Air hose

Abstract

An air hose includes a first component, a resilient second component, and one or more fastening locations and / or continuous fasteners. The first component has a first end and a second end, where the first end and the second end of the first component define a first component length therebetween. The second component has a first end and a second end, where the first end and the second end of the second component define a second component length therebetween. One or more fastening locations and / or continuous fasteners extend along the length of the second component and fasten the second component to the first component in the axial direction of the air hose. The air hose is operable between a first state in which the second part length is less than the first part length and collapsible in the radial direction, and a second state in which the second part length is the same as the first part length and the first part is held against a biasing force of the second part, the air hose is opened in the radial direction.

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an air hose. In particular, the present invention relates to an air hose for conveying air (eg pre-conditioned air) to an aircraft. Background Art

[0003] Pre-conditioned air systems are used to deliver cooled or heated air into parked aircraft. When the aircraft is parked on the ground and the auxiliary power unit is not operating, air is supplied from the pre-conditioned air unit to the aircraft cabin via an air hose (called a pre-conditioned air hose). Such an air hose is usually about 18 meters long, and the pre-conditioned air unit is typically mounted to a passenger boarding bridge at an airport.

[0004] There are two types of pre-conditioned air hoses, each requiring a different storage system to be used on the passenger boarding bridge.

[0005] The first type of hose, called a flat hose, does not have a wire reinforcement and can therefore be flattened and rolled up for storage when deflated. This is advantageous because a roll of flattened and rolled hose is relatively small compared to other airport equipment. The reel is compact and can be easily stored on a bridge that is stretched thin by the stacking of other equipment. Disadvantageously, however, in order to pass air through the hose, the entire hose must be unwound from the reel. Since the hose may be too long to lay in a straight line, the flat hose is susceptible to kinking. Hose kinking may reduce or prevent air flow through the hose, thereby reducing the capacity of the entire pre-conditioned air system.

[0006] A second type of hose, called a spiral hose, has a wire reinforcement. A spiral wire located within or around the circumference of the hose allows the hose to be compressed axially for storage. Spiral hoses are stored in hose retractors that are large, bulky and expensive. As passenger boarding bridges become stretched with equipment, providing adequate space for a hose retractor can be difficult. However, in contrast to a flat hose, a spiral hose does not need to be fully extended to allow air to flow through the hose. This means that only the length of hose required to reach the aircraft from the storage location needs to be withdrawn from the hose retractor. Since the hose length can be laid in a straight line, the risk of kinking the spiral hose is reduced or eliminated, and the nature of the hose itself reduces the risk of kinking.

[0007] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a preconditioned air hose that overcomes some or all of these limitations. It would also be advantageous to provide a preconditioned air hose that is simple to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air hose comprising a first component, a second component and a plurality of fastening locations and / or continuous fasteners therebetween.

[0009] The first component may have a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the first component may define a first component length therebetween.

[0010] The second component may be an elastic component. The second component may have a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end of the second component may define a second component length therebetween.

[0011] A plurality of fasteners and / or a continuous fastener may extend along the length of the second component. The continuous fastener may fasten the second component to the first component, for example in the axial direction of the air hose.

[0012] The air hose can be operated between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the second component length can be less than the first component length. In the first state, the air hose can be collapsed in a radial direction. In the second state, the second component length can be the same as the first component length. In the second state, the first component can be retained against the biasing force of the second component. In the second state, the air hose can be open in a radial direction.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air hose is provided, comprising: a first component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the first component define a first component length therebetween; an elastic second component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the second component define a second component length therebetween; and a continuous fastener, wherein the continuous fastener extends along the second component length and fastens the second component to the first component in an axial direction of the air hose; and wherein the air hose is operable between the following states: a first state, in which the second component length is less than the first component length, and the air hose is collapsible in a radial direction; and a second state, in which the second component length is the same as the first component length, and the first component is held against a biasing force of the second component so that the air hose is open in a radial direction.

[0014] Advantageously, when the air hose is in the second state or configuration, which is extended or opened, the biasing force of the elastic second component prevents or avoids kinking, twisting or other entanglement of the hose. The second component remains in the extended state, wherein the second component applies a biasing force even when the hose is bent or curled, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility and severity of kinking or twisting of the hose. This means that the supply of air (e.g., pre-conditioned air) will not be hindered and the capacity of the air system (e.g., pre-conditioned air system) will not be reduced. Further advantageously, when the hose is in the retracted first state or configuration, the hose can be folded, rolled up or otherwise arranged into a compact shape. This allows efficient storage of the hose. The continuous fastener used to fasten the second component to the first component advantageously ensures that the manufacture of the air hose is efficient and simple.

