WO2007049053A1

WO2007049053A1 - Hose connector

Info

Publication number: WO2007049053A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/004004
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan George Cordy Angell
Original assignee: Jonathan George Cordy Angell
Priority date: 2005-10-27
Filing date: 2006-10-27
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: GB0521925D0; EP1945987A1

Abstract

A hose connector (1) for receiving and retaining a hose (10) comprises a body having a throughbore (2) that extends through a spigot (3) of the connector . The connector also includes a movable sleeve (7) that surrounds the spigot . The spigot (3) receives the hose (10) in use and has an inner, proximal cylindrical portion (4) and an outer, distal cylindrical portion (5) extending to each side, respectively, of a raised circumferentially extending shoulder (6). The sleeve (7) surrounds the spigot (3) inwardly of the shoulder (6) and is arranged so as to be able to move longitudinally along the spigot (3). The sleeve (7) presses the hose (10) against the inner surface of the shoulder (6), thereby sealing and retaining the hose on the spigot (3).

Description

Hose Connector

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting hoses or pipes and in particular to a connector for use with flexible or semi-flexible hoses, such as garden hoses .

There are many situations in which it is desirable to connect or couple a hose or pipe to another device, such as a tap or another hose or pipe. A variety of connecting devices are available and have been proposed for this purpose.

For example, both US patent No. 3885819 to Egerer et al., and Canadian patent application No. 2322911 to Markovic describe hose connectors that have a tapered, conical nipple or spigot onto which the hose to be connected is slid. A tapered sleeve surrounding the nipple then acts to compress the hose between the sleeve and nipple if the hose is withdrawn, thereby holding the hose in place.

The Applicant believes that there remains scope for improvement to hose connectors of the known types .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot for receiving a hose or pipe in use, the spigot having a circumferentially extending raised shoulder on its outer surface at one point along its length; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot; and the spigot and sleeve being arranged such that the sleeve may press a hose or pipe against the shoulder on 2006/004004

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the spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot.

The hose connector of the present invention uses a spigot for receiving the hose and a sleeve to retain the hose on the spigot in use, as in the prior art connectors discussed above. However, rather than the spigot having a tapered or conical outer surface against which the hose is pressed in use, as in the prior art systems, the gripping region of the spigot comprises a raised shoulder. The pipe or hose is then retained in use by being trapped between the shoulder on the spigot and the sleeve.

The Applicant believes that this arrangement for a hose connector has a number of advantages. For example, the combined action of the shoulder on the spigot and the sleeve means that the compression and seal between the hose and connector occurs over a relatively small area, as compared to the tapered prior art connectors where the "seal" extends over a greater area. The provision of a smaller sealing area creates greater pressure over the seal and thus a better sealing action.

The sealing arrangement of the present invention also means that the sealing point relative to the sleeve and/or hose or pipe can vary slightly in use with no loss of sealing effect. This facilitates the use of the connector with hoses of, e.g., varying wall thickness and flexibility and therefore makes it suitable for use with, e.g., garden hoses whose wall thickness and flexibility can vary relatively significantly. This is in contrast to the prior art systems which are designed for use with hoses of known wall thickness and flexibility.

The spigot should extend from the connector body sufficiently to allow the hose or pipe to be placed over it. It may have any suitable shape, so long as it includes a raised shoulder and facilitates the gripping action of the sleeve and shoulder.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the spigot further comprises a substantially cylindrical portion or portions (i.e. that do not taper) extending longitudinally from one or both sides of the shoulder.

In such an arrangement, the cylindrical portion or portions of the spigot that extend from the shoulder preferably extend at least over the gripping region of the spigot. There may be one cylindrical portion extending from the side of the shoulder only, but preferably there are two cylindrical portions, one extending on each side of the shoulder.

Most preferably the cylindrical portion or portions extend at least over the length of the spigot that is expected to receive and/or be covered by) the hose or pipe in use (i.e., such that the spigot will be substantially cylindrical (save for the shoulder) at least over the length of the spigot that is expected to receive (or be covered by) the hose or pipe in use) . Most preferably, the spigot is substantially cylindrical, save for the shoulder, for its entire length.

The cylindrical portion or portions of the spigot are preferably circular in cross-section, although other shapes, such as an oval or elliptical cross-section would be possible.

The outside diameter of the spigot should be selected so as to be appropriate for the hoses or pipes that the connector is intended to be used with, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The free, distal end of the spigot at least preferably has an outside diameter that is the same as or slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the hose or hoses that the connector is intended to be used with. The free end of the spigot may, e.g., be chamfered to facilitate the placing of the hose over the spigot.

The shoulder on the spigot should be located at an appropriate position along the spigot's length. It may, e.g., be located at or substantially adjacent the free end of the spigot. However, in a preferred embodiment, the shoulder is located inwardly of the free end of the spigot and spaced apart therefrom, i.e. such that there is a portion (most preferably a cylindrical portion) of the spigot extending from the shoulder towards (and most preferably to) the free end of the spigot. This arrangement has been found to be advantageous, because, e.g., the portion of the spigot extending from the shoulder to the free end of the spigot acts to support the hose or pipe in use and thereby resist, e.g., lateral movement of the hose that could, e.g., tend to cause it to slide or twist off the end of the spigot. In such an arrangement, the distal (free) end of the spigot could be, e.g., provided with a further raised portion (e.g. circumferential bulge) to assist in supporting the hose at that point.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot for receiving a hose or pipe in use and having a circumferentially extending raised shoulder on its outer surface spaced inwardly of the free end of the spigot; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot; and the spigot and sleeve being arranged such that the sleeve may press a hose or pipe against the shoulder on the spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot. The shoulder on the spigot preferably extends around substantially the entire circumference of the spigot, i.e. is in the form of an annular shoulder. It may, e.g., have a circular or oval profile. The shoulder's profile is preferably shaped so as to reduce any tendency of the hose to move off the shoulder in use. It is preferably chamfered or radiused so as to facilitate movement of the hose over it. The shoulder is preferably continuous, although this is not essential, so long as a suitable fluid seal is achieved.

