Patent Description:
Hose fittings and hose assemblies may be subjected to substantial pressures depending on the application. In one exemplary application, hydraulic hoses may be employed in deep undersea drilling operations, including in blow-off preventers that close off drilling operations in case of a catastrophic failure. The hose and fittings used in such undersea drilling operations may experience high external subsea pressures, such as about <NUM>,<NUM> psi to about <NUM>,<NUM> psi (<NUM>,<NUM> psi = <NUM> bar) maximum working pressure. As such, the hoses used in such applications typically are collapse-resistant hoses that include an internal carcass that prevents collapsing of the hose due to the high external subsea pressures.

One conventional way to install a fitting on such a collapse-resistant hose is to remove or skive an outer portion of the hose down to an inner portion that includes the carcass, insert the skived portion into a sealing sleeve or "shell" of the fitting, and then crimp the sleeve onto the outer portion of the hose, in which a sealing element of the crimped sleeve sealing engages the outer sheath layer of the hose. Another way to install a collapse-resistant hose into a hose fitting assembly is to manipulate the carcass itself, such as by removing or cutting a portion of the carcass. Manipulation of the carcass, however, is often a difficult process.

The following documents may provide technical background to the present disclosure: <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>.

Said <CIT> discloses techniques for implementing and/or installing a system including pipe segment tubing and a swaged pipe fitting secured to the pipe segment tubing. The pipe segment tubing includes a carcass layer, an internal pressure sheath layer disposed around the carcass layer, a reinforcement layer disposed around the internal pressure sheath layer, and an outer sheath layer disposed around the reinforcement layer. The swaged pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a bore, an internal pressure sheath seal that seals the internal pressure sheath layer of the pipe segment tubing within the swaged pipe fitting, and a fitting jacket secured to the fitting body, in which the fitting jacket is conformally deformed around the pipe segment tubing to anchor the reinforcement layer of the pipe segment tubing in the swaged pipe fitting.

A persistent problem with hose fitting assemblies used in severe service applications, such as in high-pressure subsea applications, is that the high-pressure external environment may leak into the hose construction, typically at the interface with the installed hose fitting assembly. For example, in a high-pressure subsea application, seawater may leak into the hose construction at the fitting, which can cause corrosion to the hose and/or fitting over time and can ultimately result in failure of the hose and/or fitting.

At least one aspect of the present disclosure provides a unique hose fitting assembly that enhances the sealing functionality of the design. For example, in a subsea application, the unique hose fitting assembly can substantially preclude ingress of seawater into the hose construction via the fitting assembly, and thereby substantially reduce the propensity for corrosion or other damage to the hose and hose fitting. As such, the unique hose fitting assembly can increase the longevity and performance of the overall hose assembly.

According to the present invention, a hose fitting assembly is provided for a collapse-resistant hose with at least one inner layer and an outer sheath layer, as defined in appended claim <NUM>. The hose fitting assembly includes: a sleeve having a forward sleeve end portion and a rearward sleeve end portion, the rearward sleeve end portion having an opening adapted to receive an end portion of the collapse-resistant hose; a fitting having a rearward fitting end portion that is operatively coupled to the forward sleeve end portion; the rearward fitting end portion having an internal surface that forms an internal cavity configured to receive an end portion of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose; a nipple operatively coupled to the fitting and extending in a rearward direction through the internal cavity of the fitting, the nipple being configured to fit within an internal passage of the collapse-resistant hose; and at least one seal operatively mounted in the internal cavity of the fitting and configured to seal against an outer surface of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose.

Such an exemplary hose fitting assembly may improve the sealability of the design by sealing against the inner layer of the hose assembly, such as by sealing against an exposed portion of the inner core tube of the hose assembly. Such sealing functionality may be provided alternatively or additionally to a seal engaging the outer sheath layer of the hose. The external subsea pressure may energize the seal against the inner layer to improve sealing performance. As a result, the unique fitting assembly may achieve higher burst pressures than otherwise could be achieved by crimping and sealing with the sleeve or shell alone.

In addition, a collapse-resistant hose assembly has unique assembly challenges due to the structural carcass, which these assembly challenges can be reduced with the unique fitting assembly according to the present disclosure. In particular, the carcass of the collapse-resistant hose may be difficult to manipulate during assembly, and the hose fitting assembly according to the present disclosure allows for ease and repeatability of manufacturing of the assembly while providing a suitable seal.

The rearward fitting end portion of the hose fitting assembly is flared radially outwardly to receive the end portion of the collapse-resistant hose. This enables insertion of the hose into the fitting assembly without displacement of the seal, which allows for repeatability of the assembly process. The flared rearward end portion of the fitting is configured to be crimped radially inwardly into a sealed state in which the at least one seal engages with the outer surface of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose. This crimping and sealing against the inner layer improves the sealing functionality of the collapse-resistant hose design.

In exemplary embodiment(s), the nipple of the fitting assembly may be threaded to threadedly engage with a threaded inner surface of the collapse-resistant hose. This improves retention and reduces separation of the fitting assembly with the hose when operating under pressure. The threaded nipple also maintains the position of the fitting assembly in the uncrimped state to permit crimping in place.

