TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hose connector for a hose. BACKGROUND

Generally, gardening requires a hose that is connected to a source of water supply, such as a tap or a pump, so that water can be delivered through the hose. A hose connector allows quick coupling of the hose with the source of water supply. For coupling the hose with the hose connector, the hose is pushed over a receptacle so that the hose is received by a body of the hose connector. In some situations, the hose is not received up to an appropriate length, or with proper reinforcement, within the hose connector. Conventionally, the receptacle of the hose connector includes a number of tooth shaped ribs disposed circumferentially thereon.

Further, mounting of the hose connector to the hose requires a defined force. A diameter of the receptacle is chosen such that the defined force is low and there is a good sealing between the hose and the hose connector. Typically, the diameter of the receptacle is different from a diameter of the hose. This difference in the diameters may create a flow constriction for water flowing therethrough. Further, a smaller diameter of the hose receptacle may also result in a decrease in a flow cross-section defined by the hose connector, which reduces a flow rate of water therethrough. Thus, there is a need for an improved hose connector which provides improved sealing between the hose and the hose connector, and also provides quick and easy coupling of the hose connector with the hose without any constriction or reduction in the flow cross-section.

An example is provided by U.S. patent application 2, 399, 791 (hereinafter referred to as the ’791 reference). The ’791 reference discloses a hose coupling. The hose coupling includes a connector and a clamping sleeve or shell. The connector has a head, having external threads on an inner end. An outer enlarged end of the head has a hexagonal shape. Further, the external threads end in a smooth transition. Thus, the water may leak from therein, and proper sealing may not be ensured. Therefore, an improved hose coupling arrangement is required.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present disclosure to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a new design of a hose connector for a hose. The hose connector includes a body portion defining an outer thread section. The hose connector also includes an engagement portion defined with the body portion. The engagement portion allows the hose to be pushed on. The hose connector further includes one or more mating elements defined on at least a part of the engagement portion. The one or more mating elements allow engagement of the hose with the hose connector. The engagement portion comprises at least a first part and a second part. The first part is defined around an end of the engagement portion which is opposite to the body portion. The first part of the engagement portion comprises the one or more mating elements in form of a helix element which extends at least partially across the first part. Further a surface of the second part of the engagement portion does not exhibit any mating element and has an outer diameter at least equal to an outermost diameter of the helix element. The present invention is characterized in that the extension of the helix element over the first part stops abruptly such that the helix element defines a stepped end towards the second part having a planar end surface.

The present disclosure provides an improved hose connector having the helix element. This helix element provides ease in turning the hose onto the hose connector. Additionally, the helix element and a pressure generated between the hose and the hose connector together allow firm coupling between the hose and the hose connector. Further, an inner diameter of the engagement portion and a diameter of the hose are almost equal to each other. This feature ensures that the flow cross-section is not constricted, which results in constant flow rate of water through the hose connector and the hose. Moreover, the outer diameter of the second part of the engagement portion is substantially equal to or greater that an outermost diameter of the helix element. Further, as the extension of the helix element over the first part stops abruptly, this feature ensures a radial waterproof sealing, thus any water still flowing out of the engaged hose along the helix element will be stopped latest at this sealing. This is in contrast to the generation and application of helix structures with elements, such as windings with screws, as known from the state of the art forming the knowledge of the one skilled therein. In that case the transition of the helix structure will smoothly taper off into the planar end surface on an element and not at all stop abrupt which manufacturing wise is a difficult task. The disposition of first part around the end of the engagement portion reduces coupling efforts during coupling of the hose with the hose connector.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a total length of the first part and the second part defines the full engagement portion. This arrangement provides easy and firm coupling of the hose by turning the hose onto the hose connector.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an internal diameter of the engagement portion is about the inner diameter of a hose to be pushed on. This dimension of the internal diameter is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the hose which ensures a constant flow rate of water supply through the hose connector and the hose. In one exemplary embodiment, this could be 8.5 mm.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer thread section allows a threaded connection of the hose connector with a clamping nut. The clamping nut provides firm and robust connection of the hose connector with the hose.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a hose connector, in accordance with the present disclosure; FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the hose connector of FIG. 1, coupled with a hose, in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG.3A illustrates a perspective view of an engagement portion of the hose connector as known in prior art; and

