Abstract:
A grip and fitting assembly for coupling an air hose to a gladhand coupler. The grip is flexible and tapered with a tubular interior through which may pass a length of hose shielded and protected by the grip. The grip is affixed to a fitting attachable to the gladhand coupler on a first threaded end thereof and attachable to the air hose on a second barbed end thereof. The grip is configured with one or more internal keyway boss which aligns and interlocks with one or more corresponding keyway recess on a retaining shoulder formed between the ends of the fitting. The secure, snap-fit attachment between the grip and fitting ensures ease of operation, installation, maintenance, along with increased durability, weather-resistance, efficiency, usability, and reliability of the coupling.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/233,006 filed Aug. 10, 2016, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/287,420 filed Jan. 26, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention described herein relates generally to the field of grip fitting assemblies for tube and hose connections. More specifically, the present invention provides improved operation, installation, durability, weather-resistance, and reliability of flexible grips, grip fittings and grip fitting assemblies for tube and hose line connections and kits. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Applications of grips, fittings and grip fitting assemblies for tube and hose line connections and kits within industrial and commercial environments require resistance to harsh environments and reliability under stress and strain forces during installation and operation. Such tube and hose lines may involve high pressure hydraulics or air and often require some flexibility of the tube or hose. 
         [0004]    For example, air hose connections are commonly found in applications within the freight hauling industry. Such connections use a device known as a gladhand or gladhand coupler. This is an interlocking hose coupling fitted to hoses supplying pressurized air for air brake operation between a tractor cab unit and a freight trailer, or from a locomotive to railway air brakes on railroad cars. Gladhand couplers resemble a pair of “hands shaking” when interlocked and from where their name is derived. Gladhands are designed to allow the driver to manually disconnect hoses between tractor/trailer or between railcars without a mechanic or tools. They sometimes are quick release to speed up brake release time. Often, gladhands are color coded with service lines being blue and emergency brake lines being red. Mated rubber grommets provide a positive seal, and the joined halves may separate during operation if certain pull stresses are present at the hose or tube connection. Gladhand couplers are typically standardized in size and mating geometry which allows them to be connected to each other, for example allowing either end of a railcar to be connected to the end of a train or for one trucking company&#39;s tractor cabs to connect to any number of freight trailers. 
         [0005]    Inherent to the freight industry is the constant coupling and decoupling of gladhand connections as trailers are left for loading or unloading and other trailers are picked up for delivery. Gladhands are of course affixed to a length of air hose or tube. The manual act of coupling and decoupling gladhands places stress and strain upon the connected hose. This is exacerbated by the fact that gladhands are prone to corrosion making their mating surfaces more difficult to couple and uncouple over time. During installation and operation of an air brake hose in the freight hauling context, the flexible hose undergoes stress from bending, twisting, and kinking, particularly at the fitting ends of the air brake lines. For instance, tractor-trailer operators subject air brake lines to twisting while bending them into position in tight quarters between tractor and trailer. Drivers and fleet maintenance personnel repetitively connect and disconnect air brake lines between the tractor and trailer using hand holds on the hose at the fittings to achieve the needed leverage to secure and release gladhand connections. Connection of tractor to trailer using integrated, multiple hose and tube and cable assemblies, or “kits,” requires flexibility in the manner of coupling the multiple fittings to their respective fixed air and hydraulic connections. 
         [0006]    Conventional grips, fittings and grip fitting assemblies, however, do not offer sufficient protection against kinking of the hose and tube at the gladhand connections. Conventional hose and tube assemblies using only coiled springs at the fittings are subject to corrosion, and provide inadequate protection from the shearing action that takes place during gladhand connection where the spring coils shift and do not prevent kinking and bending during installation and operation. Some rigid grip aids to the gladhand connection process create a more severe angle during tight radius turns putting further stress on air brake lines at the gladhands, reducing the life of air brake hoses and risking failure under operation of the tractor-trailer air brake system. 
