U.S. patent application number 09/681552 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-13 for flexible duct with sealed insulation for aircraft applications.
Invention is credited to Gooch, Ralph L..
Application Number | 20010050480 09/681552 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26755861 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010050480 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gooch, Ralph L. |
December 13, 2001 |
Flexible duct with sealed insulation for aircraft applications
Abstract
A hose for transport of conditioned air between a ground-based
heating-ventilating unit and an internal ventilation system of an
aircraft comprises at least one hose segment. The hose segment has
an end provided with a fastener interconnectable with a fastener on
an end of an adjacent hose segment. The hose segment also has an
interior insulation layer sealed to inhibit migration of moisture
between the insulation layer and the interior of the hose.
Inventors: |
Gooch, Ralph L.; (Plainwell,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCGARRY BAIR LLP
171 MONROE AVENUE
SUITE 600
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49503
US
|
Family ID: |
26755861 |
Appl. No.: |
09/681552 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09681552 |
Apr 27, 2001 |
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09248431 |
Feb 11, 1999 |
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6286876 |
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60074623 |
Feb 13, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/260 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 59/153 20130101;
F24F 13/0218 20130101; F24F 13/02 20130101; Y10T 24/2534 20150115;
B64F 1/362 20130101; F24F 13/0281 20130101; F24F 13/0263 20130101;
F16L 31/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/260 |
International
Class: |
F16L 031/00 |
Claims
1. A hose for delivery of conditioned air between a ground-based
heating-ventilating unit and an internal ventilation system of an
aircraft, the hose comprising at least one hose segment having an
interior layer of insulation, wherein the insulation layer has a
surface sealed against migration of moisture into or out of the
insulation layer whereby migration of moisture into the interior of
the hose through the insulation layer is inhibited.
2. The hose of claim 1 wherein the surface is sealed by a sealing
agent.
3. The hose of claim 2 wherein the sealing agent is
polyurethane.
4. The hose of claim 2 wherein the sealing agent is sprayed on the
interior surface.
5. The hose of claim 2 wherein the sealing agent is a film.
6. The hose of claim 1 wherein the insulation layer comprises an
open cell foam material.
7. The hose of claim 6 wherein the film is polyolefin.
8. The hose of claim 1 wherein the insulation layer has two
surfaces and both are sealed
9. The hose of claim 1 wherein the surface is an interior surface
exposed to conditioned air passing through the hose, and the
interior surface is sealed.
10. A hose for delivery of conditioned air between a ground-based
heating-ventilating unit and an internal ventilation system of an
aircraft, comprising: at least two hose segments, each hose segment
having at least one end provided with a fastener connectable with a
fastener on an end of an adjacent hose segment; at least one
protective flap located adjacent the fastener on one hose segment,
adapted to cover the adjacent fastener and a connected fastener
when the at least two hose segments are connected to each other;
and a sealed insulation layer surrounding the interior of hose.
11. The hose of claim 10 wherein the insulation layer is sealed by
a sealing agent.
12. The hose of claim 11 wherein the sealing agent is film
13. The hose of claim 12 wherein the film is polyolefin.
14. The hose of claim 8 wherein the sealing agent is sprayed on the
insulation layer.
15. The hose of claim 10 wherein the insulation layer comprises an
open cell foam material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/248,431 filed on Feb. 11, 1999, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/074,623,
filed on Feb. 13, 1998.
BACKGROUND OF INFORMATION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to interconnectable,
insulated flexible ventilation ducts. More specifically, the
invention relates to air ducts for transporting conditioned
air.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] During the time an aircraft is located adjacent to an
airport gate, conditioned air can be transported to the aircraft
from a ground-based heating or air conditioning system. This is
done through the use of insulated flexible duct that connects the
heating or air conditioning unit of the airport with the internal
ventilation system of the aircraft.
[0006] These ducts have been manufactured with various materials
and in varying lengths to accommodate different types of aircraft.