The shoulder may have an outside diameter that is slightly smaller than the expected inside diameter of the hose or hoses the connector is intended to be used with. However, the shoulder preferably has an outside diameter that is fractionally (e.g. 5-10%) greater than the expected inside diameter of the hose or hoses or pipes that the connector is intended to be used with. The shoulder is preferably integrally formed with the spigot, although it may be in the form of a separate component that is, for example, attached to or placed over or around the spigot, such as, for example being formed by an 0-ring that is fitted over or on the spigot, if desired.

The shoulder should be formed by or form a change in the outside diameter of the spigot and be such that the primary sealing of the hose is between the shoulder and sleeve (and most preferably on the inner, proximal, surface of the shoulder) , rather than over an extended region of the spigot. The shoulder should, in particular, most preferably be raised above the plane of the outer surface of the portion of the spigot that extends inwardly from the shoulder .

In one preferred embodiment, the shoulder is formed by a circumferentially extending bulge on the outer surface of the spigot. In a preferred such arrangement, the spigot has cylindrical portions extending on each side of the shoulder (bulge) and, the outside diameter of the spigot, save for the bulge forming the shoulder, remains substantially constant along the length of the spigot (or at least that portion of the spigot that receives the hose) (i.e. such that the cylindrical portions extending to each side of the bulge have the same outside diameter) . Again, this bulge could be and in one preferred embodiment is an integral part of the spigot, or it could be and in one preferred embodiment is formed by a separate component, such as an 0-ring, that is mounted on or to the spigot.

In another preferred embodiment, the shoulder is formed as the join between two portions of the spigot that have differing outside diameters. These portions are preferably cylindrical, i.e. such that the spigot has two cylindrical portions having different outside diameters with the shoulder being formed by the join between them. In such an arrangement, there would then, e.g., be an inner cylindrical portion of the spigot having a smaller outside diameter, and an outer cylindrical portion of the spigot having a larger outside diameter, with the shoulder being formed between them.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot for receiving a hose or pipe in use, the spigot having an inner cylindrical portion and an outer cylindrical portion and a circumferentially extending raised shoulder on its outer surface between the inner and outer cylindrical portions ; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot; and the spigot and sleeve being arranged such that the sleeve may press a hose or pipe against the shoulder on the spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot . Where there is a diameter change between longitudinally extending portions of the spigot that can provide the shoulder on the spigot, it would also be possible to, and, indeed, it is preferred to, additionally provide a circumferentially extending bulge on the spigot at point of the diameter change, i.e. such that the level of the shoulder is raised above the outside diameter of the larger outside diameter portion of the spigot at the shoulder formed between the two differing diameter portions of the spigot. This further enhances the sealing action of the connector.

Whether the shoulder is formed by a bulge on the spigot or as the shoulder between two portions of spigot, or not, the portion of the spigot inwards of the shoulder (i.e. on the opposing side of the shoulder to the free, distal end of the spigot) most preferably has an outside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the spigot between the shoulder and the free end of the spigot. The outside diameter of the inner portion of the spigot is furthermore preferably smaller and most preferably significantly smaller than the expected inside diameter of the hose or hoses that the connector is intended to be used for.

As will be explained further below, these arrangements have been found to be able to provide a better sealing action. In particular, they allow the hose to be squashed to a smaller diameter inwardly of the shoulder. These arrangements also allow the hose to be more easily pushed further onto the spigot (and past the shoulder) in use. This again improves the gripping action of the connector. The sleeve should be arranged to surround the spigot inwardly of the shoulder in the spigot and to be movable along the length of the spigot. It should have an inside diameter such that a hose or pipe may be inserted between the spigot and sleeve, but the sleeve will then act to compress the hose against the shoulder on the spigot and resist removal of the hose in use.

The arrangement is preferably such that it is the inside, longitudinal surface of the sleeve that presses the hose against the shoulder (rather than, e.g., a longitudinal end surface of the sleeve that does so) , as this provides a better sealing action and means, e.g., that the sleeve can grip the hose over the length of the sleeve (thereby allowing for variability in the actual gripping point on the sleeve in use) . This arrangement also facilitates being able to push the hose onto the spigot and between the spigot and sleeve and for the sleeve then to grip the hose automatically as it is withdrawn. Indeed, the sleeve is preferably arranged such that the hose can be inserted between the sleeve and spigot in use, most preferably simply by pushing the hose onto the spigot .

The end of the sleeve that receives the hose (i.e. the sleeve entrance) is preferably appropriately shaped, e.g. chamfered or radiused, so as to facilitate the hose being guided (swept) into the sleeve and between the sleeve and spigot as it is pushed onto the spigot to the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably provided with a stop, e.g., in the form of a circumferential flange that extends into its bore, at its other (proximal) end, to stop the hose sliding through the sleeve as it is inserted. The sleeve is most preferably also or instead arranged such that attempted removal of the hose or pipe from the spigot (whether by, e.g., a user or fluid pressure) can or will entrain the sleeve and thereby compress the hose between the sleeve and the shoulder on the spigot . The sleeve should have an inside diameter that facilitates its action, e.g. that will allow the hose to be inserted between the sleeve and spigot in use, and that will allow the sleeve to extend over the shoulder on the spigot with a hose inserted (thereby to achieve the gripping effect). The sleeve could, e.g., have a constant inside diameter.