         [0007]    When not in use (e.g., tractor cab not connected to a tractor trailer), air hoses are often stored in a manner such that the weight of the dangling gladhand stresses the hose to which the gladhand is connected. Further, gladhand connections to the hose, which often include grips, fittings and grip fitting assemblies, undergo continuous exposure to the elements while in use, often in frigid conditions. Winter road salts and brine, dirt, grease, and other solvents erode fittings and assemblies of critical air brake connections. For tractor-trailer connections, protection of fittings that join the air hose and gladhand from the elements with weather resistant, low-temperature materials and coatings is essential to the safety of the driver and public highway motorists. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a coupling mechanism that overcomes these and other disadvantages of conventional fittings and fitting assemblies. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0009]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings can be practiced with embodiments other than those summarized or disclosed below by the Figures and Detailed Description of the Invention to follow. 
         [0010]    In general, the present invention includes a tapered flexible grip and interlocking fitting which combined form a grip fitting assembly. The assembly is used to connect a coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, a gladhand to a length of hose or tubing. It should be understood that hose and tubing, while sometimes used synonymously, have one major difference. Hoses are generally reinforced in some way. Typical reinforcements are imbedded braid reinforcement, wire reinforcement, reinforcement with a stiffer plastic or other material, dual walls or a very heavy wall. Hose is typically used and rated for applications that involve high pressure. Tubing is not reinforced or is sparsely reinforced and is often used for gravity flow or lower pressure applications. 
         [0011]    For purposes of the following discussion, the term “hose” will be used though should not be considered as limiting the invention. Likewise, the exemplary embodiment of the inventive assembly being used within a gladhand coupling tractor and trailer air hoses should be understood as but one example of an implementation of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention may be implemented within a variety of tube and hose line connections for many industrial and commercial applications. 
         [0012]    The present invention includes a grip and fitting assembly including: a flexible tapered grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to the interior seating surface, and at least one keyway boss located within a sidewall of the substantially tubular interior along the annular lip and adjacent to the interior seating surface; a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between the first coupling end and the second coupling end, and an exterior seating surface located between the retaining shoulder and the first coupling end, the retaining shoulder including at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to the at least one keyway boss; wherein the at least one keyway boss and the at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of the interior seating surface with the exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between the grip and the fitting. 
         [0013]    The present invention also includes a grip and fitting assembly for coupling an air hose to a gladhand coupler, the assembly including: a flexible tapered grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to the interior seating surface, and three keyway bosses located within a sidewall of the substantially tubular interior, the keyway bosses spaced equidistantly along the annular lip and adjacent to the interior seating surface; a fitting having a first coupling end threaded to accept a gladhand coupler, a second coupling end barbed to accept and retain a length of air hose thereon, a retaining shoulder located between the first coupling end and the second coupling end, and an exterior seating surface located between the retaining shoulder and the first coupling end, the retaining shoulder including three keyway recesses each suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to a related one of the keyway bosses; wherein the keyway bosses and the keyway recesses are configured to interlock upon abutment of the interior seating surface with the exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between the grip and the fitting. 
         [0014]    In one aspect of the invention there is included a grip and fitting assembly including a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface. There is at least one keyway boss projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface and a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end. There is an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end and the retaining shoulder includes at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said at least one keyway boss. The at least one keyway boss and said at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting. 
         [0015]    In one or more embodiments the following features may be included. The retaining shoulder may have an outermost diameter greater than an innermost diameter of said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface. The shoulder surface and said annular lip may be configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. The first coupling end may include a threaded portion configured to accept a universal coupling mechanism. The universal coupling mechanism may be a gladhand. The fitting may further include a nut member positioned between the threading portion and the exterior surface configured to contact the first end of the grip upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a second direction. The second coupling end may be barbed to accept a flexible conduit and wherein the second coupling end is located within the substantially tubular interior of the grip. The flexible conduit may be a length of air hose. There may be more than one said keyway boss and, correspondingly, more than one said keyway recess. There may be included a rail located at a second end of said grip opposite said first end, said rail being thickened. The grip may be formed of a flexible material having a thickness which decreases from the first end of the grip to the rail. 
         [0016]    In another aspect of the invention there is included a hose assembly including a hose having a first end and a second end, a swivel coupling affixed to the first end of the hose, a grip and fitting assembly affixed to the second end of the hose. The grip and fitting assembly includes a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface. There is at least one keyway boss projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface and a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end. There is an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end and the retaining shoulder includes at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said at least one keyway boss. The at least one keyway boss and said at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting. 