[0015] The first component may be tubular. The first component may be, for example, an elongated tube. The first end may be a first open end, and the second end may be, for example, a second open end. The axial direction of the hose may be defined between the first open end and the second open end of the first component. The axial distance or first component length may be defined between the first open end and the second open end of the first component.

[0016] The air hose may be a flat air hose. In the first state, the hose may be flat or flattenable. In the second state, the first component may be in a radially uncollapsed or expanded state. That is, when in the second state, the first component may not be collapsed.

[0017] The axial distance or length between the first open end of the first component and the second open end of the first component when the hose is in the extended second state may be greater than the axial distance or length between the first open end of the first component and the second open end of the first component when the hose is in the retracted first state.

[0018] The continuous fastener may extend along the entire length of the first component, between the first end and the second end of the first component. The continuous fastener may be stitching, hook and loop fasteners, bonding (eg, using an adhesive), tape, welding, crimping, or any other suitable fastening means.

[0019] The second component may be located outside the first component, for example on the outer surface of the first component. Alternatively, the second component may be located inside the first component, for example on the inner surface of the first component. The first component may include multiple layers. The second component may be located between two layers of the first component. The multiple layers of the first component may be tubular. The multiple layers of the first component may be substantially concentric. The first component may include three layers. The second component may be located between the innermost layer and the middle layer of the first component. Alternatively, the second component may be located between the middle layer and the outermost layer of the first component.

[0020] The second component may include at least one elastic cord and / or at least one length of elastic material. For example, the second component may include multiple elastic cords and / or multiple lengths of elastic material. In an example, the multiple elastic cords and / or multiple lengths of elastic material may be distributed around the circumference of the first component, for example, equally spaced. The air hose may include a continuous fastener for each elastic cord and / or each length of elastic material.

[0021] The at least one elastic cord may be, for example, at least one elastic shock cord. The at least one elastic cord may be substantially axially aligned with the first part of the hose. The length of elastic material may be, for example, a length of rubber material or a length of elastic fabric.

[0022] The second component may include an elastic tube. In this example, the air hose may include a plurality of continuous fasteners. The plurality of continuous fasteners may be distributed around the circumference of the first component and / or the second component, for example, equidistantly spaced. The elastic tube may be, for example, a rubber material in the shape of a tube, or an elastic material in the shape of a tube. The elastic tube may be substantially concentric with the first component.

[0023] The air hose may be a pre-conditioned air hose. The first end of the pre-conditioned air hose may be configured to connect to an air supply (e.g., a pre-conditioned air supply). The second end of the pre-conditioned air hose may be configured to connect to a device or apparatus configured to receive air (e.g., pre-conditioned air).

[0024] The first component can be airtight. The first component can be sufficiently airtight to deliver air (e.g., preconditioned air) from an air supply (e.g., a preconditioned air supply) to a device or apparatus configured to receive the air. The first component can be sufficiently airtight to deliver air to a device or apparatus configured to receive the air at a desired pressure and / or flow rate.

[0025] The extended second state may be an inflated state. In the inflated state, air may flow through the hose, for example, air may be pumped through the hose. The retracted first state may be a deflated state. In the deflated state, no air or minimal air may be supplied to and / or flow through the hose.

[0026] The second component may be elongated. The second component may include at least one elastic member. The second component may include a plurality of elastic members. The or each elastic member may extend along the axial direction of the hose.

[0027] The plurality of resilient members may be distributed around the circumference of the hose.

[0028] The first component may be less elastic than the second component.The first component may be inelastic, for example relatively inelastic compared to the second component.

[0029] Air hoses may be used to supply air to an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft.

[0030] When the hose is in the extended second state, the tension of the first component may prevent further extension of the second component.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, an air hose (e.g., a pre-conditioned air hose) is provided, comprising a first component and an elastic second component, wherein the second component is fastened to the first component at a plurality of fastening positions along the axial direction of the air hose, so that the air hose can be operated between a first (e.g., retracted and / or deflated) state and a second (e.g., extended and / or inflated) state, in which the first state the first component is loose between axially adjacent fastening positions and can collapse in a radial direction, and in the second state the axially adjacent fastening positions are separated against the biasing force of the second component.

