Flexible duct with sealed insulation for aircraft applications

Abstract

A hose for transport of conditioned air between a ground-based heating-ventilating unit and an internal ventilation system of an aircraft comprises at least one hose segment. The hose segment has an end provided with a fastener interconnectable with a fastener on an end of an adjacent hose segment. The hose segment also has an interior insulation layer sealed to inhibit migration of moisture between the insulation layer and the interior of the hose.

1 . A hose for delivery of conditioned air between a ground-based heating-ventilating unit and an internal ventilation system of an aircraft, the hose comprising at least one hose segment having an interior layer of insulation, wherein the insulation layer has a surface sealed against migration of moisture into or out of the insulation layer whereby migration of moisture into the interior of the hose through the insulation layer is inhibited.  
     
     
         2 . The hose of    claim 1    wherein the surface is sealed by a sealing agent.  
     
     
         3 . The hose of    claim 2    wherein the sealing agent is polyurethane.  
     
     
         4 . The hose of    claim 2    wherein the sealing agent is sprayed on the interior surface.  
     
     
         5 . The hose of    claim 2    wherein the sealing agent is a film.  
     
     
         6 . The hose of    claim 1    wherein the insulation layer comprises an open cell foam material.  
     
     
         7 . The hose of    claim 6    wherein the film is polyolefin.  
     
     
         8 . The hose of    claim 1    wherein the insulation layer has two surfaces and both are sealed  
     
     
         9 . The hose of    claim 1    wherein the surface is an interior surface exposed to conditioned air passing through the hose, and the interior surface is sealed.  
     
     
         10 . A hose for delivery of conditioned air between a ground-based heating-ventilating unit and an internal ventilation system of an aircraft, comprising: 
 at least two hose segments, each hose segment having at least one end provided with a fastener connectable with a fastener on an end of an adjacent hose segment;    at least one protective flap located adjacent the fastener on one hose segment, adapted to cover the adjacent fastener and a connected fastener when the at least two hose segments are connected to each other; and    a sealed insulation layer surrounding the interior of hose.    
     
     
         11 . The hose of    claim 10    wherein the insulation layer is sealed by a sealing agent.  
     
     
         12 . The hose of    claim 11    wherein the sealing agent is film  
     
     
         13 . The hose of    claim 12    wherein the film is polyolefin.  
     
     
         14 . The hose of    claim 8    wherein the sealing agent is sprayed on the insulation layer.  
     
     
         15 . The hose of    claim 10    wherein the insulation layer comprises an open cell foam material.