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of an engagement portion of the hose connector, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosure. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hose connector 200 for a hose 202. The hose 202 may be connected to a source of fluid supply (not shown) such as a pump, a tap, a pipe, and the like. Further, the fluid may be water or any other fluid of interest, as per requirements. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the hose connector 200. The hose connector 200 includes a body portion 204 defining an outer thread section 206. The body portion 204 defines a first section 208 and a second section 210 disposed adjacent to the first section 208. The second section 210 defines the outer thread section 206. The outer thread section 206 includes a number of threads 207 that are circumferentially disposed on the second section 210 of the body portion 204.

The second section 210 of the body portion 204 defines a first outer diameter “Dl”. Specifically, the first outer diameter “Dl” is defined by the outer thread section 206. The body portion 204 is a hollow piece usually made up of a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic. The body portion 204 may be made up of other materials, such as steel, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, and the like, without limiting the scope of present disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of materials can also be used to manufacture the body portion 204 of the hose connector 200.

Referring to FIG. 2, the body portion 204 also includes a first cylindrical hole 212. The first cylindrical hole 212 defines a first inner diameter “D2”. Fluids, such as water flows through the first cylindrical hole 212 of the body portion 204. The first cylindrical hole 212 includes a first end portion 214 and a second end portion 216. The first end portion 214 has a diverging cross-sectional area whereas the second end portion 216 has a converging cross-sectional area. The first and second end portions 214, 216 are disposed such that water flows from the first end portion 214 of the first cylindrical hole 212 towards the second end portion 216 of the first cylindrical hole 212.

With combined reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the hose connector 200 also includes an engagement portion 218 defined with the body portion 204. The engagement portion 218 allows the hose 202 to be pushed on. The engagement portion 218 is inserted into the hose 202 by turning and pushing the hose 202 onto the engagement portion 218. In the illustrated example, the body portion 204 and the engagement portion 218 are embodied as a single piece unit. Alternatively, the body portion 204 and the engagement portion 218 may be embodied as separate parts that are joined together using techniques, such as welding, brazing, soldering, and the like. The engagement portion 218 is manufactured using the same material as that of the body portion 204.

The engagement portion 218 is in fluid communication with the body portion 204 of the hose connector 200 and disposed downstream of the body portion 204 along a flow direction “FI” of the water. The flow direction “FI” as depicted is only exemplary and shall ease the understanding of the invention, while it is well understood that the flow direction could as well be in the opposite direction according to the usage. The engagement portion 218 is embodied as a generally cylindrical element. The engagement portion 218 includes a first end 220 proximate to the body portion 204 and a second end 222 opposite to the first end 220. The second end 222 of the engagement portion 218 includes a taper portion 224.

The engagement portion 218 includes at least a first part 226 and a second part 228. More specifically, the engagement portion 218 includes the first part 226 proximate to the taper portion 224 (that is opposite to the body portion 204) and the second part 228 proximate to the body portion 204. Further, the first part 226 is defined around the end 222 of the engagement portion 218 which is opposite to the body portion 204. In the illustrated example, the first part 226 is defined around the second end 222 of the engagement portion 218. Further, the first part 226 may also be defined around the first end 220, or anywhere else on the engagement portion 218, in some embodiments.

The first part 226 of the engagement portion 218 defines a length “LI”. Further, the second part 228 of the engagement portion 218 defines a diameter “D3” and a length “L2”. Further, the diameter “D3” is lesser than the first outer diameter “Dl”. A total length “L3” of the first part 226 and the second part 228 defines the full engagement portion 218. Specifically, the length “LI” and the length “L2” when combined define a full length “L3” of the engagement portion 218.