[0032] Advantageously, when the air hose is in the extended second state or configuration, the biasing force of the resilient second component prevents or avoids kinking, twisting or other entanglement of the hose. The second component remains in the extended state, wherein the second component applies the biasing force even when the hose is bent or curled, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility and severity of kinking or twisting of the hose. This means that the supply of air (e.g., pre-conditioned air) will not be hindered and the capacity of the air system (e.g., pre-conditioned air system) will not be reduced. Further advantageously, when the hose is in the retracted first state or configuration, the hose can be folded, rolled up or otherwise arranged into a compact shape. This allows efficient storage of the hose.

[0033] The air hose may be a flat air hose. In the first state, the hose may be flat or flattenable. In the second state, the first component may be in a radially uncollapsed or expanded state. That is, when in the second state, the first component may not be collapsed.

[0034] The first component may be elongated. For example, the first component may be tubular. The elongated and / or tubular first component may have a first end (e.g., a first open end) and a second end (e.g., a second open end). The axial direction of the hose may be defined between the first open end and the second open end of the first component. The axial distance or length of the first component may be defined between the first open end and the second open end of the first component.

[0035] The slack of the first part between adjacent fastening positions when the hose is in the extended second state may be less than the slack of the first part between adjacent fastening positions when the hose is in the retracted first state. The axial distance or length between the first open end of the first part and the second open end of the first part when the hose is in the extended second state may be greater than the axial distance or length between the first open end of the first part and the second open end of the first part when the hose is in the retracted first state. Adjacent fastening positions are spaced further apart in the axial direction of the hose when the first part of the hose is extended in the second state than when the first part of the hose is retracted in the first state.

[0036] These fastening positions can be separate fastening positions. These fastening positions can be spaced apart. These fastening positions can be evenly distributed along the axial direction of the hose. These fastening positions can be distributed along the entire length of the first component between the first end and the second end of the first component. There can be two fastening positions, for example, a first fastening position at the first end of the first component and a second fastening position at the second end of the first component. There can be more than two fastening positions between the first end of the first component and the second end of the first component. The second component can be fastened to the first component via suturing, pins, rivets, cable ties, zip ties, staples, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit ​​fasteners, bonding (e.g., using adhesives), tapes, welding, crimping or buttons, or any other suitable fastening means. These fastening positions can be spaced 180mm apart along the axial direction.

[0037] The fastening locations may also be distributed around the circumference of the first component. The fastening locations may be at separate locations around the circumference of the first component. The fastening locations may be evenly distributed around the circumference of the first component.

[0038] One of the first end (e.g., the first open end) or the second end (e.g., the second open end) may be connectable or connected to an air supplier (e.g., a pre-conditioned air supplier). The other of the first open end or the second open end may be connected or connectable to a device or apparatus configured to receive air (e.g., pre-conditioned air).

[0039] The first component can be airtight. The first component can be sufficiently airtight to deliver air (e.g., preconditioned air) from an air supply (e.g., a preconditioned air supply) to a device or apparatus configured to receive the air. The first component can be sufficiently airtight to deliver air to a device or apparatus configured to receive the air at a desired pressure and / or flow rate.

[0040] The extended second state may be an inflated state. In the inflated state, air may flow through the hose, for example, air may be pumped through the hose. The retracted first state may be a deflated state. In the deflated state, no air or minimal air may be supplied to and / or flow through the hose.

[0041] The second component may be elongated. The second component may include at least one elastic member. The second component may include a plurality of elastic members. The or each elastic member may extend along the axial direction of the hose.

[0042] The plurality of resilient members may be distributed around the circumference of the hose.

[0043] The fastening locations may each correspond to a separate elastic member.For example, the fastening locations may be in the form of a spiral stitch, wherein the pitch of the spiral defines the distance between axially adjacent fastening locations.

[0044] The hose may further comprise a plurality of fastening points or fasteners via which the second component may be connected, attached or fastened to the first component. The plurality of fastening points or fasteners may be distributed along the axial direction of the hose. The plurality of fastening points may be distributed around the circumference of the hose. There may be two fastening points, for example, a first fastening point at the first end of the hose and a second fastening point at the second end of the hose. There may be more than two fastening points between the first end of the hose and the second end of the hose.

[0045] The first component may be less elastic than the second component.The first component may be inelastic, for example relatively inelastic compared to the second component.

