U.S. patent application number 11/197720 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for heated hose electrical cord.
Invention is credited to William Ferrone.
Application Number | 20070036528 11/197720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37742643 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070036528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferrone; William |
February 15, 2007 |
Heated hose electrical cord
Abstract
A household garden hose is provided with an integral electric
power cord adapted to be plugged into a standard electrical wall
outlet. The power cord extends along the full length of the hose
and is adapted to provide electrical power to a power tool or other
electrical appliance remote from the wall outlet. An electric
resistance heating element is provided to heat fluid flowing
through the hose and prevent freezing in cold weather. An outer
jacket of insulation is provided over the hose to further resist
freezing of liquid flowing through the hose.
Inventors: |
Ferrone; William; (Pawlet,
VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Lawrence J. Shurupoff
16651 Topanga Lane
Delray Beach
FL
33484
US
|
Family ID: |
37742643 |
Appl. No.: |
11/197720 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/480 ;
392/472 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 53/38 20180101;
A01K 7/027 20130101; F24H 1/142 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/480 ;
392/472 |
International
Class: |
F24H 1/10 20060101
F24H001/10 |
Claims
1. A flexible hose and power cord assembly, comprising: an
elastomeric hose having a hose wall defining a fluid flow path and
first and second axial end portions, said hose having fluid
couplings provided at opposite end portions of said hose wall; and
an electrical power cord extending integrally along said hose wall
and having a first end portion extending at least several feet from
one of said first axial end portions of said hose wall.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said power cord is located
within said hose wall.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an insulation layer
covering said hose wall.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said power cord is located
within said insulation layer.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said electrical power cord
comprises a male electrical connector provided on said first end
portion of said electrical power cord.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said electrical power cord
comprises a second end portion and a female electrical connector
provided on said second end portion.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said female electrical
connector is fixed to said hose adjacent said second axial end
portion of said hose.
8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein said second end portion of said
electrical connector extends at least several feet from said second
axial end portion of said hose wall.
9. The assembly of claim 6, further comprising a ground fault
interrupter provided on said female electrical connector.
10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a heating element
extending axially along said hose and adapted to heat fluid flowing
through said fluid flow path.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said heating element is
powered by said electrical power cord.
12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein said heating element is
connected to said electrical power cord in an electrical parallel
circuit.
13. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a thermostat
connected in series with said heating element.
14. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising an electrical
appliance connected to said electrical power cord.
15. A flexible hose system, comprising: a first flexible hose; a
first electrical cord integral with said first flexible hose; a
second flexible hose; a second electrical power cord integral with
said second flexible hose; a first water tight interconnection
interconnecting said first and second hoses; a first electrical
interconnection interconnecting said first and second power cords;
said first electrical cord having a free and portion extending from
said first hose and adapted to receive electrical power from a
standard electrical outlet; and said second portion adapted to
provide electrical power from said outlet to an electrical
apparatus.
16. The hose system of claim 15, further comprising a first heating
element integral with said first flexible hose and a second heating
element integral with said second flexible hose.
17. The hose system of claim 15, wherein said first electrical
interconnection comprises an arch formed at least in part by an end
portion of said first electrical power cord spaced apart from said
first water tight interconnection.
18. A flexible hose assembly, comprising: an elongated tubular
elastomeric hose comprising first and second end portions; an
internally threaded hose connector provided on said first end
portion of said hose; an externally threaded hose connector
provided on said second end portion of said hose; first and second
electric power wires extending along at least a portion of said
hose, said wires each having first and second end portions; a male
electrical connector adapted for use with an electric outlet and
connected to said first end portions of said power wires; and a
female electrical connector connected to said second end portion of
said power wires.
19. The assembly of claim 18, further comprising a heating element
extending along a substantial portion of said hose and connected to
said first and second power wires in a parallel circuit.
20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein said male electrical
connector and said first end portion of said power wires extend
freely from said hose.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates in general to water or
"garden" hoses and in particular to an electrically heated flexible
elastomeric hose which carries an electrical cord for powering
external electrical apparatus.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Developments
[0004] A water delivery problem can arise in colder climates where
the temperature falls below the freezing temperature of water. For
example, farmers need to supply water to livestock in the field,
building contractors need to supply water to outdoor worksites and
homeowners need water to wash cars and other equipment during
winter months, as well as year round in some very cold
climates.