Further, the engagement portion 218 defines an internal diameter “D4”. Specifically, the engagement portion 218 includes a second cylindrical hole 230. that defines the internal diameter “D4”. The second cylindrical hole 230 is in fluid communication with the first cylindrical hole 212. Fluids, such as water flows through the second cylindrical hole 230 of the engagement portion 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal diameter “D4” of the engagement portion 218 is about 8.5 mm. However, the internal diameter “D4” may vary, as per application requirements. Further, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, when the hose 202 is connected to the hose connector 200, the internal diameter “D4” is almost equal to an inner diameter “D5” of the hose 202. This feature ensures that there is no flow constriction for the water passing therethrough. The second cylindrical hole 230 includes a first end portion 232 and a second end portion 234. The first and second end portions 232, 234 are disposed such that water flows from the first end portion 232 of the second cylindrical hole 230 towards the second end portion 234 of the second cylindrical hole 230.

The hose connector 200 further includes one or more mating elements 236 defined on at least a part of the engagement portion 218. The one or more mating elements 236 allow engagement of the hose 202 with the hose connector 200. The mating elements 236 are disposed circumferentially on the engagement portion 218 proximate to the taper portion 224. More particularly, the mating elements 236 are defined on an outer surface of the engagement portion 218.

The present disclosure illustrates the mating elements 236 defined on the length “LI” of the first part 226 of the engagement portion 218. In some embodiments, the length “LI” of the first part 226 (i.e. the mating elements 236) of the engagement portion 218 may cover the total length “L3” of the full engagement portion 218. Further, a proportion of the length “LI” of the mating elements 236 with respect to the total length “L3” of the full engagement portion 218 may depend on various factors relating to the hose 202, and the hose connector 200, among other implementation factors. In some embodiments, the mating elements 236 may be defined discontinuously on the engagement portion 218. Additionally, or alternatively, the mating elements 236 may be provided with any other mating features, such as a ramp, a pin, as known or used in the relevant art.

Further, the one or more mating elements 236 is a helix element 236 defined on the first part 226 of the engagement portion 218. The mating elements 236 may be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the helix element 236, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the helix element 236 includes a continuous helix. Although the helix element 236 is provided on the first part 226, it may be contemplated that the second part 228 may also include the helix element 236, without any limitations. When the hose 202 is coupled with the hose connector 200, the helix element 236 pinches the hose 202 thereby providing a firm coupling and efficient sealing between the hose 202 and the hose connector 200.

The helix element 236 defines an outermost diameter “D6”. Further, the second part 228 of the engagement portion 218 has the diameter “D3” that is at least equal to the outermost diameter “D6” of the helix element 236. This feature ensures that a widened end of the hose 202 presses against the second part 228 which results in a radial waterproof sealing.

The hose connector 200 also includes a collar 238 disposed proximate to the body portion 204. The collar 238 has a circular shape. The collar 238 may include any other shape such as square, triangular, elliptical, and the like. The hose connector 200 further includes a clamping nut 242. The clamping nut 242 is tightened over the second section 210 of the body portion 204 after the connection of the hose connector 200 with the hose 202. The clamping nut 242 engages with the body portion 204. Further, the clamping nut 242 holds an engaged part of the hose 202 onto the engagement portion 218. The clamping nut 242 includes a first element 244 and a second element 246. The first element 244 defines an inner thread section (not shown) which engages with the outer thread section 206 of the body portion 204. Thus, the outer thread section 206 allows a threaded connection of the hose connector 200 with the clamping nut 242.

Further, the first element 244 of the clamping nut 242 is circular in shape. Alternatively, the first element 244 may include any cross section, such as triangular, hexagonal, square, and the like. Further, the second element 246 is a projected cylindrical part which has an internal diameter same as that of an outer diameter “D7” of the hose 202. When the hose 202 is coupled with the hose connector 200, a portion of the hose 202 is radially disposed between the second element 246 of the clamping nut 242 and the engagement portion 218.

