TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is in the field of port units for controlling the extension and retraction therethrough of hoses, and more specifically in the field of central pressureYvacuum systems configured with port units for controlling the extension and retraction therethrough of hoses.

PRIOR ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

- US8,479,353

- US3,353,996

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

Central pressureYvacuum systems are used for many purposes, and at many configurations. Such systems can be used for transporting fluids from or to a desirable location, and generally comprise one or more pipes and hoses extending in flow communication between a pressureYvacuum source and the location to or from which transportation of fluids is desirable.

The term fl ' uid' as used hereinafter in the specification and claims denotes any flowable material, such as gaseous material and/or liquids. Also, such fluids can carry along particulate material, e.g. in the case of a vacuum cleaner wherein the vacuumed air carries particles of dirt and dust and occasionally also amounts of liquid. A common use in such central pressureYvacuum systems is for cleaning systems. For example, US3, 353,996 discloses a suction cleaning system and method of operation, wherein the system has a conduit communicatively connected to a source of suction, with an elongate pliable hose normally stored within the conduit, and arranged to have any desired length thereof withdrawn from the conduit for reaching the area to be cleaned, and wherein upon completion of the cleaning operation the withdrawn length of hose is retracted into the conduit for storage under the impetus of the suction from the source by restricting the flow of the suction current from the hose into the conduit by manipulation of a valve positioned adjacent the extended end of the hose.

Cleaning systems of that kind can comprise a unit for controlling the extension and retraction of the hose. For example US8,479,353 discloses a hose valve for central vacuum cleaning systems that employ retractable suction hoses of the type that retract into a system vacuum pipe. The hose valve comprises a valve box with a connection port wherein a locking assembly is secured within the valve box. The locking assembly includes a compression cylinder. A cylindrical deformable sleeve is coaxially disposed within the compression cylinder. The deformable sleeve is radially inwardly deformable responsive to an axial compressive force. A thrust means is provided for engagement with the compression cylinder to impose a compressing force on the deformable sleeve. The thrust means being axially movable from a first unlocked non-compressing position where the deformable sleeve is in its non-deformed condition, to a second locked compressed position where the deformable sleeve is compressed to cause deformation with its walls collapsing radially inward to form a seal around a retractable hose disposed through the locking assembly.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a wall mountable housing, configured for mounting within an opening in a wall having a first side and a second side, the housing is configured with a first doorway and a second doorway respectively, and comprising:

a pipe coupling port, constituting an opening into the housing, other than said first and second doorways; and

a wall securing arrangement, configured for securing the housing to the wall.

The wall mountable housing of the present disclosure is suitable for use, according to an aspect thereof, with a pipe system comprising a stationary pipe fixed within a wall and a flexible hose, coaxially disposed within the pipe and displaceable between a fully retracted position and extended positions. Such a pipe system is useful for example in a central vacuum system.

According to a second aspect of the disclosed subject matter the wall mountable housing is configured for use in conjunction with a port unit for controlling the extension and retraction of a retractable flexible hose through the pipe coupling port, said hose being configured for fluid transportation therethrough.

The hose is received and is axially displaceable within a pipe fixed within the wall and extending between the port unit and a pressure/vacuum source. The arrangement is such that the hose, at any of its extended positions, constitutes a continuity of the pipe.

The pipe coupling port is configured with a coupler assembly for axially arresting the hose with respect to the pipe and preventing its axial displacement while proving a fluid tight seal between the pipe and the hose.

The coupler assembly is configured between an unlocked position wherein the hose is axially displaceable with respect to the pipe, and a locked position wherein the hose is arrested at a desirable axially extended\retracted position with respect to the pipe.

According to one particular embodiment, the coupler is further configured with a sealing arrangement, for at least partial sealing of an annular gap residing between the hose and the pipe, when the hose is at an arrested position thereof.

According to a particular configuration, at least at the fully extended position, a gap between an end of the hose secured to the pipe and the surrounding pipe at the vicinity of the coupler assembly is sealed. According to a modification of the disclosure, at any locked position the gap between the hose and the surrounding pipe at the vicinity of the coupler assembly is sealed.

The port unit is further configurable with an activating arrangement for activating and deactivating the pressureYvacuum source.

According to another aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a coupler assembly for use in conjunction with a pipe system of the aforementioned type, the coupler provided for axially arresting and releasing the hose with respect to the pipe and preventing its axial displacement, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the hose through the pipe. The pipe system is configured for transporting fluids, either pressurized or under vacuum. The coupler assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure comprises: a hose arresting member configured as a cylindrical body with a first hose passageway extending between a first end and a connecting end and having a first inner surface; The hose arresting member further comprises a hose arresting portion configured for radially inwards deformation only, into the first hose passageway, said hose arresting portion comprising a hose gripping portion with an external displacement portion for radial displacement thereof;

a pressure member configured as a cylindrical body with a second hose passageway coextending the first hose passageway, said pressure member comprising a force applying surface configured for bearing against the external displacement portion of the hose arresting member, and restricted for axial displacement only with respect to the hose arresting member;

one or both of the displacement portion of the hose arresting member and the force applying surface of the pressure member is configured with a tapering surface so as to convert axial motion of the pressure member into radial motion of the hose arresting portion; and

a manipulating mechanism for axially displacing the pressure member.

According to a particular aspect of the present subject matter there is disclosed a coupler assembly for use in conjunction with a wall mountable pipe system, the coupler provided for axially arresting and releasing a hose slideably received within a pipe and preventing its axial displacement, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the hose through the pipe. The pipe system is configured for transporting fluids, either pressurized or under vacuum.

The coupler assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure comprises: a hose arresting member configured as a cylindrical body with a first hose passageway extending between a first end and connecting end; the hose arresting member further comprises a hose arresting portion in the form of a plurality of axially extending longitudinal finger-like segments, each segment having a fixed end facing the first end, and a free end facing the connecting end and configured for radially inwards displacement only, into the first hose passageway. Said free end of the hose arresting portion of each segment comprises a hose gripping portion configured to grip an external surface of the hose, and a displacement portion disposed at an external surface of the hose arresting portion; a pressure member configured as a cylindrical body with a second hose passageway coextending the first hose passageway, extending between a hose arresting end and a second end. At least one of said pressure member and said displacement portion of the hose arresting portion comprises a tapering force applying surface facing and bearing against the other of said pressure member and said displacement portion, so as to convert axial displacement of the pressure member into inwardly radial displacement of the finger-like segments forming hose arresting portion.

a manipulating mechanism for axially displacing the pressure member against the hose arresting member.

The pressure member is restricted for axial displacement only with respect to the hose arresting member, by at least one projection disposed on one or both of the pressure member and the hose arresting member and configured for sliding engagement within guiding tracks of the other one or both of the pressure member and the hose arresting member.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in any one or more of the aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, independently or in combinations thereof:

• The port unit can comprise doors for covering the doorways.

• The doors of the port unit can be attached to the housing through door frames, and can be opened through a sliding arrangement or through an axis arrangement.

• The activating arrangement of the port unit can activate and deactivate the vacuum\pressure source through an electrical signal. The activating arrangement can be configured with a switch manually or automatically manipulable upon opening/closing of any one of the doors.

• The activating arrangement can be configured with a securing automatic turn-off arrangement of the vacuum\pressure source, for example a button, positioned inside the housing in such manner that when opening the door of the port unit it will un-push the button and activate the vacuum\pressure source and when closing the door it will push the button and deactivate the vacuum\pressure source.

• The housing can be configured with an activating switch supports. • The wall securing arrangement can be in the form of one or more securing flanges, protruding laterally outwardly from the housing.

• A distance between at least one door frame and the wall securing arrangement can be configured for adjusting according to varying thickness of the wall (i.e. the depth of the opening through the wall). The distance can vary for example owing to thickness of plaster coating, wall board thickness, etc..

• The adjustment of a desirable distance between at least one door frame and the wall securing arrangement can be obtained by using screws according to the desired distance, and placing suitable spacers, spacing between the housing and the door frame so as to place the door frame at the desired distance.

• The port unit can comprise a sealing arrangement, between the housing and the door frames, configured for providing adequate seal at varying mounting conditions of the housing within the opening in the wall.

• At the locked position of the coupler, a gap between the hose and the surrounding pipe at the vicinity of the coupler assembly can be sealed.

• The coupler assembly can be removably mounted to the housing through a U-shaped coupler threaded into corresponding designated tracks in the housing.

• Mounting of the housing within the wall can be initially performed in a temporary state of the housing, wherein temporary, removable covers, cover the doorways of the housing.

• One of the doorways of the housing can be covered such that the inner space is accessible only through one doorway configured with a closable door.

• The hose of the port unit can be configured with a helical groove spiraling along its outer surface.

