MULTI-LAYER EXPANDABLE HOSE

摘要

An expandable hose assembly that is able to expand one or more of longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends and radially, to an expanded state in response to application of at least a minimum fluid pressure to an inner tube of the hose. Once the fluid pressure falls below the minimum fluid pressure, the hose will contract. The hose includes a thermoplastic elastomer inner layer and a slip coating layer thereon having lubricating properties that increases the life of the hose assembly. The hose assembly can include an outer sheath or covering that covers the inner tube and slip coating layer.

主权项

1. A hose assembly, comprising:
an inner tube comprising an elastomeric material; and a slip coating layer directly contacting the inner tube and comprising a lubricant and a carrier material, wherein the carrier comprises one or more of a thermoplastic polymer, thermoplastic vulcanizate and a thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the inner tube has one or more of a) a first length in a longitudinal direction in a contracted position below a minimum expansion pressure and a second length longer than the first length and b) a first radius in the contracted position below the minimum expansion pressure a second radius larger than the first radius, when fluid pressure on an interior of the inner tube is at or above the minimum expansion pressure.