[0046] Air hoses may be used to supply air to an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft.

[0047] In the extended second state, the first component may be taut or held in tension between axially adjacent fastening locations. The first component may be stretched between fastening locations that are adjacently located along the axial length of the first component of the hose. When the hose is in the extended second state, the tension of the first component may prevent further extension of the second component.

[0048] The second component may be located outside the first component, for example on the outer surface of the first component. Alternatively, the second component may be located inside the first component, for example on the inner surface of the first component. The first component may include multiple layers. The second component may be located between two layers of the first component. The multiple layers of the first component may be tubular. The multiple layers of the first component may be substantially concentric. The first component may include three layers. The second component may be located between the innermost layer and the middle layer of the first component. Alternatively, the second component may be located between the middle layer and the outermost layer of the first component.

[0049] The second part may include at least one elastic cord (eg bungee cord). The at least one elastic cord may be substantially axially aligned with the first part of the hose. The plurality of elastic cords may be distributed around the circumference of the hose, for example evenly distributed.

[0050] The second component may include at least one spring. The at least one spring may be substantially axially aligned with the hose. The plurality of springs may be distributed along the length of the hose, such as evenly distributed. The plurality of springs may be distributed around the circumference of the hose, such as evenly distributed.

[0051] The second component may comprise a resilient material, such as a rubber material or elasticated fabric.

[0052] The second component may comprise a resilient tube, such as a rubber material in the shape of a tube, or a resilient material in the shape of a tube.The resilient tube may be substantially concentric with the first component.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned air hose, wherein the second component is stretched before being fastened to the first component, and an axial tension is applied to the first component to reduce the slack to less than the slack exhibited when the hose assembly is in the first state, and then the first component is fastened to the second component.

[0054] The second component can be stretched by at least 100%, such as at least 120%, preferably at least 150% before being fastened to the first component. The stretch percentage of the second component is defined as the stretched length (L2) of the second component divided by the length (L1) of the second component immediately before stretching, multiplied by 100%.

[0055] In other words:

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 A first example of an air hose in a deflated state is shown;

[0059] Figure 2 Shown in an inflated state Figure 1 Air hose;

[0060] Figure 3 A second example of an air hose in a deflated state is shown;

[0061] Figure 4 Shown in an inflated state Figure 3 Air hose;

[0062] Figure 5 A third example of an air hose in a deflated state is shown;

[0063] Figure 6 Shown in an inflated state Figure 5 Air hose;

[0064] Figure 7 A fourth example of an air hose in a deflated state is shown; and

[0065] Figure 8 Shown in an inflated state Figure 7 Air hose. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The illustrative embodiments relate to air hoses, which may be pre-conditioned air hoses.

[0067] The air hose is intended for use with aircraft. However, the air hose can be used with any suitable aircraft.

[0068] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an air hose 1 is shown, hereinafter referred to as hose 1. The hose 1 is Figure 1 is shown in a retracted or deflated state and in Figure 2 1 is shown in an extended or inflated state. The hose 1 has a first open end 13 and a second open end 14. The first end 13 can be connected to an air supply (not shown). The second end 14 can be connected to a device for receiving air (not shown). The hose 1 has a first component 11 and a second component 12. The first component 11 is a tubular material suitable for an air hose. In this example, the first component 11 includes three concentric layers. The first component 11 provides a conduit that is airtight enough to transfer air from the first end 13 to the second end 14 at a desired pressure and / or flow rate.

[0069] In this example, the second component 12 comprises a plurality of elastic cords 12. These elastic cords may have any suitable diameter, such as 6 mm or 8 mm. The elastic cords 12 are substantially aligned with the axial direction of the hose 1. In this example, four elastic cords 12 are arranged equidistantly around the circumference of the hose (but at Figure 1 and Figure 2 Only two are visible in the figure). However, any number of elastic cords 12 may be provided, for example two, three, five or six. In this example, the elastic cords 12 are located between the innermost layer of the first component 11 and the middle layer of the first component 11. However, it should be understood that the elastic cords 12 may be located inside the first component 11, outside the first component 11, or between the middle layer and the outermost layer of the first component 11. The elastic cords 12 are fastened to the first component 11 at separate, spaced-apart fastening positions 15 along the axial direction X of the hose 1. In this example, the fastening positions 15 are spaced 180 mm apart along the axial direction. Fastening is performed by any suitable means, such as stitching, pins, rivets, cable ties, zip ties or staples. Between the fastening positions 15, the elastic cords 12 are not fastened to the first component 11. When the first component 11 is in a position such as Figure 1 In the retracted or deflated state shown, the first component is loose between the fastening locations 15 .