• The gripping portion of each one of the plurality of the finger-like segments of the hose arresting member can be in the form of a protrusion configured to engage with the helical groove on the outer surface of the hose. • The manipulating mechanism of the coupler can be a ring, configured for rotating over corresponding helical guiding tracks on the pressure member, thereby applying axial displacement to the pressure member.

• The manipulating mechanism of the coupler can be a U-shaped element, configured with two arms and a link attaching the arms. Each one of the U-shaped element and the pressure member, or both, configured with tapering surfaces engageable with corresponding surfaces the other one of the U-shaped element and the pressure member, so as to convert lateral motion of the U-shaped element into an axial displacement of the pressure member by bearing the tapering surfaces against the corresponding surfaces.

• The hose arresting member can be at least partially rigid.

• The hose arresting member can be non deformable in an axial direction.

• The hose arresting member can be configured with a laterally extending segmented skirt, for restricting axial displacement of the manipulating mechanism.

• The pressure member can be configured with a laterally extending segmented skirt for restricting rotary displacement of the manipulating mechanism.

• The pressure member can comprise a limiting element, configured for restricting the displacement of the manipulating mechanism.

• Sealing the gap between the hose and the surrounding pipe can be facilitated by linkage of the finger-like segments when the coupler is in its locked position.

• The free end of the hose arresting portion of each segment can comprise a hose gripping portion in the form of a protrusion.

• The finger-like segments can be rigid though elastic at least such that their free end can displace into the first hose passageway under radial force and assume its original position after ceasing of said radial force

• The finger-like segments are arranged side by side so as to form together a cylindrical shape concentrically arranged within the first hose passageway. • The finger-like segments are normally disposed at a non-axially deflected position, i.e. do not interfere with the first hose passageway.

• The finger-like segments can be disposed within the first hose passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross section view of a central pressureYvacuum system in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 2A is a schematic right perspective view of a port unit in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 2B is a schematic left perspective view of the port unit of Fig. 2A, in a pulled out position of a coupler thereof;

Fig. 3 is a schematic front perspective view of a wall mountable housing in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the wall mountable housing of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the wall mountable housing of Fig. 3, mounted within a wall;

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the wall mountable housing of Figs. 2 A and 2B in its temporary closed position;

Fig. 6B is a cross section view of the wall mountable housing of Fig. 6A, taken along plane II-II.

Fig. 6C is a side view of a port unit in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, mounted within a wall and operable from one side.

Fig. 7A is a schematic cross section view of the port unit of Figs. 2A and 2B, taken along plane I-I, mounted within a wall;

Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-section view of the port unit shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, when provided with spacers and mounted within a wall; Figs. 8A and 8B are a perspective exploded view and a perspective assembled view, respectively, of a coupler assembly in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C are a perspective view, a side view and a cross section view taken along the line I - 1 in Fig. 9B , respectively, of the hose arresting member of the coupler assembly of Figs. 8 A and 8B;

Figs. 10A, 10B and IOC are a perspective view, a side view and a cross section view taken along the line II- II in Fig. 10B , respectively, of the pressure member of the coupler assembly of Figs. 8 A and 8B;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the manipulating mechanism of the coupler assembly of Figs. 8A and 8B;

Fig. 12A and 12B are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line III - III in Fig. 12A, respectively, of the coupler assembly of Figs. 8A and 8B, in its un-locked position;

Fig. 12C and 12D are a side view and a longitudinal cross section view taken along the line IV - IV in Fig. 12C, respectively, of the coupler assembly of Figs. 8A and 8B, in its locked position;

Figs. 13A and 13B are cross section views of the coupler assembly of Figs. 8A and 8B, in its locked position and in its un-locked position, respectively.

Fig. 14A is a side view of the coupler assembly in accordance with yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 14B is a perspective view of the coupler assembly of Fig. 14A;

Fig. 14C is a perspective view of the hose arresting member of the coupler assembly of Fig. 14A; and

Fig. 14D is a perspective view of the pressure member of the coupler assembly of Fig. 14 A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a wall mountable housing and a coupler assembly, which in the illustrated example are configured for use in conjunction with a port unit for controlling the extension and retraction therethrough of a hose, as will be described below. Attention is first directed to Fig. 1 , illustrating a central pressureWacuum system 1, comprising a port unit 10 mounted within a wall W, which separates two spaces, e.g. rooms Ra, Rb. The port unit 10 is configured for controlling the extension and retraction of a retractable flexible hose 20 through a pipe 40 into each one of the two spaces separated by the wall W, for the purpose of transporting fluids through the hose 20 to or from the space.