They are typically formed of several segments connected together
through releasable connections. Depending upon the type of the
aircraft being serviced, it is necessary to add or delete segments
of the duct to establish a suitable and appropriate connection of
the aircraft ventilation system with the ground-based unit. The
releasable connections can comprise zippers or hook and loop
fasteners, such as Velcro.RTM.. An example of a duct assembly
employing hook and loop fasteners to interconnect adjacent segments
of the ducts is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,341 (Larson), issued
Nov. 29, 1994.
[0007] It is known to use insulation to retard heat transfer
between the interior of the duct and the exterior, since the air is
typically conditioned, i.e., either heated or cooled and humidified
or dehumidified to a comfortable level. A problem with known
insulated ducts is their propensity for the insulation layer to
absorb moisture, particularly in warm, humid climates. Passing air
picks up moisture in the insulation layer, thus altering its
pre-conditioned state. Moreover, heavily moisture-laden insulation
diminishes the durability of the duct and renders it more difficult
to maneuver. This often happens particularly where open cell foam
is used as the insulating layer, or where the insulating layer is
exposed to the exterior, such as through a stitched seam or through
abrasions in the exterior sheath. The need exists for more durable
ventilation duct, given the harsh rigors of its typical use on
airport ramps, along with a need for a greater degree of protection
for the insulation and for the connections.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] This invention relates to a hose for delivery of conditioned
air between a ground-based heating-ventilating unit and an internal
ventilation system of an aircraft. The hose has at least one hose
segment having an interior layer of insulation. The insulation has
a surface sealed against migration of moisture into or out of the
insulation layer. Thus, migration of moisture into the interior of
the hose through the insulation layer is inhibited.
[0009] In one aspect, the surface is sealed by a sealing agent.
Preferably the sealing agent is polyurethane which can be sprayed
on the interior surface. In another aspect, the sealing agent is a
film, preferably polyolefin.
[0010] The insulation itself can comprise an open cell foam. And
may have two surfaces where one or both are sealed. One of the
surfaces would be exposed to the interior of the hose where the
conditioned air passes.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention is directed a combination
of at least two hose segments. Each hose segment has an end with a
fastener connectable with an adjacent fastener on an adjacent hose
segment. At least one protective flap is preferably located
adjacent the fastener on one hose segment and is preferably adapted
to cover the fastener and an interconnected fastener when a pair of
hose segments are connected to each other. A sealed insulation
layer surrounds the interior of each hose segment.
[0012] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the ensuing description in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the air duct according
to the invention shown extending between an airport terminal
ventilation system and an aircraft.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of interconnected
segments of the duct of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing adjacent
segments of the duct of FIG. 1 with arrows showing the
interconnection of the ends of the adjacent segments.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first stage of
interconnection between the ends of the two adjacent segments of
FIG. 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a nearly complete
interconnection between the ends of the adjacent duct segments of
FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Turning to the drawings and to FIG. 1 in particular, a air
duct 10 for transporting conditioned to an aircraft 12 is shown
comprising several interconnected segments 14, the ends of which
are serially joined together by closure connections 16. It is
understood that the number of segments actually needed will vary
depending on a number of factors such as the size of the aircraft
and the proximity of the aircraft to the gate. Indeed, if the
segment is long enough, or the distance between the aircraft and
the gate is short enough, only a single segment will be needed. For
this invention, it is assumed that at least one segment will be
needed. The size of each segment is limited by its manual
transportability and the ease with which it can be stored, unstored
and connected to ventilation systems and/or adjacent segments. When
the duct segment or segments 14 are in place, conditioned air can
be carried from a ventilating system 18 typically located within an
airport to an internal ventilating system (not shown) of the
aircraft 12 on a ground surface 20 before the aircraft 12 is ready
for takeoff. Interconnection of the internal ventilation system of
the aircraft 12 to the ventilating system 18 on the ground 20
allows the internal ventilation system of the aircraft 12 to cease
generation and delivery of conditioned air to any occupants of the
aircraft 12 and permits the aircraft engines to be shut down.