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the elastic cord 12 has an unstretched length L1, wherein the elastic cord maintains a straight configuration immediately prior to any stretching of the elastic cord 12. Figure 2 As shown, when the first component 11 is kept taut, the first component has a length L2. Figure 2 In the inflated or stretched state, the first part 11 is taut, the elastic cord 12 is stretched to the length L2, and the hose 1 is straight. However, it should be understood that in the inflated state, the hose 1 can be bent or curled, for example if the hose 1 is too long when fully unrolled for use.

[0071] The hose 1 is assembled by first holding the first component 11 at a length L2 and stretching the elastic cord 12 to the length L2. When the elastic cord 12 and the first component 11 are of length L2, the elastic cord 12 is fastened to each fastening position on the first component 11. Once fastened together, the elastic cord 12 is allowed to reset to the length L1 due to the biasing force of the elastic cord 12 contracting or crimping the first component 11, so that slack is provided in the first component 11 between the fastening positions. In this example, the elastic cord 12 is stretched 150% before being fastened to the first component 11. For example, to achieve a 150% stretch percentage of the second component 12, so that the length (L2) of the hose is 18m, the following formula is used to obtain a length (L1) of the second component immediately before stretching of 12m:

[0072]

[0073] In use, the hose 1 can be operated between a deflated or retracted state and an inflated or stretched state. When in the deflated state, the hose 1 can collapse so that the hose is flat or can be flattened and can be rolled up or folded for storage. This means that the hose 1 can be stored compactly, easily and efficiently. The hose 1 is unrolled or unfolded and the hose is inflated to an inflated or stretched state by pumping air through the hose 1. When inflated, the hose 1 is not collapsed, and the axially adjacent fastening positions are separated against the biasing force of the elastic cord 12. In this example, the elastic cord 12 can stretch until the first component 11 is tightened between the fastening positions. In this example, when the hose 1 is in a straight configuration in the inflated or stretched state, the elastic cord 12 stretches to 150% of the unstretched length. In some cases, the second component 12 can also be stretched axially and / or circumferentially in the inflated state. When the hose 1 is curled or bent, for example to extend or reach around other equipment, the biasing force of the elastic cord 12 on the first part 11 reduces or eliminates the severity and likelihood of kinking the hose 1. This means that the correct pressure and / or flow rate of air can be maintained.

[0074] When the supply of air to the hose 1 is stopped, the hose 1 deflates and returns to the deflated or retracted state. The elastic cord 12 contracts to introduce slack into the first part 11 and the hose 1 returns to the length L1. This means that the hose 1 does not offer resistance to rolling up or folding for efficient storage on a reel, for example on a passenger boarding bridge.

[0075] Reference now Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a second example of the air hose 10 is shown. Figure 3 The hose 10 is shown in a deflated or retracted state. Figure 4 The hose 10 is shown in an inflated or extended state. Figure 1The hose 1 described is the same, except that the second component is an elastic hose (not shown). The same features between this hose 10 and the hose 1 in the previous example are indicated by the same reference numerals followed by a "0". The elastic hose 10 is tubular in shape and is made of an elastic material (such as an elastic fabric). In this example, the first component 110 includes two layers, but it should be understood that the first component 110 can be the same as in the previous example. The elastic hose is located between these layers of the first component 110 and is sewed thereto, and the sew is spirally shaped relative to the axial direction of the hose. It should be understood that the elastic hose can also be located inside or outside the first component 11. It should also be understood that multiple elastic hoses can be arranged at different locations. For example, the elastic hose can be arranged in any combination of the following: inside the first component 110, outside the first component 110, or between any number of multiple layers of the first component 110. The spacing of axially adjacent fastening locations is provided by the pitch of the spiral sew. When the elastic hose is not stretched, the first component 110 is relaxed between any two axially adjacent locations on the sew.