[0005] Presently, livestock is watered by transporting water from
an indoor faucet to remote livestock water troughs in the field.
This is done with hand carried buckets or by motor vehicle. This is
laborious and time consuming.
[0006] Prior attempts to provide water in cold weather include
wrapping stationary water pipes with heat tape and insulation and
providing localized 110 volt electric heaters or gas heaters on
water conduits, containers and troughs. In some cases, water pipes
are buried deep underground below the frost line and connected to
frost free hydrants. These prior approaches and apparatus are
relatively expensive, complicated to set up and use, bulky and
generally difficult if not impossible to reposition and move
around.
[0007] What is needed is a convenient, inexpensive and easily
portable system to prevent water from freezing within hoses in
virtually any cold environment. A further need exists for an
economical hose of simple construction which is heated by widely
available electrical power such as 110 volt AC power available from
standard electrical wall outlets. Yet a further need exists for a
convenient source of electrical power available at the end of a
hose to allow a user to power electrical equipment, hardware and
tools including saws, drills and the like and electrical appliances
such as livestock grooming equipment as well as electrical water
tank heaters for preventing water within a water tank from
freezing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention has been developed to meet the needs
noted above by providing a flexible garden hose having an integral
resistance heater and a standard electrical extension cord. This
construction has the advantages of allowing water to flow at
temperatures below its freezing point, and facilitating the
electrical connection of 110 volt AC power to electrical equipment
located adjacent the end of the heated hose.
[0009] A durable flexible rubber or plastic elastomeric hose,
similar to automotive radiator hose, is provided with a flexible
resistance heater wire, electrical power conductors and a heat
insulating cover or jacket. In one embodiment, the heater wire and
electrical power conducting lead wires are molded or otherwise
embedded within the walls of the hose.
[0010] The electrical heater wire or wires are advantageously
molded, extruded or otherwise embedded within an inner layer of the
hose adjacent the hollow core of the hose. An electrical power cord
may be molded, extruded or otherwise embedded within an outer heat
insulating layer of the hose.
[0011] Another embodiment of the invention eliminates the heater
wire, but includes the electrical power leads such that the hose
acts as both a water hose and an electrical extension cord.
Alternatively, the electrical power leads can be eliminated and
only the resistance heater wire or wires are provided along
substantially the full length of the hose.
[0012] Various ratings of heating wire maybe provided for adapting
the amount of heat produced along a given length of hose so as to
provide just enough heat to keep water flowing at various ambient
temperatures below freezing. Alternatively, the heater wire can be
selected to raise the temperature of the water to a warm or hot
temperature, as required for bathing animals on cold days.
[0013] The subject invention is particularly useful to livestock
owners, pet owners, pet groomers and homeowners as well as outdoor
contractors such as concrete contractors and pressure washer
contractors and operators. A particularly beneficial use of the
invention is to provide water to a remote livestock water tank with
an above-ground, heated, frost-free, flexible garden hose and to
provide electrical power to a water tank heater to prevent the
water in the livestock water tank from freezing.
[0014] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood from the following detailed description
when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters designate like or corresponding
parts through the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the
invention adapted to power and illuminate an outdoor light and fill
an outdoor water trough with water;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a section of hose adapted
with an integral electrical extension cord;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment
of the invention showing the electrical connections between the
electrical power leads, and depicting the hose in phantom for the
purpose of clarity;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial view in central section through the
female end of a hose constructed in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention which includes a pair of heating
elements;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a partial view in central section through the male
end of the hose of FIG. 4; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view in section taken along line 6-6 of FIG.
5.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The present invention will now be described in conjunction
with the drawings, beginning with FIG. 1 which shows a pair of
interconnected hose segments 10. These segments are constructed and
interconnected in accordance with the present invention so as to
form a segmented hose system 12. Each hose segment 10 is fitted on
one end with a conventional, annular, internally-threaded female
brass hose socket or coupling 14, and on each opposite end with a
conventional, annular, externally-threaded male brass hose plug or
coupling 16.
