Abstract: A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is able to expand longitudinally along the length-wise axis of the hose between hose ends, as well as radially or circumferentially, 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 assembly will contract. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a material, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket.

Abstract: A flexible hose assembly, in particular a garden hose, having an end fitting including a protective, strain reducing sleeve fixedly secured at the male end segment of a fluid conveying tube. The sleeve is flexible and provides strain relief to the portion of the tube surrounded by the sleeve and reduces the ability of the tube to kink in the area adjacent to the end fitting. The prevention of kinks at the male end of the tube reduces stresses in this area of the tube and greatly extends the working life of the sleeve and tube assembly. The sleeve additionally serves as a gripping surface for one or more of facilitating the attachment of the hose assembly to another device such as a flow control device and holding the end of the hose during use.

Abstract: A hose assembly, preferably a garden hose assembly, including a fabric jacketed tube that is lightweight, durable and versatile. The tube is radially expandable when pressurized by a fluid, such as water, but does not increase in length. The two layer construction of the hose assembly allows for storage in relatively compact spaces, similar flow rates, approximately one-half the weight, and improved maneuverability when compared to conventional hose constructions. In one embodiment the jacket is formed around the tube in a continuous process that welds a fabric, preferably using hot air, into the jacket. The welded joint forms a region of jacket that is preferably about twice the thickness of the rest of the jacket. This thicker region results in a stiffer section of jacket that makes the hose more controllable and consistent in use.

Abstract: 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.