[0076] The hose 10 is manufactured in a similar manner to the hose 1 of the previous example, wherein the elastic hose is stretched to a length L20, the first component 110 is held taut at the length L20, and the elastic hose is sewn to the first component 110 when both the elastic hose and the first component 110 are at the length L20. The elastic hose is then allowed to return to the unstretched length L10, thereby allowing the first component 110 to relax between axially adjacent fastening locations 150. As in the previous example, the stretch of the elastic hose is 150%, as derived from the following formula:

[0077]

[0078] As with the hose 1 of the previous example, the hose 10 of this example is operable between an inflated or extended state and a deflated or retracted state. In the inflated state, the elastic hose stretches and the slack of the first component 110 between axially adjacent fastening locations 150 is reduced to reduce or eliminate the likelihood and severity of kinking of the hose 10. This enables the supply of air at the correct pressure and / or flow rate. When the hose 10 is deflated, the elastic hose contracts and reintroduces slack into the first component 110 between axially adjacent fastening locations 150. In the deflated state, the hose 10 can be rolled up or folded for storage, allowing efficient storage on a passenger boarding bridge.

[0079] Reference now Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a third example of an air hose 1 ′ is shown. Figure 5 The hose 1 ' is shown in a deflated or retracted state, Figure 6The hose 1' is shown in an inflated or stretched state. This example is similar to the reference Figure 1 The hose 1 described. The same features between this hose 1' and the hose 1 of the first example are indicated by the same reference numerals followed by '.

[0080] The air hose 1' of this example has a second component 12' which includes a plurality of elastic cords 12'. The plurality of elastic cords 12' are fastened to the first component 21 by a corresponding plurality of continuous fasteners 15' extending along the axial direction X of the hose 20. In this example, each continuous fastener 15' extends along the length of the corresponding elastic cord 12'. The fastening is performed via any suitable continuous means, such as continuous stitching. In this example, the elastic cord 12' is fastened to the first component 11' along the entire length of the elastic cord 12'.

[0081] The hose 1' is manufactured in a similar manner to the hose 1 of the first example, wherein the elastic cord 12' is stretched to a length L2', the first component 11' is held taut over the length L2', and the elastic cord 12' is sewn to the first component 11' when both the elastic cord 12' and the first component 11' are at the length L2'. A continuous stitch is applied along the length of the elastic cord 12'. The elastic cord 12' is then allowed to reset to the unstretched length L1'. As in the first example, the stretch of the elastic cord 12' is 150% as derived from the following formula:

[0082]

[0083] As with the hose 1 of the first example, the hose 1' of this example is operable between an inflated or extended state and a deflated or retracted state. In the inflated state, the elastic cord 12' is stretched and the first component 11' is tightened along its axial length to reduce or eliminate the likelihood and severity of kinking of the hose 1'. This enables the supply of air at the correct pressure and / or flow rate. When the hose 1' is deflated, the elastic cord 12' contracts and reintroduces slack into the first component 11'. In the deflated state, the hose 1' can be rolled up or folded for storage, allowing efficient storage on a passenger boarding bridge.

[0084] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A fourth example of an air hose 10 ′ is shown in FIG. Figure 7 The hose 10' is shown in a deflated or retracted state. Figure 8 The hose 10' is shown in an inflated or extended state. This example is similar to the reference Figure 3 The same features between this hose 10' and the hose 10 of the second example are indicated by the same reference numerals followed by '.

[0085] In this example, the second component is an elastic hose (not shown) that is located between the layers of the first component 110' and is stitched thereto, the stitching being a continuous stitch 150' that extends along the axial length of the hose. It should be understood that the elastic hose can also be located inside or outside the first component 110'. For example, the elastic hose can be provided in any combination of the following: inside the first component 110', outside the first component 110', or between any number of multiple layers of the first component 110'. When the elastic hose is not stretched, the first component 110' is relaxed. It should also be understood that multiple lengths of continuous stitching can be provided at different locations around the circumference of the air hose 10'.

[0086] Hose 10' with Figure 3 The hose 10 of the example is manufactured in a similar manner, wherein the elastic hose is stretched to a length L20', the first component 110' is held taut at the length L20', and the elastic hose is sewn to the first component 110' when both the elastic hose and the first component 110' are at the length L20'. The elastic hose is then allowed to return to the unstretched length L10'. As in the previous example, the stretch of the elastic hose is 150% as derived from the following formula:

[0087]

[0088] As with the hoses 1, 10, 1' of the previous examples, the hose 10' of this example is operable between an inflated or extended state and a deflated or retracted state. In the inflated state, the elastic hose is stretched and the first section 110' is taut to reduce or eliminate the likelihood and severity of kinking of the hose 10'. This enables the supply of air at the correct pressure and / or flow rate. When the hose 10' is deflated, the elastic hose contracts and reintroduces slack into the first section 110'. In the deflated state, the hose 10' can be rolled up or folded for storage, allowing efficient storage on a passenger boarding bridge.

[0089] It should be understood that several variations of the aforementioned examples are conceivable. For example, a spring may be provided instead of an elastic cord. A plurality of springs may be positioned along the axial direction of the hose. By way of another example, instead of a spiral stitch, the elastic tube may be stitched to the first component with a plurality of parallel lines of stitching around the circumference of the hose.

[0090] It should also be understood that in examples of the present invention, the one or more elastic second components may be fastened to the first component by a continuous fastener, such as by continuous stitching or other continuous fastening means.

Claims

1. An air hose, comprising: a first member and a resilient second member; The second component is fastened to the first component at a plurality of fastening positions along the axial direction of the air hose, so that the air hose can be operated between a first state and a second state, in which the first state the first component is loose between axially adjacent fastening positions and can collapse in a radial direction, and in which the axially adjacent fastening positions are separated against a biasing force of the second component.

2. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein In the first state, the hose is flat or flattenable.

3. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The fastening locations are also distributed around the circumference of the air hose.

4. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein In the second state, the first component is tensioned between axially adjacent fastening locations.

5. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The second component includes at least one elastic cord, at least one spring, elastic material, or elastic tube.

6. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The first component includes a plurality of layers, and the second component is located between two layers of the first component.

7. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The first component is tubular.

8. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of fastening locations are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the hose.

9. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of fastening locations are distributed around the circumference of the first component.

10. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The air hose is a pre-conditioned air hose.

11. The air hose according to claim 10, wherein The first end of the pre-conditioned air hose is configured for connection to an air supply.

12. The air hose according to claim 11, wherein The second end of the pre-conditioned air hose is configured for connection to a device or apparatus configured to receive air.

13. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of fastening locations includes a continuous fastener, wherein the continuous fastener extends along a length of the second component and fastens the second component to the first component in an axial direction of the air hose.

14. A method of manufacturing the air hose according to claim 1, wherein: The second component is stretched before being fastened to the first component, and axial tension is applied to the first component to reduce the slack below the slack exhibited when the air hose assembly is in the first state, and then the first component is fastened to the second component.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The second component is stretched to 150% before fastening the second component to the first component.

16. An air hose comprising: a first member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the first member define a first member length therebetween; a resilient second member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end of the second member define a second member length therebetween; a continuous fastener, wherein the continuous fastener extends along the length of the second component and fastens the second component to the first component in an axial direction of the air hose; and Wherein, the air hose is operable between the following states: a first state in which the second component length is less than the first component length and the air hose is collapsible in a radial direction; and and a second state in which the second member has the same length as the first member and the first member is held against the biasing force of the second member so that the air hose is open in the radial direction.

17. The air hose according to claim 16, wherein The first component is tubular.

18. The air hose according to claim 16, wherein In the first state, the air hose is flat or flattenable.

19. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The first component includes a plurality of layers, and the second component is located between two layers of the first component.

20. The air hose according to claim 1, wherein The second component comprises at least one elastic cord and / or at least one length of elastic material.

21. The air hose according to claim 20, wherein The second component may include a plurality of elastic cords and / or lengths of elastic material.

22. The air hose according to claim 21, wherein The plurality of elastic cords and / or the plurality of lengths of elastic material are distributed, such as equally spaced, around the circumference of the first component.

23. The air hose according to claim 20, wherein The air hose includes a continuous fastener for each elastic cord and / or each length of elastic material.

24. The air hose according to any one of claims 16, wherein The second component includes an elastic tube.

25. The air hose according to claim 24, wherein The air hose includes a plurality of continuous fasteners.

26. The air hose according to claim 25, wherein The plurality of continuous fasteners are distributed around the circumference of the first component and / or the second component, for example, equally spaced.

27. The air hose of claim 16, wherein: The continuous fastener is a continuous stitch.

28. The air hose of claim 16, wherein: The air hose is a pre-conditioned air hose.

29. The air hose according to claim 28, wherein The first end of the pre-conditioned air hose is configured for connection to an air supply.

30. The air hose of claim 29, wherein: The second end of the pre-conditioned air hose is configured for connection to a device or apparatus configured to receive air.

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