[0022] One of the female hose sockets 14 on a first hose segment 10
is shown threaded to a standard outdoor spigot 18 mounted to an
exterior wall 20 of a building. The male hose plug 16 on the other
end of the first hose segment 10 is shown screwed into the female
hose socket 14 of the other or second hose segment 10 to form a
watertight interconnection 22. The male hose plug 16 on the
opposite end of the second hose segment is shown screwed into a
fitting 24 on a water tank or water trough 26.
[0023] The hose system 12 allows water 28 to flow along the entire
length of the interconnected hose segments 10, 10 and into tank 26.
For example, water from a public water line, well, tank or other
source is fed through water line 30, through open spigot 18,
through the first and second hose segments 10, 10, across
interconnection 22 and into tank 26. Of course, the system 12 may
be connected to an end application other than a tank. For example,
the system 12 may be connected to a valve or spray nozzle commonly
used with garden hoses, or to a power washer or other water-using
apparatus.
[0024] As further seen in FIG. 1, each hose segment 10 is provided
with an electrically insulated power cord 32, which, as seen in
FIG. 2, extends along substantially the entire length of each hose
segment 10. Power cord 32 is shown as a conventional extension
power cord having a "hot" current carrying lead wire 34, a
"neutral" lead wire 36 and an optional ground wire 38, as discussed
further below.
[0025] Preferably, the wires 34, 36 and 38 are insert molded,
extruded or otherwise embedded within the flexible wall 40 (FIG. 2)
of each hose segment 10. It is convenient to extend at least one
end of each power cord 32 at least several feet, for example, up to
three feet or more beyond the end of each hose segment 10. In FIG.
1, power cord 32 extends over three feet from its exit point from
hose wall 40 adjacent each female socket 14 and terminates in a
standard two or three prong outdoor electrical plug 42.
[0026] A standard two or three socket outdoor electrical socket 44
is connected to the opposite end of each power cord 32. Socket 44
can be closely fitted and fixed to the exterior of hose 10 adjacent
each male hose coupling 16, as shown in FIG. 1 adjacent
interconnection 22. Alternatively, socket 44 can be located several
feet or more beyond each male hose coupling 16 as further shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0027] In use, all watertight connections are made with hose
sockets 14 and hose plugs 16 such as shown in FIG. 1. Electrical
connections between male and female electrical plug and socket
connectors 42, 44 are then made to form an electrical
interconnection 46 adjacent hose interconnection 22.
[0028] An arch or loop is formed around hose interconnection 22 by
an end portion of power cord 32 on the second hose segment 10
connected to tank 26. In this manner, the end of the power cord 32
loops around and is separated and spaced apart from the hose
interconnection 22. A conventional male electrical plug 48 on an
external or remote electrical appliance such as outdoor light 50 is
connected to the female electrical connector 44 adjacent tank 26.
The male electrical plug 42 adjacent spigot 18 is then plugged into
a conventional electrical wall outlet 52 mounted on building wall
20 so as to receive electrical power from electrical power lines
54. Appliance 50 can then be switched on and off remotely from wall
outlet 52 so as to illuminate tank 26. Of course, virtually any
other electrical apparatus can be operated in place of light 50
such as an electric heater for heating the water 28 in the tank 26
and preventing the water from freezing.
[0029] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 3
wherein hose segment 10 is further provided with an electrical
resistance heating element 56 such as a nichrome wire. The general
exterior configuration of system 12 of FIG. 1 is substantially the
same using the hose segment 10 of FIG. 3 as it is with the hose
segment 10 of FIG. 2. However, the water or other liquid or fluid
flowing through flow channel 60 of the hose segment 10 of FIG. 3 is
heated and prevented from freezing by the heat provided by heating
element 56.
[0030] In this embodiment, the heating element 56 is preferably
molded within the flexible inner elastomeric wall 40 of hose
segment 10 adjacent flow channel 60, and can take the form of a
narrow wire loop. Heating element 56 may include a substantially
unheated low resistance portion 62 which may extend along the full
length of the hose segment 10 and a high resistance heated wire
portion 64 which extends parallel to the low resistance portion
along the full length of the hose. Alternatively, the entire length
of the looped heating element may be formed as a high resistance
heating element.
