Hose fittings

Abstract

A garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting. The connector mounting portion comprises a sleeve portion (5) and a body portion with the sleeve portion mounted for axial movement on the body portion. The fitting has a release mechanism arranged to be operated by an axial retraction of the sleeve portion (5) relative to the body portion away from a male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion. The hose fitting comprises a blocking ring portion (61) which is moveable between a non-blocking position which allows retraction of the sleeve portion (5) relative to the body portion so allowing operation of the release mechanism and a blocking position in which the blocking ring portion (61) blocks retraction of the sleeve portion (5) relative to the body portion so obstructing operation of the release mechanism.

Description

[0001] Hose Fittings

[0002] This invention relates to hose fittings, in particular garden hose fittings, which are used to connect a hose to a garden tap, or a hose to another garden product or indeed a hose to another length of hose.

[0003] There are different types of garden fittings which are commonly used. One popular type is a push fit form of connector system where there is a male part and a female part arranged so that the male part may be push fitted into the female part and be retained for normal use until released.

[0004] One system which is widely used in Europe and elsewhere is the “quickconnect” connection system. Different manufacturers make such connector systems which sometimes are constructed differently from one another but to large degree are interchangeably usable. The two parts of the connector system are typically made of plastics material or a combination of metal and plastics material parts.

[0005] In a quick-connect connection system, one part is a male part and carries at least one O-ring seal, the other part is female and includes a bore arranged to accept the male part with the O-ring seal sealing against a wall of the bore. The female part further comprises a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore. As the male part is introduced into the receiving bore the engaging fingers are driven into the retracted position and return to the extended position once the two parts are fully engaged. A release mechanism is provided for releasing the two parts. When operated this retracts or allows retraction of the engaging fingers so that the male part may be removed.

[0006] In use sometimes the release mechanism may be accidentally operated. On other occasions, the retaining effect of the engaging fingers might be overcome simply by the two parts of the connection system being forcibly pulled apart. Furthermore, as the connection system wears, the effectiveness of the retaining effect may be reduced.

[0007] Overall quick-connect fittings and other such push fit connection systems are particularly convenient for a user, but can have an issue of accidental separation of the two parts - ie accidental disconnection of connected components - say accidental disconnection of a hose from a tap.

[0008] Thus it would be desirable to develop alternative hose fittings which aim to address this issue whilst ideally retaining convenience for the user.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting, the connector mounting portion comprising: a bore arranged to accept a male part of the connector portion when introduced into the bore via a male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion; a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore; and a release mechanism which when operated one of causes and allows retraction of the engaging fingers to facilitate removal of the male part from the receiving bore, wherein the connector mounting portion comprises a sleeve portion and a body portion with the sleeve mounted for axial movement on the body portion, and the release mechanism is arranged to be operated by an axial retraction of the sleeve portion relative to the body portion away from the male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion, and wherein the hose fitting comprises a blocking ring portion which is moveably mounted on the connector mounting portion and moveable between a nonblocking position which allows retraction of the sleeve relative to the body so allowing operation of the release mechanism and a blocking position in which the blocking ring portion blocks retraction of the sleeve relative to the body so obstructing operation of the release mechanism, the blocking ring portion being at least partially visible to a user in use when in at least one of the nonblocking position and the blocking position.

[0010] Such arrangements can serve to resist against unintentional activation of the release mechanism as well as providing the user with a clear indication of when the fitting is in a blocking (or locked) position as compared to an nonblocking (or un-locked) position. Such arrangements can be usefully intuitive for the user.

[0011] Preferably the blocking ring portion is mounted on one of the sleeve and the body.

[0012] Preferably the blocking ring portion is at least partially visible to a user in use when in both the non-blocking position and the blocking position.

[0013] This can further assist in intuitive operation of the fitting.

[0014] The fitting may be arranged so that with the blocking ring portion in the nonblocking position a retraction region exists into which the sleeve portion is retractable to operate the release mechanism whereas when the blocking ring portion is in the blocking position, the blocking ring portion at least partly occupies the retraction region such that movement of the sleeve portion into the retraction region is obstructed.

[0015] In at least some embodiments when the blocking ring portion is in the blocking position there is chain of mechanical contact between the sleeve portion, the blocking ring portion and the body such that abutment between these components resists retraction of the sleeve portion. On the other hand in such embodiments, the arrangement may be such that when the blocking ring portion is in the non-blocking position the chain of mechanical contact is broken so allowing retraction of the sleeve. This can provide a robust resistance to unwanted movement of the sleeve portion and can also facilitate provision of a visual indication of the locked and un-locked states.

[0016] Preferably the blocking ring portion is rotatably mounted on the connector mounting portion and rotatable around an axis of the connector portion between the non-blocking position and the blocking position.

[0017] In some embodiments the blocking ring portion is mounted, say rotatably mounted, on the body. Is some embodiments the blocking ring portion is mounted, say rotatably mounted, on the sleeve.

[0018] Where the blocking ring is mounted on the sleeve portion, the blocking ring may be arranged to be spaced from the body when in the non-blocking position, and arranged to abut with the body when in the blocking position.

[0019] Where the blocking ring is mounted on the body, the blocking ring may be arranged to be spaced from the sleeve portion when in the non-blocking position, and arranged to abut with the sleeve portion when in the blocking position.

[0020] Preferably the blocking ring portion is rotatable relative to the sleeve. This can be the case whether the blocking ring portion is mounted on the sleeve, the body or another part of the connector mounting portion.

[0021] Having the blocking ring portion rotatable relative to the sleeve can assist in ease of operation.

[0022] The blocking ring or at least part of the blocking ring is preferably provided outside of the axial extent of the sleeve.

[0023] The fitting may comprise a ring mounting portion on which the blocking ring portion is moveably mounted. In some embodiments the body may comprise the ring mounting portion. In other embodiments the sleeve may comprise the ring mounting portion.

[0024] The blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion may be arranged so that the blocking ring portion is rotatably moveable on the ring mounting portion, and may be further arranged so that rotating movement of the blocking ring portion relative to the ring mounting portion drives axial movement of the blocking ring portion relative to the ring mounting portion. In some such embodiments the combination of the rotational movement and the axial movement takes the blocking ring portion between the blocking position and the non-blocking position.

[0025] The blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion may comprise interacting camming surfaces for causing relative axial movement between the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion as the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion are rotated relative to each other.

[0026] At least one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion may comprise at least one ramp portion for driving relative axial movement between the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion as the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion are rotated relative to each other.

[0027] In some cases where at least one ramp portion is provided on one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion at least one complementary follower portion may be provided on the other of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion for interacting with the ramp portion.

[0028] In some cases where at least one ramp portion is provided on one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion at least one complementary ramp portion may be provided on the other of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion for interacting with said at least one ramp portion. In some embodiments, the ramp portion is provided on the sleeve and a complementary follower is provided on the blocking ring portion.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, the ramp portion is provided on the body and a complementary follower is provided on the blocking ring portion.

[0030] In some sets of embodiments, the at least one ramp portion may be defined by an axial end surface of a wall portion on a respective one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion.

[0031] The wall portion may project from an axial surface of the respective one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the wall portion is provided on the body.

[0033] In some cases the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion may comprise complementary threaded portions for causing relative axial movement between the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion as the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion are rotated relative to each other.

[0034] In some sets of embodiments, the at least one ramp portion may be defined by a groove provided in a surface of one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion. The at least one complementary follower portion may comprise a projection which may be arranged to run in the groove where present.

[0035] The groove may be provided in the sleeve portion, preferably on a curved surface, say an outer curved surface, of the sleeve portion. The groove may be provided in the body, preferably on a curved surface, say an outer curved surface, of the body. In either such case the complementary follower portion or ramp may be provided on the blocking ring portion, say on an inner curved surface of the blocking ring portion. In one set of embodiments the hose fitting comprises at least one finger obstruction portion which is moveable between a first, non-operative, position which allows movement of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position and a second, obstructing, position in which the at least one finger obstruction portion obstructs movement of at least one of the engaging fingers of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting, the connector mounting portion comprising: a bore arranged to accept a male part of the connector portion when introduced into the bore via a male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion; a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore; and a release mechanism which when operated one of causes and allows retraction of the engaging fingers to facilitate removal of the male part from the receiving bore, and wherein the hose fitting comprises at least one finger obstruction portion which is moveable between a first, non-operative, position which allows movement of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position and a second, obstructing, position in which the at least one finger obstruction portion obstructs movement of at least one engaging finger of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position.

[0037] The provision of at least one finger obstruction portion can assist in resistance against unintentional disconnection of a male part from the fitting. In particular this can help resist disconnection that may arise in prior connection systems when excessive separating force is applied - eg if a hose connected via a fitting is pulled on very hard by a user whether this is deliberate or accidental. The provision of at least one finger obstruction portion may also help retaining a good connecting effect in the fitting even as it wears with age.

[0038] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the invention the connector mounting portion comprises a sleeve portion and a body portion with the sleeve mounted for axial movement on the body portion, and the release mechanism is arranged to be operated by an axial retraction of the sleeve portion relative to the body portion away from the male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion.

[0039] In some such embodiments the hose fitting comprises a blocking ring portion which is moveably mounted on the connector mounting portion and moveable between a non-blocking position which allows retraction of the sleeve relative to the body so allowing operation of the release mechanism and a blocking position in which the blocking ring portion blocks retraction of the sleeve relative to the body so obstructing operation of the release mechanism, the blocking ring portion preferably being at least partially visible to a user in use when in at least one of the non-blocking position and the blocking position.

[0040] The following optional sub features apply equally to the first aspect of the invention when this, if the context requires, includes the optional feature of the at least one finger obstruction portion and to the second aspect of the invention.

[0041] In preferred embodiments the release mechanism is arranged to cause retraction of the engaging fingers when operated.

[0042] The fitting may be arranged so that a predetermined movement of the blocking ring portion both moves the blocking ring portion to the blocking position and moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the second, obstructing, position. The fitting may be arranged so that another predetermined movement of the blocking ring portion both moves the blocking ring portion to the non-blocking position and moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the first, non-operative, position. The hose fitting may comprise a locking member that comprises the blocking ring portion and / or the at least one finger obstruction portion.

[0043] Preferably the locking member comprises the blocking ring portion and, mounted thereon, the at least one finger obstruction portion.

[0044] At least part of the locking member is preferably provided outside of the axial extent of the sleeve.

[0045] The locking member may be arranged so that a predetermined movement of the locking member moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the second, obstructing, position. The locking member may be arranged so that another predetermined movement of the locking member moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the first, non-operative, position.

[0046] The locking member may be arranged so that a predetermined movement of the locking member moves the blocking ring portion to the blocking position. The locking member may be arranged so that another predetermined movement of the locking member moves the blocking ring portion to the nonblocking position.

[0047] The locking member may be arranged so that a predetermined movement of the locking member both moves the blocking ring portion to the blocking position and moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the second, obstructing, position. The locking member may be arranged so that another predetermined movement of the locking member both moves the blocking ring portion to the non-blocking position and moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the first, non-operative, position.

[0048] The fitting may be arranged to give a visual indication to the user when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the first, non-operative, position and / or the second, obstructing, position. The visual indication may be facilitated by the provision of at least one window in the fitting. At least one window may be provided in the fitting that allows user viewing of the position of at least one of the at least one finger obstruction portion. The at least one window, may be provided in a wall of the sleeve portion. The at least one window may comprise an open aperture. The at least one window may comprise a portion of transparent or translucent material.

[0049] The locking member and / or the at least one finger obstruction portion may comprise an indicator portion.

[0050] The fitting may be arranged so that an indicator portion of the locking member, say an indicator portion of at least one of the at least one finger obstruction portion, is visible through the window when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in one of the first, non-operative, position and the second, obstructing, position, and the indicator portion is obscured from view when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the other of the first, nonoperative, position and the second, obstructing, position.

[0051] The indicator portion may comprise a symbol indicating the state of the fitting. The indicator portion may comprise a part that contrasts in colour with a part which is visible through the window in the absence of the indicator portion.

[0052] The locking member and / or the at least one finger obstruction portion may comprise two indicator portions, a first of which is visible through the window when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the first, non-operative, position and a second of which is visible through the window when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the second, obstructing, position.

[0053] In some instances, the first indicator portion may carry an un-locked symbol and in some instances, the second indicator portion may carry a locked symbol. In some instances, the first indicator portion may be of a first colour and in some instances, the second indicator portion may be of a second colour which is different to the first colour.

[0054] The visual indication of the position of the at least one finger obstruction portion may comprise the position of the blocking ring portion where present.

[0055] The visual indication of the position of the at least one finger obstruction portion may comprise the position of the locking member where present.

[0056] Typically the engaging fingers each comprise an engaging end portion which is arranged to move radially outwardly as the engaging fingers move from the extended position to the retracted position. Here moving radially outwardly means a movement with an outward radial component - thus this movement might be in a purely radial direction or at an incline to the radial direction - say so that there is an axial component to the movement as well.

[0057] The at least one finger obstructing portion may be arranged to obstruct radially outward movement of the engaging end of a respective one of the engaging fingers when in the second, obstructing, position.

[0058] The at least one finger obstructing portion may be arranged to be disposed in alignment with, but radially outside of, the engaging end of a respect one of the engaging fingers when in the second, obstructing, position.

[0059] This type of arrangement can help keep the finger portions effectively engaged with an inserted male part when present in the bore of the connector mounting portion.

[0060] The engaging fingers may move translationally between the extended position and the retracted position. The engaging fingers may bend or flex between the extended position and the retracted position. The finger obstruction portion may be arranged to hold the respective engaging finger against bending to the retracted position when in the obstructing position.

[0061] The engaging fingers may have an extended state in the extended position and a collapsed state in the retracted position. In such a case the finger obstruction portion may obstruct movement to the collapsed state when in the obstructing position. The finger obstruction portion may be arranged render a collapsible finger a non-collapsible, or solid, when in the obstructing position.

[0062] The engaging fingers may be arranged so that the engaging end of each finger moves radially outwardly towards a remainder of the respective finger as the finger moves to the retracted position. In such a case the finger obstruction portion may obstruct movement the engaging end of the respective finger radially outwardly towards a remainder of the respective finger when in the obstructing position. The finger obstructing portion may be arranged to be disposed between the engaging end of the respective finger and the remainder of the respective finger when in the obstructing position.

[0063] In some cases as well as the retracted position which the engaging fingers can reach to allow insertion and removal of the male part as mentioned above - what might be termed the primary retracted position - the fitting may be arranged so that there is also a secondary retracted position which the engaging fingers can reach to allow insertion and removal of the male part. In some cases the primary retracted position may be reached during insertion of a male part in normal operation and the secondary retracted position may be reached during removal of a male part during normal operation - say on activation of the release mechanism. In such a case, attempted or actual forcible removal of the male part by brute force pulling to separate the component from the fitting without activation of the release mechanism may tend to move the engaging fingers to primary retracted position.

[0064] In at least some cases, the primary retracted position may tend to be reached without activation of the release mechanism and the secondary retracted position may tend to be reached with activation of the release mechanism - these can be true during both insertion and removal operations by the user.

