34  toward the edges of the first adaptor  30 . The extensions contact the air connector  32  and the air fitting  34  and prevent the retainer  20  and water hose  12  from rotating in the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30 . In one (1) embodiment, the retainer  20  is secured directly to the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30 . Once the water hose  12  and the air hose  26  are connected to the first adaptor  30 , the protective cap  40  is secured over the first end  30 A of the first adaptor  30 . The coupling  36  can be connected to the air fitting  34  before or after the protective cap  40  is secured on the first adaptor  30 , depending on the length of the air fitting  34  or the coupling  36  or the size of the third opening  40 C in the protective cap  40 .  
      In one (1) embodiment, a pressure regulating device  50  is provided between the first adaptor  30  and the air supply  110  ( FIG. 5 ). In one (1) embodiment, the pressure regulating device  50  is clamped onto the first adaptor  30 . The pressure regulating device  50  has an input  50 A and an output  50 B. The input  50 A is connected to one (1) end of the air supply hose  108 . The other end of the air supply hose  108  is connected to the air supply  110 . The amount of inputs  50 A on the pressure regulating device  50  depends on the number of air supply tubes  108 . A connector hose  106  extends from the outlet  50 B of the pressure regulating device  50  to the quick connect coupling  36  or the second air hole  30 G of the first adaptor  30 . The number of outputs  50 B depends on the number of connector hoses  106  connected to the first adaptor  30 . The pressure regulating device  50  has an input gauge  50 C which enables a user to determine the pressure of the air exiting the air supply  110  and entering the pressure regulating device  50 . The pressure regulating device  50  also has an output gauge  50 D which enables a user to determine the pressure of the air exiting the pressure regulating device  50  and entering the first adaptor  30  and air hose  26 . The pressure regulating device  50  allows a user to regulate or control the pressure of the air exiting the pressure regulating device  50  and entering the air hose  26 . The means used to regulate the pressure of the air can be any means well known in the art for controlling air pressure. In one (1) embodiment, the pressure regulating device  50  regulates the pressure of the air from the air supply  110  to between about 75 to 500 psig before the air exits the pressure regulating device  50  and enters the first adaptor  30  and the air hose  26 . In another embodiment, a regulator is not used. In this embodiment, the pressure of the air entering the air hose  26  is essentially equal to the pressure of the air exiting the air supply  110 . In one (1) embodiment, the air hose  26  can be provided with air at a high pressure and the air from the air hose  26  used to re-energize the firefighters air tanks  162 .  
      The breathing apparatus for the firefighter  150  includes a first breathing hose  154 , a second breathing hose  156 , a regulator  158  and a mask  160  and at least one (1) air tank  162 . In one (1) embodiment, the regulator  158  is directly mounted on the mask  160 . The regulator  158  reduces the pressure of the air to a breathing pressure for the firefighter  150 . In one (1) embodiment, the breathing apparatus includes a second regulator (not shown) which reduces high pressure, compressed gas which is then fed to the regulator  158  for further pressure reduction. The first breathing hose  154  extends between the second adaptor  42  and the mask  160  of the firefighter  150 . The second breathing hose  156  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 first breathing hose  154  is connected at one (1) end to a Y-connector in the second breathing hose  156  and is connected at the other end to the quick connect coupling  36  in the second air hole of the second adaptor  42 .  
      In one (1) embodiment, the air and water supply system  100  including the hose apparatus  10  is used as the primary breathing system or source of air for firefighters  150  during a fire. In one (1) embodiment, the hose apparatus  10  is used as the last section of the water hose used by the firefighters  150  ( FIG. 1 ). Limiting use of the hose apparatus  10  to a single section of the firefighting hose, eliminates the need to connect the air hoses  26  from several hose apparatuses  10  together. This reduces the risk of air leakage and also reduces the possibility of damage to the air hose  26  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  102  can be used to allow the needed length, provided the last hose is the hose apparatus  10 . In one (1) embodiment, the hose apparatus  10  has a length of between 50 and 200 feet (15.24 and 60.96 m). However, it is understood that the hose apparatus  10  can be of any length.  