According to the present invention, also a method of assembling a collapse-resistant hose assembly is provided, as defined in appended claim <NUM>. The method includes: providing a hose fitting assembly including a sleeve, a nipple, and a fitting, wherein the fitting includes a rearward fitting end portion; providing a collapse-resistant hose with at least one inner layer and at least one outer sheath layer; removing at least an end portion of at least the outer sheath layer to expose an outer surface of the at least one inner layer; inserting the end of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose into the hose fitting assembly to form an uncrimped intermediate state; and deforming at least the rearward fitting end portion radially inwardly to engage at least one seal with at least one outer surface of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose.

According to another aspect, a collapse-resistant hose assembly includes a hose fitting assembly and the collapse-resistant hose, wherein the collapse-resistant hose includes: an inner portion including a structural carcass, a core tube and an outer portion, the outer portion including a fiber-reinforced layer and an outer sheath layer; and a sacrificial unbonded tube layer surrounding, but not bonded to, the core tube.

The sacrificial unbonded tube layer facilitates ease of removal of the reinforcement layer or any other outer layer by functioning as a cutting board, scoring board, or backstop to which a cutting means may be applied. This may allow for ease of removal of the layers surrounding the sacrificial layer during the skiving process while also having an additional potential benefit of a reduced or negligible risk of cutting, scoring, or otherwise damaging the core tube.

The following description and the annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments.

These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages, and novel features according to aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, show various embodiments.

The principles and aspects according to the present disclosure have particular application to fitting assemblies for collapse-resistant hoses, such as for subsea applications, and thus will be described below chiefly in this context. It is understood, however, that principles and aspects according to the present disclosure may be applicable to other fluid systems where desirable.

Referring to <FIG>, an exemplary hose fitting assembly <NUM> for use with a collapse-resistant hose <NUM> is shown. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary hose fitting assembly <NUM> may be configured to attach to a skived hose <NUM>, which includes a skived portion 12a and an un-skived portion 12b. A skived portion 12a of the collapse-resistant hose <NUM> is a portion in which at least a portion of the sheath layer 2b is removed. Alternatively or additionally, other layers of the hose <NUM> may be removed such as one or more reinforcement layers 2a during the skiving process. The skived portion 12a of the collapse-resistant hose <NUM> is located on a hose end. Skiving of the hose <NUM> typically exposes the core tube 1b of the hose <NUM> but can also expose any layer beneath the outer sheath layer 2b. The transition region 12c between the skived portion 12a and the unskived portion 12b has exposed ends of one or more of the layers of the outer portion <NUM>. The exposed end layers of the outer portion <NUM> in the transition region 12c may include the ends of one or more reinforcement layers 2a and the end of the outer sheath layer 2b.

<FIG> shows the different layers of the collapse resistant hose <NUM> according to an embodiment. As shown, the hose <NUM> may include an inner portion <NUM> (or core portion) and an outer portion <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> may include a carcass 1a and a core tube 1b. The outer portion <NUM> may include the reinforcement layer(s) 2a and the outer sheath layer 2b. One or more additional layers also may be provided in the inner portion <NUM> or the outer portion <NUM>.

The carcass 1a may provide structural support for the core tube 1b and for any other layers of the hose <NUM>. The structural support provided by the carcass 1a may be useful at subsea, high-pressure conditions. The carcass 1a may be made from interlocking members to make the carcass 1a sufficiently flexible for the application. The interlocking members may be metal interlocking members, such as stainless steel or the like. The interlocking members may also be made of any other suitable material such as any number of polymeric materials.

The core tube 1b serves as a layer to protect the fluid in the hose passage 12i from the external environment and serves to protect the reinforcement layers 2a from the fluid. The core tube 2b prevents fluid from entering the internal hose construction or the environment and the core tube 1b protects the fluid from being contaminated by the external environment. The core tube 1b may be made from a suitable flexible polymer, such as polyamide, polyurethane, any number of plastic or elastomeric materials, fluoropolymers, or the like, with considerations for physical and chemical compatibility with transported and environmental fluids. In exemplary embodiments, the core tube 1b is made of a seamless construction. Alternatively, the core tube 1b may be made of multiple core tube segments connected together on their ends, spliced, or connected in any other suitable manner for the particular application. The core tube 1b may include a single extruded layer, a coextruded layer including one or more polymer layers, a composite construction including one or more materials, or a wrapped construction. The core tube 1b may also be formed with any other number of plastic manufacturing processes such as injection molding.

The fiber reinforcement layer 2a serves as internal radial support for the hose <NUM> which allows it to withstand high operating pressures. The fiber reinforcement layer 2a of the outer layer may include any number of types of reinforcement such as fiber or metal braids and supportive metal spirals. The fiber reinforcement layer 2a may include braided fibers, such as aramid fiber, which may permit sufficient flexibility to the hose <NUM>. The fiber reinforcement may also include any other number of braided natural, metal, polymeric materials, and/or any other material suitable for reinforcing the hose <NUM> while permitting sufficient flexibility. The fiber reinforcement layer 2a may include any number of physical or chemical bonding agents to facilitate bond between multiple reinforcement layers 2a and/or between a reinforcement layer 2a and an adjacent hose layer such as the outer sheath layer 2b and/or the core tube layer 1b.