[0031] The free ends of the heating element portions 62 and 64 are
respectively electrically connected to the hot and neutral leads
34, 36 of power cord 32. A thermostat 66 is wired in series with
the high resistance heater portion 64, while entire length of the
loop formed by heating element 56 is wired in parallel with the
leads 34, 36 of the power cord 32. If thermostat 66 opens due to
excessive temperature in wall 40, power is prevented from flowing
through heating element 56, but power will still be available at
socket 44.
[0032] As further seen in FIG. 3, the lead wires 34, 36, 38 of
power cord 32 are molded within a cylindrical foam-type insulation
layer 70 which encircles and thermally insulates the inner hose
wall 40 as well as heating element 56 and any fluid flowing through
the flow channel 60 of hose segment 10. Layer 70 may be molded or
otherwise applied over wall 40 in the form of a polyethylene
foam.
[0033] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4, 5
and 6 wherein a hose segment 10 is provided with a pair of heating
elements 56 each having a low resistance lead portion 62 and a high
resistance lead portion 64 insert molded within hose wall 40. As
shown, lead portions 62 and 64 are disposed parallel to one another
and parallel to the longitudinal axis 72 of flowpath 60. However,
lead wire portions 62 and 64 can be arranged in a spiral pattern
around axis 72 as an alternate construction.
[0034] Each heating element loop 56 is advantageously connected in
a separate parallel electrical circuit with lead wires 34 and 36 in
the manner as shown with the single heating element loop 56 shown
in FIG. 3. In this case, if one heating element 56 burns out or is
turned off by a thermostat 66, the other heating element 56 may be
able to continue operating to keep fluid from freezing within flow
channel 60.
[0035] As further seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the hot, neutral and
optional ground leads 34, 36 and 38 are disposed generally parallel
with one another and parallel with axis 72. Leads 34, 36 and 38 are
shown circumferentially spaced apart within the annular insulation
layer 70. These leads can be equally spaced 120 degrees apart, or
at any other relative spacing. It is of course possible to arrange
leads 34, 36 and 38 in a spiral pattern around axis 72.
[0036] While the lead wires 34, 36 and 38 are shown insert molded
or extruded within the walls of insulation layer 70, it is also
possible to simply lay the leads 34, 36 and 38 over the exterior or
radially outer surface of hose wall 40, and then mold or otherwise
apply insulation layer 70 over the lead wires 34, 36 and 38 so as
to secure the lead wires along the interface between layer 70 and
wall 40.
[0037] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, socket 14 and plug 16 are provided
with axially-spaced radially-extending serrations or teeth 74 along
the outer surface of a tubular anchor or plug portion 76. Plug
portions 76 not only anchor the socket 14 and plug 16 to the inner
ends of hose wall 40, they also provide an internal support for
reacting compressive clamping forces from annular band clamps
80.
[0038] Band clamps 80 serve as strain reliefs as they clamp power
cord 32 and leads 34, 36 and 38 firmly against the outer surface of
insulation layer 70. Lead wires 34, 36 and 38 exit the end of each
hose segment 10 adjacent an annular undercut 82 formed in the rear
wall of each respective socket 14 and plug 16. A plastic or rubber
annular washer 84 (FIG. 4) is shown provided against the wall 86 of
socket 14.
[0039] A sealant 88 such as silicone rubber can be applied within
and around the annular undercuts 82 to seal the connection between
the plugs 76 and hose wall 40 and also cover and waterproof the
lead wires 34, 36 and 38 at their exit points from insulation layer
70.
[0040] As seen in FIG. 5, female power connector 44 is shown
mounted directly to the outer surface of insulation layer 70 by
adhesives, for example. Tape or other attachment advices can also
be used for this purpose. Power connector 44 is molded as a block
of insulting material such as a plastic material. A ground fault
interrupter (GFI) 90 of conventional design is insert molded into
plug 44 and connected to lead wires 34, 36 and 38. Upon detecting
an imbalance in current flow between leads 34 and 36, the GFI opens
the circuit in hot lead 34 in a known fashion, thereby preventing
any power from being delivered by power cord 32.
[0041] There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of
the invention presently contemplated. However, it is to be
understood that various changes and modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *