TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a connector assembly for indoor taps. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a spring-loaded water stop which overcomes major demerits, particularly for application with the indoor taps.

BACKGROUND

Conventional connector assembly for a hose generally makes use of a means to check flow of water through the hose. But such means prove to be less efficient for a disassembled state of a connecting tool (say a sprayer) from the hose. In many cases, a pressure-based“water stop” is used as the means to check the flow, however, this leads to an undesirable operation because of various reasons. Firstly, there can be an erratic or unreliable pressure from the water inside the hose or the connector assembly leading to an undesirable operation of the“water stop”. Such pressure may also lead to undesirable damage or pose security risk for the connector assembly or any component thereof.

Moreover, during disassembly of the connecting tool from the hose, there can be near absence of a pressure sufficient enough to properly actuate the“water stop”. This can lead to disappointment for a user of the connector assembly. The foretold problems become more critical in case of indoor installation. More particularly, malfunctioning or leakage from indoor water tap connectors can have a possibility of causing damage to expensive and water-prone goods.

There have been efforts in the past to address such issues. But, such efforts fail to fully address both implementation shortcomings and user inconveniences. Further, there have been major concerns regarding safety and maintenance of indoor water-prone goods from inadvertent damage from malfunctioning of the connector assembly.

Thus, there is a need of an improved connector assembly particularly for application in indoor installations. SUMMARY

In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a connector assembly for connecting a hose pipe to a water tap. The connector assembly includes an adapter element having a first end and a second end. The adapter element is coupled to the water tap towards the first end of the adapter element. The connector assembly includes an inner cover member to receive the adapter element. The inner cover member defines at least one opening. The connector assembly includes an outer cover member provided concentrically around the inner cover member such that the outer cover member and the inner cover member define an annular space in between. The outer cover member slides between a first position and a second position. The connector assembly includes at least one protrusion provided within the annular space such that the at least one protrusion is adapted to engage with the at least one opening when the outer cover member is in the first position. Moreover, the at least one protrusion is adapted to disengage with the at least one opening when the outer cover member is in the second position.

The connector assembly includes a first biasing member provided in the annular space between the inner cover member and the outer cover member. The first biasing member biases the outer cover member in the first position such that the at least one opening receives the at least one protrusion and retains the adapter element. The connector assembly includes a stopper element coupled to the inner cover member. The stopper element slides between a closed position and an open position. The stopper element prevents water to flow through the connector assembly in the closed position. Further, the stopper element allows water to flow through the connector assembly in the open position. The connector assembly is characterized in that a second biasing member is coupled to the inner cover member. The second biasing member is adapted to bias the stopper element in the closed position. The stopper element slides to the open position when the adapter element is engaged with the inner cover member. Moreover, the stopper element slides to the closed position when the adapter element is disengaged with the inner cover member. Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, safe and convenient operation of the connector assembly, particularly for some more demanding installations such as with indoor taps and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adapter element has threads on an inner surface, and the water tap includes threads on an outer surface such that the adapter element and the water tap may be threadably coupled to each other. Provision of the threads make the adapter more applicable for a common user without a need of special assembly tools.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the water tap has threads on an inner surface, and the adapter element has threads on an outer surface such that the adapter element and the water tap are threadably coupled to each other. This ensures ease of assembly and disassembly of the adapter with the water tap depending upon the type of application.

It should be contemplated that the threadable engagement of the adapter element and the water tap is only exemplary in nature. The adapter element may be coupled to the water tap on any other manner as well such that adhesive means, press-fit, etc. The present disclosure is not limited by means of engagement of the adapter element and the water tap in any manner.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the stopper element defines a first seat for the adapter element. This ensures proper positioning of the adapter element as will be required for a trouble-free operation of the connector assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover member defines a second seat for the stopper element. This provides a secure seating arrangement for the stopper element resulting in a safe and secure implementation.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a washer is provided between the second seat and the stopper element. The washer checks undesired leakage of any liquid from between the seat and the stopper element, and may also help in maintaining compactness of the connector assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first biasing member and the second biasing member are selected from one or more of a spring, elastomer, and a damper. The choice of the first biasing member or the second biasing member will be dependent upon a multitude of factors such as, but not limited to, liquid (water) flow requirements, type or size or life of the connector assembly, the tap or the water hose.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover member includes threads on an outer surface to be coupled to an additional component. This may prove beneficial in case of a requirement to attach the connector assembly to the additional component.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the additional component can be selected from one or more of a hose connector, a tap connector, and a tool connector. This provides for a versatile and user-friendly operation of the connector assembly.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover member is made up of a flexible material. Such configuration of the inner cover allows flexibility and convenience for fitting the hose with the inner cover.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover member further includes a water outlet. The water outlet can directly engage with the hose with less kink-prone configuration of the hose because of angle of the water outlet.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inner cover member further includes a perlator. Role of the perlator is to ensure better mixing of air with water flowing through the inner cover along with keeping a check on lime or debris build-up. Further, the perlator provides with a better user experience of using the tap connector.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adapter member further includes a perlator. Presence of the perlator, preferably around the second end of the adapter member provides a debris-resistant and aeration-enriched working. Further, the perlator within the adapter element provides with a better user experience when only the adapter element is coupled to the water tap.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one opening includes three openings, and the at least one protrusion includes three protrusions. Number of the openings and protrusions may be decided while considering different factors related to one or more of the connector assembly, liquid flow requirements, operating life etc. These components are crucial or a safe and risk-free operation of the connector assembly, and their number will also generally depend on such safety factors among others.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a water supply arrangement showing a hose pipe coupled to a water tap through a connector assembly, and supplying water to a sprayer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the connector assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a front cross-sectional view of the connector assembly with an adapter element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front cross-sectional view of the connector assembly without the adapter element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of the connector assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the adapter element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 7 shows a top perspective view of the adapter element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention 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 invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can 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 invention. 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.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention 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 invention being set forth in the following claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly 100 for connecting a hose pipe 110 to a water tap 120. The connector assembly 100 is attached to the water tap 120. The present disclosure generally makes reference to an indoor water tap 120, although the present disclosure is not to be limited by type of the water tap 120 in any manner. The hose pipe 110 can be any type of pipe as used or known in the art. As evident, choice of the connector assembly 100 may be dependent upon a multitude of factors, including the hose pipe 110 and the water tap 120. Further, the hose pipe 110 is generally connected to any type of a watering tool, or any other such equipment as per application requirements. In the illustrated embodiment, the hose pipe 110 is coupled to a sprayer 130. It should be contemplated that other connecting tools have been contemplated and are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

The connector assembly 100, as illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, can be assembled or disassembled with the hose pipe 110 or the water tap 120 as per the application requirements. This allows use of a single connector assembly 100 with multiple sets or combinations of the hose pipe 110 or the water tap 120, or even application of different connector assemblies with the hose pipe 110 or the water tap 120, as is generally required as per need of different users or installations.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the connector assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly 100 can be attached to the water tap 120 by use of an adapter element 200. In some embodiments, the water tap 120 can have threads (not shown) on an outer surface or an inner surface, The adapter element 200 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) may have threads on an inner surface of an outer surface. The water tap 120 and the adapter element 200 can be threadably coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the adapter element 200 has threads on an outer surface and the water tap 120 has threads on an inner surface, such that the adapter element 200 and the water tap 120 are threadably coupled to each other.

In another embodiment, the adapter element 200 has threads on an inner surface and the water tap 120 has threads on an outer surface, such that the adapter element 200 and the water tap 120 are threadably coupled to each other. This ensures ease of assembly and disassembly of the adapter element 200 with the water tap 120 although any other assembly means such as, but not limited to, press- fit, elastic-fit can be readily employed without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the connector assembly 100 is generally a cylindrical shaped component with two-ends for input and output of a fluid, generally water. Other shape variations of the connector assembly 100 are possible and contemplated, however, the present disclosure has a preference for the cylindrical- shape due to aesthetic and ergonomic considerations.

The connector assembly 100 includes an inner cover member 210 adapted to receive the adapter element 200. Further, the inner cover member 210, is in turn, received by an outer cover member 220. The outer cover member 220 is provided concentrically around the inner cover member 210 such that the outer cover member 220 and the inner cover member 210 define an annular space in between. The outer cover member 220 is adapted to slide between a first position and a second position.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner cover member 210 is made up of a flexible material such that the inner cover member 210 may be coupled to an additional component. In another embodiment the inner cover member 210 is formed of rigid material.

