AU2015101213A4

AU2015101213A4 - Air hose coupling device

Info

Publication number: AU2015101213A4
Application number: AU2015101213A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kwok Ting Mok; Tsz Kin Wong
Original assignee: AC Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Current assignee: AC Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-19
Filing date: 2015-09-02
Publication date: 2015-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-02
Also published as: DE202015105379U1; FR3033865B3; HK1210908A2; CN205001712U; FR3033865A3

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air hose coupling device which includes a first connector located on a first end of the air hose coupling device, and a second connector located on a second end of the air hose coupling device. The first connector and the second connector are in fluid communication. The air hose coupling device further includes a third connector located on the first end. The third connector is configured concentrically with the first connector. The first connector is in a circumferential shape defining a first outer diameter, and the third connector is in a circumferential shape defining a third outer diameter different from the first outer diameter. As connectors in different dimensions are provided on the same air hose coupling device, air hoses with different diameters can be connected to an airflow apparatus using the air hose coupling device as an adapter. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU 28 26 2/4 24 Fig. 3 22 24 2628 34 ------- - ---- 3 2 Fig. 4

Description

- 1 Air Hose Coupling Device FIELD OF INVENTION 5 [0001] This invention relates to a mechanical connecting device for fluid transmission, and in particular an adapter / connector for connecting an air hose to airflow apparatus. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Many airflow apparatus, either driven by electric power or an engine, utilize air 10 flow to achieve certain functions. For example, blowers and vacuum cleaners facilitate suctioned air or ejected air to move dusts or debris in a work area. Cutting apparatuses such as circular saws and pad sanders on the other hand perform cutting on a workpiece, and air flow is used to remove dusts generated in the cutting operation as soon as possible to avoid the dusts from contaminating the environment or disturbing the user. A dust bag or an 15 external vacuum cleaner is often connected to the cutting apparatus through an air hose to transfer the suctioned dusts to the outside of the cutting apparatus. [0003] However, in practice it is often the case that more than one type of hoses is owned by a user, and the hoses are made of different in materials and are in different dimensions. The cutting apparatus such as a pad sander however is only equipped with a standard 20 connector designed to adapt one or two types of hoses, for example those provided by the same manufacturer of the pad sander. As a result, there are difficulties for the user to connect an existing pad sander to different types of hoses, in particular those not originally designed for use together with the pad sander. Such incompatibility often leads to a waste of resources of existing hoses the users already own, and in some cases impedes the 25 operation of the pad sander in certain environments where only a few choices of air hoses are provided. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -2 SUMMARY OF INVENTION 30 [0004] In the light of the foregoing background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate coupling device for connecting different types of air hoses to an existing connector on an airflow apparatus. [0005] The above object is met by the combination of features of the main claim; the sub claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention. 35 [0006] One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention. [0007] Accordingly, the present invention, in one aspect, is an air hose coupling device which includes a first connector located on a first end of the air hose coupling device, and a 40 second connector located on a second end of the air hose coupling device. The first connector and the second connector are in fluid communication. The air hose coupling device further includes a third connector located on the first end. The third connector is configured concentrically with the first connector. The first connector is in a circumferential shape defining a first outer diameter, and the third connector is in a 45 circumferential shape defining a third outer diameter different from the first outer diameter. [0008] Preferably, the first connector contains a first circumferential sidewall and the third connector contains a third circumferential side wall. The first circumferential sidewall is separated from the third circumferential sidewall on a radial direction of the first connector by a gap. 50 [0009] Alternatively, the first connector includes a first circumferential sidewall and the third connector includes a third circumferential side wall. The first circumferential sidewall is connected to the third circumferential side wall along the longitudinal direction of the air hose coupling device, such that both the third circumferential side wall and the first circumferential sidewall extend substantially along the longitudinal direction. 55 [0010] Preferably, the first circumferential side wall and the third circumferential side wall are formed as a single piece. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -3 [0011] More preferably, a step is formed at the joint of the first circumferential side wall and the third circumferential side wall. [0012] In one implementation, the first outer diameter or the third outer diameters varies 60 along the longitudinal direction of the air hose coupling device. [0013] In one exemplary embodiment, the air hose coupling device further contains a fourth connector located on the second end of the air hose coupling device. The fourth connector is configured concentrically with the second connector. The second connector is in a circumferential shape defining a second outer diameter. The fourth connector is in a 65 circumferential shape defining a fourth outer diameter different from the second outer diameter. [0014] Preferably, the first outer diameter, the second outer diameter, and the third outer diameter are different from each other. [0015] More preferably, the first, second, third and fourth circumferential walls are 70 sequentially arranged in a staggered way along an outward radial direction. [0016] There are many advantages to the present invention. One can see that due to universal air hose connectors provided by the air hose coupling device, many different types of hoses, no matter from the same manufacturer of the airflow apparatus or others, can be connected to one end of the air hose coupling device, while the other end of the 75 coupling device can be connected to the standard connector in the airflow apparatus. The flexibility in operating the airflow apparatus is therefore greatly improved, that