The present disclosure provides an improved hose connector 200 for the hose 202. The hose connector 200 includes the helix element 236 that provides ease in turning the hose 202 onto the hose connector 200. Further, the hose 202 gets widened as it is twisted onto the hose connector 200. Additionally, the helix element 236 and a pressure generated between the hose 202 and the hose connector 200 hold the hose 202 firmly. Further, the helix element 236 engages with the hose 202 such that an accidental release of the hose 202 from the hose connector 200 may be prevented. Moreover, the diameter “D3” of the second part 228 of the engagement portion 218 is at least equal to the outermost diameter “D6” of the helix element 236 which results in a radial waterproof sealing.

The hose connector 200 defined herein does not include any sharp changes in cross-section across the hose connector 200 thereby eliminating any flow constrictions through the hose connector 200. Moreover, as the internal diameter “D4” of the engagement portion 218 and the inner diameter “D5” of the hose 202 are almost equal, the flow cross-section is not constricted which results in constant flow rate of water towards the hose 202.

FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate the engagement portion 218 in further detail. Specifically, FIG. 3A illustrates an engagement portion 218’ as known in prior art. The engagement portion 218’ includes a taper portion 224’. The engagement portion 218’ includes a first part 226’ and a second part 228’. The first part 226’ is defined around an end of the engagement portion 218’ which is opposite to a body portion. The first part 226 includes one or more mating elements 236’ in form of a helix element 236’ extending at least partially across the first part 226’. As illustrated, the helix element 236’ is in form of threads on a surface 248’ which allows mounting of a hose with the hose connector. The threads end on the surface 248’ in a manner that a smooth ending transition is provided with the surface 248’. Typically, threads are provided in this manner in any such coupling mechanism. This results in improper sealing or flow profile of the water while flowing through the hose. FIG. 3B illustrates the engagement portion 218 in further details as per present disclosure. The engagement portion 218 includes the first part 226 and the second part 228. The first part 226 is defined around the end 222 of the engagement portion 218 which is opposite to the body portion 204. The first part 226 includes the one or more mating elements 236 in form of the helix element 236 extending at least partially across the first part 226. Further, the extension of the helix element 236 over the first part 226 stops abruptly such that the helix element 236 defines a stepped end towards the second part 228 having a planar end surface 248. The planar end surface 248 is illustrated as having a triangular cross-sectional shape. It should be understood that the planar end surface 248 may have any other cross- sectional shape as well based on the structural profile of the threads.

The stepped end, and hence, the abrupt ending provides for an efficient sealing for water flowing inside the hose 202. Water flowing inside the hose 202 may radially flow along the threads and may also tend to flow further beyond the threads. However, due to the planar end surface 248 and the abrupt ending of the thread, proper sealing of the hose 202 is ensured, and there is no leakage of water therefrom.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the disclosure and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

200 Hose Connector

202 Hose

204 Body Portion

206 Outer Thread Section

207 Threads

208 First Section

210 Second Section

212 First Cylindrical Hole

214 First End Portion

216 Second End Portion

218 Engagement Portion

220 First End

222 Second End

224 Taper Portion

226 First Part

228 Second Part

230 Second Cylindrical Hole

232 First End Portion

234 Second End Portion

236 Mating Element/Helix Element

238 Collar

242 Clamping Nut

244 First Element

246 Second Element 248 End surface

218’ Engagement portion

224’ Taper Portion

226’ First part

228’ Second part

236’ Mating Element/Helix Element

248’ Surface

LI Length of First Part

L2 Length of Second Part

L3 Total Length

FI Flow Direction of Water

D1 First Outer Diameter

D2 First Inner Diameter

D3 Diameter of Second Part

D4 Internal Diameter of Second Cylindrical Hole

D5 Inner Diameter of Hose

D6 Outermost Diameter of Helix Element

D7 Outer Diameter of Hose