Connecting arrangement and connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connecting arrangement for connecting a first item into a second item. The connecting arrangement includes a body having a protruding formation, and a hollow receiving formation for receiving the body. Both the protruding formation and the receiving formation include preferably at least partially conically tapered surfaces that are preferably complementary to each other. An item to be connected is inserted between the receiving formation and the body. The receiving formation is movable between a disengaged condition and an engaging condition. The receiving formation moves with the item being connected so that if the item being connected moves under tension, the receiving formation clamps the item more tightly between the receiving formation and the protruding formation. Locking formations are also provided.

Description

CONNECTING ARRANGEMENT AND CONNECTORField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose connecting arrangement and in particular to a hose connecting arrangement for connecting a hose to a tap or to another hose.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in / with garden hoses and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

[0003] This invention relates to a device and a method used to which grip components by relying on the elastic deformation of the materials involved and the frictional forces between them.Background of the Invention

[0004] At present garden hose connectors may not always be reliable as they rely on sharp gripping formations to dig into the hose to create friction in order to prevent the hose from coming off the fitting. In addition this may damage the hose and weaken it, potentially resulting in leaks from the fitting. Such garden connectors are also not reliable as the gripping formations may be fragile and can break off, losing their efficiency.

[0005] Traditionally, Joining / Connecting tubes / hoses / ropes / rods etc... without welding or gluing is often done by means of penetrating / deforming the material / s at multiple points. These methods often lead to permanent deformation / damage to at least one of the ends being joined.

[0006] For instance, the conventional methods used for connecting garden hoses and the conventional compression nuts used for the more rigid tubes are good examples. See figures 1 and 2. Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art, nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Invention

[0007] The invention seeks to provide a hose connecting arrangement which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0008] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a body configured for connection to the first item, the body including i. a protruding formation, the protruding formation extending from a proximal end at the body to a distal thicker end having a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end; b. a receiving formation, the receiving formation defining a cavity configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formation; c. wherein the protruding formation and the receiving formation are configured for receiving at least part of the second item between the protruding formation and the receiving formation; and d. wherein the receiving formation is movable between a disengaged condition and an engaging condition relative to the protruding formation in which the second item is engaged between the protruding formation and the receiving formation in use; e. wherein tension between the body and the second item causing movement of the second item results in the receiving formation more firmly clamping the second item against the protruding formation.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cavity extends from a proximal end corresponding to the proximal end of the protruding formation to a distal and corresponding to the distal end of the protruding formation.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cavity defines a relatively larger cross sectional area towards the distal end of the cavity than the cross-sectional area of the cavity towards the proximal end of the cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cavity is tapered.

[0012] In one embodiment, the protruding formation is tapered.

[0013] In one embodiment, the receiving formation defines an inner face, the inner face being at least partly frusto-conical.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hollow receiving formation includes one or more selected from an aperture and a recess therethrough.

[0015] In one embodiment, the one or more selected from an aperture and a recess of the hollow receiving formation is configured for receiving one or more selected from the protruding formation and the first item.

[0016] In one embodiment, the hollow receiving formation is connected to the second item.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second item defines a hollow cavity, and the protruding formation is received within the second item.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second item is captured between the protruding formation and the hollow receiving formation.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second item is captured between the protruding formation at the hollow receiving formation, and wherein increased tension between the first item and the second item in use serves to compress the second item between the receiving formation and the protruding formation.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second item defines a second item passage for transfer of fluid in use.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second item is a hose.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first item defines the passage for transfer of fluid in use, and the passage through the body is configured to be in fluid communication with the passage of the first item when the body is connected to the first item.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the protruding formation is received within the hollow second item, the second item passage and the first item passage are in fluid communication with each other.

[0024] In one embodiment, the body is one or more selected from: a. a rope; b. a tap fitting; c. an adjacent similar connecting arrangement; d. a hose connector.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second item is one or more selected from: a. a hose; b. a rope; c. a cable; and d. any other item.

[0026] In one embodiment, the taper of the outer face of the protruding formation and the taper of the inner face of the receiving formation are complementary.

[0027] In one embodiment, the protruding formation defines an at least partly frusto-conical outer face.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least partly frusto-conical inner face of the receiving formation is the same or more acutely angled to the cone axis than the at least partly frusto-conical outer face of the protruding formation.

[0029] In one embodiment, the receiving formation includes a shoulder formation configured for preventing retraction of the body through the one or more selected from an aperture and a recess of the receiving formation.

[0030] In one embodiment, the receiving formation includes an internal thread formation configured for engaging with a complementary outer thread formation on the body.

[0031] In one embodiment, the internal thread formation on the inner face is a rounded thread formation.

[0032] In one embodiment, the internal thread formation on the inner face of the receiving formation is configured for allowing unscrewing of the receiving formation from one or more selected from the second item and the protruding formation for disconnecting the connection between the first item on the second item.

[0033] In one embodiment, the internal thread formation on the inner face of the receiving formation is configured for engaging with a complementary outer thread formation on the body.

[0034] In one embodiment, the internal thread formation on the inner face of the receiving formation is the same pitch as the complementary outer thread formation on the body,

[0035] In one embodiment, the internal thread formation on the inner face of the receiving formation has a smaller thread width than the outer thread formation on the body.

[0036] In one embodiment, the internal thread formation on the inner face of the receiving formation has a thread width that is 0.5 mm to 5 mm thinner than the thread formation on the outer thread formation on the body.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first item includes a detent for engaging with the shoulder formation on the receiving formation.

[0038] In one embodiment, the receiving formation is annular.

[0039] In one embodiment, the receiving formation defines an outer thread formation on an outer face of the receiving formation.

[0040] In one embodiment, the connecting arrangement includes a locking formation configured for locking the receiving formation in its engaging condition.

[0041] In one embodiment, the locking formation is reconfigurable between an unlocked condition in a locked condition.

[0042] In one embodiment, the locking formation is annular.

[0043] In one embodiment, the locking formation extends outwardly of both the receiving formation and one or more selected from the protruding formation and the body.

[0044] In one embodiment, the locking formation includes an internal locking thread formation.

[0045] In one embodiment, the connecting arrangement includes the first item.

[0046] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a body connectable to the first item, the body including a protruding formation, the protruding formation extending from a proximal end at the first item to a distal thicker end having a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end; b. a hollow receiving formation, the receiving formation defining an inner cavity configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formation, the inner cavity defining a smaller cross sectional area towards the proximal end of the protruding formation, and a relatively larger cross-sectional area towards the distal end of the protruding formation; and c. wherein tension between the first item and the second item causes the hollow receiving formation to compress the protruding formation to engage it more firmly.

[0047] In one embodiment, the receiving formation defines a cavity that is at least partly frusto-conical.

[0048] In one embodiment, the receiving formation defines an inner face that is at least partly frusto conical.

[0049] In one embodiment, the receiving formation is movable between disengaged condition and an engaging condition in which the receiving formation engages with the protruding formation.

[0050] In one embodiment, the cavity between the protruding formation of the receiving formation is configured for receiving at least part of the second item.

[0051] In one embodiment, the receiving formation is connectable to the second item.

[0052] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a protruding formation, the protruding formation extending from a proximal end at the first item to a distal thicker end thinner end having a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end; b. a hollow receiving formation, the receiving formation being configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formation, the receiving formation defining an inner face, the inner face being at least partly frusto-conical, and wherein tension between the first item and the second item causes the hollow receiving formation to compress the protruding formation to engage it more firmly.

[0053] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a hose connecting arrangement for connecting a hose to a fitting, the hose connecting arrangement including: a. a body, the body defining a passage therethrough and including i. a protruding formation extending from the body to a distal end, the protruding formation defining an outer clamping surface, the protruding formation being configured for being received into an end of a hose in use with the passage of the body being in fluid communication with the hose; b. an annular receiving formation configured for being received over the distal end of the body and at least partly over the hose in use, the annular receiving formation defining an internal clamping surface that is at least partly frusto-conical; c. wherein the annular mounting formation and the protruding formation are configured to clamp the hose between them in use; and d. wherein the internal clamping surface of the annular mounting formation and the outer clamping surface of the protruding formation define a clamping interface between them having one or more selected from i. a cross-section that remains constant from the proximal end of the protruding formation to the distal end of the protruding formation; andii. a cross-section that reduces in size from the proximal end of the protruding formation towards the distal end of the protruding formation.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first protruding formation defines an outer surface that is at least partly frusto-conical.

[0055] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a hose connecting arrangement for connecting a hose to a fitting, the hose connecting arrangement including: a. a body, the body defining a passage therethrough and including i. a protruding formation protruding to a distal end, the protruding formation defining an outer clamping surface, and the protruding formation being configured for being received into an end of a hose with the passage of the body being in fluid communication with the hose in use; b. an annular receiving formation configured for being received over the distal end of the receiving formation and at least partly over the hose in use, the annular receiving formation defining an internal clamping surface; c. wherein the internal clamping surface of the annular receiving formation and the outer clamping surface of the protruding formation is configured to increase the clamping force of the hose between the protruding formation and the receiving formation as the hose is pulled towards the distal end of the protruding formation.

[0056] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a connector for connecting a hose to a tap, another hose, or other fitting, the connector including: a. at least one or more hose connecting arrangements as described above; and b. a fitting connecting arrangement configured for connecting to one or more selected from the tap, another hose; or other fitting.

[0057] In one embodiment, the fitting connecting arrangement is a hose connecting arrangement as described above.

[0058] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a method of connecting a hose to an item, the method including the steps of: a. providing a hose connecting arrangement as described and a hose;b. sliding the end of the hose over the protruding formation so that the protruding formation is received within a hollow end of the hose; c. moving the receiving formation towards the distal end of the protruding formation until the internal clamping surface of the of the receiving formation engages firmly with the outer surface of the hose to clamp the hose between the protruding formation and their receiving formation.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. turning the receiving formation on a thread on the body to move the receiving formation towards the distal end of the protruding formation.

[0060] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. turning the locking formation on a thread to lock the receiving formation and its engaging condition.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of: a. turning the receiving formation to move on an internal thread to move the receiving formation away from the distal end of the protruding formation to release the clamping force on the hose.

[0062] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a method of connecting a hose to an item, the method including the steps of: a. providing a connector arrangement as described; b. receiving the protruding formation into the receiving formation; and c. moving the protruding formation towards the narrower radius of the frusto- conical internal clamping surface of the annular receiving formation to thereby cause the annular receiving formation to engage more firmly with the protruding formation.

[0063] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to involve a connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a body having a protruding formation, and b. a hollow receiving formation configured for receiving the body; c. wherein the protruding formation and the receiving formation include tapering surfaces that complement each other and are configured for receiving an item to be connected between the protruding formation and the receiving formation in use;d. wherein receiving formation is movable between a disengaged condition and an engaging condition in which the receiving formation engages with the received item in use; and e. wherein in the engaging condition in use, the receiving formation moves with the item under tension to clamp the item more tightly between the receiving formation and the protruding formation.

[0064] A principle of general operation of the present invention is using the structure of an outer receiving formation that moves with an item being tensioned to thereby cause the outer receiving formation to more firmly engage with and clamp down on the item being tensioned.

[0065] The principle of general operation of the present invention is to use a pair of items that have complementary tapered internal and external surfaces to clamp an item being tensioned more firmly as the item moves from the tension.

[0066] The principle of general operation of the present invention is to use the tapering effect of a frusto-conical surface to engage more firmly with an item being tensioned as the item is being tensioned.

[0067] In principle, the use of such method does not cause permanent deformation to thereby enable more frequent gripping and releasing of said components with, also, more ease.

[0068] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0069] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0070] Figure 1 shows a cross-section side view of part of a first prior art hose connecting arrangement;

[0071] Figure 2 shows a cross-section side view of a second prior art hose connecting arrangement;

[0072] Figure 3 shows a cross-section side view of a first embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a hose to a body;

[0073] Figure 4 shows a cross-section side view of a second embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a hose to a body;

[0074] Figures 5 shows a cross-section side view of a third embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a pair of cables;

[0075] Figure 6 shows a cross-section side view of a fourth embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a pair of cables;

[0076] Figure 7 shows a cross-section side view of a fifth embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a cable to a body;

[0077] Figure 8 shows a cross-section side view of a sixth embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a hose to a body;

[0078] Figure 9 shows a cross-section side view of a seventh embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a hose to a body;

[0079] Figure 10 shows a cross-section side view of an eighth embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a hose to a body;

[0080] Figure 11 shows a cross-section side view of a ninth embodiment of a connecting arrangement in use connecting a hose to a body;

[0081] Figure 12 shows a side view of the connecting arrangement of figure 3 as part of a connector for connecting a hose to a tap;

[0082] Figure 13 shows a side view of the connecting arrangement of figure 3 as part of a connector for connecting a hose to another hose;

[0083] Figure 14 shows a plan view of the connecting arrangement of figure 3 as part of a T-piece connector for connecting a hose to two other hoses;

[0084] Figure 15 shows an isometric top front right perspective view of a receiving formation of the connecting arrangement of figure 3;

[0085] Figure 16 shows an isometric top front right perspective view ofprotruding formation and body of the connecting arrangement of figure 3;

[0086] Figure 17 shows an isometric top front right perspective view of the connecting arrangement of figure 3, showing internal hidden detail; and

[0087] Figure 18 shows a cross-section side view of a tenth embodiment of a connecting arrangement for use in connecting a pair of cables.Description of Embodiments

[0088] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[0089] In a first aspect different embodiments of a hose connecting arrangement is denoted by the reference numeral 1000 followed by a letter, and in a second aspect a connectorincorporating a hose connecting arrangement is generally denoted by reference numeral 2000.

[0090] Now described with reference to figures 3 and 15 - 17, there is provided a hose connecting arrangement 1000A for connecting a first item such as a tap (not shown) to a second item 3000 such as a hose 3100. It will be appreciated that alternative items may be required to be connected, for which the hose connecting arrangement 1000A will be suitable. The hose connecting arrangement 1000A may include a protruding formation 1100 protruding from a body 1300, and an annular receiving formation 1200. The body 1300 is configured for connection to the first item.

[0091] The protruding formation 1100 extends from a proximal end 1110 adjacent the body 1300 to a distal end 1120. The distal end 1120 has a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the proximal end 1110. The protruding formation 1100 may define an outer clamping surface 1130 that is frusto-conical in shape, generally defining a tapering shape and cross-section that is larger towards its distal end 1120. The distal end 1120 has a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end 1110.

[0092] The protruding formation 1100 is configured for being received into the hollow end of hose 3100 in use. Hose 3100 defines an internal passage 3110. The body 1300 and protruding formation 1100 may define a passage 1310 extending through them. When the protruding formation 1100 is received into the hollow end of hose with 3100, the internal passage 3110 of the hose 3100 and the passage 1310 of the body 1300 will be in fluid communication with each other, as shown by arrow A. Further, the passage 1310 through the body 1300 will preferably be in fluid communication with a passage on the first item, where, for example the first item is a tap and / or hose.

[0093] In alternative embodiments (not shown) it is envisaged that the protruding formation may be of other shapes that taper in size and / or increase gradually in cross- sectional area, such as pyramidal, wedge shaped, or similar.

[0094] The receiving formation 1200 may be annular and may define an aperture 1220 therethrough. In alternative embodiments (not shown) it is envisaged that a recess may be provided instead of an aperture. The receiving formation 1200 is preferably hollow. The receiving formation 1200 may be configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formations 1100 through the aperture 1220. The receiving formation 1200 may be configured for at least partly receiving the second item 3000, in this case the hollow tubular end of hose 3100. The aperture 1220 of the receiving formation 1200 may define an internal cavity 1205 into which the protruding formation 1100 is receivable. The internalcavity 1205 may extend from a proximal end 1206 corresponding to the proximal end 1110 of the protruding formation 1100, to a distal end 1207 corresponding to the distal and 1120 of the protruding formations 1100. The cavity 1205 defines a relatively larger cross-sectional area towards the distal end 1207 than the cross-sectional area of the cavity 1205 towards fits proximal end 1206. In the embodiments shown in figures 3 and 15 - 17, the receiving formation 1200 defines an inner face 1210 that acts as an internal clamping surface. The inner face 1210 defines the cavity 1205. The cavity 1205 may preferably be at least partly frusto-conical in shape. The frusto-conical shape of the inner face 1210 defines a tapering cavity 1205.

[0095] The receiving formation 1200 may be reconfigurable between a disengaged condition shown in broken lines in figure 3, and an engaging condition shown by the solid lines in figure 3. Movement of the receiving formation 1200 is illustrated by arrow B in figures 3 and 4. When the receiving formation is in its disengaged condition, the hose 3100 can be inserted or removed from protruding formations 1100. When the receiving formation is in its engaging condition in use, the hose 3100 is engaged between the protruding formation 1100 and the receiving formation 1200. Tension on the hose 3100 may result in the movement of the end of hose 3100 towards the distal end 1120 of the protruding formations 1100. Such movement may, through friction, result in movement of the receiving formation 1200 towards the distal end 1120 of the protruding formation 1100, thereby closing the distance between the outer clamping surface 1130 and inner face 1210 (shown as reference d in figure 3) to create a clamping interface 1140 between which the hose 3100 is clamped more firmly. In this way, the second item 3000 is securely captured between the protruding formation 1100 and the receiving formation 1200.

[0096] In the embodiments shown in figures 3 and 15 - 17, the frusto-conical inner face 1210 of the receiving formation and the frusto-conical outer clamping surface 1130 of the protruding formations 1100 may be complementary to each other and extend at the same angles, resulting in the frusto-conical inner face 1210 and the frusto-conical outer clamping surface 1130 remaining parallel to each other when the receiving formation 1200 moves between its disengaged condition and its engaging condition.

[0097] Body 1300 further defines a shoulder 1315 to act as a stop for the end of the hose 3100 when it is extended over protruding formation in 1100 in use.

[0098] It is envisaged that the body 1300 may include connector formations such as a tap fitting for fitting to a tap or to other devices where fluid may be required, such as sprinklers, spray washers, or the like.

[0099] An example of a connector 2000 including the connecting arrangement 1000A of figures 3 and 15 - 17 is shown in figure 12, including a body 1300 with connector formations in the form of tap fitting 1340.

[0100] Another example of the connecting arrangement 1000A including a tubular body 1380 with connector formations in the form of another similar connecting arrangement 1000A for connecting two hoses 2100 is shown in figure 13.

[0101] A further example of the connecting arrangement 1000A is shown in figure 14, where the body is in the form of a T-piece 1370 and includes similar connecting arrangements 1000A for connecting to other hoses 3100

[0102] Another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000B is shown in figure 4. This embodiment is identical to the embodiments shown in figure 3, except that the tapered angles formed by the inner face 1210 of the receiving formations 1200 and the outer clamping surface 1130 of the protruding formation 1100 are not complementary to each other and are not parallel. Instead, the frusto-conical inner face 1210 of the receiving formation 1200 is more acutely angled to the cone axis than the frusto-conical outer clamping surface 1130 of the protruding formation 1100. This will result in the distance between the inner face 1210 and the outer clamping surface 1130 at the distal end 1120 of the protruding formation 1100 (shown as distance d in figure 4) will be less than the distance between the inner face 1210 and the outer clamping surface 1130 at the proximal and 1910. It is anticipated that this will result in an increased force being applied to the hose 3100 at the distal area when the hose is tensioned. However, such an arrangement may result in increased damage to the hose 2100.

[0103] Another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000C is shown in figure 5. In this embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1000C is used to connect a pair of solid items such as steel cables or ropes 1360 a & b. In this embodiment, the body 1300 is the rope 1360a. Protruding formation 1100 extends from the rope 1360a. Protruding formation 1100 may also include a frusto-conical outer clamping surface 1130 similar to the previous embodiments. Receiving formation 1200 includes frusto-conical inner face 1210 that acts as an inner clamping surface. The protruding formation 1100 is received within the hollow receiving formation 1200 through aperture 1220. The other rope 1360b to be connected includes a hollowed out cavity 1362 at an end. The hollowed out cavity1362 may be created, for example by loosening the strands on a rope and / or steel cable. The end of the rope 1360b is extended over the protruding formation 1100, which is received within the hollow cavity 1362. The receiving formation 1200 is similarly reconfigurable between a disengaged condition in which the end of the rope 1360b can be extended over protruding formation 1100, and an engaging condition in which the rope 1360b is engaged by the receiving formation. Tension between the ropes 1360a&b will cause rope 1360b to move on the protruding formation 1000, causing receiving formation 1200 to move with the rope 1360b and clamping the end of rope 1360b between the outer clamping surface of the protruding formation 1100 and the inner face 1210 of the receiving formation 1200.

[0104] Another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000D is shown in figure 6. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in figure 5, except that the receiving formation 1200 includes a shoulder formation 1230 that may prevent the receiving formation 1200 from falling off the protruding formation 1100. The receiving formation 1200 may be dimensioned to be an interference fit with the outside of the protruding formation 1100, and may be forced over protruding formation 1100. Importantly, the shoulder formation 1230 allows for a certain amount of space 1232 between the end of the rope 1360b and the start of the shoulder formation. This allows the shoulder formation 1230, along with the rest of the receiving formation 1200 to move towards the distal end of the protruding formation 1100 when rope 1360 b moves in this direction, to thereby cause the increasing of the clamping force on the rope 1360b.

[0105] Another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000J is shown in figure 18, which is identical to the embodiment shown in figure 6, except that this embodiment may be intended to be used for steel cables, and protruding formation 1100 is composed of a metal that may be moulded or permanently and firmly clamped onto the end of steel cable 1365a. Hollow cavity 1362 may be generated by unwinding the end of the steel cable 1365b for receiving the protruding formation 1100.

[0106] A further embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000E is shown in figure 7. Example of use of this embodiment may be for securely connecting a rope 1367 to a fitting 1368. The rope 1367 may have a rigid cylindrical cover 1369 secured to an end of the rope. In this embodiment, the protruding formation 1100 is formed by the doubling up of the end of the rope 1367 to form a protruding formation 1100 that is twice the thickness of the rope 1367. The body 1300 is essentially the rope 1367. The protruding formation1100 extends from a proximal end 1110 at the unfolded rope 1367 to a distal thicker end 1120 having a relatively larger cross-sectional area than the proximal end 1110.

[0107] In this embodiment, the receiving formation 1200 is connected to the fitting 1368. The rope 1367 may be fed through aperture 1220 in the receiving formation 1200 and then the end of the rope 1367 is doubled over and inserted back into internal cavity 1205 of the receiving formation 1200. Internal cavity 1205 may extend from a distal end 1207 corresponding to the distal end of the protruding formation to a proximal end 1206 corresponding to the proximal end of the protruding formation. The internal cavity 1205 defines an increased cross-sectional area towards the distal end 1207 and a reduced cross-sectional area towards the proximal and 1206. Preferably the internal cavity 1205 defines a frusto-conical inner face 1210. Tensioning of the rope 1367 will cause the folded ends of the rope 1367 to try to unfold, however the rigid cylindrical cover 1369 secured to the end of the rope will be prevented from unfolding by the receiving formation 1200. Further, increased tension will cause the rope 1367 to move further towards the proximal end 1206 of the internal cavity 1205 which has a reduced cross-sectional area, and this will cause the hollow receiving formation to compress the protruding formation 1100 to engage it more firmly.

[0108] In this embodiment, the receiving formation 1200 is movable relative to the protruding formation 1100 between a disengaged condition and an engaging condition in which the receiving formation 1200 engages more firmly with the protruding formation 1100.

[0109] Another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000 F is shown in figure 8. Connecting arrangement 1000 as is similar to the connecting arrangement 1000A shown in figure 3, but differs in that it includes an annular locking formation 1400. The locking formation 1400 may extend outwardly of both the receiving formation 1200, the body 1330 and protruding formation 1100.

[0110] Locking formation 1400 is for locking the position of the receiving formation 1200 in its engaging condition. Locking formation 1400 may be annular in shape and may define an internal locking thread formation 1410. Locking thread formation 1410 is threadingly engageable with outer thread formation 1260 on receiving member 1200. Locking formation 1400 is movable on the locking thread formation 1410 between an unlocked condition (shown by the solid lines in figure 8) and a locked condition (shown in broken lines in figure 8). By turning locking formation 1400, the receiving formation 1200 can be moved between its engaging condition and its disengaged condition.Alternatively, when the locking formation 1400 is in its unlocked condition, the receiving formation can be slided from its disengaged condition to its engaging condition. Once the receiving formation 1200 is in its engaging condition, the locking formation 1400 can be moved to its locked condition. When the receiving formation 1200 is in its engaging condition, and in the locking formation is in its locked condition, the locking thread formation 1410 will be dimensioned so that locking formation 1400 will be in abutment with shoulder 1325 (as shown in broken lines in figure 8). In this way, once the locking formation is configured in its locked condition, the receiving formation 1200 cannot be inadvertently moved from its engaging condition to its disengaged condition.

[0111] Further, in the embodiment shown in figure 8, the body 1300 includes a detent 1350. The detent 1350 is configured for engaging with shoulder formation 1230 to prevent receiving formation 1200 from being removed from body 1300. The detent 1350 also serves as a stop to prevent further movement of the hose over the protruding formation 1100. The detent 1350 may be curved on its distal side for engagement with the curved proximal edge 1270 of the receiving formation 1200. This allows for receiving formation 1200 to be forced onto body 1300 in a press fit type arrangement, while preventing retraction or removal of the body 1300 through the aperture 1220 of the receiving formation 1200 in a reverse direction.

[0112] Another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000G is shown in figure 9. In this embodiment, the connecting arrangement 1000G is similar to the embodiment shown in in figure 3, except that the inner face 1210 of the receiving formation includes a rounded thread formation 1250. The rounded thread formation is configured to allow the receiving formation 1200 to be unscrewed to move from its engaged condition to its disengaged condition. The internal rounded thread formation 1250 is intended to act as a locking mechanism once the receiving formation 1200 is in its engaging condition engaged up against the hose 3100. It is envisaged that the receiving formation 1200 will initially be slidingly moved to its engaging condition in engagement with the hose 3100. After the relatively soft hose 3100 has been clamped between the inner face 1210 of the receiving formation 1200 and the outer clamping surface 1130 of the protruding formation 1100 for a while, it is envisaged that the outer surface of the hose 3100 will deform to take on the shape of the rounded thread formation 1250. In order to move the receiving formation from its engaging condition to its disengaged condition, the receiving formation will need to be rotated around the body 1300. It is anticipated that the trough of every thread of the rounded thread formation 1250 will be closer to the longitudinal axis of therounded thread formation 1250 than the crest of the proximally adjacent thread, or else the receiving formation would be easily moved to the disengaged condition without unscrewing it.

[0113] The connecting arrangement 1000G also includes detente 1350 on the body 1300 and curved proximal edge 1270 on the receiving formation 1200, similarly to the embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000F shown in figure 8.

[0114] In another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000H shown in figure 10, the connecting arrangement 1000H is similar to the connecting arrangement 1000A shown in figure 3, however the body 1300 includes an outer thread formation 1320 that is configured for threaded engagement with complementary an internal thread formation 1240 on the receiving formation 1200. The internal thread formation 1240 on the inner face of the receiving formation 1200 may have the same pitch as the outer thread formation 1320, however it is envisaged that the internal thread formation 1240 and the outer thread formation 1320 will have gaps between threads. Preferably the gap between the individual threads is 0.5 mm to 5 mm. More preferably, the gap between the threads is between 1 mm and 3 mm thinner than the thread width on the outer thread formation 1320. The gap between thread allows the receiving formation 1200 to be moved slightly in a direction towards the distal end of the protruding formation 1100 when tension is applied to the hose 3100. It is this movement that allows for the increasing of the clamping force on the hose 3100 between the receiving formation 1200 and the protruding formation 1100. In the embodiment shown in figure 10, the thread is a typical thread format such as isometric thread, although other thread types are envisaged.

[0115] This is illustrated by another embodiment of a connecting arrangement 10001 shown in figure 11 , wherein the connecting arrangement 10001 is similar to the connecting arrangement 1000 H shown in figure 10, with a main point of difference being the use of a square thread type. As may be seen from figure 11 , the thread width on the internal thread formation 1240 is smaller than the thread width on the outer thread formation 1320, while the pitch between threads is the same, allowing for movement of the receiving formation 1200 towards the distal end of the protruding formation 1100.

[0116] It will be appreciated that in the embodiments shown above, tension between the body 1300 and the second item causes the receiving formation 1200 to compress the protruding formation 1100 to engagement more firmly. Where the second item is placed between the receiving formation 1200 and the protruding formation 1100, second item 3000 will be caused to be clamped more firmly.In use

[0117] It is envisaged that the hose connecting arrangement 1000 will be used as described below with reference to the figures.

[0118] Initially, a connecting arrangement 1000 will be provided as disclosed in any of the embodiments 1000A, B, F, G, H, and I.

[0119] With the receiving formation and its disengaged condition, the hollow end of a hose 3100 will then be slid over the protruding formation 1100, preferably until the end of the hose engages with or detente 1350, so that the protruding formation is received within the hollow end of the hose 3100.

[0120] The receiving formation 1200 is then moved towards the distal end of the protruding formation from its disengaged condition to its engaged condition in which the internal clamping surface or inner face 1210 of the receiving formation 1200 engages with an outer surface of the hose 3100.

[0121] At this stage, and in accordance with the embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000F shown in figure 8, the locking formation 1400 can be rotated around the body from its unlocked condition to its locked condition and which the locking formation abuts with shoulder 1325 to lock the receiving formation in its engaging condition.

[0122] Alternatively, and in accordance with the embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000 F shown in figure 9, the continuous engagement of the inner face 1210 with the soft outer surface of the hose 3100 will cause the soft outer surface to deform to complement the internal rounded thread formations 1250. In order to move the receiving formation from its engaging condition to its disengaged condition, and away from the distal end of the protruding formation, the receiving formation will then need to be rotated around body 1300 to unscrew the internal rounded thread formations 1250 from the impressed complementary thread formations on the hose 3100.

[0123] In accordance with the embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000H and 10001 as shown in figures 10 and 11 , in order to move the receiving formation from its disengaged condition to its engaging condition, the receiving formation 1200 may be rotated around body 1300 so that internal thread formation 1240 engages with outer thread formations 1320 to cause the receiving formation 1200 to move towards the distal end of the protruding formation 1100.

[0124] Once the hose 3100 is connected to the connecting arrangement 1000, connecting formations on the body 1300 can be used to connect the hose to a fitting as required.

[0125] In accordance with the embodiment of a connecting arrangement 1000 C, D and J, where solid items such as steel cables and / or ropes are being connected, it is envisaged that the protruding formation 1100 may be permanently secured or securable to an end of the rope or cable. It is envisaged that a hollow end formation may also be provided that is permanently secured or securable to an end of the other rope or cable. Alternatively, the strands of the rope or cable may be loosened to create a hollow end into which the protruding formation 1100 may be receivable. The receiving formation 1200 will then be moved to its disengaged condition, and the protruding formation 1100 inserted into the hollow end. The receiving formation 1200 will then be moved to its engaging condition to thereby secure the ropes to each other.

[0126] In accordance with the embodiments of a connecting arrangement 1000E shown in figure 7, the rigid cylindrical cover 1369 will be secured to an end of rope 1367. The rope 1367 will then be inserted through aperture 1220 and the receiving formation 1200 until it extends out the other side. The end of the rope including the cylindrical cover 1369 will then be folded over on itself to form the protruding formation 1100. The folded portion of the rope 1367 will then be inserted into the cavity 1205 of the receiving formation 1200 and the rope 1367 will be tensioned to move the protruding formation 1100 towards the proximal end 1206 of the receiving formation. As the protruding formation 1100 moved towards the narrower proximal end 1206, the receiving formation will engage more firmly with the protruding formation 1100.

[0127] Preferably, said mechanical pressure / force would increase with the intended load applied on said joint to thereby provide a self-tightening / self-locking grip.

[0128] The above aspects of said concept are preferably achieved as illustrated by the attached figures (Fig.3, Fig.4, Fig.5 and Fig.6).

[0129] These figures essentially illustrate how the ends of materials are joined / griped by getting trapped in a space which reduces as said anticipated load increases.

[0130] Further Preferred forms of the invention:

[0131] Said further forms include (but not limited to) additional locking features such as those illustrated by Fig.7, Fig.9 and Fig.9. Said further locking features may be added for increased safety particularly in hazardous applications.

[0132] Fig.7 shows an additional component (4) fitted threadingly on component (3). Said component (4) would lean against the opposing shoulder of component (1) (as shown by the dotted lines) to thereby lock the system more securely.

[0133] Fig.8 shows another variation where component (3) may move threadingly over component (2) by temporarily deforming(5) its relatively resilient walls.

[0134] Fig.9 shows yet another variation where component (3) is fitted threadingly on component (1) and thereby enabling a variation of one of said additional locking features.

[0135] It should be noted that, in all of the possible variations and illustrations of the invention, the cross sections / profiles and / or the diameters of the components depend on the relative strength / mechanical characteristics of the materials used.

[0136] Variations in the main / basic forms of said invention are illustrated in the attached drawings / diagrams / figures.

[0137] It is expected that, for the skilled persons in the art, a possible numerous minor / nonfundamental design variations with varying complexities and / or effectiveness, will not represent further novel nor inventive steps beyond those of this said invention but rather obvious and / or trivial.

[0138] It is envisaged that any of the features described with reference to 1 of the embodiments above may be used with any of the features described in any of the other embodiments. For example, shoulders formations or detents may be provided on receiving formations on any of the embodiments. Any of the embodiments of a connecting arrangement can be used with any connector fittings described to form connectors. Any of the locking arrangements for locking formations described can be used with embodiments for connecting hoses and / or cables and / or ropes or other solid objects. Internal rounded threaded formations on the receiving formation can be provided on any of the embodiments of the connecting arrangements described above.Interpretation

[0139] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For the purposes of the present invention, additional terms are defined below. Furthermore, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of thedefined terms unless there is doubt as to the meaning of a particular term, in which case the common dictionary definition and / or common usage of the term will prevail.

[0140] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise and thus are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to “at least one”) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, the phrase “an element” refers to one element or more than one element.

[0141] The term “about” is used herein to refer to quantities that vary by as much as 30%, preferably by as much as 20%, and more preferably by as much as 10% to a reference quantity. The use of the word ‘about’ to qualify a number is merely an express indication that the number is not to be construed as a precise value.

[0142] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise”, “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements.

[0143] The term “real-time” for example “displaying real-time data,” refers to the display of the data without intentional delay, given the processing limitations of the system and the time required to accurately measure the data.

[0144] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplary embodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality for example serving as a desirable model or representing the best of its kind.

[0145] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0146] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of’ will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0147] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.Embodiments:

[0148] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may becombined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0149] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0150] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.Specific Details

[0151] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0152] It will be appreciated that the methods / apparatus / devices / systems described / illustrated above at least substantially provide a hose connecting arrangement.

[0153] The hose connecting arrangement described herein, and / or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the hose connecting arrangement may be modified, or may have been substituted therefore known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The hose connecting arrangement may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention, since the range of potentialapplications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations.Terminology

[0154] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.Different Instances of Objects

[0155] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.Combinations of features in embodiments

[0156] Different features are described in different embodiments in this specification, however it is envisaged that any features shown in any embodiment described may be used with any other features in any other embodiment in any combination, unless this is not logically possible.Comprising and Including

[0157] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0158] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements / features that followthe term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.Scope of Invention

[0159] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0160] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.Chronological order

[0161] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.Markush groups

[0162] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.Industrial Applicability

[0163] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the gardening and hardware industries.

Claims

Claims1. A connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a body configured for connection to the first item, the body including i. a protruding formation, the protruding formation extending from a proximal end at the body to a distal thicker end having a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end; b. a receiving formation, the receiving formation defining a cavity configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formation; c. wherein the protruding formation and the receiving formation are configured for receiving at least part of the second item between the protruding formation and the receiving formation; and d. wherein the receiving formation is movable between a disengaged condition and an engaging condition relative to the protruding formation in which the second item is engaged between the protruding formation and the receiving formation in use; e. wherein tension between the body and the second item causing movement of the second item results in the receiving formation more firmly clamping the second item against the protruding formation.

2. The connecting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving formation defines an inner face, the inner face being at least partly frusto-conical.

3. The connecting arrangement as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first item and second item defines a passage for transfer of fluid in use, and the body defines a passage configured to be in fluid communication with the passage of the first item and the second item.

4. The connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protruding formation defines an at least partly frusto-conical outer face.

5. The connecting arrangement as claimed in claim 4, wherein the taper of the frusto- conical outer face of the protruding formation and the taper of the frusto-conical inner face of the receiving formation are complementary.

6. The connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the taper of the at least partly frusto-conical inner face of the receiving formation is thesame or more acutely angled to the cone axis than the taper of the at least partly frusto-conical outer face of the protruding formation.

7. The connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the receiving formation includes an internal thread formation on the inner face.

8. The connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving formation includes an internal thread formation configured for engaging with a complementary outer thread formation on the body.

9. The connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the receiving formation defines an outer thread formation on an outer face of the receiving formation.

10. The connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting arrangement includes a locking formation configured for locking the receiving formation in its engaging condition, the locking formation being reconfigurable between an unlocked condition in a locked condition.

11. The connecting arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein the locking formation includes an internal locking thread formation, the internal locking thread formation being engageable with the outer thread formation of the receiving formation.

12. A connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a body connectable to the first item, the body including a protruding formation, the protruding formation extending from a proximal end at the first item to a distal thicker end having a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end; b. a hollow receiving formation, the receiving formation defining an inner cavity configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formation, the inner cavity defining a smaller cross sectional area towards the proximal end of the protruding formation, and a relatively larger cross-sectional area towards the distal end of the protruding formation; and c. wherein tension between the first item and the second item causes the hollow receiving formation to compress the protruding formation to engage it more firmly.

13. A connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including:a. a protruding formation, the protruding formation extending from a proximal end at the first item to a distal thicker end thinner end having a relatively larger cross sectional area than the proximal end; b. a hollow receiving formation, the receiving formation being configured for at least partly receiving the protruding formation, the receiving formation defining an inner face, the inner face being at least partly frusto-conical, and wherein tension between the first item and the second item causes the hollow receiving formation to compress the protruding formation to engage it more firmly.

14. A hose connecting arrangement for connecting a hose to a fitting, the hose connecting arrangement including: a. a body, the body defining a passage therethrough and including i. a protruding formation extending from the body to a distal end, the protruding formation defining an outer clamping surface, the protruding formation being configured for being received into an end of a hose in use with the passage of the body being in fluid communication with the hose; b. an annular receiving formation configured for being received over the distal end of the body and at least partly over the hose in use, the annular receiving formation defining an internal clamping surface that is at least partly frusto-conical; c. wherein the annular mounting formation and the protruding formation are configured to clamp the hose between them in use; and d. wherein the internal clamping surface of the annular mounting formation and the outer clamping surface of the protruding formation define a clamping interface between them having one or more selected from i. a cross-section that remains constant from the proximal end of the protruding formation to the distal end of the protruding formation; and ii. a cross-section that reduces in size from the proximal end of the protruding formation towards the distal end of the protruding formation.

15. The connecting arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first protruding formation defines an outer surface that is at least partly frusto-conical.

16. A hose connecting arrangement for connecting a hose to a fitting, the hose connecting arrangement including: a. a body, the body defining a passage therethrough and including i. a protruding formation protruding to a distal end, the protruding formation defining an outer clamping surface, and the protruding formation being configured for being received into an end of a hose with the passage of the body being in fluid communication with the hose in use; b. an annular receiving formation configured for being received over the distal end of the receiving formation and at least partly over the hose in use, the annular receiving formation defining an internal clamping surface; c. wherein the internal clamping surface of the annular receiving formation and the outer clamping surface of the protruding formation is configured to increase the clamping force of the hose between the protruding formation and the receiving formation as the hose is pulled towards the distal end of the protruding formation.

17. A connector for connecting a hose to a tap, another hose, or other fitting, the connector including: a. at least one or more hose connecting arrangements as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15; and b. a fitting connecting arrangement configured for connecting to one or more selected from the tap, another hose; or other fitting.

18. The connector as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fitting connecting arrangement is a hose connecting arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15.

19. A connector for connecting a first item to a second item, the connector including: a. at least one or more connecting arrangements as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14; and b. at least one fitting connecting arrangement configured for connecting to one or more selected from the first item and the second item.

20. A connecting arrangement for connecting a first item to a second item, the connecting arrangement including: a. a body having a protruding formation, and b. a hollow receiving formation configured for receiving the body;c. wherein the protruding formation and the receiving formation include tapering surfaces that complement each other and are configured for receiving an item to be connected between the protruding formation and the receiving formation in use; d. wherein receiving formation is movable between a disengaged condition and an engaging condition in which the receiving formation engages with the received item in use; and e. wherein in the engaging condition in use, the receiving formation moves with the item under tension to clamp the item more tightly between the receiving formation and the protruding formation.END

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