AU2019203176A1 - A detent for a hose connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a detent 10 for a hose connector 12 having complementarily engaging couplings 14. The detent 10 comprises first and second coupling engagers 16 each configured to operatively engage a coupling 14, and an engager backing 18 connecting said first and second engagers 16 and configured to resist longitudinal forces operatively applied along a length thereof. Fitting said detent 10 about at least a portion of the hose connector 12 through operative engagement of the couplings 14 by the engagers 16 generally counteracts disengagement of the couplings 14 when the hose 24 is in use. - 20 -- ~ ~~16 Figure 9.

Description

A DETENT FOR A HOSE CONNECTOR

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to the field of hose connectors, in general, and specifically to a detent for a hose connector and an associated method for securing a hose connector.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Hose connectors are known in the art for connecting a hose, typically a garden hose, to a faucet or to another hose to extend an overall length thereof. A common version of a hose connector includes a click-on style, push-fit hose connector wherein a female coupling has a spring-loaded outside barrel that locks onto an associated male coupling, with an O-ring and washer (s) to facilitate a fluid tight seal when connected in such a manner. Well-known examples include Gardena (brand name) and Pope (brand name) connectors.

[0004] A common problem with the known garden hose connectors is that the couplings are manufactured from polymers, including associated grasping or gripping protrusions that operatively lock the couplings together. Over time, such polymer protrusion may wear down which drastically reduce the connector's effectiveness, particularly with increased fluid pressure in the hose.

[0005] For example, a common occurrence in such circumstances where a hose connector has reduced effectiveness is hose 'popoff' , where the hose connector fails under pressure and the hose is forced from the faucet or other hose. This 'pop-off' often leads to water loss, as well as wetting an area or person handling the hose, which is inconvenient and undesirable.

[0006] The current invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] It is to be appreciated that reference herein to a 'detent' broadly refers to any suitable mechanism or arrangement able to temporarily and releasably keep one part of a mechanism in a certain position relative to that of another, as will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a detent for a hose connector having complementarily engaging couplings, said detent comprising:

first and second coupling engagers each configured to operatively engage a coupling; and an engager backing connecting said first and second engagers and configured to resist longitudinal forces operatively applied along a length thereof, so that operative engagement of the couplings by the engagers counteracts disengagement of the couplings .

[0009] In one example, the engagers are configured to engage the coupling by each having a portion defining an aperture shaped and dimensioned to complementarily receive a portion of a hose

2019203176 06 May 2019 therein such that the engaged couplings are sandwiched between the engagers .

[0010] Typically, a length of the engager backing is selectively adjustable in order to accommodate various sized hose connectors .

[0011] In an embodiment, the engager backing comprises two telescopically slidable parts to allow length adjustment thereof, said parts including a locking mechanism to select a desired length of the engager backing.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first and second coupling engagers are arranged as substantially perpendicular protrusions from the engager backing.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first and second coupling engagers are arranged as substantially oblique protrusions from the engager backing, an angle of either the first and/or second coupling engagers relative to the engager backing selected to counteract longitudinal disengagement of the couplings.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for securing a hose connector, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a detent for a hose connector having complementarily engaging couplings, said detent comprising first and second coupling engagers each configured to operatively engage a coupling, and an engager backing connecting said first and second engagers and configured to resist longitudinal forces operatively applied along a length thereof; and

2019203176 06 May 2019 fitting said detent about at least a portion of said hose connector so that operative engagement of the couplings by the engagers counteracts disengagement of the couplings.

[0015] In one example, the step of fitting the detent includes adjusting a length of the engager backing to sandwich the engaged couplings between the engagers.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for securing a hose connector, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a detent for a hose connector in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and fitting said detent about at least a portion of a hose connector so that operative engagement of the couplings by the engagers counteracts disengagement of the couplings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view representation of a detent for a hose connector, in accordance with as aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view representation of the detent of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is diagrammatic perspective view representation of a further embodiment of a detent for a hose connector;

Figure 4 is diagrammatic side view representation of the detent of Figure 3;

2019203176 06 May 2019

Figures 5 and 6 are diagrammatic exploded view representations of the detent of Figure 3;

Figures 7 and 8 are diagrammatic sectional side view representations of the detent of Figure 3;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side view representation of the detent of Figure 3 in use for securing a hose connector fitted to a faucet;

Figures 10 and 11 are diagrammatic side view representations of various embodiments of the detent in use for securing a hose connector fitted to hose pipes;

Figures 12 and 13 are diagrammatic exploded view representations of a further embodiment of a detent for a hose connector;

Figure 14 is front view diagrammatic representation of the detent of Figure 12; and

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side view representation of the detent of Figure 12 in use for securing a hose connector fitted to hose pipes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0017] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the

2019203176 06 May 2019 broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0018] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is broadly shown a detent 10 for a hose connector 12 which typically has complementarily engaging couplings 14, as is known in the art of hose connectors.

[0019] The detent 10 generally comprises first and second coupling engagers 16 each configured to operatively engage a coupling 14. The detent 10 further includes an engager backing 18 that connects or couples the first and second engagers 16, as shown, and is configured to resist longitudinal forces operatively applied along a length thereof, so that operative engagement of the couplings 14 by the engagers 16 counteracts disengagement of the couplings 14.