[0065] The at least one finger obstructing portion may comprise a tab portion. The tab portion may extend axially from the blocking ring portion. The tab portion may have a part annular cross-section.

[0066] The at least one finger obstructing portion may extend axially within a bore of the sleeve portion.

[0067] The at least one finger obstructing portion may extend in an anulus formed between the sleeve portion and the body.

[0068] A plurality of finger obstructing portions may be provided, each one for selectively obstructing a respective one of the engaging fingers. If at least one viewing window is provided, a respective viewing window may be provided for each finger obstruction portion.

[0069] Preferably one viewing window, or possibly a pair of viewing windows, is provided for use in indicating the state of fitting, ie the position of the finger obstructing portions, independently of the number of finger obstructing portions.

[0070] The at least one finger obstructing portion may be moved axially between the first and second positions. The at least one finger obstructing portion may be moved circumferentially between the first and second positions. The at least one finger obstructing portion may be moved axially and circumferentially between the first and second positions.

[0071] The at least one finger obstructing portion may be moveable by a user by moving the locking member.

[0072] In preferred embodiments, the fitting comprises three engaging fingers and may comprise three corresponding finger obstructing portions. The fitting may be arranged so that a turn of between 20 degrees and 60 degrees moves the locking member from a state in which the blocking ring portion is in the non-blocking position and / or the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the first, non-operative, position, and a state in which the blocking ring portion is in the blocking position and / or the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the second, obstructing, position.

[0073] Arranging for a turn of 30 degrees to cause this change of state is particularly preferred.

[0074] The fitting may comprise indexing means indicating to a user when movement of at least one of: the blocking ring portion, the at least one finger obstruction portion and the locking member relative to the sleeve portion causes the respective part to reach a predetermined position - say at least one of: the non-blocking position, the first, non-operative, position, the blocking position and the second, obstructing, position.

[0075] The indication may comprise at least one of an audible indication and a touch sense indication.

[0076] The indexing means may comprise a respective projection portion that clicks into position as the predetermined position is reached. The indexing means may comprise a pair of respective projection portions that click into position relative to one another as the predetermined position is reached. The indexing means may comprise a set of three respective projection portions, wherein a first and second of the projections click into position relative to one another as a first predetermined position is reached and the first and a third of the projections click into position relative to one another as a second predetermined position is reached.

[0077] The fitting may comprise indexing means for indicating to a user when movement of the blocking ring portion causes the blocking ring portion to reach the blocking position and / or the non-blocking position.

[0078] In some embodiments, the indexing means may comprise three projections, a first projection provided on one of the blocking ring portion and the body, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the blocking ring portion and the body, wherein the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the blocking position and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the non-blocking position.

[0079] This arrangement is most likely to be applicable when the blocking ring portion is mounted on the body.

[0080] In some embodiments, the indexing means may comprise three projections, a first projection provided on one of the blocking ring portion and the sleeve, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the blocking ring portion and the sleeve, wherein the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the blocking position and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the non-blocking position.

[0081] This arrangement is most likely to be applicable when the blocking ring portion is mounted on the sleeve.

[0082] In some embodiments, the indexing means may comprise three projections, a first projection provided on one of the locking member and the body, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the locking member and the body, wherein the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the blocking position and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the non-blocking position.

[0083] This arrangement is most likely to be applicable when the locking member is mounted on the body.

[0084] In some embodiments, the indexing means may comprise three projections, a first projection provided on one of the locking member and the sleeve, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the locking member and the sleeve, wherein the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the blocking position and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the non-blocking position.

[0085] This arrangement is most likely to be applicable when the locking member is mounted on the sleeve.

[0086] In some embodiments, the indexing means may comprise three projections, a first projection provided on one of the locking member and the body, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the locking member and the body, the locking member comprises the at least one finger obstruction portion and wherein, the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the at least one finger obstruction portion reaches the first, non-operative, position, and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the at least one finger obstruction portion reaches the second, obstructing, position.

[0087] This arrangement is most likely to be applicable when the locking member is mounted on the body.

[0088] In some embodiments, the indexing means may comprise three projections, a first projection provided on one of the locking member and the sleeve, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the locking member and the sleeve, the locking member comprises the at least one finger obstruction portion and wherein, the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the at least one finger obstruction portion reaches the first, non-operative, position, and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the at least one finger obstruction portion reaches the second, obstructing, position.

[0089] This arrangement is most likely to be applicable when the locking member is mounted on the sleeve.

[0090] The indexing means, in particular the sets of projections, may indicate both the state / position of the blocking ring portion and the at least one finger obstruction portion.

[0091] In this specification where the blocking ring portion / locking member is said to be mounted on the sleeve, this means that the blocking ring portion / locking member is mounted on the sleeve without the body as an intervening component. So in such a case the blocking ring portion / locking member might be mounted directly on the sleeve, or via another component, but not via the body.

[0092] In this specification where the blocking ring portion / locking member is said to be mounted on the body, this means that the blocking ring portion / locking member is mounted on the body without the sleeve as an intervening component. So in such a case the blocking ring portion / locking member might be mounted directly on the body, or via another component, but not via the sleeve.

[0093] The hose connection portion may comprise: a hose receiving portion in which is disposed a spigot for receiving the end of a length of hose; and a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws which surround the spigot and are arranged to be driven into contact with hose carried on the spigot under action of the locking nut such that a carried hose is clampable between the claws and the spigot. In a preferred set of embodiments the locking nut is of transparent or translucent material such that a user may see through a sidewall of the nut when in situ on the hose connection portion.

[0094] This can help a user see the nature of hose connection portion whilst the nut is in situ.

[0095] The nut may be of colourless material. Such a nut might be termed a clear nut.

[0096] The hose connection portion may have a hose introduction end via which hose is introduced onto the spigot in use.

[0097] In one set of embodiments, a skirt portion is provided around the spigot so as to define a hose receiving region between the skirt portion and the spigot, and an inspection window is provided in the skirt portion to enable viewing of a hose end when introduced onto the spigot and into the hose receiving region.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting, the hose connection portion comprising: a hose receiving portion in which is disposed a spigot for receiving the end of a length of hose; and a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws which surround the spigot and are arranged to be driven into contact with hose carried on the spigot under action of the locking nut such that a carried hose is clampable between the claws and the spigot, wherein the hose connection portion has a hose introduction end via which hose is introduced onto the spigot in use, a skirt portion is provided around the spigot so as to define a hose receiving region between the skirt portion and the spigot, and an inspection window is provided in the skirt portion to enable viewing of a hose end when introduced onto the spigot and into the hose receiving region.

[0099] The provision of an inspection window can assist a user in mounting a hose in the connection portion as it helps ensure that the hose is properly inserted onto the spigot. If a hose is not properly mounted on to the spigot a poor connection can result. Sometimes users can struggle to correctly mount a hose or more particularly struggle to know whether / when the hose is properly mounted.

[0100] In a preferred set of embodiments where there is an inspection window in the skirt portion, the locking nut is of transparent or translucent material such that a user may see through a sidewall of the nut when in situ on the hose connection portion.

[0101] This is particularly advantageous since the user may then be able to observe the mounting state of the end of a length of hose on the spigot when the nut is in place. This can be helpful during mounting of a hose onto the spigot, and also during use - that is a user may be able to see if and when a mounted hose moves / becomes dislodged from its correct position on the spigot during use of the hose.

[0102] The inspection window may be provided as an aperture in the skirt portion. In an alternative, the inspection window may be provided as an transparent or translucent portion in the material of the skirt portion.

[0103] Preferably the inspection window is provided in the skirt portion in a location that is towards a proximal end of the spigot. This can help a user see that an inserted hose is fully on the spigot.