the use of air hoses are no longer limited to a few preset ones, but many other air hoses made according to other specifications can also be attached via the air hose coupling device. This saves the investment that the user as to make since existing air hoses not specifically 80 designed for the airflow apparatus may also be used. [0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that the air hose coupling device makes it easy to move the airflow apparatus without the need to bring along the specific air hose. Rather, as long as the air hose coupling device according to the present invention is available, the user can move the airflow apparatus only to a work environment where any 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -4 85 type of air hose is available. In other words, the user does not need to worry about being unable to find a compatible air hose for the airflow apparatus but the airflow apparatus can be used almost everywhere as long as a general air hose is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 90 [0018] The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which: [0019] Fig. 1 is a side of view of the air hose coupling device according to a first 95 embodiment of the present invention. [0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the air hose coupling device in Fig. 1 from a direction substantially indicated by arrow 27 in Fig. 1 [0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the air hose coupling device in Fig. 1 from a direction substantially indicated by arrow 29 in Fig. 1 100 [0022] Fig. 4 shows the cross-sectional view of the air hose coupling device in Fig. 1 along the central axis of the air hose coupling device. [0023] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an air hose coupling device which is connected at its first end to a pad sander connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0024] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an air hose coupling device which is connected at its 105 second end to the pad sander connector in Fig. 5. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0025] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [0026] Referring now to Figs. 1-3, the first embodiment of the present invention is an air hose coupling device 20 which is a separate part adapted to connect to either an air hose or other external connectors such as those configured on the casing of airflow apparatus. The air hose coupling device is also referred to as a universal adapter herein since the single device is capable of connecting to hoses and external connectors in different dimensions. As shown in Fig. 1, there are multiple connectors configured in the air hose coupling device 20, each configured with different outer diameters. On one end of the air hose coupling device 20 as indicated by the arrow 27 in Fig. 1, there is a first connector formed by the first side wall 22. The first connector is defined in a circumferential shape by which a first opening 23 is formed to allow air flow to pass through. On the end of the air hose coupling device 20 as indicated by the arrow 29 in Fig. 1, there is a second connector formed by the second side wall 32. The second connector is defined in a circumferential shape by which a second opening 25.As illustrated in Fig. 1 the first side wall 22 and the second side wall 32 have different outer diameters. [0027] The outer diameters mentioned above refer to the diameter of the connector side walls calculated from its exterior surface at one side to that at another side. As will be explained later with reference to Fig. 4, each of the connectors also has inner diameters which are different form the outer diameters due to the thickness of the side walls. [0028] Also shown in Figs. 1-3 are a series of other side walls, including a third side wall 24, a fourth side wall 26 and a fifth side wall 28 which together with the first side wall 22 are arranged in a cascade way along the longitudinal direction (as shown by the arrows 27 and 29) of the air hose coupling device 20. All the side walls 22, 24, 26 and 28 are thus 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -6 aligned concentrically. However, as clearly shown in Fig. 2, only the first side wall 22 is nested in another side wall, which is the third side wall 24. The first side wall 22 and the third side wall 24 each contains at least a portion which overlaps with the counterpart of the other one of the first side wall 22 and the third side wall 24 along the longitudinal direction. However, as one can see from Fig. 2 the first side wall 22 and the third side wall 24 are separated by a gap. The first side wall 22 also protrudes out of the third side wall 24 along the direction indicated by the arrow 29. [0029] The other side walls 24, 26 and 28 do not have such a nesting relationship. Rather, the third side wall 24, the fourth side wall 26 and the fifth side wall 28 are connected in a head-tail way along the longitudinal direction of the air hose coupling device, such that the third side wall 24, the fourth side wall 26 and the fifth side wall 28 extend substantially along the longitudinal direction. The side walls 24, 26 and 28 are preferably made in a single piece. Between any two adjacent side walls 24, 26 and 28, a step 31 is formed at the joint of the two adjacent side walls. The step 31 extends from one side wall to another side wall and is in the formed of an inclined face due to the difference in the out diameters of the two adjacent side walls. The side walls 24, 26 and 28 all have different outer diameters. At the end of the fifth side wall 28 near the second side wall 32, there is also a circumferential rim 34 with an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the fifth side wall 28. [0030] As best shown in Fig. 3, on the other side of the air hose coupling device 20 there are other connectors each of which is formed by a respective side wall. The second side wall 32 described above is nested in a sixth side wall 30, between which a gap is formed. The sixth side wall 30 is further nested in the fifth side wall 28 described above. However, the openings of the fifth side wall 28, the sixth side wall 30 and the second side wall 32 are not aligned at the same positions along the longitudinal direction of the air hose coupling device 20. Rather, the end of the second side wall 32 protrudes out from all the other side walls along the direction shown by arrow 27, then the sixth side wall 30, and then the second side wall 32. All the side walls 22, 24, 26, 30, 32 and 28 are aligned concentrically. [0031] Turning now to Fig. 4, in the cross-sectional view it can be seen that the first opening 27 and the second opening 25 are in fluid communication, so that air flow entering 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -7 the air hose coupling device 20 from either the first opening 27 or the second opening 25 can freely exits the other one of the first opening 27 and the second opening 25. As such, the air flow from the airflow apparatus can be transferred to the air hose or