The sleeve should "squash" the hose suitably against the shoulder on the spigot, and thus, e.g., should be arranged to squash the hose to a diameter that is smaller than the hose's diameter as it passes over the shoulder on the spigot .

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sleeve is arranged to compress the hose to smaller than its normal, "relaxed" diameter. In this way, the hose inward of the shoulder can be compressed by the sleeve to a diameter that is smaller than its normal, relaxed diameter. This has been found to provide a particularly advantageous and effective gripping arrangement.

Thus in a particularly preferred embodiment the arrangement is such that the hose may be squashed to smaller than its normal diameter by the connector. Such compression preferably takes place and can be arranged to take place inwardly of the shoulder, as discussed above. Most preferably, the sleeve is arranged so as to squash the hose to a smaller diameter as the hose is pushed into the sleeve.

Thus, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot, the sleeve being arranged so as to be capable of compressing the hose to a diameter smaller than its normal diameter; the sleeve and spigot being arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this aspect of the invention can include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate. Thus, the spigot preferably includes a shoulder between the inner and outer portions of the spigot, and the sealing action is preferably between the sleeve and the shoulder, and the sleeve preferably compresses the hose inwardly of the shoulder in use. Similarly, the spigot is preferably cylindrical (save for the shoulder between the inner and outer portions of the spigot) along its length (i.e. such that the inner portion is substantially cylindrical along its length, and the outer portion is substantially cylindrical along its length, albeit with a different outside diameter to the inner portion) .

The sleeve can be arranged in any suitable manner so as to compress the hose. Thus it could, for example, have a substantially constant diameter save for a shoulder or shoulders arranged on its inner surface that will compress a hose as it is pushed into or through the sleeve past them.

However, in a particularly preferred embodiment a portion of, and preferably all of, the inner surface (bore) of the sleeve is tapered so as to progressively force the hose to adopt a smaller diameter as it is inserted into the sleeve.

Thus, in a particularly preferred embodiment, some and preferably all, of the inner surface of the sleeve is tapered such that the inside diameter of the sleeve decreases in a direction away from the free distal end of the spigot. A taper of around 3-10°, preferably 5-10°, most preferably 5-7°, is preferred.

In these arrangements where the sleeve compresses the hose to a smaller diameter, then while the main gripping action should be by compression of the hose against the shoulder, it would also be possible for the sleeve to compress an inner portion of the hose against the spigot inwardly of the shoulder. This may provide an improved gripping action. However, this is not essential, and, indeed, so long as the hose is pressed against the shoulder, there is no need for the hose otherwise to contact or be pressed against the (inner portion) of the spigot. Indeed, the hose need not touch the spigot other than at the shoulder, if desired.

The Applicant has accordingly found that the use of a tapered sleeve, together with a spigot that has an inner portion having a smaller outside diameter than the outer portion of the spigot (as discussed above) can have a significantly improved gripping performance.

Thus, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use, the spigot having an outer portion having a first outside diameter and an inner portion having a second outside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the outer portion of the spigot; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot and having an inside diameter that narrows in a direction away from the free end of the spigot; the sleeve and spigot being arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot .

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this aspect of the invention can include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate. Thus, the spigot preferably includes a shoulder between the inner and outer portions of the spigot, and the sealing action is preferably between the sleeve and the shoulder. As discussed above, there may also be some gripping between the sleeve and the inner portion of the spigot, but this is not essential. Similarly, the spigot is preferably cylindrical (save for the shoulder between the inner and outer portions of the spigot) along its length (i.e. such that the inner portion is substantially cylindrical along its length, and the outer portion is substantially cylindrical along its length, albeit with a different outside diameter to the inner portion) . In these arrangements, the inner portion of the spigot (inwards of the shoulder) preferably has a smaller inside diameter than the inside diameter of the hose, i.e. such that the (inside diameter of the) hose can be compressed to smaller than its normal, "relaxed", diameter by the sleeve as it is gripped in the connector, as discussed above.

The connector body preferably includes a stop, for example in the form Of an annular flange, at or near the proximal end of the spigot (i.e. opposite to its free end) , to prevent further inwards movement of the sleeve in use. This, in effect, will constrain the sleeve to movement between the stop and the shoulder on the spigot .

The sealing surfaces of the sleeve (i.e. its inside surface) and the spigot (i.e. its outside surface) could be provided with gripping means, such as teeth or other protuberances, if desired. However, this is not preferred, and most preferably the inside surface of the sleeve and the outside surface of the spigot (at least where it can or will engage a hose in use) are substantially smooth. The use of smooth hose-engaging surfaces facilitates easier insertion and removal of a hose or pipe, and in view of the improved sealing action provided by the connector of the present invention, does not detract from the sealing performance of the connector (and indeed may facilitate improved sealing performance as compared to the situation if gripping teeth, etc., were used).

In use of the connector of the present invention, the hose should be pushed over the spigot such that it slides (is forced) over the shoulder and, preferably, is then inserted between the sleeve and spigot (alternatively, the sleeve could be slid over the hose, once the hose is on the spigot) . The sleeve is preferably arranged such that it will slide inwardly as the hose is pushed onto the spigot, to allow the hose to pass between the sleeve and spigot (although again the sleeve could be moved by a user for this purpose instead) .

