Abstract A flexible conduit coupler for connecting a water source to a point of use, such as a house trailer, in conditions where the fluid is subjected to freezing temperatures. The coupler includes an elongated flexible heating conduit secured in side-by-side heat exchange contact with the major portion of the length of a flexible fluid conduit by spaced tape strips. A thermal insulation jacket surrounds the conduits. An electric resistance heating element is removable inserted into the heating conduit and is substantially coextensive in length therewith and can be replaced without disturbing the thermal insulation jacket. The ends of the coupler are provided with flexible protective boots to cover fittings and other hardware not protected by the thermal insulation jacket. An electric power supply cord having connectors on both ends can also be incorporated in the coupler.
For use in fluidly coupling a source of fluid to the delivery conduit of a device using the fluid, the coupling exposed to all weather conditions: a first insulating boot adapted for connection to the device using the fluid. a second insulating boot adapted for connection to the source of fluid; a flexible fluid conduit fluidly connected at one end to the delivery conduit of said device using the fluid and at the other end to the source of fluid; a flexible hollow heating conduit having a length approximate that of said fluid conduit; an electric heating element removably inserted into said heating conduit and extending the approximate length thereof; spaced tape means securing said heating conduit and said fluid conduit together such that they are in side-by-side heat exchange contact; a thermal insulation conduit embracing said conduits their entire lengths, said insulation conduit adapted to extend at one end into said first boot, and at the other end into said second boot; and electric means also adapted to be disposed in one of said boots for connecting said heating element to electric energy.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
For use in fluidly coupling a source of fluid to the delivery conduit of a device using the fluid, the coupling exposed to all weather conditions: a first insulating boot adapted for connection to the device using the fluid. a second insulating boot adapted for connection to the source of fluid; a flexible fluid conduit fluidly connected at one end to the delivery conduit of said device using the fluid and at the other end to the source of fluid; a flexible hollow heating conduit having a length approximate that of said fluid conduit; an electric heating element removably inserted into said heating conduit and extending the approximate length thereof; spaced tape means securing said heating conduit and said fluid conduit together such that they are in side-by-side heat exchange contact; a thermal insulation conduit embracing said conduits their entire lengths, said insulation conduit adapted to extend at one end into said first boot, and at the other end into said second boot; and electric means also adapted to be disposed in one of said boots for connecting said heating element to electric energy.