In the hose industry, many variables affect the safety, longevity and the ability of the hose to protect the user or other persons in close proximity thereto. The present invention relates to such hose protection, maintenance of said hoses and enhancing the safety of said hoses for both operators and equipment.
In one typical application shown in FIG. 1, namely, non-heated asphalt applicators, hoses are generally rubber hoses 10 with a mill hose cover 12 slipped over the hose and secured thereto using boss lock type fittings 14 or other bolt type fittings as well as nylon clamps, metal hose clamps or even wire and tape. Once mill hose cover 12 is clamped under fittings 14, it can no longer be removed for inspection if needed or replacement if worn unless a corresponding end hose fitting 16 is also removed. Thus, quite often hoses 10 are often unnecessarily replaced when the only major defect is the hose cover 12 and not the underlying hose 10.
More seriously, if end hose fitting 16 were to blow off in a catastrophic hose failure, boss lock fittings 14 do not restrain end hose fittings 16 or the material being pumped therethrough under pressure. This can result in serious safety issues depending upon the media being pumped through hose 10 and the pressure used for said pumping.
Thus, there is a need for a removable hose cover which is easy to remove for hose inspection or replacement and further provides a restraining means in the event of catastrophic hose failure.