vice versa. One can also see that the side walls 22, 24, 26, 32 and 30 are arranged in a staggered way along a radial direction of the air hose coupling device 20. That is, each two of the side walls 22, 24, 26, 32 and 30 that are adjacent along the radial direction extends to opposite directions. For example, as the second side wall 32 extends along the direction indicated by arrow 27, the first side wall 22 which is the adjacent side wall to the second side wall 32 along the radial direction extends in an opposite direction indicated by arrow 29. Then, the sixth side wall 30 which is the adjacent side wall to the first side wall 22 along the radial direction extends again in the direction indicated by arrow 27. Such a staggered configuration goes on until the fourth side wall 26 where there is no other adjacent wall in the outward radial direction. Although the fifth side wall 28 is at a further outer position along the radial direction compared to the fourth side wall 26, these two are not overlapped in part and separated by a gap, but rather they are connected in a head-to-tail way as mentioned above. As can be seen in Fig. 4 there are also similarly configured side walls which are connected to the second side wall 32 in a head-tail way and all of which extend along the longitudinal direction. The side walls which are connected to the second side wall 32 are not described in details here for the sake of brevity. [0032] In Fig. 4, for the side walls 22, 32, 24 and 30 one can see that their outer diameters vary along the longitudinal direction of the air hose coupling device 20. This is due to the change of the thickness of each of the side walls 22, 32, 24 and 30. Similarly, the inner diameters of the side walls 22, 32, 24 and 30 are also varying along the longitudinal direction. The varying outer diameters and inner diameters of the side walls of the connectors facilities tight and reliable engagements of the external connector or air hose and the connector in the air hose coupling device 20. [0033] In operation, the air hose coupling device 20 can be connected to hoses or external connectors with different diameters. Depending on the dimensions of the openings (i.e. the inner diameter) and the diameters of the connecting end (i.e. the outer diameter), the hose or external connector can be connected to the air hose coupling device 20 by squeezing the 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -8 end of the hose or external connector inside a connector of the air hose coupling device 20 such that the end of the hose or external connector is suited in the end of the connector of the air hose coupling device 20. Or, if it is more suitable, the hose or external connector can be connected to the air hose coupling device 20 by squeezing the connector of the air hose coupling device 20 inside the end of the hose or external connector inside such that the end of the hose or external connector is suited in the end of the connector of the air hose coupling device 20. The various side walls described above in the air hose coupling device 20 provide connection flexibility for different air hoses with different diameters. To connect an air hose to the air hose coupling device 20, the user only needs to choose a most suitable connector on the air hose coupling device 20, which fits either the inner diameter or the outer diameter of the hose, and connect the air hose with the connector. For the successive side walls 24, 26 and 28, the end of the air hose can be engaged with any one of them provided that there is a tight and firm contact between the air hose and the side wall. [0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the air hose coupling device can be connected to a standard connector of a pad sander in either one of the two directions. These alternative connections are illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the standard connector includes a dust port connector 44, and an output port 42, which are different in outer diameters. Near the dust port connector 44 there is also configured a clamp 40 which is suitable for actuation by the user to connect the standard connector to a port on the casing of the pad sander. In Fig. 5, the standard connector is coupled to the first side wall of a first connector and the end of this first connector is suited in the output port 42 of the standard connector. As a result the first side wall of the air hose coupling device as encompassed by the output port 42 is not exposed. On the other side, in Fig.6 one can see that the output port 42 of the standard connector is instead fitted into the second connector 32 of the air hose coupling device. In other words, depends on the connection of the air hose to the air hose coupling device, and in particular to which end of the air hose coupling device the hose is connected, the air hose coupling device can then be connected to the standard connector of the pad sander at its other end. Such effect is achieved by making the first and second connectors to have their inner diameter and outer diameters respectively to fit the size of the standard connector. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -9 [0035] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are thus fully described. Although the description referred to particular embodiments, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced with variation of these specific details. Hence this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. [0036] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims. [0037] For example, the embodiment described above provides some specific diameters of hoses capable of being connected to the universal adapter, but it is clear that the universal adapters may also be designed to have connectors in other shapes and diameters to accommodate different types of air hoses. Based on the teachings provided herein, skilled persons would understand how to adjust the structure and shape of the universal adapters to cater for different types of hoses. [0038] Moreover, the above embodiments use an electric pad sander as an example to which the air hose is ultimately connected via the universal adapter. However, skilled persons would no doubt realize the universal adapter according to the present invention can also be used for other types of airflow apparatus, including but not limited to table saws, circular saws, vacuum cleaners, air compressors, miter saws, and grinders. [0039] In the description of the preferred embodiments above, the designations of "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" connectors in the universal adapters are just for the sake of 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU -10 easy reference only. They are not intended to refer to any particular connector in the universal adapter. Those skilled in the art should understand that in some cases the designations of "first, second, third, fourth..." can be used interchangeably. [0040] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. [0041] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU

Claims

1. An air hose coupling device, comprising a) a first connector located on a first end of said air hose coupling device; b) a second connector located on a second end of said air hose coupling device; said first connector and said second connector being in fluid communication; and c) a third connector located on said first end; said third connector configured concentrically with said first connector; wherein said first connector being in a circumferential shape defining a first outer diameter; said third connector being in a circumferential shape defining a third outer diameter different from said first outer diameter.

2. The air hose coupling device of claim 1, wherein said first connector comprises a first circumferential sidewall; said third connector comprising a third circumferential side wall; said first circumferential sidewall separated from said third circumferential sidewall on a radial direction of said first connector by a gap.

3. The air hose coupling device of claim 1, wherein said first connector comprises a first circumferential sidewall; said third connector comprising a third circumferential side wall; said first circumferential sidewall connected to said third circumferential side wall along the longitudinal direction of said air hose coupling device, such that both the third circumferential side wall and said first circumferential sidewall extend substantially along said longitudinal direction.

4. The air hose coupling device of claim 3, wherein said first circumferential side wall and said third circumferential side wall are formed as a single piece, and

5. The air hose coupling device of claim 4, wherein a step is formed at the joint of said first circumferential side wall and said third circumferential side wall.

6. The air hose coupling device of any one of the above claims, wherein said first outer diameter or said third outer diameters varies along the longitudinal direction of said air hose coupling device.

7. The air hose coupling device of claim 1, further comprises a fourth connector located on said second end of said air hose coupling device; said fourth connector configured concentrically with said second connector; wherein said second connector being in a circumferential shape defining a second outer diameter; said fourth connector being in a 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU - 12 circumferential shape defining a fourth outer diameter different from said second outer diameter.

8. The air hose coupling device of claim 6, wherein said first outer diameter, said second outer diameter, and said third outer diameter are different from each other.

9. The air hose coupling device of claim 6, wherein said first, second, third and fourth circumferential walls are sequentially arranged in a staggered way along an outward radial direction. 6857382_1 (GHMatters) P100942.AU