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is provided with means to allow water to be exhausted from the sleeve as a hose is pushed into it. This would allow, e.g., any water that is trapped between the hose and the sleeve to escape as the hose is inserted (which water may otherwise, e.g., tend to resist insertion of the hose) . Such exhaust means may take any suitable form, such as, for example, one or more through holes around the circumference of the sleeve and/or along the sleeve, and/or one or more channels that extend (e.g., longitudinally) along the inner surface of the sleeve that can allow water to pass out of the inner end of the sleeve.

Thus, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot; the sleeve and spigot being arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot; wherein: the sleeve is provided with exhaust means for allowing fluid pressed between the hose and sleeve in use to escape from the inside of the sleeve.

As discussed above, the sealing action is provided by the hose being compressed between the sleeve and the shoulder (and, when appropriate, the inner portion of the spigot) . The compression could be activated by a user sliding the sleeve outwards over the hose until it traps the hose against the spigot. Alternatively, the arrangement could simply rely on the hose, as discussed above, entraining the sleeve as the hose is moved outwards (e.g. by a user or simply under the action of fluid pressure on the hose) .

In a preferred embodiment the sleeve is biased towards its sealing position (i.e. in a direction towards the free end of the spigot), e.g. by a resilient biassing means, such as an appropriately arranged spring, so as to further facilitate the initial sealing of the hose on the connector. However, this is not necessary and may be omitted, if desired.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the hose can be removed from the connector again, if desired, i.e. the connector releasably retains the hose.

To release the sealing action and remove the hose, the compression of the hose between the sleeve and shoulder (spigot) needs to be relieved. This can be achieved by pushing the sleeve inwards so it no longer traps the hose against the spigot. This motion can preferably be achieved by pushing the hose inwardly further onto the spigot (with such motion entraining the sleeve to move it away from the shoulder) . Once the compression is released, if the sleeve is then held in its "released" or "retracted" position, the hose can then be pulled off the spigot and removed.

The releasing action could, e.g., all be carried out manually by a user, for example by first pushing the sleeve or hose inwardly, and then holding the sleeve in its inward (retracted) position while the hose is removed. A flange, e.g., could be provided on the sleeve to facilitate its handling by a user in this manner .

However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the connector is arranged such that the sleeve can be restrained in its retracted or "release" position. Thus the connector preferably further comprises means for retaining the sleeve in a "release", retracted position, i.e. where it will not compress the hose against the shoulder (spigot) , thereby to facilitate removal of the hose from the spigot.

Such a retaining arrangement for the sleeve can be provided as desired. For example, a catch or locking arrangement to prevent movement of the sleeve and that can be activated by a user could be provided. Most preferably, the retaining arrangement is activated by moving the sleeve, most preferably by rotating the sleeve about the longitudinal axis of the spigot, relative to the connector body and/or relative to another component mounted on the connector body. Such relative movement (e.g. rotation) could be achieved, e.g., by moving (rotating) the sleeve itself, or by moving (rotating) the connector body or other component relative to the sleeve. Where the sleeve is moved (e.g. rotated), the necessary movement (rotation) of the sleeve could, e.g., be achieved by a user moving (rotating) the sleeve directly, but most preferably, the arrangement is such that the sleeve is moved (e.g. rotated) by moving (rotating (twisting) ) the hose (which motion entrains and moves (e.g. rotates) the sleeve) .

Thus, preferably, the sleeve can be relatively moved (preferably rotated) between a first (e.g. rotational) position relative to the connector body and/or another component mounted on the connector body where the sleeve is free to move along the length of the spigot, and a second (e.g. rotational) position relative to the connector body and/or another component mounted on the connector body where the sleeve is restrained from movement along the length of the spigot. It is believed that such an arrangement may be new and advantageous in its own right. Thus, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for a flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot and arranged so as to be able to press_, a hose or pipe against the spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot; wherein the sleeve, connector body and/or another component mounted on the connector body can be moved, most preferably rotated, between a first (relative) position that allows the sleeve to move along the length of the spigot and a second (relative) position in which the sleeve is restrained from moving along the length of the spigot . In these embodiments and aspect of the invention, the, e.g., rotational, "locking" arrangement is preferably provided by means of a cover that surrounds the sleeve (and spigot) and that has an appropriately shaped slot or slots therein in which a key or keys provided on the outer surface of the sleeve can run.

The slot or slots in the cover should be appropriately shaped either to permit or to restrain longitudinal movement of the sleeve, depending on the location of the key or keys in the slot or slots . For example, the or each slot could in one portion extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spigot (thereby to permit longitudinal movement of the key and hence sleeve, when the key is aligned with that portion of the slot) , but in a second portion of the slot that the key can be rotated into, be shaped so as to prevent longitudinal movement of the key (and hence sleeve) . A suitably orientated "L" -shaped slot would achieve this, for example.

Rotation of the keys in the slots could be achieved, e.g., by rotating the cover about the sleeve, or, preferably, by rotating the sleeve within the cover. In a preferred such arrangement, the cover has two corresponding slots, on opposing sides of the cover, and the sleeve has corresponding keys on opposing sides of its outer circumference. However, other arrangements would be possible. In a preferred embodiment, the locking slot or slots in the cover (or another slot or slots provided in the cover) is arranged such that the hose can be seen through the slot or slots as it is inserted. This provides a visual check on the insertion of the hose.

