FIELD: flexible hoses, particularly ones to be transformed into stiff ones with possibility of hose retention in each of said states.
SUBSTANCE: bimodal hose comprises a large number of connected hollow members located one near another and defining pipe with elongated interior. Flexible pipe and rope pass through said interior. In flexible state each hollow member may rotate relatively adjacent one. In stiff state the hollow members are fixed one relatively another. Rope provides hose conversion between flexible and stiff states and hose fixation in said states. Hose has mechanical or hydraulic driving means adapted to apply different extension forces to the rope.
EFFECT: increased efficiency.
20 cl, 32 dwg