         [0017]    In other embodiments the following features may be included. The retaining shoulder may have an outermost diameter greater than an innermost diameter of said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface. The shoulder surface and said annular lip may be configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. The first coupling end may include a threaded portion configured to accept a universal coupling mechanism. The universal coupling mechanism may be a gladhand. The fitting may further include a nut member positioned between the threading portion and the exterior surface configured to contact the first end of the grip upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a second direction. The second coupling end may be barbed to accept a flexible conduit and wherein the second coupling end is located within the substantially tubular interior of the grip. The flexible conduit may be a length of air hose. There may be more than one said keyway boss and, correspondingly, more than one said keyway recess. There may be a rail located at a second end of said grip opposite said first end, said rail being thickened. The grip may be formed of a flexible material having a thickness which decreases from the first end of the grip to the rail. 
         [0018]    In yet another aspect of the invention there is included a kit having a plurality of hose assemblies, at least one of the hose assemblies including a hose having a first end and a second end, a swivel coupling affixed to the first end of the hose, and a grip and fitting assembly affixed to the second end of the hose. The grip and fitting assembly includes a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface. There is at least one keyway boss projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface and a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end. There is an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end and the retaining shoulder includes at least one keyway recess suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said at least one keyway boss. The at least one keyway boss and said at least one keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting. 
         [0019]    In yet other embodiments the following features may be included. The retaining shoulder may have an outermost diameter greater than an innermost diameter of said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder may include a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface. The shoulder surface and said annular lip may be configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. The first coupling end may include a threaded portion configured to accept a universal coupling mechanism. The universal coupling mechanism may be a gladhand. The fitting may further include a nut member positioned between the threading portion and the exterior surface configured to contact the first end of the grip upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a second direction. The second coupling end may be barbed to accept a flexible conduit and wherein the second coupling end is located within the substantially tubular interior of the grip. The flexible conduit may be a length of air hose. There may be included more than one said keyway boss and, correspondingly, more than one said keyway recess. There may be a rail located at a second end of said grip opposite said first end, said rail being thickened. The grip may be formed of a flexible material having a thickness which decreases from the first end of the grip to the rail. 
         [0020]    In another aspect of the invention there is included a grip and fitting assembly comprising a grip having a substantially tubular interior, a first end of which includes an interior seating surface, an annular lip perpendicular to said interior seating surface, and a plurality of bosses projecting from a sidewall of said substantially tubular interior and positioned about said annular lip and adjacent to said interior seating surface. There is a fitting having a first coupling end, a second coupling end, a retaining shoulder located between said first coupling end and said second coupling end, and an exterior seating surface located between said retaining shoulder and said first coupling end. The retaining shoulder includes a plurality of keyway recesses suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond to said plurality of keyway bosses and the plurality of keyway bosses and said like plurality of keyway recess are configured to interlock upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude rotational movement between said grip and said fitting. The retaining shoulder includes a ramped surface, adjacent said second coupling end, facilitating movement of said retaining shoulder across said interior seating surface. The retaining shoulder further includes a shoulder surface opposite said ramped surface and perpendicular to said exterior seating surface and the shoulder surface and said annular lip are configured to snap fit against one another upon abutment of said interior seating surface with said exterior seating surface so as to preclude axial movement between said grip and said fitting in a first direction. 
         [0021]    The above and other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the Brief Description of the Drawings and the Invention and Detailed Description to follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of flexible tapered grip assembly according to the present invention shown with grip and fitting sections disconnected; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of a complete flexible tapered grip assembly of the invention connected with related elements shown in silhouette; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows an end view of the grip section of the invention, the end view being from the right end of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a side section view of the grip section of the invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 5A through 5C  show a series of close-up side views with the fitting section shown intact and a partial length of the grip section shown in a cutaway lengthwise cross section so as to illustrate the before, during, and after stages of fitting insertion into the grip; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of the complete flexible tapered grip assembly of the invention connected with related elements shown in silhouette taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows a close-up view of the flexible tapered grip assembly according to the present invention shown with grip and fitting sections disconnected and the grip section partially cutaway to reveal internal keyway boss structures; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the swivel coupling assembly according to this invention; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a cross-sectional view of the swivel coupling assembly of  FIG. 8  taken along line B-B;  FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the swivel coupling assembly according to an aspect of this invention; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a cross-sectional view of the swivel coupling assembly of  FIG. 10  taken along line B′-B′; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are a perspective views of hose assemblies with single and dual swivel couplings, respectively, according to an aspect of this invention; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are perspective views of a hose assemblies having swivel couplings installed gladhand “swinger” fixtures, according to an aspect of this invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another hose assembly with a swivel coupling according to an aspect of this invention installed at one end of the hose and a taper grip assembly at the other end of the hose; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  are perspective views of kits including hose and tube assemblies having a swivel coupling according to an aspect of this invention installed at one end of the hose and a taper grip assembly at the other end of the hose; and 
           [0037]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  shows various components optionally used in the assemblies and kits incorporating swivel couplings and/or flexible tapered grip shown in  FIGS. 12-15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The present invention will now be described more fully herein with reference to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Embodiments and implementations set forth in the following detailed description do not represent all embodiments and implementations of the claimed invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present teachings can be practiced with embodiments other than those summarized or disclosed below by the Figures and Detailed Description of the Invention to follow. 
         [0039]    For purposes of the following discussion, the terms “hose” and “tube” may be used throughout interchangeably and should not be considered as limiting the invention. Use of either term is meant to encompass both hoses and tubes and all applicable types of such hoses and tubes. Likewise, the exemplary embodiments may describe particular connectors, flexible tapered grips and couplers/connectors, including swivel couplings, however, it should be understood that these are examples of implementations of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention may be implemented within a variety of connectors, flexible tapered grips and couplers/connectors including swivel couplings. 
         [0040]    Further, the invention is described herein with regard to transportation applications, in particular trucking; however, there may be other equally suitable applications of the present invention outside of the context of trucking and such applications are well within the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, the present invention may be applicable to any suitable mobile or fixed implementations including, but not limited to, air or gas, hydraulic connections, fuel or other fluid transfer, land or marine connections, airplane terminal vestibules, and/or ship-to-shore connections. 
         [0041]    A flexible tapered grip assembly for installation in accordance with an aspect of the invention will first be described. Following the description of the flexible tapered grip assembly will be a description of the improved swivel coupling according to another aspect of the invention and then certain hose assemblies/kits using the flexible tapered grip assembly and/or the swivel coupling will be described. 
         [0042]    Flexible Tapered Grip 
         [0043]    With regard to  FIG. 1 , there is seen a three-dimensional illustration showing a flexible tapered grip assembly in accordance with the present invention shown with two sections, one being a fitting  10  and the other being a grip  20 . For purposes of illustration, the assembly is shown where the fitting  10  and grip  20  are in a disconnected position relative to one another. 
         [0044]    The grip  20  is a both flexible and tapered. Flexibility of the grip provides the ability of the grip to bend and yet return to its original shape. The grip  20  itself is a unitary structure fabricated from material suitable for the intended trucking environment which may be hostile to materials—i.e., where wide temperature variations occur and exposure to road salt and a variety of chemicals may occur. One suitable material includes thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) which are part of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) family of polymers. TPVs offer a combination of elastomeric properties, like compression and tension set, coupled with aging performance and chemical resistance. Other materials such as, but not limited to, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) thermoset rubber, nylon, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) may be possible depending upon the intended environment. For example, PVC may not be suitably used for an intended cold weather implementation where flexibility is severely limited at reduced environmental temperatures. The grip  20  may be formed in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, injection molding. It should also be understood that the grip may be colored during molding and provided in a variety of color schemes (i.e., color coded) in accordance with any desired implementation (e.g. red for emergency brake lines, blue for service lines) and which assists to minimize incorrect tractor/trailer connections 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1  and additional reference to  FIG. 2 , the grip  20  is seen as tapered from end to end. In particular, the grip  20  has an increased thickness at a first end  23  tapering to an opposite, second end that includes a tear-resistant rail  22 . The rail  22  is thickened so as to form a suitably reinforced ring around a length of air hose (shown by dotted line  30 ). Oftentimes, such portion of air hose also includes a spring guard (not shown) to assist and support the flexing of the hose. Providing the thickened rail  22  at the spring guard end of the grip  20  prevents tearing of the grip  20  and improves kink resistance of hose and tube made of weather resistant, low-temperature materials and coatings. 