The sheath layer 2b is the outermost layer of the hose <NUM> which protects the internal construction of the hose <NUM> from the outside environment. The outer sheath layer 2b, which also may be referred to as a cover layer, may be made of a suitable polymer to also facilitate flexibility, abrasion resistance, permeation resistance, and/or seawater resistance, such as polyurethane or the like. The cover material may be selected as suitable to environmental and operating conditions of the finished hose assembly. The cover material may also include any other type of polymeric, thermoplastic, elastomeric, fluoropolymer, and/or composite material. An example of such a hose is Parflex HCR (high collapse-resistant) hoses (e.g., HCR-<NUM>) made by Parker-Hannifin Corporation of Cleveland, OH. The cover material may be formed on the outer surface (e.g., 1b-<NUM>) of the inner layers <NUM> via any suitable method such as extrusion or wrapping. The outer sheath layer 2b may have any suitable thickness based on considerations including but not limited to fitting compatibility, operating conditions, flexibility requirements, and environmental concerns.

<FIG> is an end view of the exemplary hose fitting assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary hose fitting assembly <NUM>. As shown, the hose fitting assembly <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM> that is configured to receive an end portion of the hose <NUM>, a fitting <NUM> that is operatively coupled to the sleeve <NUM>, and a nipple <NUM> operatively coupled to the fitting <NUM>. The components of the assembly <NUM> may be connected using any suitable connection means such as push fitting, threading, brazing, welding, or the like. As described in further detail below, the assembly <NUM> also includes at least one seal <NUM> that is operatively mounted to the fitting <NUM> (such as via seal groove <NUM>), in which the seal <NUM> is configured to seal against an outer surface of an inner layer <NUM> of the hose <NUM> such as an outer surface 1b-<NUM> of the core tube 1b of the hose <NUM>. By sealing against the exposed external surface of an inner layer of the hose, such as the core tube 1b (with carcass 1a still intact), the assembly <NUM> improves over conventional assemblies that use the crimped sealing sleeve <NUM> because it provides a higher burst pressure while maintaining ease and repeatability of assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more seals <NUM> are energized by the external pressure and/or the crimped fitting <NUM> to enhance the sealing between the hose fitting assembly <NUM> and the hose <NUM>.

<FIG> show the sleeve <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the sleeve <NUM> has a forward sleeve end portion 14a and a rearward sleeve end portion 14b. The rearward sleeve end portion 14b includes an opening 14i adapted to receive an end portion of the hose <NUM>. The end portion of the hose <NUM> which may be received by the rearward sleeve end portion 14b may include all of the hose layers, some of the hose layers, or a portion of the hose layers. The forward sleeve end portion 14a is adapted to operatively couple with the fitting <NUM> by any suitable means such as threading, welding, brazing, or any other fixing means via the forward sleeve end portion opening 14f. In exemplary embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may include one or more radially inwardly protruding teeth 14t that are configured to cut, grip, and/or bite into the outer portion of hose <NUM> including but not limited to the outer sleeve layer 2b when the sleeve <NUM> is radially inwardly deformed or crimped to the hose <NUM>. This crimping restricts movement of the hose <NUM> relative to the fitting assembly <NUM> and enables the assembly to function under pressure.

The crimping action may deform any portion of the hose fitting assembly <NUM>, but in particular may deform the sleeve <NUM>. The crimping may be performed to selected dimensions and shapes depending on the size of the hose <NUM>, the size of the fitting assembly <NUM>, the operating conditions, environmental conditions, availability of crimpers at the assembly site, or any other number of other factors. The deforming or crimping may include any number of suitable means such as manual or automatic hose crimping devices or implements. One or more of the teeth 14t, ridges, or other features on the sleeve <NUM> or shell may provide sealing functionality, such as the radially protruding ridges (teeth) 14t shown in <FIG>. In addition to sealing functionality, the teeth 14t may support hose retention during crimping of the hose fitting assembly <NUM> onto the hose <NUM> and when the hose <NUM> is pressurized, operating, being transported, being adjusted, or based on any other considerations before, during, and after the life cycle of the hose fitting assembly <NUM> and/or the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>. The number and thickness of teeth 14t on the sleeve <NUM> may vary depending on the requirements of the finished collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> show the exemplary fitting <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the fitting <NUM> includes rearward fitting end portion 16b that is configured to operatively couple to the forward sleeve end portion 14a of the sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting <NUM> includes threads 16c that threadedly engage with corresponding threads 14c of the sleeve <NUM>. The rearward fitting end portion 16b has an internal surface <NUM> that forms an internal cavity 16i or inner cavity configured to receive the end portion of the hose <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity 16i of the fitting <NUM> is adapted to receive the skived portion 12a of the hose <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM> is configured to contain the un-skived portion 12b of the hose <NUM> in which either no hose layers are removed, or no portion of the hose layers are removed, including but not limited to the outer sheath layer 2b. An end face 16e of the rearward fitting end portion 16b may serve as a stop <NUM> between the skived and un-skived portions of the hose <NUM> (as is apparent in <FIG>). The stop <NUM> may restrict at least the end of the outer sheath layer 2b from entering the internal cavity 16i of the fitting <NUM> when the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> is in both an intermediate uncrimped state and in an assembled and crimped state. The opposite forward fitting end portion 16a is configured to couple to another suitable coupling of the subsea system, such as via a nipple <NUM> or the like. The fitting <NUM> may also have any other number of adapters on the forward fitting end portion 16a configured to connect the hose fitting assembly <NUM> with any number of additional hose assemblies, valves, ports, hydraulic systems, fluid sources, or the like. The forward fitting end portion 16a may also include a male or female adapter of any different size suitable to the application or any other number of suitable connectors dependent on the end use of the hose assembly <NUM>.

As described above, the one or more seals <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) are operatively mounted in the internal cavity 12i of the fitting <NUM> via one or more seal grooves <NUM> and are configured to seal against an outer surface of the inner layer <NUM> of the hose <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, because the fitting <NUM> is configured to receive the skived portion 12a of the hose <NUM>, which includes the core tube 1b and carcass 1a, the seals <NUM> are configured to sealingly engage against the core tube 1b which forms an outer (exposed) surface of the at least one inner layer of the hose <NUM> at this location. In exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter formed by the seals <NUM> is smaller than the outer diameter formed by the core tube 1b, which results in interference and sealing upon assembly of the fitting assembly <NUM> with the hose <NUM>. The inner and outer diameters of the seals <NUM> and the core tubes 1b may be tailored to each other to achieve a desired sealing interference for the application.

The seals <NUM> may be any suitable shape and/or may be made of any suitable material. In exemplary embodiments, the seals <NUM> are elastomeric O-ring seals, however the seals may be made of any polymeric material or material containing the requisite properties suitable for the purpose of sealingly engaging with the core tube during the assembled and uncrimped state and/or the assembled and crimped state of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the seals <NUM> may be energized by the external pressure when in use (e.g., subsea pressure), which enhances the sealing functionality between the fitting <NUM> and the hose <NUM>. As shown, the seals <NUM> may be contained in the seal groove <NUM>, which is formed in the internal surface of the fitting <NUM>.

<FIG> show the nipple <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the nipple <NUM> is configured to operatively couple to inner portion of the fitting <NUM>, such as via threads 18c, press-fitting, or the like. The nipple <NUM> also could be unitary with the fitting <NUM> or be fixed to the fitting in any suitable manner such as welded, brazed, or otherwise permanently or removably attached. The nipple <NUM> extends in a rearward direction through the internal cavity 16i of the fitting <NUM> and is configured to fit within at least a portion of an internal passage 12i of the hose <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the nipple <NUM> extends beyond the stop formed by the end face 16e of the rearward fitting end portion 16b, such that a rearward end of the nipple <NUM> is surrounded by a portion of the sleeve <NUM>. Such a nipple design enables fitting retention of the nipple <NUM> in the carcass 1a of the hose <NUM> and provides ease of assembly of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>.

Because the nipple <NUM> extends beyond the location of the seals <NUM>, the exposed core tube 1b is squeezed between the seals <NUM> and nipple <NUM> to provide a suitable seal. Such sealing functionality improves upon using the sleeve <NUM> to provide sealing alone. As such, the seals <NUM> may be used in lieu of a sealing force provided by the sleeve <NUM> (e.g., via teeth 14t); or the seals <NUM> may be used in addition to the sealing provided by the sleeve <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may have various diameters based on the desired sealing properties. For example, the seal <NUM> may have an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the core tube 1b or smaller than an inner and/or outer diameter of any other desired layer of the collapse-resistant hose <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may also have an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the core tube 1b of the hose <NUM> or larger than any other layer of the hose <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the fitting assembly <NUM> assembled to the hose <NUM> to form a collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>, but with the sleeve <NUM> in an uncrimped state. As shown, the hose <NUM> is inserted into the sleeve <NUM> at an appropriate insertion depth such that the skived portion 12a and the unskived portion 12b reach an appropriate position in the hose fitting assembly <NUM> prior to crimping or deformation of the hose fitting assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> in a final assembled condition in which the sleeve <NUM> of the fitting assembly <NUM> has been crimped or deformed radially inwardly to the outer sheath of the hose <NUM> to permanently fix the hose fitting assembly <NUM> to the hose <NUM>. The crimping or deformation of the hose fitting assembly <NUM> into the hose <NUM> may cover a range of crimp diameters, crimp lengths, or crimp widths over the sleeve <NUM>. The crimp deformations into the hose fitting assembly <NUM> may take the form of a variety of patterns of imprinting, full or partial radial deformation, or the like. The crimp deformations may be in the form of imprinting "strips" that extend from proximal the forward sleeve portion 14a rearwardly toward the rearward sleeve portion 14b. The crimp deformations may also extend in any other variety of directions and in any variety of shapes or patterns suitable for the application.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in <FIG>, showing the fitting <NUM>, seals <NUM>, nipple <NUM>, sleeve <NUM>, and respective portions of the hose <NUM> - including the structural carcass 1a, core tube 1b, fiber reinforcement 2a, and outer sheath layer 2b. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion of <FIG>. The transition region 12c between the skived portion 12a and unskived portion 12b where a support ring <NUM> (described below) is also shown in this view. As shown, the sleeve <NUM> has been inwardly deformed or crimped, engaging an inner surface of the sleeve <NUM> with a portion of the outer surface of the outer sheath layer 2b of the hose <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> of the hose including the carcass 1a and the core tube 1b has been inserted into the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM>. The seal <NUM> sealingly engages against the outer surface of the core tube 1b-<NUM> to prevent ingress of seawater into the hose assembly <NUM>. The rearward end of the rearward fitting end portion 12b acts as a stop to restrict the reinforcement layers 2a and the outer sheath layer 2b from entering the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM> or otherwise entering further toward the forward fitting end portion 16a.