Rather, the conditioned air is supplied from the ventilating system
18 of the airport.
[0019] Looking now at FIGS. 2 and 3, each duct segment 14 has an
exterior sheath preferably manufactured from a vinyl material, such
as coated nylon, which affords optimum strength and flexibility in
all types of weather conditions and temperatures. Each segment 14
is formed from a single rectangular length of the duct material
joined along opposing longitudinal sides 22 thereof by a
longitudinal seam 24. The seam 24 is preferably welded to provide
maximum tear-resistance and prevent the escape of any conditioned
air carried within the duct 10, and a longitudinal strip 25 of
similar material can be welded over the longitudinal seam 24 to
provide additional protection. Of course, with the protective
longitudinal strip 25, the longitudinal seam can be formed in other
ways, such as by stitching. An insulation layer 27 is disposed
interior to the duct adjacent to the exterior sheath primarily to
retard heat transfer between conditioned air passing through the
duct and the exterior atmosphere. The insulation layer 27 may be
formed of closed cell foam to minimize water absorption. More
often, however, open cell foam has been found to be more
cost-effective. The duct 10 is flexible, especially radially, to
permit deformation of the duct 10 so as to be flat on the ground
surface 20. Thus, ground vehicles can be driven over the duct 10
without permanent damage to the duct. Moreover, the duct itself can
be rolled up for storage.
[0020] Each segment 14 has a first end 26 and a second end 28. The
first and second ends 26 and 28 each carry closure connections 16
which enable a second end 28 of an adjacent segment 14 to be
interconnected to the first end 26 of another segment 14 of the
duct 10, or, alternatively, either to an airport ventilation system
or to an aircraft. Closure connections 16 include any type of
fastener that would secure the connection against axial separation,
such as zippers, snaps, hook and loop, and the like.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the connections 16 on the first
end 26 of each segment 14 includes a first portion 30 of a zipper
used for interconnecting adjacent segments 14 of the duct 10 which
preferably extends substantially around the circumference of the
first end 26. A first portion 32 of a hook and loop fastener, such
as Velcro.RTM., is located adjacent to the first portion 30 of the
zipper and preferably axially inwardly thereof.
[0022] The second end 28 of each segment 14 includes a second
portion 34 of the zipper which is adapted to interconnect with the
first portion 30 of the zipper on the first end 26 of the segment
14. The second end 28 of the segment 14 is also provided with
several flexible flaps 36 extending axially outwardly of the second
portion 34 of the zipper.
[0023] Each flap 36 includes an interior surface 38 provided with a
transversely-extending second portion 40 of the hook and loop
fastener that is adapted to removably engage the first portion 32
of the hook and loop fastener on the first end 26 of an adjacent
segment 14.
[0024] Each flap 36 also includes a first end 42 and a second end
44. The first end 42 of each flap 36 has a first portion 46 of a
hook and loop fastener provided on the interior surface 38 of the
flap 36. The second end 44 of each flap 36 is provided with a
second portion of a hook and loop fastener on an exterior surface
50 of the flap 36.
[0025] The flaps 36 are preferably formed as circumferential
extensions of the second end 28 of the segment 14 whereby a first
end 42 of one flap 36 is adapted to overlap a second end 44 of an
adjacent flap 36. The first portion 46 of the hook and loop
fastener on the first end 42 of one flap thereby overlaps and
engages the second portion 48 of the hook and loop fastener located
on the second end 44 of an adjacent flap 36 as shown in the
drawings.
[0026] Although three flaps 36 are shown in the drawings, it will
be understood that additional or fewer flaps 36 can be provided to
the second end 28 of the segment 14 without departing from the
scope of this invention.