The additional component may be selected from one or more of a hose connector, a tap connector, and a tool connector. The additional component may be rotated or tilted to suit application with the hose pipe 110 in a stretched state. This takes prominence for cases where the hose pipe 110 is more prone to kink or bend-forming as could be expected for hoses of longer lengths. Further, flexibility of the inner cover member 210 allows convenience for fitting the hose pipe 110 with the inner cover member 210 in a more user-friendly manner. Likewise, the outer cover member 220 can be made of any rigid or flexible material such as, but not limited to, plastic, polymers, metals, as used or known in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a front cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 100 with the adapter element 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The inner cover member 210 incorporating a backing element 302 that holds the washer 312 in place. Further, the inner cover member 210 defines at least one opening 306. The opening 306 allows desired locking of the inner cover member 210 during some conditions of the connector assembly 100, as elaborated in the forthcoming description. The connector assembly 100 includes at least one protrusion 308 provided within the annular space such that the protrusion 308 engages with the adapter element 200 when the outer cover member 220 is in the first position.

Moreover, the at least one protrusion 308 is adapted to disengage with the adapter element 200 when the outer cover member 220 is in the second position. The connector assembly 100 includes a first biasing member 310 provided in the annular space between the inner cover member 210 and the outer cover member 220. The first biasing member 310 biases the outer cover member 220 in the first position such that the at least one opening 306 receives the at least one protrusion 308 and retains the adapter element 200.

In some embodiment, the at least one opening 306 can include three openings 306. Number of the openings 306 may be decided while taking into account different factors related to one or more of the connector assembly 100, liquid flow requirements, operating life etc. Likewise, from symmetry and safety considerations, the at least one protrusion 308 can include three protrusions 308. However, the present disclosure is not to be limited by the number of opening(s) 306 and the number of protrusion(s) 308 of the connector assembly 100 in any manner.

The inner cover member 210 of the adapter element 200 preferably includes a first washer 312 for a safe and leak-proof working of the adapter element 200 in the connector assembly 100. Further, the inner cover member 210 defines a second seat 314 for a stopper element 320. This provides a secure seating arrangement for the stopper element 320 while arresting any undesired movement of the stopper element 320 during working of the connector assembly 100.

In some embodiments, the second washer 316 can be provided between the second seat 314 and the stopper element 320. Choice and number of the second washer 316 will generally depend upon the type of application. However, major role of the second washer 316 would be to plug undesired leakage of the fluid from between the second seat 314 and the stopper element 320. The inner cover member 210 can include threads (not shown) on an outer surface to be coupled to an additional component. The additional component can be selected from one or more of a hose connector, a tap connector, and a tool connector or any other connector as used or known in the art.

The connector assembly 100 includes the stopper element 320 coupled to the inner cover member 210. The stopper element 320 slides between a closed position and an open position. The stopper element 320 prevents water to flow through the connector assembly 100 in the closed position. Further, the stopper element 320 allows water to flow through the connector assembly 100 in the open position. The stopper element 312 defines a first seat 304 to receive the adapter element 200.

The connector assembly 100 includes a second biasing member 324 coupled to the inner cover member 210. The second biasing member 324 is adapted to bias the stopper element 320 in the closed position. The stopper element 320 slides to the open position when the adapter element 200 is engaged with the inner cover member 210. And, the stopper element 320 slides to the closed position when the adapter element 200 is disengaged with the inner cover member 210.

The additional component coupled to the inner cover member 210 further includes a water outlet 326. The water outlet 326 can have freedom-of-movement (FOM) along multiple planes, as could be required, to directly engage with the hose pipe 110 leading to a less kink-prone configuration of the hose pipe 110 on account of versatility of angle of engagement of the water outlet 326.