As noted above, the cross-sectional view of <FIG> shows an exemplary support ring <NUM> at the transition region 12c between the skived portion 12a and unskived portion 12b. The support ring <NUM> is configured to be inserted between and inner portion <NUM> and an outer portion <NUM> of the hose <NUM>. More particularly, in exemplary embodiments, the support ring <NUM> is configured to be inserted between fiber reinforcement 2a and polymeric core tube 1b of the collapse-resistant hose <NUM>. As shown, because the hose <NUM> is skived to remove the sheathing/covering 2b and fiber <NUM> a reinforcement to expose the core tube 1b, the support ring <NUM> is inserted at the transition region 12c between skived portion 12a and unskived portions 12b of the hose <NUM>. It has been found that the transition region 12c can be a weak point of the assembly that is susceptible to leakage, and the support ring <NUM> supports the core tube 1b in the area between the sealing area of the fitting <NUM> and the unskived portion 12b of the hose <NUM> to improve performance at the transition region 12c.

<FIG> show the support ring <NUM> placed around the inner portion 12a of the hose <NUM> via the core tube 1b after the removal of the outer portion of the hose (i.e. after skiving). As shown, the outer sheath layer 2b and the reinforcement layer 2a have each been removed from the inner portion of the hose 12a. <FIG> shows the support ring <NUM> and hose <NUM> as shown in 9a, with the support ring <NUM> surrounding both the core tube 1b and the carcass 1a.

<FIG> show the support ring <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the support ring <NUM> may include a radially enlarged (e.g., flange) portion that is configured to abut the unskived 12b region of the hose <NUM>, and an axially elongated extension portion that is configured to fit between the inner portion <NUM> and outer portion <NUM> of the hose <NUM>. As shown, the axial extension portion of the support ring <NUM> may be tapered as it extends rearwardly to facilitate insertion between these portions of the hose <NUM>. This allows the support ring <NUM> to fit under the fiber reinforcement 2a even with tolerance stacking, for example.

Generally, the support ring <NUM> should be of a sufficient material strength, modulus, resilience, flexibility, and/or other material property or combination thereof to resist localized core tube 1b distortion when the hose <NUM> is pressurized or otherwise operating. In exemplary embodiments, the support ring <NUM> also includes the extension portion that is thin enough to be pressed under the reinforcement layer 2a to a depth that can fully support the transition region 12c which may be prone to rupture under pressure and/or stress. To facilitate flexure of the support ring <NUM> to aid in installation, the support ring <NUM> may include one or more weakened regions. As shown in <FIG>, for example, the weakened regions include collet cuts which are provided to permit flexing due to outer diameter variation of the core tube 1a. As shown in <FIG>, for example, another weakened region includes an undercut that permits for flexing due to interference fit of the inner diameter support ring <NUM> with the outer diameter range of the transition region 12c.

It is understood that although the support ring <NUM> is shown as a discrete part, it also could be integrated into part of the fitting <NUM> where it shoulders or engages against the unskived portion 12b of the hose <NUM>. Whether the support ring <NUM> is unitary or integral with the fitting <NUM> or a discrete part may be determined by the final geometry of the support ring <NUM> and which method is most cost effective and/or easy to assemble.

Turning now to <FIG>, another exemplary embodiment of a hose fitting assembly <NUM> is shown. The hose fitting assembly <NUM> is substantially the same as the above-referenced hose fitting assembly <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by <NUM> are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the hose fitting assembly <NUM>. In addition, the foregoing description of the hose fitting assembly <NUM> is equally applicable to the hose fitting assembly <NUM> except as noted below. Moreover, aspects of the hose fitting assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> and may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable.

As shown, the hose fitting assembly <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM> that is configured to receive an end portion of the hose <NUM>, a fitting <NUM> that is operatively coupled to the sleeve <NUM>, and a nipple <NUM> operatively coupled to the fitting <NUM>. As described in further detail below, the assembly <NUM> also includes at least one seal <NUM> that is operatively mounted to the fitting <NUM> (such as via seal groove <NUM>), in which the seal <NUM> is configured to seal against an outer surface (e.g., 202b-<NUM>) of the hose <NUM>.

<FIG> show the sleeve <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the sleeve <NUM> has a forward sleeve end portion 214a and a rearward sleeve end portion 214b. The rearward sleeve end portion 214b includes an opening 214i adapted to receive an end portion of the hose <NUM>. The end portion of the hose <NUM> which may be received by the rearward sleeve end portion 214b may include all of hose layers or a portion of the hose layers. The forward sleeve end portion 214a is adapted to operatively couple with the fitting <NUM> by any suitable means such as threading, welding, brazing, or any other fixing means. In exemplary embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may include one or more radially inwardly protruding teeth 214t that are configured to cut, grip, and/or bite into the outer portion of the tube 201b including but not limited to the outer sheath layer 202b when the sleeve <NUM> is radially inwardly deformed or crimped to the hose <NUM>. This crimping restricts movement of the hose <NUM> relative to the fitting assembly <NUM>.

The crimping may deform any portion of the sleeve <NUM>, which reduces the diameter of the sleeve <NUM> to a selected crimp diameter and/or crimp length. As described in further detail below, the crimping also may deform the rearward fitting end portion 216b to sealingly engage the seal <NUM> against the outer surface (e.g., 201b-<NUM>) of the inner layer (e.g., core tube) of the tube 201b. The selected crimping parameters depend on various factors such as the size of the hose <NUM>, the size of the hose fitting assembly <NUM>, the operating conditions, environmental conditions, the material properties of the materials used to construct the hose <NUM>, the materials used to construct the components of the hose fitting assembly <NUM>, or any other number of factors. The deforming or crimping of the hose fitting assembly <NUM> may utilize any number of suitable means such as manual or automatic hose crimping devices.

Upon crimping, one or more of the teeth 214t, ridges, or other features on the sleeve <NUM> or shell may provide sealing functionality, such as the radially protruding ridge (tooth) shown in <FIG>. In addition to sealing functionality, the teeth 214t may support hose retention during crimping of the hose fitting assembly <NUM> onto the hose <NUM> and when the hose <NUM> is pressurized, operating, being transported, being adjusted, or based on any other considerations before, during, and after the life cycle of the hose <NUM>. The number and thickness of teeth 214t may vary depending on the requirements of the finished collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> and ease of manufacture of the sleeve <NUM>.

<FIG> show the exemplary fitting <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the fitting <NUM> includes the rearward fitting end portion 216b that is configured to operatively couple to the forward sleeve end portion 214a of the sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting <NUM> includes threads 216c that threadedly engage with corresponding threads 214c of the sleeve <NUM>. The rearward fitting end portion 216b has an internal surface that forms an internal cavity configured to receive the end portion of the hose <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity 216i of the fitting <NUM> is adapted to receive the skived portion 212a of the hose <NUM>, and the sleeve <NUM> is configured to contain the un-skived portion 212b of the hose <NUM> in which either no hose layers are removed, or no portion of the hose layers are removed, including but not limited to the outer sheath layer 202b. An end face of the rearward fitting end portion 216b may serve as a stop between the skived 212a and un-skived portions 212b of the hose <NUM> (as is apparent in <FIG>). The stop may restrict at least the end of the outer sheath layer 202b from entering the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM> when the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> is in both an intermediate uncrimped state and in an assembled and crimped state.

The opposite forward fitting end portion 216a is configured to couple to another suitable coupling of the subsea system, such as via a nipple <NUM> or the like. The fitting <NUM> may also have any other number of adapters on the forward fitting end portion 216a configured to connect the hose fitting assembly <NUM> with any number of additional hose assemblies, valves, ports, hydraulic systems, fluid sources, or the like for any number of systems. The forward fitting end portion 216a may include a male or female adapter of any different size suitable to the application. The forward fitting end portion 216a may also include any other number of suitable connectors.

<FIG> show the nipple <NUM> in further detail. As shown, the nipple <NUM> is configured to operatively couple to the inner portion of the fitting <NUM>, such as via threads, press-fitting, or the like. The nipple <NUM> also could be unitary with the fitting <NUM> or be fixed to the fitting in any suitable manner such as welded, brazed, or otherwise permanently or removably attached. The nipple <NUM> extends in a rearward direction through the internal cavity of the fitting <NUM> and is configured to fit within at least a portion of an internal passage of the hose <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the nipple <NUM> extends beyond the stop formed by the end face of the rearward fitting end portion 216b, such that a rearward end of the nipple <NUM> is surrounded by a portion of the sleeve <NUM>.

As shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, the rearward nipple end portion 218b may include threading 218c along the outer diameter of the nipple <NUM>. This threading 218c may be configured to allow the nipple <NUM> to be threadably engageable with the inside surface of the carcass 201a or with any other compatible surface. The forward nipple end portion 218a is configured to be inserted into the fitting <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM>. The nipple <NUM> has an outer diameter dimension such that it may fit inside an internal passage 212i of the hose <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> or shell of the hose fitting assembly <NUM>. An advantage of the threadable nipple <NUM> is that it helps retain the position of the nipple <NUM> in the hose interior 212i prior to, during, and after crimping. The threading 218c prevents the nipple <NUM> from moving out, or "backing out", of the hose passage 212i when the hose is operating under pressure. The threading 218t also provides for ease of assembly of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>. The interlocking members of the carcass may be connected such that they form a threadable surface to which a threaded member of the fitting (e.g., the nipple threads 218c) may be threadedly engaged.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> in an intermediate, uncrimped state. As shown in the illustrated state, the hose <NUM> has been inserted into the hose fitting assembly <NUM> such that the skived portion 212a of the hose <NUM> is inside of the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM> and the unskived portion 212b has been inserted into the sleeve <NUM> of the fitting <NUM> and is stopped by a rearward end of the rearward fitting end portion 216b.

In the intermediate uncrimped state, the rearward fitting end portion 216b is radially flared outwardly as the rearward fitting end portion 216b is extending rearwardly. An advantage of the flared rearward fitting end portion 216b is that it enables placement of a seal beneath the fitting <NUM> with control and with reduced risk of movement of the seal <NUM> to an undesirable location when the hose <NUM> is inserted into in the fitting assembly <NUM>. A seal groove <NUM> is located proximal the rearward end of the rearward fitting end portion 216b which allows a seal <NUM> to be mounted therein. The flared rearward fitting end portion 216b may be crimpable to the core tube 201b. The sleeve <NUM> may be crimped or deformed, thereby also crimping, or deforming, the fitting <NUM>.

The seal <NUM> may seal upon crimping of the fitting <NUM> onto the core tube 201b. Likewise, the seal <NUM> may seal upon crimping or deforming of at least a portion of the sleeve <NUM>, which in turn crimps or deforms the rearward fitting end portion 216b such that the seal <NUM> seals with the core tube 201b or any other outer surface of an inner layer of the hose <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may have various inner and/or outer diameters based on the desired sealing properties. For example, the seal <NUM> may have an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the core tube 201b or smaller than any other desired layer of the collapse-resistant hose <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may also have an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the core tube 201b of the hose <NUM> or larger than any other layer of the hose.

The crimping or deformation of the sleeve <NUM> also may engage at least a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve <NUM> with at least a portion of the outer surface of the outer sheath layer 202b or any other layer directly or indirectly surrounding the innermost layer, carcass 201a, or core tube 201b. As shown, the inner surface of the sleeve <NUM> is engaged with the outer surface of the outer sheath layer 202b. Upon crimping, the sleeve <NUM> may compress the hose <NUM> or any of the layers of the hose <NUM> based on design requirements, operating requirements, and/or any other considerations. Further, at least a portion of the sleeve <NUM>, when inwardly deformed, may also inwardly deform the rearward fitting end portion 216b, compressing the seal <NUM> into the core tube 201b. One or more teeth 214t may at least partially penetrate the sheath layer 212b or any other layer. This crimping step may be completed in one single step or in multiple steps and the sleeve <NUM> and or the fitting <NUM> may be crimped together in one step or in separate or consecutive steps.

<FIG> is the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> in a final assembled and crimped form. As shown, the sleeve <NUM> has been inwardly deformed or crimped, engaging an inner surface of the sleeve <NUM> with a portion of the outer surface of the outer sheath layer 202b of the hose <NUM>. The inner portion <NUM> of the hose including the carcass 201a and the core tube 201b has been inserted into the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM>. The rearward end of the rearward fitting end portion 216b acts as a stop to restrict the reinforcement layers 202a and the outer sheath layer 202b from entering the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM>. The rearward fitting end portion 216b has been inwardly crimped to sealingly engage the seal <NUM> with the outer surface 201b-<NUM> of the core tube 201b. As shown, both the sleeve <NUM> and the fitting <NUM> are inwardly crimped to engage the seal <NUM>. The crimping process may take place in one step or multiple steps. The sleeve <NUM> and the fitting <NUM> may be crimped together simultaneously in the same action, separately in the same action, or one before the other.

Turning now to <FIG>, another exemplary embodiment of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> is shown in further detail. The assembly includes a hose fitting assembly <NUM> and a collapse-resistant hose <NUM>. The collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> is substantially the same as the above-referenced collapse-resistant hose <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by <NUM> are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM>. In addition, the foregoing description of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> is equally applicable to the collapse-resistant hose <NUM> except as noted below. Moreover, it will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the specification that aspects of the collapse-resistant hose assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> and may be substituted for one another or used in conjunction with one another where applicable.

The collapse-resistant hose <NUM> includes a carcass 301a, a core tube 301b, a sacrificial unbonded tube layer 301c, at least one reinforcement layer 302a, and a cover layer 302b. The sacrificial unbonded tube layer 301c surrounds the core tube 301b but the sacrificial layer 301c is not bonded to the core tube 301b using any sort of adhesive or other bonding means. Because of the lack of bonding between the sacrificial layer 301c and the core tube layer 301b, there is ease of removal of at least the sacrificial layer 301c during the skiving process. The sacrificial layer 301c may or may not be bonded to one or more of the reinforcement layers 302a using any adhesive means such as chemical adhesive coating or a physical adhesive.

During the skiving step, the outer sheath layer 302b, the reinforcement layer or layers 302a, and the sacrificial layer 301c may be simultaneously removed using any suitable cutting means. The sacrificial layer 301c may facilitate ease of removal of the reinforcement layer or any other outer layer by functioning as a cutting board, scoring board, or backstop to which a cutting means may be applied. The sacrificial layer 301c may be made of an easily scorable, cuttable, peelable, and/or tearable material such that it may easily peel or otherwise be removed from the core tube 301b after the outer surface 301c-<NUM> of the sacrificial tube 301c has been physically scored or partially cut. This may allow for ease of removal of the layers surrounding the sacrificial layer 301c during the skiving process while also having an additional potential benefit of a reduced or negligible risk of cutting, scoring, or otherwise damaging the core tube 301a. This may further allow for a decreased risk of hose failure during operation or assembly.

During assembly of the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> with the collapse-resistant hose <NUM>, the skiving step removes the outer sheath layer 302b, the reinforcement layer or layers 302a, and the sacrificial unbonded tube layer 201c. This creates an unskived portion 312b of the hose <NUM> and a skived portion 312a of the hose <NUM>. The skived portion 312a includes the exposed core tube 301b and the carcass 301a. The unskived portion 312b includes the sacrificial core tube layer 301c. To assemble the hose fitting assembly <NUM> with the hose <NUM>, the skived portion 312a is inserted into the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM>. The rearward end portion 316b of the fitting <NUM> acts as a stop which restricts the sacrificial unbonded tube layer 301c, the reinforcement layer(s) 302a, and the outer sheath layer 302b from entering the inner cavity of the fitting <NUM>. The exposed ends of the outer layers abut and/or engage with the rearward end of the rearward end portion 316b. When in an uncrimped but assembled state, the sleeve <NUM> surrounds at least a portion of the outer sheath layer 302b of the hose <NUM> and the outer surface of the rearward end portion of the fitting <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an assembled and crimped collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> including a hose fitting assembly <NUM> and a collapse resistant hose <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows that when the collapse-resistant hose assembly <NUM> is in crimped form, that the sacrificial layer remains substantially in the same region as the reinforcement 302a and/or outer sheath layer 302b and is typically not crimped beneath the inner surface of the fitting <NUM>.

As used herein, an "operative connection," or a connection by which entities are "operatively connected," is one in which the entities are connected in such a way that the entities may perform as intended. An operative connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection in which an intermediate entity or entities cooperate or otherwise are part of the connection or are in between the operatively connected entities. An operative connection or coupling may include the entities being integral and unitary with each other.

It is to be understood that terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "forward," "rearward," and the like as used herein may refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference.

It is to be understood that all ranges and ratio limits disclosed in the specification and claims may be combined in any manner. It is to be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to "a," "an," and/or "the" may include one or more than one, and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural.

The term "about" as used herein refers to any value which lies within the range defined by a variation of up to ±<NUM>% of the stated value, for example, ±<NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ±<NUM> %, ±<NUM>%, or ±<NUM>% of the stated value, as well as values intervening such stated values.

The phrase "and/or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc..

Terms clearly indicated such as "only one of" or "exactly one of," may refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements.

The transitional words or phrases, such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," and the like, are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to.

Claim 1:
A hose fitting assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) for a collapse-resistant hose (<NUM>; <NUM>) with at least one inner layer and an outer sheath layer, the hose fitting assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a sleeve (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a forward sleeve end portion (14a; 214a) and a rearward sleeve end portion (14b; 214b), the rearward sleeve end portion (14b; 214b) having an opening (14i; 214i) adapted to receive an end portion of the collapse-resistant hose (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a fitting (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a rearward fitting end portion (16b; 216b) that is operatively coupled to the forward sleeve end portion (14a; 214a);
the rearward fitting end portion (16b; 216b) having an internal surface (<NUM>) that forms an internal cavity (16i; 216i) configured to receive an end portion of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a nipple (<NUM>; <NUM>) operatively coupled to the fitting (<NUM>; <NUM>) and extending in a rearward direction through the internal cavity (16i; 216i) of the fitting, the nipple (<NUM>; <NUM>) being configured to fit within an internal passage of the collapse-resistant hose; and
at least one seal (<NUM>; <NUM>) operatively mounted in the internal cavity (16i; 216i) of the fitting;
characterised by the hose fitting assembly (<NUM>; <NUM>) having:
an uncrimped state in which the rearward fitting end portion (16b; 216b) is flared radially outwardly;
in which uncrimped state the end portion of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose (<NUM>; <NUM>) is insertable into the opening (14i; 214i) of the rearward sleeve end portion (14b; 214b) to form an uncrimped intermediate state; and
a sealed state in which the rearward fitting end portion (16b; 216b) is radially inwardly crimped and the at least one seal (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to seal against an outer surface of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose (<NUM>; <NUM>).