      To use the hose apparatus  10  in the air and water supply system  100 , the first adaptor  30  of the hose apparatus  10  is attached to an adaptor at the end of the last section of standard water hose  102 . The other end of the standard water hose  102  is connected to a source of water. Alternatively, if only the hose apparatus  10  is used, the first adaptor  30  of the hose apparatus  10  is connected directly to the water supply. The air supply  110  is positioned adjacent the first adaptor  30  of the hose apparatus  10 . The air supply tube  108  for the air supply  110  is connected to the coupling  36  on the air fitting  34  on the first adaptor  30  and the air supply  110  is turned on. In the embodiment having the pressure regulating device  50 , the air supply tube  108  is connected to the air inlet  50 A of the pressure regulating device  50  and the connector hose  106  is connected to the air outlet  50 B. The pressure regulating device  50  is then used to adjust or control the pressure of the air entering the first air hole  30 H and into the air hose  26 . In one (1) embodiment, the air supply  110  provides air at a pressure of at least 75 psig with or without the use of a pressure regulating device  50  or regulator. However, it is understood that the pressure of the air entering the air hose  26  must be great enough to provide sufficient air to the firefighters  150  at the other end of the hose apparatus  10 . The pressure needed depends on the length of the hose apparatus  10 , the inner diameter of the air hose  26  and the number of persons or firefighters  150  using the hose apparatus  10 . It is believed that 75 psig is the lowest pressure which can be used in a 50 ft (1524 cm) hose apparatus  10  being used by two (2) persons. It is understood that other breathable gases could also be provided through the air hose  26  of the hose apparatus  10 . The air moves from the air supply  110  through the coupling  36  into the second air hole  30 G in the first adaptor  30 . The air moves through the second air hole  30 G into the air groove  30 I in the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30 . The air then moves around the air groove  30 I and exits the air groove  30 I through the first air hole  30 H in the first adaptor  30  into the first end  26 A of the air hose  26 . The seals in the inner surface  30 H of the inner passageway  30 C of the first adaptor  30  prevent the air from escaping the air passageway formed by the outer surface  16 D of the sleeve  16  and the air groove  30 I. The air travels the length of the air hose  26  to the first air hole in the second adaptor  42 . The air then moves through the first air hole into the air groove  30 I in the inner passageway of the second adaptor  42  and into the second air hole in the second adaptor  42 . The air exits the second adaptor  42  through the coupling  36  into the first breathing hose  154  of the breathing apparatus of the firefighter  150 . A nozzle  112  is connected to the second end of the second adaptor  42  and is provided to one or more firefighters  150 . Each firefighter  150  then connects the first breathing hose  154  of his breathing apparatus to the quick connect coupling  36  on the second air hole of the second adaptor  42 . Connecting the first breathing hose  154  to the coupling  36  opens the valve in the coupling  36  and allows air to flow from the air hose  26  through the second adaptor  42  through the first breathing hose  154  to the mask  160 . When the first breathing hose  154  is disconnected from the coupling  36 , the valve in the coupling  36  closes and air can not exit the coupling  36 . A secondary hose and mask (not shown) could also be connected to any remaining second air holes. The secondary hose and mask can then be used to provide air to a civilian trapped in a fire. Where the air and water supply system  100  is the primary air supply system, the firefighter  150  does not turn on the tanks  162  of the breathing apparatus unless the hose apparatus  10  stops providing air such as if the air supply  110  becomes depleted or the air hose  26  is blocked. In one (1) embodiment, the air tanks  162  are not on when the hose apparatus  10  is being used and is operating correctly. In an alternative embodiment, where the breathing apparatus does not have a second breathing hose  156 , the firefighter  150  disconnects the first breathing hose  154  from the tanks  162  and connects the first breathing hose  154  to the hose apparatus  10 . Once the firefighters  150  are connected to the hose apparatus  10  and are holding the nozzle  112 , the water supply is turned on.  
      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.