FIG. 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first biasing member 310 and the second biasing member 324 can be selected from one or more of a spring, an elastomer, and a damper. The choice of the first biasing member 310 or the second biasing member 324 will be dependent upon a multitude of factors such as, but need not necessarily, liquid (water) flow requirements, type or size or life of the connector assembly 100, the water tap 120 or the hose pipe 110. As will be appreciated by a person having knowledge in the art, the first biasing member 310 and the second biasing member 324 are not to be construed as any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show perspective views of the adapter element 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter element 200 has a first end 602 and a second end 604. During installation of the adapter element 200, the second end 604 of the adapter element 200 moves against the first seat 314 and displaces top of the stopper element 320 from the closed position, as best illustrated in FIG. 3. This movement of the stopper element 320 from the closed position to the open position, through engagement of the adapter element 200, allows the stopper element 320 to work as a valve to permit the flow of the liquid through the gap between the stopper element 320 and the inner cover member 210. The stopper element 320 remains in the open state as long as the adapter element 200 is not disassembled. As illustrated here, the stopper element 320 has been shown with a sloping profile making a V-shape such that only the top of the sloping profile engages with the second end 604 of the adapter element 200 while leaving enough room for the fluid to pass through the stopper element 320. However, shape of profile of the stopper element 320 is not to be considered a constraint and can be replaced or supplemented by any other stopper as used or known in the art, since the present disclosure is not to be limited by the stopper element 320.

Reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 helps to better appreciate and provide a better understanding between the closed position and the open position of the stopper element 320 of the connector assembly 100, respectively. Downward movement of the stopper element 320 to the open position, on account of the adapter element 200, provides opening 306 for the fluid as best illustrated in FIG 4.

The adapter element 200 is coupled to the water tap 120 towards the first end 602 (best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) of the adapter element 200. The exemplary adapter element 200, as illustrated in the present disclosure, has the form of a hollow cylinder with dimensions in accordance and just fitting for the water tap 120 and the inner cover member 210. Internally, profile of the adapter element 200 is divided by two sets of diameters. Around the first end 602 of the adapter element 200, the diameter (dl as shown in FIG. 6) is smaller and in close tolerance to the water tap 120 for a desired fit. Then, the diameter increases (marked by d2 in FIG. 7) from around the end of the water tap 120 fitted inside the adapter element 200 to around the second end 604 of the adapter element 200, for a secure fit with the inner cover member 210. It will be appreciated by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art that such a profile is exemplary, and deviations or variations are possible depending upon type of application of the connector assembly 100, or more preferably, the adapter element 200. In some embodiments, the adapter element 200 has threads (not shown) on an inner surface. Provision of the threads make the adapter element 200 more applicable for a common user, by obviating any need of special assembly tools for installation or deinstallation of the adapter element 200.

Externally, the adapter element 200 can have a different profile with a series of wedges, a first wedge 606, and a second wedge 608 (multiple wedges are possible but not marked here from aesthetical considerations) covering the dimensions between the first end 602 and the second end 604. The wedges i.e. the first wedge 606 and the second wedge 608 or any other wedge, have been contemplated for different and multiple reasons such as a seamless engagement with the inner cover member 210. More particularly as illustrated in FIG. 6 and 7, the protrusions 308 engage between the first wedge 606 and the second wedge 608 as will be desired for least or no undesirable movement between the adapter element 200 and the inner cover member 210. Presence of the wedges also serves a purpose of ease of handling of the adapter element 200 while assembling or disassembling with the inner cover member 210, among other implementation benefits.

During installation, at least some part around the first end 602 of the adapter element 200 remains outside the top of the inner cover member 210 as illustrated by the present disclosure. This is also required for ease of access, particularly during disassembly of the adapter element 200. In some embodiments, the adapter element 200 or the inner cover member 210 may further include a perlator (not shown) to ensure better mixing of air with water flowing through the inner cover along with keeping a check on lime or debris build-up. Moreover, the perlator may be supplemented or replaced by any other flow enhancing or filtering means as used or known in the art.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention 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 invention being set forth in the following claims.

LIST OF ELEMENTS

100 Connector Assembly

110 Hose Pipe

120 Water Tap

130 Sprayer

200 Adapter Element

210 Inner Cover Member

220 Outer Cover Member

304 First Seat

306 Opening

308 Protrusion

310 First Biasing Member

312 First Washer

314 Second Seat

316 S econd Washer

320 Stopper Element

324 First Biasing Member

326 Water Outlet

602 First End

604 Second End

606 First Contour

608 Second Contour