It would also be possible to provide a "locking", rotational arrangement as in these arrangements of the invention in other manners, such as by using, for example, a screw-thread that the sleeve could engage. In such a case, the sleeve could have a screw-thread that will mate, e.g., with a corresponding thread on the spigot and/or on a cover that can surround the sleeve (into which the sleeve can be screwed) , with the sleeve then, e.g., being able to be restrained in its release position by twisting the hose to thereby screw the sleeve into or onto the screw-thread of the spigot or cover. The sleeve would similarly be released by unscrewing it, e.g., again by twisting the hose. In a preferred embodiment, a ratchet-type arrangement is provided for the sleeve, such that as the sleeve moves outwardly (e.g. as the hose is pulled in use away from the spigot) , it is retained and restrained in its new sealing position. This provides, in effect, a self-tightening mechanism, and helps to prevent, e.g., accidental release of the hose in use. This arrangement may be advantageous where a more permanent fitting is desired. In such an arrangement, the ratchet-action can preferably be released by a user, so as to allow, e.g., removal of the hose. It would also be possible to provide, in addition to the gripping shoulder arrangement, a further sealing arrangement, such as an O-ring, to enhance the sealing action. In a preferred such an arrangement, an O-ring (or similar) is provided adjacent (preferably inwards) of the shoulder to enhance the sealing of the hose

(although the primary gripping of the hose will still be against the shoulder). The 0-ring could, e.g., be mounted in a circumferentially extending groove that lies adjacent to the shoulder. Equally, as discussed above, the 0-ring could itself be used to form the shoulder, if desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector also includes a plug or valve arrangement that is movable within the throughbore of the connector to block or control the flow of fluid (e.g. water) through the connector. The plug or valve is preferably movable longitudinally within the throughbore between a first position in which it permits the flow of fluid and a second position in which it blocks the flow of fluid (e.g. by abutting against a plug or valve seat arranged in the throughbore). The plug or valve could, e.g., be arranged to be user-operable, but preferably can be operated by insertion and removal of a hose into the connector (i.e. such that removal of a hose automatically stops the fluid flow, and, preferably, vice-versa) .

The connector body, spigot, sleeve and cover (if provided) may be made of any suitable materials, such as plastics or metal. They should be sufficiently rigid to withstand the expected forces that they will undergo in use, but may otherwise be of any suitable construction. The connector body and spigot (including the shoulder) are preferably formed integrally, e.g., moulded as a single piece of plastic. Similarly, the sleeve, and cover (if provided) are preferably formed as unitary pieces, e.g. of moulded plastic. Indeed an advantage of the connector of the present invention is that it may be constructed using only a few, easy to manufacture, components .

The connector of the present invention is particularly, although not exclusively, intended to be used with hoses of the flexible or semi-flexible type, e.g., that may be constructed of flexible or semi-flexible plastics material. Thus it is particularly suited for use with, e.g., garden hoses, although it may also, e.g. be used with hoses such as nylon air hoses, etc. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the connector of the present invention can be used with any hose that is of a suitable flexibility for the gripping action of the connector to suffice to retain and seal the hose sufficiently in use.

The connector of the present invention can also be used, for example, with spiral or convoluted hoses (e.g. that have a wire in them to create a spiral) . In this case, and generally, where appropriate, the spigot of the connector could and preferably does have a spiral groove on its outer surface (for some or all of the length of the spigot), for, e.g., the wire in the hose to engage, as that may help the connector to grip such a hose better. The other end of the connector (i.e. opposite to the spigot) can be provided with any suitable fitting or connection, depending, e.g., on the intended use of the connector. Thus, for example, it could be fitted with a known or conventional fitting for, e.g., connecting to another hose or pipe, or to a fluid supply such as a tap. It could, e.g., be provided with a screw fitting for connection to a pipe or tap.

Indeed, it is envisaged that a significant advantage of the system of the present invention is that it can be used to provide an enhanced coupling to a hose with existing connector systems and fittings, by providing a hose coupling in the manner of the present invention in combination with, at the other end of the connector, the desired male or female connector or coupling for an existing hose coupling system. In particular, in an existing coupling system that has male and female fittings that connect to one another, one of those fittings will also include a coupling for hose. If that hose coupling is replaced with a hose coupling in the manner of the present invention, then an improved coupling that can be used with and retro-fitted to the existing connector system can be provided. Thus, for example, a connector could be provided with a hose coupling in the manner of the present invention at one end, and a connector (male or female) for the well-known "hozelock" connector system (as used, e.g., in Europe) at its other end, or, e.g., with a hose coupling in the manner of the present invention at one end, and a screw-type fitting such as is common in the USA at its other end. In another preferred embodiment, the other end of the connector is provided with a connection in the form of the present invention, i.e., such that in effect two connectors in accordance with the present invention are arranged back-to-back. This would facilitate, e.g., the connecting of two lengths of flexible or semi-flexible hose to each other.

As will be appreciated from the above, a particular advantage of the connector of the present invention is its relative ease and convenience of use. In particular, a hose can be connected simply by pushing it onto the spigot, forcing it over the shoulder and against and then into the sleeve (until, e.g., the sleeve hits its end stop) , at which point (in the preferred embodiments at least) , the hose will be squashed inside the sleeve and thereby retained on the spigot .

The present invention accordingly also extends to a method of connecting a hose to a hose connector in accordance with the present invention, and to a method of connecting a hose to a hose connector comprising a spigot and sleeve surrounding the spigot and arranged such that a hose may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, the methods comprising: pushing a hose over the end of the spigot of the connector and between the sleeve and the spigot, such that the hose may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, all of the above aspects and embodiments of the invention may and preferably do include any one or more or all of the preferred and optional features of the invention described herein, as appropriate.

