Garden hose connector

Abstract

A garden hose connector arrangement comprises a hose connection portion 1 for receiving an end of a garden hose. The hose connection portion comprises: a hose receiving portion 32 in which a sleeve 33 for receiving an end of a length of hose is provided; and a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut 41 and a plurality of deformable jaws 52 surrounding the sleeve 33 and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose H carried on the sleeve 33 under the action of the locking nut 41. In some embodiments, the jaws 52 are arranged such that they extend axially inward into the hose receiving portion 32. In some embodiments, a skirt portion S is provided around the sleeve 33 so as to define a hose receiving area R between the skirt portion S and the sleeve 33, and an inspection window W is provided in the skirt portion S so as to enable observation of the hose end as it is introduced onto the sleeve 33 and into the hose receiving area R.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to garden hose connectors, such as those found in garden hose fittings. Background Art

[0002] A garden hose connector is used to attach the end of a length of hose to a component. In some cases, a garden hose attaches directly to a component such as a faucet, a water tank, a water spout (such as a hose gun). More typically, a garden hose attaches to a hose fitting, which itself facilitates the connection of the hose to another component.

[0003] One prior art type of garden hose connector comprises a hose receiving portion in which a spigot for receiving the end of a length of hose is disposed, and a clamping arrangement for clamping the hose to the spigot. The clamping arrangement comprises a locking nut and a plurality of forwardly facing deformable jaws surrounding the spigot. When the hose is mounted, it is introduced between the ends of the jaws and the spigot and onto the spigot. The jaws are arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the spigot under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the spigot.

[0004] One problem that can occur with such hose connectors is that it can be difficult to feed the hose onto the sleeve, especially when using hoses with different wall thicknesses. Sometimes the user has difficulty installing the hose. Other times, the user may damage the connection between the jaws and the rest of the connector in an effort to install the hose.

[0005] Additionally, with these types of connectors, it is necessary to place the locking nut on the hose before fitting the hose to the sleeve so that the nut is ready to be tightened onto the connector. This is an additional step for the user to complete / remember.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide alternative forms of garden hose connectors. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a garden hose connector arrangement comprising a hose connection portion for receiving an end of a garden hose, the hose connection portion comprising:

[0008] a hose receiving portion in which a sleeve for receiving an end of a length of hose is disposed; and

[0009] a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable jaws surrounding the sleeve and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the sleeve,

[0010] The hose connecting part has a hose introduction end, through which the hose is introduced onto the sleeve during use, and the claw has: a first end portion, through which the claw is connected to the hose connecting part; and a second engaging end portion, which is used to bite into the carried hose, and the first end portion of the claw is closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting part than the second end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes inwardly into the hose connecting part.

[0011] The garden hose connector arrangement may be a garden hose fitting and further include a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garden hose fitting comprising a hose connecting portion for receiving an end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

[0013] The hose connection part includes:

[0014] a hose receiving portion in which a sleeve for receiving an end of a length of hose is disposed; and

[0015] a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable jaws surrounding the sleeve and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the sleeve,

[0016] The hose connecting part has a hose introduction end, through which the hose is introduced onto the sleeve during use, and the claw has: a first end portion, through which the claw is connected to the hose connecting part; and a second engaging end portion, which is used to bite into the carried hose, and the first end portion of the claw is closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting part than the second end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes inwardly into the hose connecting part.

[0017] This helps to install the hose end on the sleeve from a certain direction so that the hose end passes the coupled end of the jaws before reaching the engaging end of the jaws. This means that if the jaws happen to initially sit at a circumference that is smaller than the outer circumference of the hose end, the jaws will tend to be naturally pushed radially outwards by the end of the hose. This may occur when the connector is used for the first time and / or if a hose with a relatively thick hose wall is used in the connector after the connector has been used with a hose with a relatively thin hose wall.

[0018] In one set of embodiments a skirt portion is provided around the sleeve to define a hose receiving area between the skirt portion and the sleeve, and an inspection window is provided in the skirt portion to enable viewing of the hose end as it is introduced over the sleeve and into the hose receiving area.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a garden hose connector arrangement comprising a hose connection portion for receiving an end of a garden hose, the hose connection portion comprising:

[0020] a hose receiving portion in which a sleeve for receiving an end of a length of hose is disposed; and

[0021] a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable jaws surrounding the sleeve and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the sleeve,

[0022] The hose connection part has a hose introduction end, through which the hose is introduced into the sleeve in use, a skirt part is arranged around the sleeve so as to define a hose receiving area between the skirt part and the sleeve, and an inspection window is arranged in the skirt part so as to be able to observe the hose end when the hose end is introduced into the sleeve and enters the hose receiving area.

[0023] The garden hose connector arrangement may be a garden hose fitting and further include a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garden hose fitting comprising a hose connecting portion for receiving an end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting,

[0025] The hose connection part includes:

[0026] a hose receiving portion in which a sleeve for receiving an end of a length of hose is disposed; and

[0027] a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable jaws surrounding the sleeve and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the sleeve,

[0028] The hose connection part has a hose introduction end, through which the hose is introduced into the sleeve in use, a skirt part is arranged around the sleeve so as to define a hose receiving area between the skirt part and the sleeve, and an inspection window is arranged in the skirt part so as to be able to observe the hose end when the hose end is introduced into the sleeve and enters the hose receiving area.

[0029] The provision of an inspection window may assist a user in fitting a hose in the connection portion as this helps to ensure that the hose is properly inserted onto the sleeve. If the hose is not properly fitted onto the sleeve, a poor connection may result. Sometimes it may be difficult for a user to properly fit a hose, or more particularly difficult to know if / when the hose has been properly fitted. The problematic aspect of a user fitting a hose becomes apparent when testing a connection portion having an "inwardly projecting claw" as defined above, but is relevant and beneficial in relation to the portion of the hose connector that includes the sleeve and not the details of the clamping mechanism, and for example when provided in a prior art garden hose connector of the type described in the introduction above.

[0030] The inspection window may be provided as an aperture in the skirt portion. In the alternative, the inspection window may be provided as a transparent or translucent portion in the material of the skirt portion.

[0031] Preferably, the inspection window is arranged in the skirt portion at a position towards the proximal end of the sleeve. This can help the user to see that the inserted hose is completely on the sleeve.

[0032] The sleeve may include a stop area against which the end of the fully installed hose should reach when properly installed, and the inspection window may be aligned with the stop area.

[0033] In a group of embodiments of a garden hose connector arrangement based on the third aspect of the present invention and a group of embodiments of a garden hose accessory based on the fourth aspect of the present invention, the claw has: a first end portion, via which the claw is connected to the hose connecting portion; and a second engaging end portion, which is used to bite into the carried hose, and the first end portion of the claw is closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion than the second end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes inward into the hose connecting portion.

[0034] In a set of alternative embodiments of a garden hose connector arrangement based on the third aspect of the present invention and a set of alternative embodiments of a garden hose accessory based on the fourth aspect of the present invention, the claw has: a first end portion, via which the claw is connected to the hose connecting portion; and a second engaging end portion, the second engaging end portion being used to bite into the carried hose, and the second end portion of the claw is closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion than the first end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes toward the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion.

[0035] This corresponds to the arrangement of the jaws in the prior art type of garden hose connector described in the introduction with outwardly projecting / forwardly facing jaws.

[0036] Many of the following sub-features relate primarily to connector arrangements and fittings having inwardly protruding jaws, but at least some of the sub-features may also relate to connector arrangements and fittings having outwardly protruding / forwardly facing jaws.

[0037] The claw may be carried on the locking nut. In this case, preferably, the clamping arrangement comprises a sleeve member comprising the claw.

[0038] The locking nut may be rotatably mounted on the sleeve member for rotation about an axis of the sleeve member.

[0039] This may allow the sleeve member, and therefore the jaws, not to rotate when the locking nut is rotated, that is, so that the jaws may bite into and not rotate relative to the carried hose while the locking nut is being rotated.

[0040] The locking nut and sleeve member may be arranged such that when the locking nut is tightened onto the body of the hose connection part, the sleeve member is driven axially relative to the body of the hose connection part while the locking nut is rotatable relative to the sleeve member.

[0041] The locking nut and the sleeve may be mounted to each other so as to be held for relative axial movement while being rotatable relative to each other.

[0042] The locking nut may be captured on the sleeve member. These parts together may be referred to as a locking assembly.

[0043] The sleeve member may include a collar portion to which the jaws are coupled.

[0044] Each jaw may be coupled to the collar portion via a respective plastic hinge.

[0045] Each jaw may be coupled to the collar portion via a respective plastic hinge portion and arranged to be bent about the plastic hinge portion into gripping contact with a carried hose.

[0046] The sleeve member may be in one piece. The jaw and collar portions may be in one piece, for example in one piece of plastics material.

[0047] The jaws and hose receiving portion may be arranged such that axial movement of the jaws further into the hose receiving portion tends to drive the jaws radially inwardly towards the sleeve.

[0048] Each jaw may include at least one tooth portion for biting into a carried hose.

[0049] At least one tooth portion may be arranged as a barb. This may cause the tooth to tend to bite more into the hose when attempting to pull the hose out of the hose connection portion, which in turn increases the force required to extract the hose.

[0050] Each jaw may have a cam surface arranged for interacting with a corresponding cam surface of the hose receiving portion for driving the jaws radially inwardly towards the sleeve when the jaws are driven axially into the hose receiving portion under the action of the locking nut.

[0051] The garden hose connector arrangement may include a threaded shank portion on which the locking nut is arranged for threaded engagement. The threaded shank portion may include a skirt portion. The inspection window may be at least partially disposed in a threaded portion of the threaded shank portion.

[0052] The cam surface of the hose receiving portion may include a ramp portion that is inclined to the axis of the hose receiving portion.

[0053] The inclination angle of the ramp relative to the axis of the hose receiving portion may be in the range of 10 to 50 degrees. In some cases, a range of 40 to 60 degrees may be preferred. In other cases, a smaller angle (e.g., 20 to 35 degrees) may be preferred.

[0054] The cam surface of the hose receiving portion may include at least one guide portion for preventing lateral movement of the pawl when the locking nut is tightened and the pawl moves axially along the cam surface.

[0055] The at least one guide portion may include at least one guide channel.

[0056] At least one guide channel may have a flared portion for receiving the claw when the locking assembly including the claw is mounted on the body and then guiding the claw to a suitable angular position relative to the body of the connecting part.

[0057] The connector mounting portion may comprise a portion of a push-fit connector system for receiving and retaining a portion of a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting. The connector mounting portion may comprise a female portion of a push-fit connector system (such as a "quick connect" system widely used in Europe and elsewhere) for receiving a corresponding male portion on another component.

[0058] In a quick-connect connection system, one part is a male part and carries at least one O-ring seal, and the other part is a female part and includes a hole, which is arranged to receive the male part, and the O-ring seal is sealed against the wall of the hole. The female part also includes a plurality of engagement fingers, which are arranged to elastically move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing the male part to be inserted and removed in the receiving hole. When the male part is introduced into the receiving hole, once the two parts are fully engaged, the engagement fingers are driven to the retracted position and returned to the extended position. A release mechanism is provided for releasing the two parts. When operated, this will retract the engagement fingers so that the male part can be removed.

[0059] The accessory may include a female portion of a quick-connect connection system, namely at least one of:

[0060] an aperture arranged to receive the male portion;

[0061] a plurality of engagement fingers arranged to resiliently move between an extended position for capturing the male portion and a retracted position for allowing insertion and removal of the male portion in the receiving aperture; and

[0062] A release mechanism is used to release the two parts, which release mechanism when operated retracts the engagement fingers so that the male part can be removed.

[0063] In an alternative, the connector mounting portion may comprise a threaded connector portion for connection with a corresponding threaded connector portion on another component.Such a system is more commonly used in the United States, for example.

[0064] The sleeve member may include a hose expansion retainer. This may extend axially beyond the extent of the locking nut to prevent expansion of the carried hose in the region where the hose intersects the hose connector portion.

[0065] The expansion retainer may also help prevent undesirable over-bending of the hose in the area of ​​the hose connector portion.

[0066] The locking nut may be assembled on the sleeve member by elastic deformation of the sleeve member and / or the locking nut.The locking nut and the sleeve may be manufactured as one component, for example by additive manufacturing.

[0067] The connector arrangement will typically be arranged to accept a variety of different sized hoses, particularly hoses of different hose wall thicknesses.

[0068] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a garden hose connector arrangement assembly comprising a garden hose connector arrangement as defined above having a length of hose mounted in a hose receiving portion.

[0069] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a garden hose fitting assembly comprising a garden hose fitting as defined above having a length of hose mounted in a hose receiving portion.

[0070] Note that, in general and with any necessary modifications in the wording, all additional features that follow the above definition of any aspect of the present invention may be used as additional features of all other aspects of the present invention defined above. Only for the sake of brevity, these additional features will not be reiterated after each aspect of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 A garden hose fitting is schematically shown;

[0073] Figure 2 Installed on the hose Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a garden hose fitting shown in;

[0074] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 The body of the garden hose fitting;

[0075] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A locking assembly for a garden hose fitting;

[0076] Figure 5 It is installed on the hose where the nut of the fitting is tightened to secure the hose. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a garden hose fitting shown in;

[0077] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a first alternative garden hose fitting installed on a hose;

[0078] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative garden hose fitting installed on a hose;

[0079] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third alternative garden hose fitting installed on a hose; and

[0080] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth alternative garden hose fitting installed on a hose;

[0081] Fig.10 It is installed on the hose where the nut of the fitting is tightened to secure the hose. Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a garden hose fitting shown in;

[0082] Fig.11 yes Fig. 9 A cross section on line XI-XI of a garden hose fitting shown in;

[0083] Fig. 12A A fifth alternative garden hose fitting is schematically illustrated;

[0084] Fig. 12B Shown is the installation on the hose Fig. 12A Garden hose accessories shown in;

[0085] Fig.13A A sixth alternative garden hose fitting is schematically illustrated;

[0086] Fig. 13B Shown is the installation on the hose Fig.13A The garden hose fitting shown in; and

[0087] Fig. 13C yes Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A partial cross-sectional view of a garden hose fitting is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A garden hose H (see Figure 2 ) and is used for connecting the hose H to another component (such as a garden faucet) or a hose outlet device (such as a hose gun), etc., and is used for a garden hose fitting.

[0089] The garden hose fitting comprises a hose connection portion 1 arranged to receive the end of a length of hose H and a connector mounting portion 2 arranged to receive a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

[0090] The garden hose fitting has a body 3 having a hole B through which fluid can pass from a component connected to the hose fitting to a hose connected to the hose fitting, and vice versa. A hose connection portion 1 is provided towards a first end of the body 3, and a connector mounting portion 2 is provided towards a second end of the body 3.

[0091] The garden hose fitting comprises a locking assembly 4 threadedly mounted on a threaded stem portion 31 disposed towards a first end of the body 3 .

[0092] Subject 3 Figure 3 , and the locking assembly 4 is shown separately in Figure 4 Shown separately in.

[0093] A hose receiving portion 32 is defined within the threaded shank portion 31, and a sleeve 33 on which a hose end H can be mounted is provided in the hose receiving portion 32. The threaded shank portion 31 includes a skirt portion S provided around the sleeve 33 to define a hose receiving region R therebetween.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the hose connecting part 1 comprises a threaded rod part 31 , a hose receiving part 32 , a sleeve 33 and a locking assembly 4 .

[0095] The locking assembly 4 includes a locking nut 41 having a thread, which is arranged for threaded engagement with the threaded rod portion 31 and the sleeve member 5. The sleeve member 5 has a substantially circular cross-section. The locking nut 41 is mounted for rotation on the sleeve member 5 around the axis of the sleeve member 5. On the other hand, the locking nut 41 is mounted on the sleeve member 5 so as to prevent relative axial movement of the locking nut 41 relative to the sleeve member 5 when the locking nut 41 is tightened onto the threaded rod portion 31.

[0096] The sleeve member 5 comprises a collar portion 51 to which a plurality of hose engaging jaws 52 and an expansion retainer portion 53 are coupled.

[0097] The collar portion 51 includes a peripheral recess 51a in which the circular lip portion 42 of the lock nut 41 is disposed so that the lip portion 42 travels in the recess 51a when the lock nut 41 is rotated about its axis (and the axis of the sleeve member 5). The respective edges 42a, 51b of the lip portion 42 and the recess 51a abut against each other to prevent relative axial movement of the sleeve member 5 and the lock nut 41.

[0098] The hose engaging jaws 52 are each coupled to the collar portion 51 via a respective plastic hinge portion 54, which allows the jaws 52 to deform radially inwardly and outwardly from a rest position. When the locking assembly 4 is mounted on the body 3, the jaws 52 are arranged in the form of a ring and surround the sleeve 33. Therefore, in this state, the jaws 52 can be deformed inwardly toward the sleeve 33 for clamping the carried hose H.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the sleeve member 5 is one-piece, for example a one-piece component of moulded plastics material.

[0100] Each of the jaws 52 comprises at least one respective tooth portion 52a for biting into the hose wall of the carried hose h.

[0101] Each of the claws 52 comprises a cam surface 52b which, in this embodiment, faces away from a toothed portion 52a which is arranged for interacting with a corresponding cam surface 32a provided in the hose receiving portion 32. The cam surfaces 52b, 32a are arranged such that when the locking assembly 4, and therefore the claws 52, are axially moved into the hose receiving portion 32 under the action of the locking nut 41, the claws 52 are urged radially inwardly towards the sleeve 33. Thus, with the hose carried on the sleeve 33, when the locking nut 41 is tightened onto the body 3, the claws 52 are driven into the wall of the carried hose.

[0102] When the jaws 52 bite into the carried hose H, they will tend to be locked against rotation relative to the hose and hence the body 3 of the fitting, whilst the locking nut 41 is able to rotate relative to the jaws 52 and sleeve member 5 as a whole and hence relative to the rest of the fitting.

[0103] Figure 5 The garden hose fitting is shown with the locking nut 41 being tightened and the jaws 52 being pushed radially inwardly and the corresponding toothed portions 52a being pressed into clamping contact with the hose H being carried.

[0104] The locking nut 41 , the claws 52 and the cam surface 32 a in the receiving portion may be considered to comprise a clamping arrangement for clamping the carried hose H onto the sleeve 33 .

[0105] The claws 52 are arranged so that when the locking assembly 4 is mounted on the body 3, they extend axially inwardly into the hose receiving portion 32. The ends of the claws 52 that are coupled (via the hinge portion 54) to the hose connecting portion 1 (particularly the locking assembly 5) are closer to the end of the hose connecting portion into which the hose is introduced than the hose engaging portion of the claws 52 (i.e. the teeth 52a).

[0106] This makes it easier to insert the hose end. If necessary, when inserting the hose, the jaws 52 may tend to be easily opened outward by the end of the hose.

[0107] Further, in this embodiment, the hose H can be mounted on the fitting, and the locking assembly 4 can be mounted on the body 3 simply by introducing the hose end into the hose introduction end of the fitting, ie, by expanding the retainer portion 53 .

[0108] This is in contrast to prior art garden hose connectors mentioned in the introduction, in which a locking nut needs to be separately placed onto the hose before the hose end is fitted onto the sleeve.

[0109] When the hose H is installed in the hose connector portion, the expansion retainer portion 53 is arranged to extend around and along a certain length of the hose H away from the locking nut 41. This helps to protect the installed hose H from undesired expansion in this area, which may otherwise cause hose failure or hose connection failure. Similarly, the expansion retainer portion 53 can help avoid excessive bending of the hose H in the area where the hose intersects the fitting, which can help avoid the hose from being removed from the sleeve 33. It can be noted that even when the locking nut 41 is fully tightened onto the threaded rod portion 31, the expansion retainer portion 53 extends a considerable distance beyond the distal end of the sleeve 33.

[0110] In this embodiment, the connector mounting portion 2 comprises the female portion of a "quick connect" garden hose connection system. That is, the connector mounting portion 2 is arranged to receive the male portion of a quick connect connector.

[0111] The connector mounting portion 2 includes a hole 21 arranged to receive the male part so that an O-ring seal on the male part can seal against the wall of the hole 21. The connector portion also includes a plurality of engagement fingers 22 arranged to be in an extended position (e.g., Figure 2 The male part 22 is elastically movable between a retracted position that allows the male part to be inserted and removed from the receiving hole 21. With this configuration, when the male part is introduced into the receiving hole 21, once the two parts are fully engaged, the engagement finger 22 is driven to the retracted position and returned to the extended position.

[0112] A release mechanism 23 is provided for releasing the two parts. The release mechanism 23 comprises a spring loaded sleeve 23a. When the sleeve 23a is operated, this retracts the engagement finger 22 so that the male part can be removed.

[0113] Figure 6 Shows something like Figures 1 to 5 Shown and referenced in Figures 1 to 5The first alternative garden hose accessory described in the garden hose accessory is described in the garden hose accessory. For the sake of brevity, the garden hose accessory is not shown in this article. Figures 1 to 5 A description of the parts of a common first alternative garden hose fitting. Figure 6 Garden Hose Accessories & Figures 1 to 5 The difference between the garden hose fittings of is that an alternative sleeve member 5' is provided. This alternative sleeve member 5' is similar to Figures 1 to 5 The sleeve member 5 of the embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the embodiment of the present invention, except that it does not include the expansion retainer portion. Therefore, the improved sleeve member 5' comprises a collar portion 51 and a plurality of claws 52 coupled to the collar portion 51 via corresponding plastic hinge portions 54. In this case, the sleeve member 5' terminates just at the outer end of the locking nut 41.

[0114] Figure 7 Shows something like Figures 1 to 5 Shown and referenced in Figures 1 to 5 A second alternative garden hose accessory to the garden hose accessory described herein. Figures 1 to 5 A description of the parts of a common second alternative garden hose fitting. Figure 7 Garden Hose Accessories & Figures 1 to 5 The difference between the garden hose fitting of the present invention and the present invention is that a second alternative sleeve member 5" is provided. This modified sleeve member 5" is similar to the Figures 1 to 5 The sleeve member 5 is identical to that of the embodiment of the present invention, except that it includes a set of improved claws 52 ′. Thus, the second alternative sleeve member 5 ″ includes a collar portion 51 and a plurality of improved claws 52 ′ coupled to the collar portion 51 via corresponding plastic hinge portions 54 .

[0115] Each modified claw 52' includes at least one (and in the present embodiment two) toothed portions 52a', such as Figures 1 to 5 However, in the improved jaws 52', each tooth portion 52a' is arranged as a barb so that when a force is exerted on the hose H relative to the fitting (whereby the force will tend to remove the hose), the tooth portion hooks the wall of the carried hose and tends to dig into the wall of the carried hose H. Further, as the carried hose H is so pulled, the force required to extract the hose H will tend to increase.

[0116] The engagement portion of the modified claw 52' and in particular the corresponding tooth portion 52a' is inclined so as to project inwardly into the hose receiving portion 32 away from the end of the hose receiving portion 32 through which the hose H is introduced. In the present alternative, this arrangement provides a barb effect.

[0117] Figure 8 Shows something like Figure 7 Shown and referenced in Figure 7 A third alternative garden hose fitting to the described garden hose fitting. Figure 8 Garden Hose Accessories & Figure 7 The difference between the garden hose fittings of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is that a third alternative sleeve member 5"' is provided. This improved sleeve member 5"' is different from the Figure 7 The second alternative sleeve member 5 ″ is identical to the second alternative sleeve member 5 ″ except that it includes a set of alternative modified jaws 52 ″. Thus, the second alternative sleeve member 5 ″′ includes a collar portion 51 and a plurality of alternative modified jaws 52 coupled to the collar portion 51 via respective plastic hinge portions 54 .

[0118] Each alternative modified claw 52" includes at least one (and in the present embodiment two) toothed portions 52a", such as Figure 7 As in the sleeve member 5" of the accessory. Figure 7 In the case of the improved claw 52', Figure 8 In an alternative improved claw 52 ″, each tooth portion 52 a ″ is arranged as a barb so that when a force is exerted on the hose H relative to the fitting (whereby the force will tend to remove the hose), the tooth portion hooks the wall of the carried hose and tends to dig into the wall of the carried hose H. Further, as the carried hose H is so pulled, the force required to extract the hose H will tend to increase.

[0119] Still further, the engagement portion of the alternative modified claw 52″ and in particular the corresponding tooth portion 52a″ is inclined so as to protrude inwardly into the hose receiving portion 32 away from the end of the hose receiving portion 32 through which the hose H is introduced. And in this alternative, this arrangement again provides a barb effect.

[0120] However, in Figure 8 In an alternative embodiment, the corresponding tooth portion 52a ″ has a softer or more rounded end portion that comes into contact with the hose H. This end portion is selected so as to provide engagement with the hose H while aiming to reduce the risk of damage to the carried hose H. The purpose is to grip the wall of the hose H and possibly dig into it and deform it, while not cutting into the material of the wall of the hose H.

[0121] Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 Shows something like Figures 1 to 5 Shown and referenced in Figures 1 to 5 A fourth alternative garden hose accessory to the garden hose accessory described herein. Figures 1 to 5 A description of the parts of a common first alternative garden hose fitting. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11Garden Hose Accessories Figures 1 to 5 The difference between the garden hose fittings of is that a different, longer form of the improved claw 952 is provided. In this case, a fourth alternative sleeve member 95 is provided, which includes the improved claw 952, and further features are provided in the hose receiving portion 32 to cooperate with the improved claw 952, as will be described below.

[0122] exist Figures 1 to 8 In the above embodiment, the cam surface 32a in the hose receiving portion is relatively short and is arranged at a 45 degree angle to the axis of the hose receiving portion 32 - in this case, the axis is the same as the axis of the hole B of the body 3. Figures 9 and 10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the cam surface 32a' is longer and at a shallower angle. For example, the cam surface 32a' can be arranged to be, for example, 20 degrees with the axis of the hose receiving portion 32. The typical inclination range of the cam surface 32a' can be 10 degrees to 50 degrees. The use of a smaller inclination angle of the cam surface can help to fix the hose H while reducing the risk of damaging the hose and / or facilitating the insertion of the hose H into the hose receiving portion and / or increasing the life of the claw 952 due to the claw 952 undergoing a smaller degree of bending.

[0123] However, if a smaller angle of inclination is used, problems may arise. This generally indicates the use of a longer jaw 952, and with a longer jaw 952, the jaw 952 may be at greater risk of lateral (or circumferential) bending when the locking nut 41 is tightened. In the present embodiment, this risk is mitigated by providing a plurality of guide channels 32b in the cam surface 32a, such as Fig.11 As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 32 , a wall portion 32 c is provided that defines the edge of the passage 32 b. When the locking nut 41 is tightened and the claw 952 moves axially along the passage 32 b, the wall portion 32 c prevents lateral movement of the claw 952.

[0124] In an alternative embodiment, the channel may have a flared portion (or it may be described as an entry chamfer) for receiving the claws 952 when the locking assembly 4 including the claws 952 is mounted to the body 3 and then guiding these claws to the appropriate angular position relative to the body 3 of the accessory.

[0125] Figures 9 to 11 The claws 952 of the arrangement each include a corresponding tooth portion 952a, which is also as shown Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the case of the arrangement, the arrangement is also as a barb.

[0126] It should be understood that although the present embodiment is in the form of a hose fitting, a hose connector arrangement of this type may be used for other devices. Thus, for example, a hose connection portion 1 of the type described above may be provided directly on another garden component (such as a tap or tap connector, a water tank or water collection bucket, a water outlet device such as a nozzle or hose gun, a water controller such as a water computer, etc.). In this case, this would allow the hose to be directly connected to the corresponding component.

[0127] In an alternative arrangement, the claws 52 / 52' / 52" / 952 may not be carried on the locking nut 41. In this case, for example, the claws 52 / 52' / 52" / 952 may not be arranged for axial movement relative to the hose receiving portion, but rather the nut 41 is arranged to drive the claws 52 / 52' / 52" / 952 into engagement with the carried hose H in another manner (e.g. by carrying or acting on a cam portion that is arranged to act on a corresponding cam portion on the claws 52 / 52' / 52" / 952).

[0128] Also note that if desired, Figures 9 and 10 The guide channel 32b of the type shown in FIG. 1 may be provided in a Figure 1 To the connector portion of the jaws 52 / 52' / 52" of the type shown in Figure 8.

[0129] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Shows something like Figures 1 to 5 Shown and referenced in Figures 1 to 5 A fifth alternative garden hose accessory to the garden hose accessory described herein. Figures 1 to 5 A description of the parts of a fifth alternative garden hose fitting common to the hose fitting. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Garden Hose Accessories & Figures 1 to 5 The difference between the garden hose fittings of the present invention is that an inspection (or observation) window W is provided in the skirt portion S of the threaded rod portion 31 of the main body 3. In the present embodiment, the inspection window W is provided in the material of the skirt portion S in the form of an aperture (or hole).

[0130] Therefore, if Fig. 12A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the user can see the interior of the body 3 and in particular the receiving area R defined between the sleeve 33 and the skirt portion S.

[0131] This means that if Fig. 12BAs shown, when the hose H is mounted on the sleeve 33, the end of the hose H is visible, and it is therefore possible to see whether the hose H is properly mounted on the sleeve 33. This in turn helps to ensure that the hose H is properly captured by the clamping arrangement of the connector part 1 - that is, the hose H is properly clamped between the claws 52 and the sleeve 33, for example Figure 5 shown.

[0132] Ideally, the inspection window extends over the area of ​​the sleeve 33 where the end of one or more expected sizes of inserted hose H is expected to reach when fully installed on the sleeve 33. As will be appreciated, this end location may depend on the original dimensions of the hose - both inside and outside diameters, as well as other factors such as material, age, pre-stretching, etc.

[0133] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C shows that in some respects it is similar to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Shown and referenced in Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B A sixth alternative garden hose accessory that differs from the garden hose accessories described above but is otherwise different. Figures 1 to 12A and Fig. 12B The same reference numerals used in relation to FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C The corresponding parts of the accessories are used in conjunction with each other.

[0134] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Accessories similar to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B A fitting of the type shown in FIG. 1 wherein it includes an inspection window W provided in the skirt portion S of the threaded shank 31 to allow viewing of the hose H when properly mounted on the sleeve 33 and in the hose receiving area R.

[0135] On the other hand, this hose fitting is Figures 1 to 12A and Fig. 12B The hose fitting of is different in that it includes a more conventional forward facing jaw 52 (see Fig. 13C ).

[0136] like Fig. 13C As shown in the figure (which is taken in a cross section not showing the inspection window W), the fitting comprises a sleeve 33, a threaded rod 31, a claw 52 for clamping into a hose H when carried on the sleeve 33, and a nut 41 for driving the claw 52 into engagement with the carried hose H. Thus, in these respects, the fitting is similar to the fitting described further above. However, unlike the claw in the fitting described further above, the claw 52 is provided at the end of the threaded rod 31 and faces forward or outward.

[0137] Despite these differences, as mentioned above, there is a hose receiving region R defined between the skirt portion S and the sleeve 33. Moreover, when the hose H is properly mounted on the sleeve 33 and in this region R, it is visible through the inspection window W, as shown in FIG. Fig. 13B shown.

[0138] Thus, in this type of fitting having forward facing jaws 52, the same benefits and advantages of an inspection window can be obtained as in the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The fitting is shown with jaws 52 facing inwardly.

Claims

1. A garden hose connector arrangement, comprising a hose connection portion for receiving an end of a garden hose, the hose connection portion comprising: a hose receiving portion in which a sleeve for receiving an end of a length of hose is disposed; as well as a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable jaws surrounding the sleeve and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the sleeve, The hose connection part has a hose introduction end, through which the hose is introduced into the sleeve in use, a skirt part is arranged around the sleeve so as to define a hose receiving area between the skirt part and the sleeve, and an inspection window is arranged in the skirt part so as to be able to observe the hose end when the hose end is introduced into the sleeve and enters the hose receiving area.

2. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: The inspection window is provided as an aperture in the skirt portion.

3. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The inspection window is disposed in the skirt portion at a location toward the proximal end of the cannula.

4. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, being a garden hose fitting and further comprising a connector mounting portion for receiving a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

5. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The claw has: a first end portion, the claw being coupled to the hose connecting portion via the first end portion; and a second engaging end portion, the second engaging end portion being used to bite into the carried hose, and the first end portion of the claw being closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion than the second end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes inwardly into the hose connecting portion.

6. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 5, wherein: The claw is carried on the locking nut.

7. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein The clamping arrangement comprises a sleeve member comprising the jaws.

8. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 7, wherein: The locking nut is rotatably mounted on the sleeve member for rotation about the axis of the sleeve member, and the locking nut and the sleeve member are arranged so that as the locking nut is tightened onto the body of the hose connection part, the sleeve member is driven axially relative to the body of the hose connection part while the locking nut is able to rotate relative to the sleeve member.

9. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The sleeve member includes a collar portion to which the jaws are coupled.

10. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 9, wherein: Each jaw is coupled to the collar portion via a respective plastic hinge portion.

11. The garden hose connector arrangement of claim 9, wherein: Each jaw is coupled to the collar portion via a respective plastic hinge portion and is arranged to bend about the plastic hinge portion into gripping contact with a carried hose.

12. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein The sleeve member is one-piece.

13. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein The sleeve member includes a hose expansion retainer.

14. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein The locking nut is assembled on the sleeve member by elastic deformation of the sleeve member and / or the locking nut, or the locking nut and the sleeve are manufactured as one part, for example by additive manufacturing.

15. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein Each jaw includes at least one tooth portion for biting into the carried hose.

16. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 15, wherein: The at least one tooth portion is arranged as a barb.

17. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 16 when dependent on claim 4, wherein The connector mounting portion comprises a portion of a push-fit connector system for receiving and retaining a portion of a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting.

18. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 17, arranged to accept a plurality of hoses of different sizes, in particular hoses of different hose wall thicknesses.

19. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 18, wherein The hose receiving portion includes a cam surface for acting on the jaws as the jaws are driven toward the sleeve.

20. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 19, wherein: The cam surface includes a ramp portion that is inclined to an axis of the hose receiving portion.

21. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 20, wherein: The inclination angle of the slope relative to the axis of the hose receiving portion is in the range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees.

22. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein The cam surface includes at least one guide portion for preventing lateral movement of the pawl when the locking nut is tightened and the pawl moves axially along the cam surface.

23. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 22, wherein: The at least one guide portion includes at least one guide channel.

24. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 23, wherein: The at least one guide channel has a flared portion for receiving the claw when a locking assembly including the claw is mounted on the body and then guiding the claw to a proper angular position relative to the body of the connecting part.

25. A garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The claw has: a first end portion, the claw being coupled to the hose connecting portion via the first end portion; and a second engaging end portion, the second engaging end portion being used to bite into the carried hose, and the second end portion of the claw being closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion than the first end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes toward the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion.

26. A garden hose connector arrangement assembly comprising a garden hose connector arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims having a length of hose mounted in the hose receiving portion.

27. A garden hose connector arrangement comprising a hose connection portion for receiving an end of a garden hose, the hose connection portion comprising: a hose receiving portion in which a sleeve for receiving an end of a length of hose is disposed; as well as a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable jaws surrounding the sleeve and arranged to be driven into contact with a hose carried on the sleeve under the action of the locking nut so that the carried hose can be clamped between the jaws and the sleeve, wherein the hose connection portion has a hose introduction end, through which the hose is introduced onto the sleeve in use, and the jaw has: a first end portion, through which the jaw is coupled to the hose connection portion; and a second engaging end portion, the second engaging end portion being used to bite into the carried hose, and the first end portion of the claw being closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connecting portion than the second end portion of the claw, so that the claw protrudes inwardly into the hose connecting portion.

28. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 27, wherein: The hose receiving portion includes a cam surface for acting on the jaws as the jaws are driven toward the sleeve.

29. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 28, wherein The cam surface includes a ramp portion inclined to an axis of the hose receiving portion, wherein an inclination angle of the ramp relative to the axis of the hose receiving portion is in a range of 10 degrees to 50 degrees.

30. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein The cam surface includes at least one guide portion for preventing lateral movement of the pawl when the locking nut is tightened and the pawl moves axially along the cam surface.

31. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 30, wherein: The at least one guide portion includes at least one guide channel.

32. A garden hose connector arrangement according to claim 31, wherein The at least one guide channel has a flared portion for receiving the claw when a locking assembly including the claw is mounted on the body and then guiding the claw to a proper angular position relative to the body of the connecting part.

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