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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of Prior Developments

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a section of hose adapted with an integral electrical extension cord;

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;

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;

FIG. 5 is a partial view in central section through the male end of the hose of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a view in section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.