A number of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 show schematically a first embodiment of a hose connector in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 shows schematically a second embodiment of a hose connector in accordance with the present invention; and

Figures 4 and 5 show schematically a third embodiment of a hose connector in accordance with the present invention. Like reference numerals have been used for like components throughout the drawings . It should also be noted that features of the connector shown in the drawings have been exaggerated for illustrative purposes . Figures 1 and 2 show schematically a first embodiment of a hose connector 1 for receiving and retaining a hose 10 that is in accordance with the present invention. Figure 1 shows the connector 1 and hose 10 when the hose 10 is initially inserted onto the connector 1, and Figure 2 shows the connector in its gripping and sealing position. The connector shown in Figures 1 and 2 is primarily, although not exclusively, intended to join relatively thin-walled, flexible hoses, such as typical garden water hoses .

The connector 1 comprises a body having a throughbore 2 that extends through a spigot 3 of the connector. The connector also includes a movable sleeve 7 that surrounds the spigot (as will be discussed further below) .

The spigot 3 receives the hose 10 in use and has an inner, proximal cylindrical portion 4 and an outer, distal cylindrical portion 5 extending to each side, respectively, of a raised circumferentially extending shoulder 6- (against which shoulder the hose will be compressed in use, as will be discussed further below) . The outside diameter of the outer cylindrical portion 5 is set to be about the same as or slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the target hose 10. The spigot portions 4 and 5 are circular in cross-section (and thus have constant outside diameters) .

Other cylindrical (i.e. non-tapering) arrangements, such as ovals or ellipses, or indeed, non-cylindrical arrangements, could be used for the spigot, if desired. As shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the inner cylindrical portion 4 has a smaller outside diameter than the outer cylindrical portion 5. The outside diameter of the inner portion 4 of the spigot is arranged to be significantly smaller than the inside diameter of the target hose 10. The shoulder 6 on the spigot is formed in this embodiment by a circumferentially extending bulge arranged on the outer surface of the spigot 3 at the join between the inner and outer cylindrical portions 4, 5. The maximum outside diameter of the shoulder 6 is set to be fractionally greater than the inner diameter of the hose 10 that the connector is intended to receive. The profile of the shoulder 6 is such that the shoulder does not form a continuous taper. It may, e.g., be circular or oval in outer profile.

The sleeve 7 surrounds the spigot 3 inwardly of the shoulder 6 and is arranged so as to be able to move longitudinally along the spigot 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sleeve 7 tapers from a wider inside diameter at its distal end (towards the distal end of the spigot) to. a narrower inside diameter at its proximal end (in the direction of the inner, proximal end of the spigot) . The taper is of the order of 6° (the taper has been exaggerated in Figures 1 and 2 for illustrative purposes). This taper is not essential, but is preferred. The sleeve 7 has a flange at its proximal end to prevent the hose from being able to pass through it.

The connector body also includes a circumferentially extending flange 8 that acts as a stop to prevent further inwards movement of the sleeve 7. The inner end 9 of the connector body may, e.g., be screw-threaded for connection to another pipe or component or otherwise fitted with a standard fitting (e.g. a "hozelock"-type fitting) for connection to another component and/or a pipe or fluid (e.g. water) supply, such as a tap. As discussed above, a preferred arrangement of the present invention would be for the inner end 9 of the connector body to be fitted with or comprise a connector fitting or coupling for use with an existing connector system, such as a "hozelock" or screw-type fitting, so that the connector can be used with an existing connector system.

The connector and sleeve may, e.g., be machined or moulded from an appropriate plastics material or metal. The connector body including the spigot, bulge 6 and flange 8 is preferably formed as an integral, one-piece component . In use of the connector shown in Figures 1 and 2, the target hose 10 is pushed onto the spigot 3 (in the direction of the arrow 11 in Figure 1) and forced over the shoulder 6. As the hose 10 is pushed onto the spigot 3, it will encounter the inner, tapered surface of the sleeve 7 and push the sleeve inwards until the sleeve meets the flange (stop) 8. At this point the hose will then be inserted between the sleeve 7 and the inner portion 4 of the spigot 3 as shown in Figure 1. It should be noted here that the hose is compressed by the sleeve to be narrower than its normal ("relaxed") diameter. This enhances the sealing effect.

If the hose 10 is then withdrawn from the spigot 3 (i.e. moved in the direction of the arrow 12 in Figure 2), the hose will entrain the sleeve 7 such that the sleeve 7 will then press the hose against the inner surface (inwardly facing surface) of the shoulder 6 formed by the bulge, thereby sealing and retaining the hose on the spigot 3. In particular, at the point 13 where the shoulder 6 bears on the inner surface of the hose 10 (and the sleeve 7 correspondingly bears on the outer surface of the hose) , a fluid (water) seal will be created, as shown in Figure 2.

It should be noted here that the taper on the sleeve 7 is not parallel to the profile of the shoulder 6. The effect of this is that the point where the seal occurs between the shoulder 6 and the inner surface of the sleeve 7 will be a relatively -small point, and furthermore, that point can vary slightly depending, e.g., on the flexibility and wall thickness of the hose in question. This means that the hose connector of the present invention can and will grip and seal hoses, such as typical garden hoses, which can have varying wall thickness and flexibility. Furthermore, the relatively small sealing area provided by this arrangement of the connector of the present invention creates greater sealing pressure and thus an improved sealing effect.