[0104] The spigot may comprise a stop region which the end of a fully mounted hose should reach when properly mounted and the inspection window may be aligned with the stop region. In one set of embodiments the claws have first end portions via which they are joined to the hose connection portion and second engaging end portions for biting into a carried hose and the first end portions of the claws are closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connection portion than are the second end portions of the claws, so that the claws project inwardly into the hose connection portion.

[0105] In an alternative set of embodiments the claws have first end portions via which they are joined to the hose connection portion and second engaging end portions for biting into a carried hose and the second end portions of the claws are closer to the hose introduction end of the hose connection portion than are the first end portions of the claws, so that the claws project towards the hose introduction end of the hose connection portion.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a quickconnect system hose fitting comprising a blocking member for selectively blocking retraction of the moveable sleeve.

[0107] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting, the connector mounting portion comprising: a bore arranged to accept a male part of the connector portion when introduced into the bore via a male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion; a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore; and a release mechanism which when operated one of causes and allows retraction of the engaging fingers to facilitate removal of the male part from the receiving bore, wherein the connector mounting portion comprises a sleeve portion and a body portion with the sleeve mounted for axial movement on the body portion, and the release mechanism is arranged to be operated by an axial retraction of the sleeve portion relative to the body portion away from the male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion, and wherein the hose fitting comprises a blocking ring portion which is moveably mounted on the connector mounting portion and moveable between a nonblocking position which allows retraction of the sleeve relative to the body so allowing operation of the release mechanism and a blocking position in which the blocking ring portion blocks retraction of the sleeve relative to the body so obstructing operation of the release mechanism.

[0108] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a garden hose fitting arrangement comprising a garden hose fitting as defined above and a component comprising a connector portion, wherein a male part of the connector portion is accepted in the bore of the garden hose fitting.

[0109] The component comprising a connector portion may comprise, for example, one of a tap connector; a watering outlet device such as a hose gun, nozzle or watering lance; a water storage device such as a tank or reservoir or so on.

[0110] The garden hose fitting arrangement may further comprise a hose end mounted in the hose connection portion.

[0111] Note that, in general terms and with any necessary modifications in wording, all of the further features defined above following any aspect of the invention above are applicable as further features of all other aspects of the invention defined above. These further features are not restated after each aspect of the invention merely for the sake of brevity.

[0112] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0113] Figure 1 shows a garden hose fitting in an unlocked state;

[0114] Figure 2 shows the garden hose fitting of Figure 1 in a locked state; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the garden hose fitting of Figure 1 in an unlocked state;

[0115] Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the garden hose fitting of Figure 2 in a locked state;

[0116] Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the garden hose fitting of Figures 1 to 4 with a tap connector / adaptor received in a bore of the fitting and with the fitting in the locked state as shown in Figures 2 and 4;

[0117] Figure 6 shows the garden hose fitting of Figures 1 to 5 with a locking ring omitted to show features of a body of the fitting which are obscured by the locking ring when in place;

[0118] Figures 7A and 7B show the locking ring of the garden hose fitting of Figures 1 to 5, which is omitted from Figure 6 in isolation;

[0119] Figure 8 shows a sleeve of the garden hose fitting of Figures 1 to 5 in isolation;

[0120] Figure 9 shows an inner part of the body of the fitting of Figures 1 to 5 in isolation;

[0121] Figures 10A and 10B show an alternative garden hose fitting;

[0122] Figures 11 A and 11 B show a further alternative garden hose fitting in a locked state and an unlocked state;

[0123] Figure 12 shows a locking member of the alternative garden hose fitting of Figures 11 A and 11 B;

[0124] Figures 13A and 13B show another alternative garden hose fitting in a locked state and an unlocked state; Figure 14 shows a locking member of the alternative garden hose fitting of Figures 13A and 13B;

[0125] Figure 15 shows the alternative garden hose fitting of Figures 11A and 11 B with a locking nut of the fitting removed; and

[0126] Figure 16 is a sectional view of yet another alternative garden hose fitting.

[0127] Figures 1 to 4 show a garden hose fitting 1 and Figure 5 shows the garden hose fitting 1 connected with a tap adaptor (or tap connector) T.

[0128] The garden hose fitting 1 comprises a hose connection portion 2 for accepting the end of a length of garden hose and a connector mounting portion 3 for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting 1 . The tap adaptor T shown in Figure 5 is an example of a component which has a connector portion or “male part” T1 which is arranged to be connected to the hose fitting 1 . Other example components include water outlet devices such as hose guns, watering nozzles, watering lances and so on, and water storage devices such as tanks, reservoirs and so on which have a suitable connector portion.

[0129] As mentioned in the introduction, fittings of the general type shown in this specification are well known for facilitating connection of a garden hose to another device in a way that is quick and easy for the user, and which allows quick and easy disconnection and reconnection when desired. The arrangement in Figure 5 can be used to allow easy connection, disconnection, and reconnection of a hose to a water outlet tap (or faucet) for a user. The tap adaptor T is mounted on the tap one time, the fitting 1 is mounted on a hose end one time, and then the hose can be connected to the tap via the fitting 1 and tap adaptor T whenever desired. The connection just requires a push fit and disconnection is achieved using a release mechanism that will be described below. The fitting 1 can then be easily connected to another suitable component, such as to another tap via another tap adaptor T, or, say a hose gun with a suitable connector portion, when desired and easily reconnected to the initial tap when desired.

[0130] This specification concerns fittings 1 which are arranged to provide an enhanced connection between the fitting 1 and the component - for example a tap adaptor T - to which they are connected.

[0131] Returning now to Figures 1 to 5, the fitting 1 comprises a body 4 (see Figure 3) on which is mounted a sleeve 5, a locking ring 6, and a male part engaging arrangement 7 comprising a plurality of engaging fingers 71 (see Figure 3).

[0132] The body 4 (see Figures 3, 4, 5) comprises a connector mounting body portion 41 and a hose connection body portion 42. The connector mounting body portion 41 defines a bore B which is arranged for receiving the connector portion T1 of a component to be connected to the fitting. The hose connection body portion 42 comprises a spigot 42a for receiving the end of a length of hose.

[0133] The hose connection body portion 42 further comprises a hollow cylindrical threaded stem portion 42b in which the spigot 42a is disposed.

[0134] The threaded stem portion 42b receives a complementarily threaded nut 21 . The threaded nut 21 in turn carries a ring-like clamping portion 22. The clamping portion 22 comprise a collar portion 22a via which the clamping portion 22 is mounted on the threaded nut 21 and a plurality of clamping claws 22b which are joined to the collar portion 22a via respective plastic hinge portions 22c. The clamping claws 22b sit within a tapered bore portion 421 b in the threaded stem portion 42b and are arranged so as to be deformed inward under action of the tapered bore portion 421 b as the threaded nut 21 is screwed onto the threaded stem portion 42b.

[0135] Thus when a length of hose is located on the spigot 42a and the threaded nut 21 is screwed into position, the clamping claws 22b are driven into clamping contact with the outside wall of the hose and serve to clamp a carried hose onto the spigot 42a.

[0136] The hose connection portion 2 can be considered to comprise the hose connection body portion 42, the threaded nut 21 and the clamping portion 22.

[0137] In the present hose fitting 1 , the clamping claws 22b are directed inwardly into the body of the fitting so that when the end of a hose is fitted in the hose connection portion 2, the hose passes an end of the claws 22b by which they are joined to the fitting 1 , before reaching the free or engaging end. This “reverse claw” arrangement can help in mounting the hose end in the fitting. In other alternative versions of the fitting 1 , a more conventional “forward claw” arrangement may be used in which the claws are provided on the threaded stem portion 42b. In such a case the free or engaging end of the claws is reached by a hose end when being inserted before the end joined to the fitting.

[0138] In the present embodiment the body 4 is formed from two components which are joined together - an inner part 4a which defines the connector portion receiving bore B and comprises the spigot 42a (this inner part 4a is shown in isolation in Figure 9) and an outer part 4b which comprises the threaded stem portion 42b (some more detail of this outer part 4b is shown in Figure 6 as described further below).

[0139] Referring again to Figure 3, as mentioned above the male part engaging arrangement 7 comprises a plurality of (in this case three) engaging fingers 71 . The plurality of engaging fingers 71 are mounted on ring portion 72 via resilient web portions 73. The ring portion 72 is mounted on the body 4 to hold the male part engaging arrangement 7 on the fitting 1 . In the present embodiment the engaging fingers are angularly equispaced around the bore B and in the present embodiment the male part engaging arrangement 7 is formed in a single piece of a resilient plastics material. The engaging fingers 71 are shown in an extended position in Figure 3 and shown in an extended position and engaged with the male part T1 of the tap adaptor T in Figure 5. In this position the engaging fingers 71 resist removal of the male part T1 from the receiving bore B of the fitting 1 and hence tend to keep the fitting 1 connected to the tap adaptor T.

[0140] As will be appreciated when the fitting 1 is mounted on the tap adaptor T (or another similar component), water can flow through the fitting 1 and the tap adaptor T, in particular thought respective water flow bores WB provided in the tap adaptor T and the spigot 42a, with an O-ring T2 mounted on the male part T1 serving to seal between the male part T1 and the receiving bore B.

[0141] When the male part T1 is being inserted into the receiving bore B, the engaging fingers 71 flex radially outwardly as the larger diameter end portion of the male part T1 passes them. As can be seen in Figure 3, there is a finger accepting space 74 within the sleeve 5 into which the respective finger 71 can move when it flexes radially outwardly.

[0142] When the fingers 71 are in the extended position and engaged with a male part T1 , an attempt to pull the male part T 1 out of the bore B is resisted by the fingers 71 and the arrangement is such that radially outward movement of the fingers 71 by axial pulling on the male part T1 alone tends to be resisted - though if nothing else is done, this resistance may be overcome, if a user “pulls hard enough”.

[0143] To facilitate removal of a captured male part T1 , the fitting 1 includes a release mechanism which is operated by the sleeve 5.

[0144] The sleeve 5 is mounted on the body 4 for axial movement relative to the body 4. The sleeve 5 is shown in a forward position in the drawings, say in Figures 1 and 3. In the state of the fitting 1 shown in Figures 1 and 3, the sleeve 5 is retractable by a user towards the threaded nut 21 , or to put this another way, away from the a male part insertion end E of the fitting 1 . Referring now to Figure 8 which shows the sleeve 5 in isolation as well as Figures 1 to 5, the sleeve 5 comprises (in this embodiments three sets of) lugs 51 provided on its internal surface 52. The lugs 51 can be seen in Figure 8 but not in the other Figures and thus are only shown separately from the parts of the fitting 1 with which they interact. The lugs 51 are for acting on the male part engaging arrangement 7 when the sleeve 5 is retracted. Each set of lugs 51 is provided for acting in retracting a respective one of the plurality of engaging fingers 71 . The lugs 51 extend radially inwards of the ends of the webs 73 where these meet the ring 72 and when the male part engaging arrangement 7 and sleeve 5 are mounted on the body 4, the webs 73 are disposed between arms 51 a of the lugs 51 and the internal surface 52 of the sleeve 5. Thus the lugs 51 may act on the radially inward surfaces of the webs 73 as the sleeve 5 is retracted, travelling down the webs 73 and pulling the fingers 71 radially outwardly and out of the bore B, and out of engagement of a male part T1 , when present.

[0145] In the present embodiment the engaging fingers move resilient between the extended and retracted positions. Further in this embodiment the resilience of male part engaging arrangement 7 acts as a return force for urging the sleeve 5 towards the forward position as shown in the drawings after retraction by a user.

[0146] In alternatives a spring may be provided within the sleeve 5 for urging the sleeve 5 towards the forwards position shown in the drawings. This may be in alternative to or in addition to resilience provided by the male part engaging arrangement 7.

[0147] The connector mounting portion can be considered to comprise the connector mounting body portion 41 , the male part engaging arrangement 7 and the sleeve 5 which incorporates the release mechanism.

[0148] The locking ring 6 is shown in isolation in Figures 7A and 7B whilst it can be seen in position on the body 4 in Figures 1 to 5. On the other hand Figure 6 shows the fitting 1 with the locking ring 6 removed. In the assembled fitting 1 , the locking ring 6 is mounted on the body 4 for rotation relative to the body 4 and the sleeve 5.

[0149] The locking ring 6 is provided to allow a user to selectively lock the fitting 1 against the removal of a connector portion or male part T1 from the bore B of the fitting. That is to lock the fitting 1 in a connected state. Figures 2 and 4 show the fitting in a locked state and Figure 5 shows the fitting in a locked state with connector portion locked in position in the bore B. Figures 1 and 3 show the fitting in an unlocked state. The locking ring 6 is rotatable relative to the body 4 between the locked and unlocked states.

[0150] The locking ring 6 comprises a blocking ring portion 61 and a cylindrical upstanding portion 62 which projects from the blocking ring portion 61 . The cylindrical upstanding portion 62 comprises a plurality, in this embodiment three, finger obstruction tabs 63. The cylindrical upstanding portion 62 further comprises a locking ring guiding ramp portion 64. The underside of the locking ring 6 as shown in 7B is provided with at least one, in this case, three ramp following portions 65. Further an outer curved surface of the locking ring 6 is provided with user grip portions 66 to assist in turning the locking ring 6 relative to the remainder of the fitting 1 . An inner curved surface of the locking ring 6 is provided with at least one, in this case three, ring indexing projections 67.

[0151] The body 4, as best seen in Figure 6, comprises a ring mounting portion 8 which is arranged to receive and interact with the locking ring 6. The ring mounting portion 8 comprises at least one ring ramp portion 81 - in this embodiment there are three ring ramp portions 81 . Each ring ramp portion 81 is in the form of an axial end surface of a respective wall portion 81 a.

[0152] The ring mounting portion 8 further comprises at least one, and in this embodiment six, body indexing projections 82a, 82b - in Figure 6 three such projections are visible. The body indexing projections 82a, 82b are provided in pairs - a first 82a in each pair is provided towards a low end of a respective one of the ring ramp portions 81 and a second 82b in each pair is provided towards a high end of the respective one of the ring ramp portions 81 .

[0153] Referring, for example, to Figure 3, when the locking ring 6 is mounted on the body 4, the upstanding cylindrical portion 62 is disposed in an annular space A between the body 4 and the sleeve 5. On the other hand the blocking ring portion 61 is outside of the sleeve 5, visible to the user and easily actuated.

[0154] With the fitting 1 in the state shown in Figures 1 and 3 retraction of the sleeve 5 away from the connector insertion end E of the fitting 1 is possible because an axial retraction space RS exists between the sleeve 5 and the blocking ring portion 61 . On the other hand with the fitting 1 in the state shown in Figures 2 and 4 and 5, retraction of the sleeve 5 away from the connector insertion end E of the fitting 1 is blocked by the blocking ring portion 61 . In this state the axial retraction space RS is occupied by the blocking ring portion 61 .

[0155] This effectively prevents retraction of the sleeve 5 and operation of the release mechanism. Moreover, this state is readily identifiable by the user - the user can readily see the retraction space RS with the fitting 1 in the state shown in Figure 1 and can readily see the absence of this space with the fitting in the state shown in Figure 3. With the state shown in Figures 3 and 5, the user can intuitively see that retraction of the sleeve 5, and hence release of the connection to another component T, is blocked by the blocking ring portion 61 .

[0156] A user can move between the locked and unlocked states as shown in Figures 1 and 2 simply by turning the locking ring 6 in the direction shown by the symbols on the locking ring 6 relative to the sleeve 5 and hence the body 4. When the locking ring 6 is turned from the unlocked state shown in Figure 1 to the locked state shown in Figure 2, the three ramp following portions 65 provided on the locking ring 6 ride up the respective ring ramp portions 81 , driving the blocking ring portion 61 axially to the blocking position as shown in Figure 2. Further as this movement is made the locking ring 6 “clicks” out of the unlocked state as the respective ring indexing projections 67 click past the respective first body indexing projections 82a; and when the locking ring 6 reaches the locked state, the locking ring 6 “clicks” into the locked state as the respective ring indexing projections 67 click past the respective second body indexing projections 82b. As and when the movement is reversed and the locking ring 6 is moved from the locked state to the unlocked state, the indexing projections 67, 82a, 82b co-operate so the locking ring 6 clicks out of the locked state and clicks into the unlocked state.

[0157] Thus there is “indexing” of the position of the locking ring 6 so that the user is given an audible and / or touch indication of when these states are reached.

[0158] To help ensure that the locking ring 6 maintains its axial position when in the unlocked state a radially projecting tab 43 is provided on the body 4, specifically on the inner part 4a of the body (see Figure 9). The tab 43 acts on the locking ring guiding ramp portion 64 of the locking ring 6 introduced above in relation to Figure 7A. The locking ring 6 then is in effect sandwiched between the ring ramp portions 81 and the radially projecting tab 43 as it moves axially relative to the body 4.

[0159] Whilst the presence of the blocking ring portion 61 can obstruct movement of the sleeve 5 in the retraction direction due to mechanical abutment between the sleeve 5, the blocking ring portion 61 and the body 4 (via, in this embodiment, the ring ramp portions 81 and the ramp following portions 65 - see for example Figure 4 to this mechanical chain of abutment) and this can help stop accidental disconnection of the fitting, this does not necessarily help protect against disconnection caused by, for example, excessive pulling force being applied to a hose.

[0160] As mentioned above, in the unlocked state, as for example shown in Figure 3, when the engaging fingers 71 retract radially outwardly, they can move into respective finger accepting spaces 74 provided within the sleeve 5. These spaces exist because in this unlocked state the finger obstruction tabs 63 are out of register with the engaging fingers 71 . The finger obstruction tabs 63 are spaced, in this embodiment radially and axially, away from the respective finger accepting spaces 74 when the locking ring 6 is in the unlocked position. On the other hand when the locking ring 6 is moved to the locked position, the finger obstruction tabs 63 occupy the respective finger accepting spaces 74, such that radial outward movement of the engaging fingers 71 is obstructed. This then serves to keep the engaging fingers 71 in the bore B in their engaging position, and engaged with the male part T1 of a connector portion T when present in the bore B.

[0161] In the present embodiment, this movement of the finger obstructing tabs 63 to their obstructing position occurs with movement of the blocking ring portion 61 to its blocking position and this is preferred - ie both forms of enhanced connection are provided and actuated together and preferably also deactivated together. However in alternatives, a blocking ring portion might be used without the use of finger obstructing tabs, or equally finger obstructing tabs might be used without the use of a blocking ring portion. In such a case preferably a visual indicator is still given to a user of when the finger obstructing tabs are in a locking position. In one case these may be provided on a locking ring that moves visibly between unlocked and locked states, though it does not act as / include a blocking ring portion.

[0162] Figures 10A and 10B show an alternative garden hose fitting T. In terms of what is relevant to the ideas in this application, this is similar to the fitting 1 described above. It includes a plurality of engaging fingers (not shown) for engaging with a male part disposed in its receiving bore B and retraction of the sleeve 5 actuates a release mechanism. On the other hand, it does not include finger obstruction tabs of the type described above and includes a blocking ring portion 61 that is mounted on the sleeve 5 of the fitting 1 rather than the body 4.

[0163] Other than being mounted on the sleeve 5 rather than the body 4, the function and operation of the blocking ring portion 61 in this garden hose fitting T is similar to that described above in relation to Figures 1 to 9. The blocking ring portion 61 is moveable between an unlocked position as shown in Figure 10A and a locked position as shown in Figure 10B. In the locked position as shown in Figure 10B, the blocking ring portion 61 occupies a retraction space RS that is present in the unlocked position as shown in Figure 10A - this then obstructs retraction of the sleeve 5 which in turn stops actuation of the release mechanism of the fitting 1

[0164] In this alternative garden hose fitting the blocking ring portion 61 is again moved between the unlocked and locked states via rotation of the blocking ring portion 61 relative to the sleeve 5 and body 4. A ramp portion in the form of an inclined groove 1001 is formed in the sleeve 5 and a respective follower portion (not shown) is provided on an inside surface of the blocking ring portion 61 that runs in the groove 1001. The groove 1001 includes respective indexing projections 1001 a (only one of which can be seen in Figure 10B) which the follower portion clicks over when the blocking ring portion 61 reaches the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0165] Figures 11 A and 11 B show a further alternative garden hose fitting 1 ” respectively in a locked state and an unlocked state. The further alternative garden hose fitting 1 ” of Figures 11 A and 11 B is similar in nearly all respects to the fitting 1 shown in and described in respect of Figures 1 to 9 above and detailed description of the parts in common is omitted and the same reference numerals are used to indicate those parts. The description below is directed to the differences between the further alternative garden hose fitting 1 ” and the fitting 1 of Figures 1 to 9.

[0166] As shown in Figures 11 A and 11 B the sleeve 5 of the further alternative garden hose fitting 1 ” defines a viewing window 53 through which indicator portions 68a (see Figure 11 A) and 68b (see Figure 11 B) of the locking ring 6 can be seen depending on the state of the fitting.

[0167] Figure 12 shows the locking ring 6 of the further alternative garden hose fitting 1 ” in isolation where these indicator portions 68a and 68b can be seen alongside one another. The indicator portions 68a, 68b serve to indicate whether the fitting 1 ” is in a locked state - Figure 11 A or an unlocked state - Figure 11 B. In particular, the indicator portions 68a, 68b show whether the locking ring 6 is positioned so that the finger obstruction tabs 63 occupy the respective finger accepting spaces 74, such that radial outward movement of the engaging fingers 71 is obstructed - as described above with reference to Figure 3.

[0168] In the fitting 1 ” of Figures 11 A and 11 B the indicator portions 68a, 68b bear symbols to indicate to a user whether fitting is locked or unlocked. In particular a locked symbol, say in the form of a locked padlock, may be provided to be visible through the window 53 in a locked state and / or an unlocked symbol, say in the form of an unlocked padlock, may be provided to be visible through the window 53 in an unlocked state. A further symbol, say a double headed arrow, may be provided, say between the locked and unlocked symbols, to indicate that the fitting is in an intermediate state.

[0169] Figures 13A and 13B show another alternative garden hose fitting T” respectively in a locked state and an unlocked state. The other alternative garden hose fitting T” of Figures 13A and 13B is again similar in nearly all respects to the fitting 1 shown in and described in respect of Figures 1 to 9 above and detailed description of the parts in common is omitted and the same reference numerals are used to indicate those parts. The description below is directed to the differences between the further alternative garden hose fitting T” and the fitting 1 of Figures 1 to 9.

[0170] Similarly to the further alternative fitting 1 ” of Figures 11 A and 11 B the sleeve 5 of the other alternative garden hose fitting 1 defines a viewing window 53 through which an indicator portion 68c (see Figure 13A) of the locking ring 6 can be seen depending on the state of the fitting.

[0171] Figure 14 shows the locking ring 6 of the further alternative garden hose fitting T” in isolation where the indicator portion 68c can be seen. The indicator portion 68c serves to indicate whether fitting 1 is in a locked state - Figure 13A or an unlocked state - Figure 13B. In particular, the indicator portion 68c shows whether the locking ring 6 is positioned so that the finger obstruction tabs 63 occupy the respective finger accepting spaces 74, such that radial outward movement of the engaging fingers 71 is obstructed - as described above with reference to Figure 3.

[0172] In the fitting T” of Figures 13A and 13B when the indicator portion 68c is visible in the window 53 - as in Figure 13A - this shows that the fitting 1 is in a locked state. On the other hand an absence of the indicator portion from the window 53 - as in Figure 13B - shows that the fitting 1 is in an unlocked state.

[0173] In the state shown in Figure 13B then rather than the indicator portion 68c being visible through the window 53, another portion of the fitting 1 say a part of the body 4, is visible through the window 53. Preferably, this other portion of the fitting 1 is of a contrasting colour to the indicator portion 68c. Typically, the locking ring 6 or at least the indicator portion 68c will be of a different coloured plastics material than said other portion of the fitting 1 to give this colour contrast. In Figure 13A the indicator portion 68c is shown with a dotted pattern to give the idea of the indicator portion 68c being of a different colour than the part - say the body 4 - that is visible through the window in Figure 13B.

[0174] Preferably the indicator portion 68c is also of a contrasting colour to the sleeve 5, or at least the region the sleeve 5 that surrounds the window 53.

[0175] In this instance an additional region of material has been added to the locking ring 6 in this fitting 1 compared to the locking ring of the fitting 1 of Figures 1 to 9 to provide the indicator portion 68c - that is to enable location of the window 53 at a selected location in the sleeve 5 and ensure the indicator portion 68c is visible in the window 53 in the locked state. It will be appreciated that in the state shown in Figure 13B, a “gap” in the sidewall (upstanding portion 62) of the locking ring 6 is aligned with the window 53 so that a portion of the body 4 can be seen through the window 53. This gap can be seen in Figure 14 located above the guiding ramp portion 64.

[0176] Both the fitting 1 ” of Figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B and the fitting 1 of Figures 13A and 13B comprise one respective window 53 for use in indicating the state of the fitting. In alternatives more than one such window 53 might be provided in the respective fitting - perhaps say a pair of windows, which might be diametrically opposed.

[0177] Both the fitting 1 ” of Figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B and the fitting 1 of Figures 13A and 13B differ from the fitting 1 of Figures 1 to 9 in two further ways. These differences will be explained with reference to Figure 15, which shows the fitting 1 ” of Figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B with the locking nut removed, as well as Figures 1 1 A to 14.

[0178] First in both the fitting 1 ” of Figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B and the fitting 1 of Figures 13A and 13B the locking nut 2T provided on the fitting is of colourless plastics material (It is noted that it is difficult to discern this from the drawings). The locking nut 21 ’ otherwise is the same as the locking nut 21 of the fitting 1 of Figures 1 to 9 and functions in the same way as part of the hose connection portion 2. However the locking nut 21 ’ is transparent (or translucent) such that a user can see through the nut 21 ’, in particular through the sidewall of the nut 21 ’, and hence see the threaded stem portion 42b on which the nut 21 ’ is mounted and / or the ring-like clamping portion 22 (see Figure 3 for reference).

[0179] This means that the user can see details of the hose connection portion with the nut 21 ’ in place and better understand the arrangement as well as the current state of the arrangement - eg how far the nut 21 ’ is screwed onto the threaded stem portion 42b - either or both of which can assist in mounting a hose end in the fitting. Second in both the fitting 1 ” of Figures 11 A and 11 B and the fitting 1 of Figures 13A and 13B an inspection window W is provided in a skirt portion S of the threaded stem portion 42b. In the present embodiments the inspection window W is provided in the form of an aperture (or hole) in the material of the skirt portion S.

[0180] Thus as can be seen in Figure 15 a user can see into the interior of the hose connection body portion 42 and in particular into a receiving region R which is defined between the spigot 42a and the skirt portion S.

[0181] This means that when a hose is mounted onto the spigot 42a, the end of hose is visible through the window W, and hence it can be seen whether the hose is correctly mounted on the spigot 42a. This in turn helps ensure that the hose is properly captured by the clamping arrangement of the hose connector portion 2.

[0182] Ideally, the inspection window W extends over a region of the spigot 42a in which the end of an inserted hose of the intended size or sizes is expected to reach when fully mounted onto the spigot 42a. As will be appreciated this end position may depend on the original dimensions of the hose - both internal and external diameters - and other factors such as material, age, prestretching and so on.

[0183] The provision of the inspection window W in combination with the colourless nut 21 ’ is particularly advantageous since it means that the user may then be able to observe the mounting state of the end of a length of hose on the spigot 42a when the nut 21 ’ is in place. This can be helpful during mounting of a hose onto the spigot 42a , and also during use - that is a user may be able to see if and when a mounted hose moves / becomes dislodged from its correct position on the spigot 42a during use of the hose.

[0184] Figure 16 shows part of yet another alternative garden hose fitting 1 ”” which is similar to that shown in and described with reference to Figures 11 A and 11 B and Figure 15 and detailed description of the parts in common is omitted and the same reference numerals are used to indicate those parts. The description below is directed to the differences between the further alternative garden hose fitting 1 ”” and the fitting 1 ” of Figures 11 A, 11 B, and 15.

[0185] The fitting of Figure 16 is similar to that of Figures 11 A, 11 B, and 15 in that it includes a inspection window W provided in a skirt portion S of a threaded stem portion 42b to allow viewing of a hose when properly mounted onto a spigot 42a and in a hose receiving region R and in that it comprises a colourless nut 21 Further the features of the connector mounting portion 3 are common between the two fittings 1 ” and 1 ””.

[0186] On the other hand, this hose fitting 1 ”” differs from those above in that it includes more conventional forward facing claws 22b’.

[0187] As shown in Figure 16, the claws 22b’ are for clamping into hose when carried on the spigot 42a and driven by the nut 21 ’ into engagement with the hose similarly to the fittings described further above. However, the claws 22b’ are provided at the end of the threaded stem portion 42b and face forward or outwardly unlike those in the fittings described further above.

[0188] Notwithstanding these differences, then as mentioned above, there is a hose receiving region R defined between the skirt portion S and the spigot 42a and when a hose is properly mounted on the spigot 42a and in this region R it is visible through the inspection window W and also through the colourless nut 21 ’.

[0189] Thus the same benefits and advantages of the inspection window W and colourless nut 21 ’ can be obtained in fittings of this type having forward facing claws 22b’, as with fittings having inward facing claws 22b as shown in for example Figure 3.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting, the connector mounting portion comprising: a bore arranged to accept a male part of the connector portion when introduced into the bore via a male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion; a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore; and a release mechanism which when operated one of causes and allows retraction of the engaging fingers to facilitate removal of the male part from the receiving bore, wherein the connector mounting portion comprises a sleeve portion and a body portion with the sleeve portion mounted for axial movement on the body portion, and the release mechanism is arranged to be operated by an axial retraction of the sleeve portion relative to the body portion away from the male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion, and wherein the hose fitting comprises a blocking ring portion which is moveably mounted on the connector mounting portion and moveable between a nonblocking position which allows retraction of the sleeve portion relative to the body portion so allowing operation of the release mechanism and a blocking position in which the blocking ring portion blocks retraction of the sleeve portion relative to the body portion so obstructing operation of the release mechanism, the blocking ring portion being at least partially visible to a user in use when in at least one of the non-blocking position and the blocking position.

2. A garden hose fitting according to claim 1 in which the blocking ring portion is mounted on one of the sleeve portion and the body portion.

3. A garden hose fitting according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the blocking ring portion is at least partially visible to a user in use when in both the non-blocking position and the blocking position.

4. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim arranged so that with the blocking ring portion in the non-blocking position a retraction region exists into which the sleeve portion is retractable to operate the release mechanism whereas when the blocking ring portion is in the blocking position, the blocking ring portion at least partly occupies the retraction region such that movement of the sleeve portion into the retraction region is obstructed.

5. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which when the blocking ring portion is in the blocking position there is chain of mechanical contact between the sleeve portion, the blocking ring portion and the body portion such that abutment between these components resists retraction of the sleeve portion.

6. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the blocking ring portion is rotatably mounted on the connector mounting portion and rotatable around an axis of the connector portion between the nonblocking position and the blocking position.

7. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the blocking ring portion is rotatable relative to the sleeve portion.

8. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the blocking ring or at least part of the blocking ring is provided outside of the axial extent of the sleeve portion.

9. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the fitting comprises a ring mounting portion on which the blocking ring portion is moveably mounted.

10. A garden hose fitting according to claim 9 in which the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion are arranged so that the blocking ring portion is rotatably moveable on the ring mounting portion, and further arranged so that rotating movement of the blocking ring portion relative to the ring mounting portion drives axial movement of the blocking ring portion relative to the ring mounting portion.

11. A garden hose fitting according to claim 10 in which the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion comprise interacting camming surfaces for causing relative axial movement between the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion as the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion are rotated relative to each other.

12. A garden hose fitting according to claim 11 in which one of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion comprises at least one ramp portion for driving relative axial movement between the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion as the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion are rotated relative to each other and at least one complementary follower portion is provided on the other of the blocking ring portion and the ring mounting portion for interacting with the ramp portion.

13. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the hose fitting comprises at least one finger obstruction portion which is moveable between a first, non-operative, position which allows movement of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position and a second, obstructing, position in which the at least one finger obstruction portion obstructs movement of at least one of the engaging fingers of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position.

14. A garden hose fitting according to claim 13 in which the fitting is arranged so that a predetermined movement of the blocking ring portion both moves the blocking ring portion to the blocking position and moves the at least one finger obstruction portion to the second, obstructing, position.

15. A garden hose fitting according to claim 13 or claim 14 in which the hose fitting comprises a locking member that comprises the blocking ring portion and the at least one finger obstruction portion.

16. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 13 to 15 in which the fitting is arranged to give a visual indication to the user when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the first, non-operative, position and / or the second, obstructing, position.

17. A garden hose fitting according to claim 16 in which the visual indication of the position of the at least one finger obstruction portion comprises the position of the blocking ring portion.

18. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 13 to 17 in which the at least one finger obstructing portion is arranged to be disposed in alignment with, but radially outside of, an engaging end of a respective one of the engaging fingers when in the second, obstructing, position.

19. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 13 to 18 in which the at least one finger obstructing portion extends in an anulus formed between the sleeve portion and the body portion.

20. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 13 to 19 in which a plurality of finger obstructing portions are provided, each finger obstructing portion in the plurality for selectively obstructing a respective one of the engaging fingers.21 . A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 13 to 20 in which the at least one finger obstructing portion is arranged to be moved axially and circumferentially between the first and second positions.

22. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the fitting comprises indexing means for indicating to a user when movement ofthe blocking ring portion causes the blocking ring portion to reach the blocking position and / or the non-blocking position.

23. A garden hose fitting according to claim 22 in which the indexing means comprises three projections, a first projection provided on one of the blocking ring portion and the body portion, and a second projection and a third projection provided on the other of the blocking ring portion and the body portion, wherein the first projection is arranged to click past the second projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the blocking position and the first projection is arranged to click past the third projection when the blocking ring portion reaches the non-blocking position.

24. A garden hose fitting according to any preceding claim in which the hose connection portion comprises: a hose receiving portion in which is disposed a spigot for receiving the end of a length of hose; and a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws which surround the spigot and are arranged to be driven into contact with hose carried on the spigot under action of the locking nut such that a carried hose is clampable between the claws and the spigot, wherein the locking nut is of transparent or translucent material such that a user may see through a sidewall of the nut when in situ on the hose connection portion.

25. A garden hose fitting comprising a hose connection portion for accepting the end of a garden hose and a connector mounting portion for accepting a connector portion of a component to be connected to the hose fitting, the connector mounting portion comprising: a bore arranged to accept a male part of the connector portion when introduced into the bore via a male part insertion end of the connector mounting portion; a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore; anda release mechanism which when operated one of causes and allows retraction of the engaging fingers to facilitate removal of the male part from the receiving bore, and wherein the hose fitting comprises at least one finger obstruction portion which is moveable between a first, non-operative, position which allows movement of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position and a second, obstructing, position in which the at least one finger obstruction portion obstructs movement of at least one engaging finger of the plurality of engaging fingers to the retracted position.

26. A garden hose fitting according to claim 25 in which the hose fitting comprises a locking member that comprises the at least one finger obstruction portion.

27. A garden hose fitting according to claim 25 or claim 26 in which the fitting is arranged to give a visual indication to the user when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in the first, non-operative, position and / or the second, obstructing, position.

28. A garden hose fitting according to claim 27 in which the visual indication is facilitated by the provision of at least one window in the fitting that allows user viewing of the position of at least one of the at least one finger obstruction portions.

29. A garden hose fitting according to claim 27 or claim 28 in which the fitting comprises a locking member of which the at least one finger obstruction portion forms a part and which comprises an indicator portion, the release mechanism comprises a sleeve which is moveably mounted on a body portion of the fitting, wherein, the window is provided in the sleeve and the indicator portion is visible through the window when the at least one finger obstruction portion is in one of the first, non-operative, position and the second, obstructing, position, and the indicator portion is obscured from view when theat least one finger obstruction portion is in the other of the first, non-operative, position and the second, obstructing, position.

30. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 29 in which the at least one finger obstructing portion is arranged to be disposed in alignment with, but radially outside of, an engaging end of a respective one of the engaging fingers when in the second, obstructing, position.31 . A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 30 in which the at least one finger obstructing portion extends in an anulus formed between the sleeve portion and the body portion.

32. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 31 in which a plurality of finger obstructing portions are provided, each finger obstructing portion in the plurality for selectively obstructing a respective one of the engaging fingers.

33. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 32 in which the at least one finger obstructing portion is arranged to be moved axially and circumferentially between the first and second positions.

34. A garden hose fitting according to claim 26 or any one of claims 27 to 33 when dependent on claim 26 in which the fitting comprises indexing means for indicating to a user when movement of the locking ring causes the at least one finger obstructing portion to reach the first, non-operative, position and / or the second, obstructing, position.

35. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 34 in which the engaging fingers are arranged to bend between the extended position and the retracted position and the finger obstruction portion is arranged to hold the respective engaging finger against bending to the retracted position when in the obstructing position.

36. A garden hose fitting according to any one of claims 25 to 35 in which the hose connection portion comprises: a hose receiving portion in which is disposed a spigot for receiving the end of a length of hose; and a clamping arrangement comprising a locking nut and a plurality of deformable claws which surround the spigot and are arranged to be driven into contact with hose carried on the spigot under action of the locking nut such that a carried hose is clampable between the claws and the spigot, wherein the locking nut is of transparent or translucent material such that a user may see through a sidewall of the nut when in situ on the hose connection portion.

37. A garden hose fitting arrangement comprising a garden hose fitting as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 36 and a component comprising a connector portion, wherein a male part of the connector portion is accepted in the bore of the garden hose fitting.

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