High pressure hose apparatus and method of use
OwnerMichael T. Merritt, David J. Delageinventors
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to lighting and safety switch systems for use with high pressure hoses. One embodiment comprises a multipoint light source disposed around the high pressure hose and located proximate the discharge port for uniformly illuminating the application surface without casting a shadow. Another embodiment comprises at least one low profile, elongated switching element for activating and deactivating dispensing of pressurized medium through the high pressure hose. The at least one switching element is substantially equally responsive to touch along its length and runs parallel to the high pressure hose.
Claims35
1) A lighting system integrated with a high pressure hose for uniformly illuminating an application surface treated by a pressurized medium exiting a hose discharge nozzle at a discharge port, the lighting system comprising:
- a) a housing disposed on the hose discharge nozzle such that the housing fully encircles the discharge nozzle without blocking the discharge port, the housing adapted for engaging a light fixture;
- b) a light fixture disposed on the hose discharge nozzle and engaged with the housing proximate the discharge port;
- and
- c) two or more lights disposed on the light fixture, the two or more lights being spaced apart about the hose discharge nozzle to uniformly illuminate the application surface without casting a shadow of the hose discharge nozzle.
23) An ergonomic actuation system for selectively discharging a pressurized medium from a discharge nozzle of a high pressure hose, the ergonomic actuation system comprising:
- a) at least one switching element responsive to touch and disposed on the outer surface of the hose proximate to the discharge nozzle, wherein activation of the at least one switching element signals a discharge unit to discharge pressurized medium through the high pressure hose, the at least one switching element being substantially equally responsive at all points along its length,
- i. wherein the at least one switching element adds no more than 1″ to the outer diameter of the high pressure hose, and
- ii. wherein the at least one switching element is at least 1 foot in length and runs parallel to the high pressure hose;
- and
- b) a communication means linking the at least one switching element to a control system of the discharge unit to communicate starting or stopping flow of the dispensed pressurized medium in response respectively to grasping or releasing the at least one switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.