The hose 20 is received and axially displaceable within the pipe 40 and being in flow communication with the pipe 40. The pipe 40 is fixed within the wall W and extending between the port unit 10 and a pressure/vacuum source 30, and being in flow communication with the pressureWacuum source 30, and hence the hose 20 is in flow communication with the pressureWacuum source 30 via the pipe 40. The arrangement is in such manner that the hose 20, at any of its extended positions a portion of the hose 20 is retained within the pipe 40 so that it constitutes a continuity of the pipe 40. Though disposed beneath the port unit 10 in the illustrated embodiment, it is appreciated that the pressureWacuum source 30 can be disposed in any location allowing the pipe to extend between the port unit 10 and the pressureWacuum source 30 through the wall W.

The port unit 10, shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, comprises a wall mountable housing generally designated as 100 and accommodating therein a coupler assembly generally designated 200, an activating arrangement 500, and has two door frames 400 and 410, and two doors 401 and 411 attached to the door frames 400, 410, respectively.

Attention is now drawn to Figs. 3 to 6, the wall mountable housing 100 constitutes a structural frame of the port unit 10 and configured to support its different components.

The illustrated housing 100 has an inner space 110, defined by a side wall 120 and at least two doorways, a first doorway 130 and a second doorway 140, configured to be covered by doors 401 and 411 through door frames 400 and 410, respectively. The housing 100 further has a pipe coupling port 150, constituting an opening into the housing 100, extending outwardly from the inner space 110, and configured for receiving the coupler assembly 200.

The housing 100 also comprises a wall securing arrangement, configured for securing the housing 100 to the wall W which in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of two wall securing flanges 160 extending from the side wall 120 outwardly relative to the inner space 110, configured for securing to the wall W by threading bolts or the like through holes 162.

As can be seen in Figs. 3 to 6, the flanges 160 are disposed adjacently to one of the doorways 130. Once secured to the wall W, the flanges are covered by plaster coating P, seen in Figs 6B and 6C.

The housing 100, further comprises two activating switch supports 170 configured for receiving therein the activating arrangement 500 (shown Figs. 2A, 2B). It is appreciated that the activating arrangement 500 is configured with a securing automatic turn-off arrangement of the vacuum\pressure source. In the example illustrated for each doorway 130 and 140, activating switch supports 170 are placed adjacently, in such manner that closing each one of the doors 401 and 411 will result in contact between the door and the activating arrangement 500 mounted within the adjacent activating switch support 170, so as to depress the switch to thereby deactivate the pressureYvacuum source 30, and opening each one of the doors will dissociate the door from the adjacent activating arrangement 500 so as to activate the pressureYvacuum source 30. It can be seen in Figs. 2A and 2B that the activating arrangement 500 is a button, extending outwardly from the activating switch support 170 and configured to respond as explained above in the event of openingYclosing the doors 401 and 411. The port unit 10 is provided with a sealing arrangement (not shown), configured for providing seal between the activating arrangement 500 and the activating switch support 170, thereby preventing leakage of air therethrough.

The wall mountable housing 100 further comprises tracks 180 for removably receiving a U-shaped coupler 182, seen in inserted and pulled out positions in Figs. 2A- 2B, configured for coupling the coupler assembly 200 to the wall mountable housing 100. The U-shaped coupler 182 can be secured to the tracks through designated bolts.

Threads 192 are disposed adjacent to the doorways 130 and 140 and facing them, configured for receiving screws for the purpose of mounting the door frames 400 and 410 to the housing 100. It is appreciated that the distance 199 between the door frame 400, to which the flanges 160 are adjacent, and the flanges 160 can be configured for adjusting according to varying thickness of the wall W (i.e. the depth of the opening through the wall). The distance can vary, for example, owing to thickness of plaster coating P, wall board thickness, etc. The adjustment of a desirable distance 199 between the door frame 400 and the flanges 160 can be obtained by using screws according to the desired distance, and placing suitable spacers 194, spacing between the housing 100 and the door frame 400 so as to place the door frame at the desired distance. The distance 199 shown in Fig. 7A is adjusted for width of XI, for which spacers 194 are not required, and the distance 199 shown in Fig. 7B is adjusted for width of X2, for which spacers 194 are required. Plaster coating P illustrated in the above figures shows examples of two different thicknesses of plaster coating XI and X2.

Sealing 196, configured for providing proper sealing between the housing 100 and the door frames 400 and 410 can provide sealing in any of the mounting configurations, with and without spacers 194.

The mounting of the housing 100 within the wall W can be performed initially in a temporary state of the housing, shown in Figs. 6A to 6C, wherein temporary covers 195 are removably mounted to the threads 192 and covering the doorways 130 and 140. The plaster coating P can be placed following to the mounting of the housing 100. The coupler assembly 200, the activating arrangement 500, the door frames 400 and 410 and the doors 401 and 411 can be added to the housing later, to form the port unit 10.

It is possible to replace only one of the temporary covers 195 with one of the doors 401\411, as illustrated in Fig. 6C, or to replace both of the temporary covers 195 with the doors 401 and 411, and thereby adjust the port unit 10 to be operated from one side or from both sides of the wall W. A configuration of operating the port unit 10 from one side, such as in Fig. 6C, is changeable by replacing the temporary cover 195 with a door frame and a door, thereby adjusting the port unit 10 for operation from both sides.

The pipe coupling port 150 of the housing 100 is configured for receiving the coupler assembly 200. The coupler assembly 200 is configured for axially arresting the hose 20 with respect to the pipe 40 and preventing its axial displacement while providing a fluid tight seal between the pipe 40 and the hose 20.

The coupler assembly 200, shown in Figs. 8 A and 8B, is configured between a locked position wherein the hose is arrested at a desirable axially extended\retracted position with respect to the pipe, as will be further discussed with respect to Figs. 12C and 12D, and an unlocked position wherein the hose is un-arrested with respect to the pipe and allowing the hose 20 to move relative to the pipe 40, as will be further discussed with respect to Figs. 12A and 12B.

Fig. 8A is an exploded perspective view of an example of coupler assembly 200, having a hose arresting member 220, a pressure member 240 and a manipulating mechanism 260, and Fig. 8B is a perspective view of the illustrated example of the coupler assembly 200 in its assembled view.

As shown in Figs. 9A - 9C, the hose arresting member 220 is configured with a cylindrical body having a first end 221 and a connecting end 222 defining a first hose passageway 223 therebetween for receiving the hose 20. The illustrated hose arresting member 220 is rigid and is non deformable in its axial direction.

The hose arresting member 220 comprises a plurality of axially extending finger-like segments 224, disposed within the first hose passageway 223, having a fixed end 227 attached to a first inner surface 225 of the hose arresting member 220, and a free end 228 capable of moving laterally. The finger-like segments 224 are arranged side by side along a virtual circumference of a cylinder so as to form together a cylinder-like cage concentrically arranged within the first hose passageway, in such manner that allows the hose to pass through the first hose passageway 223;

Each one of the plurality of the finger-like segments 224 of the hose arresting member 220 comprises a hose gripping portion 226, on its free end 228, arranged in such manner so as to engage with a helical groove 21 along the outer surface of the hose 20 for the purpose of arresting the hose 20, in the locked position of the coupler assembly 200. Each one of the plurality of the finger-like segments 224 of the hose arresting member 220 further comprises a displacement portion 232, configured for converting axial force applied thereto into radial displacement of at least free ends 228 of the finger-like segment 224 consequently.

The finger-like segments 224 are rigid though elastic at least such that their free end 228 can displace into the first hose passageway 223 under radial force and assume its original position after ceasing of the radial force. An example of the displacement of the segments 224 into the first hose passageway 223 is shown in Fig. 12D, which shows the coupler assembly 200 in its locked position.

The illustrated hose arresting member 220 further comprises guiding tracks 229, configured for guiding the pressure member to move vertically when displaced between the locked position and the un-locked position, as will be described below. For the purpose of improving the seal between the arresting member 220 and the coupling port 150 of the housing 100, an O-ring seal 230 is provided within a designated groove.

The illustrated hose arresting member 220 is further configured with a laterally extending segmented skirt 233, for restricting axial displacement of the manipulating mechanism.

The pressure member 240, seen in Figs. 10A - IOC, is configured with a cylindrical body having a hose arresting end 241 and a second end 242 defining a second hose passageway 243 therebetween, configured for receiving the hose 20, and configured to be coaxial with the first hose passageway 223. The pressure member 240 illustrated in the drawings comprises a conical protrusion 244, extending laterally inwardly from a second inner surface 245 of the pressure member 240, having a tapering force-applying surface 246 facing the hose arresting end 241. The force applying surface 246 of the conical protrusion 244 is configured for bearing against the displacement portion 232 of finger-like segments 224 when in locked position, so as to convert axial pressure of the pressure member 240 into inwardly radial displacement of the finger-like segments 224 forming hose arresting portion 231.

The pressure member 240 illustrated in the drawings further comprises two projections 250, configured for restricting the pressure member 240 for axial displacement only with respect to the hose arresting member 220, and configured for sliding engagement within guiding tracks 229 of the hose arresting member 220.

The pressure member 240 illustrated in the drawings further configured with helical guiding tracks 247 configured for helically converting a rotary actuation of the manipulating mechanism 260 into a vertical displacement of the pressure member 240.

The manipulating mechanism 260 of the illustrated coupler is a ring, configured for rotating over corresponding helical guiding tracks 247 on the pressure member, thereby applying axial displacement to the pressure member.

In the illustrated embodiment of the pressure member 240 also comprises a rotation limiting ring 248, disposed on the second end 242 of the pressure member 240, extending outwardly in the radial direction and having two segments with different diameters 248a and 248b, forming two stopping shoulders 249, in the meeting points of the segments 248a and 248b. The stopping shoulders 249 are configured for restricting the rotation of the manipulating mechanism 260. The manipulating mechanism 260, shown in Fig. 11 is configured for determining between a locked position and an un-locked position of the coupler assembly 200, and is configured for being operated by the user.

The manipulating mechanism 260 illustrated in Fig. 11 is configured with an annular body 261 and with two operating ears 262, throughwhich the user can rotate the manipulating mechanism 260. The manipulating mechanism 260 also comprises three helical displacement projections 264, configured for sliding engagement within helical guiding tracks 247 of the pressure member 240, thereby converting the rotation of the manipulating mechanism 260 to axial displacement of the pressure member 240.

When rotating the manipulating mechanism 260 for the purpose of shifting the coupler assembly from an un-locked position, seen in Figs. 12A and 12B without the hose 20 and in Fig. 13B with the hose 20 released for axial movement, the pressure member will consequently displace axially towards the hose arresting member. As a result, the force applying surface 246 of the pressure member 240 will bear against the displacement portion 232 of the arresting portion 231, and cause radial inward displacement of the free end 228, into a locked position of the coupler assembly 200.

A locked position of the coupler assembly 200 can be seen in Figs. 12C and 12D without the hose 20, and in Fig. 13A with the hose 20 arrested therein. When in locked position, the gripping portions 226 are engaged with the helical groove 21 on the outer surface of the hose 20, thereby fixing the hose 20 in a desirable extended\retracted position, relative to the pipe 40.

A further example of the coupler assembly, with the numeral reference 300 is illustrated in Figs. 14A to 14D. The coupler assembly 300 comprises a hose arresting member 320, a pressure member 340 and a manipulating mechanism 360, similarly to the coupler assembly 200.

The hose arresting member 320, illustrated in Fig. 14C, and is functionally similar to the hose arresting member 220.

The pressure member 340 is different from the pressure 240 in its axial displacement operation. While in the pressure member 240 was axially displaceable through its helical guiding tracks 247, the pressure member 340 comprises a tapered guiding surface 347, at an outer surface of its body, replacing the helical guiding tracks and configured for guiding the pressure member 340 axially when receiving lateral pressure. Fig. 14B is illustrating the pressure member 340 assembled with the hose arresting member 320, and the manipulating mechanism 360 disconnected.

The manipulating mechanism 360, seen assembled within the coupler assembly 300 in Fig. 14A, is configured with a "U" shape, having two arms 362. Each one of arms 362 comprises a tapered pressing surface 364, configured to press a respective guiding surface 347. When pressing the manipulating mechanism 360 laterally, i.e. in the direction to which arrows 365 point, against the pressure member 340. The bearing of the tapered pressing surface 364 against the guiding surface 347 will convert the lateral pressure from the manipulating mechanism 360 into an axial displacement of the pressure member 340, i.e. in the direction to which arrow 345 points.

Although in the illustrated configuration both the pressure member 340 and the manipulating mechanism 360 comprise tapered surfaces, it is appreciated that at least one of the pressure member 340 and the manipulating mechanism 360 can comprise tapered surfaces for the purpose of converting lateral press of the manipulating mechanism 360 into an axial displacement of the pressure member 340.

Apart from the configuration of the manipulating mechanism and the conversion of it lateral\rotary actuation into an axial displacement of the pressure member 240 the coupler assembly 300 functions identically to the coupler assembly 200.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.