[0020] In the exemplified embodiments, the engagers 16 are generally configured to engage the couplings 14 by each engager having a portion defining an aperture 22 shaped and dimensioned to complementarily receive a portion of a hose 24 therein such that the engaged couplings 14 are sandwiched between the engagers 16. An example hereof is shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0021] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the detent 10 generally prevents displacement of the couplings 14 of the hose connector 12 away from each other by the engagers and engager backing sandwiching said couplings 14 together.

[0022] In the example generally shown in Figures 3-9 and 11, a length of the engager backing 18 is selectively adjustable in order to accommodate various sized hose connectors 12. In one embodiment, the engager backing 18 comprises two telescopically slidable parts 26 to allow length adjustment thereof, said parts 26 including a locking mechanism 28 to select a desired length of the engager backing 18 and to lock the telescoping parts 26 together .

[0023] Similarly, the embodiment of the detent 10 shown in Figures 12 - 15 includes a different style of engager backing 18 which is selectively adjustable in order to accommodate various sized hose connectors 12. In this example, each part 26 defines a suitable slot and the locking mechanism 28 is on the form of a wingnut or similar fastener to facilitate selection of a desired length of the engager backing 18.

[0024] Various configurations for the locking mechanism 28 are possible and within the scope of the present invention. In the present example, an interference fit or press-fit arrangement is utilised, or a wingnut or similar fastener, but other examples are possible .

[0025]

Constituent parts of the detent 10 are typically manufactured from a polymer or metal, but other materials are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Variations on the exemplified embodiments are also possible and within the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second coupling engagers 16 are arranged as substantially perpendicular protrusions from the engager backing 18, as shown. However, in other embodiments, the first and second coupling engagers 16 can be arranged as substantially oblique protrusions from the engager backing 18, an angle of either the first and/or second coupling engagers 16

2019203176 06 May 2019 relative to the engager backing 18 selected to counteract longitudinal disengagement of the couplings 14.

[0027] For example, the first and/or second coupling engagers 16 may be angled inward toward each other so that longitudinal disengagement or similar urging of the couplings cause the detent 10 to engage the couplings 14 with more force. Such an angle of the engagers 16 may be in the range of 5° to 45°.

[0028] The invention further includes an associated method for securing a hose connector 12. Such a method generally comprises the steps of providing a detent 10, as described herein, and fitting said detent 10 about at least a portion of the hose connector 12 so that operative engagement of the couplings 14 by the engagers 16 counteracts disengagement of the couplings 14.

[0029] In one example, the step of fitting the detent 10 includes adjusting a length of the engager backing 18 to sandwich the engaged couplings 14 between the engagers 16, as described.

[0030] Applicant believes is particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for a detent and associated method for securing a hose connector 12 whereby 'pop-off' of a hose connector can be mitigated or ever prevented. The Applicant believes it further advantageous that the detent 10 can be fitted to hose connectors 12 of various sizes.

[0031] Opt ional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates,

2019203176 06 May 2019 such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0032] The use of the terms a, an, said, the, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms comprising, having, including, and containing are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning including, but not limited to,) unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0033] Spatially relative terms, such as inner, outer, beneath, below, lower, above, upper, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as below or beneath other elements or features would then be oriented above the other elements or features. Thus, the example term below can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the

2019203176 06 May 2019 spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0034] It is to be appreciated that reference to one example or an example of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., such as) herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0035] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0036] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims (9)

1. A detent for a hose connector having complementarily engaging couplings, said detent comprising:

first and second coupling engagers each configured to operatively engage a coupling; and an engager backing connecting said first and second engagers and configured to resist longitudinal forces operatively applied along a length thereof, so that operative engagement of the couplings by the engagers counteracts disengagement of the couplings .

2. The detent of claim 1, wherein the engagers are configured to engage the coupling by each having a portion defining an aperture shaped and dimensioned to complementarily receive a portion of a hose therein such that the engaged couplings are sandwiched between the engagers.

3. The detent of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein a length of the engager backing is selectively adjustable in order to accommodate various sized hose connectors.

4. The detent of claim 3, wherein the engager backing comprises two telescopically slidable parts to allow length adjustment thereof, said parts including a locking mechanism to select a desired length of the engager backing.

5. The detent of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second coupling engagers are arranged as substantially perpendicular protrusions from the engager backing.

6. The detent of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second coupling engagers are arranged as substantially oblique

2019203176 06 May 2019 protrusions from the engager backing, an angle of either the first and/or second coupling engagers relative to the engager backing selected to counteract longitudinal disengagement of the couplings .

7. A method for securing a hose connector, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a detent for a hose connector having complementarily engaging couplings, said detent comprising first and second coupling engagers each configured to operatively engage a coupling, and an engager backing connecting said first and second engagers and configured to resist longitudinal forces operatively applied along a length thereof; and fitting said detent about at least a portion of said hose connector so that operative engagement of the couplings by the engagers counteracts disengagement of the couplings.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of fitting the detent includes adjusting a length of the engager backing to sandwich the engaged couplings between the engagers.

9. A method for securing a hose connector, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a detent for a hose connector in accordance with any of claims 1 to 6; and fitting said detent about at least a portion of a hose connector so that operative engagement of the couplings by the engagers counteracts disengagement of the couplings.