Once the hose 10 is held in place by the sleeve 7, then if, e.g., the fluid (e.g. water) pressure increases, the pressure will try to expand the hose and force the fluid between the hose and the shoulder 6. However, as the sleeve 7 is trapping the hose against the shoulder 6, the hose will be prevented from expanding, thereby maintaining the seal. Similarly, if the hose 10 is forced in an outward direction (e.g. either by water pressure or by a user pulling it) , the hose 10 will carry the sleeve 7 outwards, thereby again increasing both the grip and the seal on the hose.

In order to release the hose 10 from the connector 1, the hose 10 may be pushed inwards to release the grip of the sleeve 7. If the sleeve 7 is then held in its retracted position (i.e. as in Figure 1), then the hose 10 can simply be pulled off the spigot 3.

The hose engaging surfaces of the sleeve 7 (i.e. its inner surface) and of the spigot 3 (i.e. its outer surface) are smooth. This facilitates insertion and removal of the hose, and allows, for example, the hose to be pushed in initially, and the sleeve to be pushed in when the hose is to be removed, with relatively light and easy motions. It also facilitates the sealing action of the connector, since the hose can relatively easily move over the spigot until it finds its optimum gripping point .

As discussed above, in this embodiment, the inner cylindrical portion 4 of the spigot 3 has a smaller outside diameter than the outer cylindrical portion 5 of the spigot 3, and, moreover, has an outside diameter that is significantly smaller than the inside diameter of the target hose 10. This is not essential (for example, it would be possible to have a spigot of constant outside diameter (save for the bulge 6 forming the gripping shoulder 6 over which the hose 10 is pushed) ) but provides a number of advantages .

In particular, the use of such a smaller outside diameter for the inner portion 4 of the spigot means that the tapered sleeve 7 may also allow the inner end of the hose 10 to be squashed by the inner end of the sleeve onto the inner spigot portion 4. In such an arrangement (which is not essential) the hose 10 would then be gripped by four elements, namely between the sleeve 7 and the shoulder (bulge) 6, and also between the sleeve 7 and the reduced diameter portion 4 of the spigot 3.

Furthermore, the use of such a smaller outside diameter for the inner portion 4 of the spigot may also allow the hose 10 to be pushed further onto the spigot and past the bulge 6, resulting in the inner end of the hose being a greater distance from the main sealing point, and therefore again improving the gripping effect of the connector. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a hose connector in accordance with the present invention that is a slightly modified version of the connector shown in Figures 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 , a spring 20 is arranged so as to resiliently bias the sleeve 7 in its outward (i.e. "sealing") direction. Such an arrangement is not essential, but may be preferred in some circumstances.

The connector 1 shown in Figure 3 is also provided with a cover 21 surrounding the spring 20, sleeve 7 and spigot 3, e.g. for protection purposes.

Figures 4 and 5 show a third preferred embodiment of a hose connector in accordance with the present invention. This connector is again similar in principle to and contains similar components to, the connector shown in Figures 1 and 2 (and Figure 3), but there are a number of differences, as will be described below. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the connector, and Figure 5 is a sectional view.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connector of this embodiment in fact comprises two similar hose connectors arranged back-to-back, to allow e.g., two lengths of flexible hose to be connected to each other.

Each connector has the same basic construction.

Thus the connectors again comprise a spigot 3 for receiving a hose in use that has a cylindrical inner portion 4 and a wider cylindrical outer portion 5, with a shoulder 6 being formed therebetween. In this embodiment, the shoulder 6 is shown as being raised above the surface of the outer cylindrical portion 5, but that is not essential, and the shoulder could simply be formed by the change in diameter from the inner portion 4 to the outer portion 5 of the spigot, if desired.

The connector again includes a tapered sleeve 7 that surrounds the spigot and is arranged so as to be able to trap an inserted hose against the shoulder 6 on the spigot 3 in use.

In this embodiment, a mechanism for restraining the sleeve 7 in its retracted position such that the hose can be released is provided. In particular, a pair of raised keys 30 are arranged on opposing sides of the outer surface of the sleeve 7 and arranged to run in corresponding L-shaped slots 31 arranged on opposing sides in a cover 21 provided around the sleeve (and fixed to the connector body), as shown in Figure 4. (Figure 4 shows one key 30 and its corresponding slot

31; the corresponding second key and slot are on the opposing sides of the sleeve 7 and cover 21 and thus cannot be seen in the view of Figure 4.) The keys 30 may, e.g., be moulded with the sleeve 7, or be separate components affixed thereto. This arrangement has the effect that when the keys 30 on the sleeve 7 is arranged in the longitudinally extending portions of the slots 31 in the cover 21, the sleeve can move axially along the spigot 3 to thereby trap and retain a hose against the spigot 3. However, if the sleeve 7 is rotated relative to the cover 21 such that its keys 30 rest in the other part of the slots 31 that do not extend along the axis of the spigot, then the sleeve 7 will be restrained from movement along the axis of the spigot 3 by means of the keys 31 abutting against the cover 21, such that the sleeve 7 will be restrained in its retracted position, thereby allowing the removal of an inserted hose from the spigot 3.

In use of this embodiment, the hose is pushed onto the spigot 3 and firmly into the tapered sleeve 7 as before. The hose can then be pulled out slightly and (when the keys 30 on the sleeve are arranged in the correct portion of the slots 31 in the cover 21) , the sleeve 7 will follow, until it firmly grips the hose against the shoulder 6 on the spigot 3. This squashes the end of the hose into less than its normal bore.