[0027] In the illustrated assembly, the first end 26 of one segment
14 is brought adjacent to the second end 28 of an adjacent segment
14 as shown in FIG. 4. The first portion 30 of the zipper on the
first end 26 of one segment 14 is engaged with the second portion
34 of the zipper on the second end 28 of the other segment 14. The
zipper is then circumferentially traversed so that the first and
second portions 30 and 34 thereof are interengaged. Thus, the
primary function of the zipper, and specifically the first and
second portions 30 and 34 thereof, is to securely interconnect the
first and second ends 26 and 28 of adjacent duct segments 14.
[0028] The flaps 36 located on the second end 28 of the segment 14
have the primary purpose of providing a protective cover to prevent
environmental elements from damaging the first and second portions
30 and 34 of the zipper. Once the first and second portions 30 and
34 of the zipper on adjacent segments 14 are interengaged, the
flaps 36 on the second end 28 on one segment 14 can be folded
toward the first end 26 on the adjacent segment 14 so that the
second portion 40 of the hook and loop fastener located on the
interior surface 38 of each flap 36 overlaps and engages the first
portion 32 of the hook and loop fastener located on the first end
26 of the adjacent segment 14. The flaps 36 thereby enclose the
first and second portions 30 and 34 of the zipper.
[0029] The first portion 46 of the hook and loop fastener located
on the first end 42 of each flap 36 can also be engaged with the
second portion 48 of the hook and loop fastener located on the
second end 44 of the adjacent flap 36 so that each of the flaps 36
are engaged with a successive and a preceding flap 36 as well as
with the first end 26 of the adjacent segment 14. Thus, the
interengagement of each of the successive and preceding flaps 36 in
connection with the engagement of each flap 36 with the first end
26 of the adjacent segment 14 forms an impermeable enclosure for
the first and second portions 30 and 34 of the zipper.
[0030] It will be understood that the seam 24 is preferably welded
whereby the material on one longitudinal side 22 of the rectangular
piece of duct material is bonded with the material on the other
longitudinal side 22 of the piece. It has been found that the
welded seam has greater strength than conventional stitch seams as
well as not being subject to unraveling due to abrasion, such as
when the duct 10 is dragged across the ground surface 20 during
use. More importantly, the welded seam more effectively inhibits
penetration of moisture from the exterior of the sheath. This
especially so when the longitudinal strip 25 is welded over the
seam, providing an additional layer of protection.
[0031] It has also been found that coupling the first and second
ends 26 and 28 of adjacent segments 14 of the duct 10 with a zipper
eliminates decoupling of the adjacent segments 14 during use.
Further, covering the first and second portions 30 and 34 of the
zipper with the flaps 36 keeps the first and second portions 30 and
34 of the zipper clean and easy to operate even in inclement
weather conditions. Engagement of the flaps 36 with the first end
26 of an adjacent segment 14 as well as with immediately preceding
and succeeding flaps 36 provides a secure protective cover to the
first and second portions 30 and 34 of the zipper. Although a
zipper is thought to more securely attach adjacent segments, it
will be understood that a zipper is not a requirement for this
invention.
[0032] The foam insulation is preferably bonded to the outer ply of
waterproof fabric with a well-known bonding agent such as a hot
melt adhesive. Thus, the duct 10 is lightweight while preventing
conditioned air from escaping from within the duct 10 or between
the interconnection between the first and second ends 26 and 28 of
adjoining segments 14. The insulation is further sealed against
moisture invasion by a polyurethane spray on the interior surface
of the insulation layer after the insulation is bonded to the outer
ply. Thus, migration of moisture between the insulation layer and
conditioned air passing through the duct is inhibited. It will be
understood that any type of conventional sealant can be applied to
the insulation layer. Moreover, the application can occur prior to
the adhesion of the foam layer to the outer ply, in which case, the
sealant can be applied to one or both sides of the insulation
layer. For example, a thin sheet of sealing film can be calendared
to one or both surfaces of the insulation layer prior to adhering
the insulation layer to the outer ply. Polyolefin has been found to
be an effective sealing film.
[0033] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not
limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in
the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings.
Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope
of the foregoing disclosure of the invention without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *