Patent ID: 7735523

Claim:
A self-extending flexible hose, for use in applications requiring a conduit to convey fluids or certain solids using negative pressure or suction, said hose comprising: (a) a reinforcement member, said reinforcement member being formed generally into a series of flexible turns about a longitudinal axis each with a spacing from an adjacent one of said series of flexible turns to create an interstitial area; (b) a cover, said cover being formed of layers of thermoplastic material, said thermoplastic layers being formed to overlay said interstitial area between said turns and at least a portion of said reinforcement member, said thermoplastic material forming an inner surface and an outer surface; said inner surface and said outer surface of said cover in the region of said interstitial area being formed to have a fold with first and second sides, said first side contacting said second side of said fold at an angle and forming an apex, said fold extending outward and away from said longitudinal axis of said reinforcing member, said cover having a first end and a second end, said cover being generally impermeable to fluids; and (c) a plurality of lines, said plurality of lines disposed between said layers of thermoplastic material, said plurality of lines also being formed into a series of flexible turns so as to be disposed adjacent to said reinforcing member and separated therefrom by one or more of said layers of said cover, said plurality of lines being disposed to one side of said reinforcing member.