To release the hose, the hose is pushed inwards, thereby pushing the sleeve inwards, and twisted so that the twisting hose rotates the sleeve relative to the cover 21 such that the keys 30 on the sleeve 7 engage in the restraining portion of the slots 31. The hose can then be pulled out of the connector.

It should be noted here that the slots 31 will also allow the hose to be viewed inside the connector as it is inserted.

In this embodiment, the sleeve is rotated relative to the connector to move it between its free and restrained positions in the slots 31. An alternative arrangement would be for the connector to be rotatable relative to the sleeve for that purpose. As can be seen from the above, the present invention can be used in a variety of arrangements, including, but not limited to, as a new connector system, to couple two hoses back-to-back, and/or with existing coupling systems.

The present invention has been found to provide a number of advantages over existing hose connectors . For example, it can accommodate relatively stiff flexible hoses, and hoses of varying outside diameter and material, as may be found among typical garden hoses. It will also automatically compensate for any "memory" effect of typical flexible or semi-flexible (e.g., garden) hoses (i.e. where the pressure on the hose at the sealing point over time results in a semi-permanent reduction of the hose wall thickness and reduction of the sealing effect) .

Furthermore, the connector arrangement of the present invention facilitates operation of connector simply by pushing the hose into the connector (onto the spigot) and then withdrawing the hose slightly such that it is gripped by the connector. Similarly, the hose can be removed simply by pushing the hose inwardly to release the grip and then withdrawing the hose whilst holding the sleeve in its retracted position.

Claims

1. A connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot for receiving a hose or pipe in use, the spigot having a circumferentially extending raised shoulder on its outer surface at one point along its length; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot; and the spigot and sleeve being arranged such that the sleeve may press a hose or pipe against the shoulder on the spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the spigot comprises a substantially cylindrical portion or portions extending longitudinally from one or both sides of the shoulder.

3. The connector of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the spigot is substantially cylindrical, save for the shoulder, for its entire length.

4. The connector of claim 1, 2, or 3 , wherein the shoulder is located inwardly of the free end of the spigot and spaced apart therefrom.

5. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoulder is formed by a circumferentially extending bulge on the outer surface of the spigot.

6. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shoulder is formed as the join between two portions of the spigot that have differing outside diameters.

7. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the spigot inwards of the shoulder has an outside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the spigot between the shoulder and the free end of the spigot .

8. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve is arranged such that attempted removal of the hose or pipe from the spigot in use will entrain the sleeve and thereby compress the hose between the sleeve and the shoulder on the spigot.

9. The connector of any one of the preceding claims , wherein the arrangement is such that the hose may be squashed to smaller than its normal diameter by the connector.

10. A connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot, the sleeve being arranged so as to be capable of compressing the hose to a diameter smaller than its normal diameter; the sleeve and spigot being arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot .

11. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the sleeve is tapered so as to progressively force the hose to adopt a smaller diameter as it is inserted into the sleeve.

12. A connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use, the spigot having an outer portion having a first outside diameter and an inner portion having a second outside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the outer portion of the spigot; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot and having an inside diameter that narrows in a direction away from the free end of the spigot; the sleeve and spigot being arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot.

13. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve is provided with means to allow water to be exhausted from the sleeve as a hose is pushed into it.

14. A connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for the flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot; the sleeve and spigot being arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot; wherein: the sleeve is provided with exhaust means for allowing fluid pressed between the hose and sleeve in use to escape from the inside of the sleeve.

15. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein connector releasably retains the hose.

16. The connector of claim 15, wherein the connector is arranged such that the sleeve can be restrained in its hose-releasing position.

17. The connector of claim 16, wherein the sleeve, connector body and/or another component mounted on the connector body can be moved between a first relative position that allows the sleeve to move along the length of the spigot and a second relative position in which the sleeve is restrained from moving along the length of the spigot.

18. A connector for a hose or pipe, comprising: a connector body having a throughbore for a flow of fluid therethrough; the body comprising a spigot over which the end of a hose or pipe may be placed in use; the connector further comprising: a movable sleeve surrounding the spigot and arranged so as to be able to press a hose or pipe against the spigot in use, thereby to retain the hose or pipe on the spigot; wherein the sleeve, connector body and/or another component mounted on the connector body can be moved between a first relative position that allows the sleeve to move along the length of the spigot and a second relative position in which the sleeve is restrained from moving along the length of the spigot.

19. The connector of claim 16, 17, or 18, wherein the sleeve restraining arrangement is activated by rotating the sleeve about the longitudinal axis of the spigot relative to the connector body and/or relative to another component mounted on the connector body.

20. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratchet-type arrangement is provided for the sleeve, such that as the sleeve moves outwardly in use, it is retained and restrained in its new sealing position.

21. The connector of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plug or valve arrangement that is movable within the throughbore of the connector to block or control the flow of fluid through the connector.

22. A method of connecting a hose or pipe to a connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: pushing a hose or pipe over the end of the spigot of the connector and between the sleeve and the spigot, such that the hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot.

23. A method of connecting a hose or pipe to a connector comprising a spigot and a sleeve surrounding the spigot and arranged such that a hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot in use, the method comprising: pushing a hose or pipe over the end of the spigot of the connector and between the sleeve and the spigot, such that the hose or pipe may be gripped between the sleeve and spigot.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, comprising pushing the hose or pipe onto the spigot, forcing it over a shoulder on the spigot and against and then into the sleeve, such that the hose or pipe is squashed inside the sleeve and thereby retained on the spigot.

25. A connector for a hose or pipe substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings .

26. A method of connecting a hose or pipe substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings .