| 20120006419 | FIRE HOSE COUPLING WITH DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR - A fire hose coupling comprises a body having a first end connected to a fire hose and a second end having either male or female threads or, alternatively, a quarter-turn sexless coupler. The fire hose coupling comprises a recessed portion formed in an outer surface of the body. The recessed portion is shaped to define a visuotactile directional indicator such as an arrow. The recessed portion may include a light-reflecting surface to enhance visibility such as a super reflective metal film, a photo luminescent coating, or a phosfluorescent coating. The recessed directional indicator may be formed in female, male or sexless (Storz) couplings. Since the light-reflecting directional indicator is recessed, it will not cause the hose assembly to snag or catch when the hose is dragged through a burning structure, nor will the directional indicator abrade or wear over time. This coupling enables firefighters to readily determine the exit direction when operating in dark and smoky conditions. | 01-12-2012 |