         [0046]    The grip  20  includes traction ridges  21  for an additional non-slip feature when the grip  20  is handled by a user. Recessed areas  26  (and  27  visible in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) may be provided for corporate labeling or cosmetic logos. 
         [0047]    A fitting  10  is also shown in accordance with the inventive assembly. The fitting  10  includes a first coupling end  15  and a second coupling end  12  between which is located an exterior seating surface  11 . It is the exterior seating surface  11  of the fitting  10  and the interior seating surface  24  of the grip  20  which are intended to abut upon insertion of the fitting  10  into the first end  23  of the grip  20 . Such insertion is shown and described further below with regard to  FIGS. 5A through 5C . 
         [0048]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fitting  10  is seen to include a retaining shoulder  17  located between the first coupling end  12  and the second coupling end  15 . The retaining shoulder  17  has two sides with two very distinct purposes. One side of the retaining shoulder  17  includes a ramped surface  16 . The ramped surface  16  is intended as the part of the fitting  10  which first contacts the first end  23  of the grip  20  upon insertion of the fitting  10  into the grip  20 . The interior seating surface  11  may also include a beveled edge which facilitates the ramped surface  16  to at least initially contact the interior seating surface  11 . The other side of the retaining shoulder  17  includes a shoulder surface  13 . The shoulder surface  13  is opposite the ramped surface  16  and is oriented perpendicular to the exterior seating surface  11 . 
         [0049]    The fitting  10  itself is formed from a corrosion-resistant material such as, but not limited to brass. The first end  15  of the fitting is provided with threading and a hex-nut section  14  of the fitting  10  is provided to enable a user to utilize a wrench to connect the fitting  10  to a coupling mechanism (shown in dotted line as  40 ). The coupling mechanism  40  may be any suitable universal coupling mechanism such as, but not limited to, the aforementioned gladhand or similar coupler. As should be readily apparent from the description thus far and the accompanying  FIG. 2 , the inventive grip and fitting assembly provides a new and useful means of connecting a universal coupling  40  to a length of hose  30 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are respectively shown an end view and a side cross section view of the grip  20 . In particular,  FIG. 3  shows an end view of the grip section of the invention, the end view being from the right end of  FIG. 4  while  FIG. 4  shows a side section view of the grip section of the invention taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . Here, the grip  20  is seen to include three keyway bosses  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c  with only two  28   a ,  28   b  visible in cross section  FIG. 4 . 
         [0051]    It should be understood that each keyway boss  28   a ,  28   b ,  28   c  corresponds to a keyway recess  19  located on the fitting  10 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , the retaining shoulder  17  includes such keyway recesses and which are suitably dimensioned to matingly correspond a related keyway boss though only one of three such keyway recesses are visible. From  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that each keyway boss ( 28   a  and  28   b  visible) are located within a sidewall  25  of the substantially tubular interior  25  of the grip  20 . More specifically, each keyway boss is arranged along an annular lip  29  and adjacent to the interior seating surface  24 . It should be noted that while three keyway bosses and three corresponding keyway recesses are discussed, there may be any number of suitable pairs of keyway bosses and recesses such as, but not limited to, one, two, or four. 
         [0052]    The annular lip  29  is configured perpendicular to the interior seating surface  24  and provides a surface against which the shoulder surface  13  of the fitting&#39;s shoulder  17  firmly abuts once the fitting  10  is completely inserted within the first end  23  of the grip  20 . 
         [0053]    With regard to  FIGS. 5A through 5C , there are illustrated a series of close-up side views showing the fitting along with a partial length of the grip. The partial length of the grip is illustrated as a cutaway lengthwise cross section so as to show a chronological series of before, during, and after stages of fitting insertion into the grip. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , the ramped surface  16  of the fitting first meets the outer edge of the interior seating surface  24 . Such outer edge of the interior seating surface  24  may be beveled to facilitate movement of retaining shoulder  17  through and over the entirety of the interior seating surface  24 . Here, it is also visible that the retaining shoulder  17  is sized with an outer dimension slightly larger than the inner dimension of the interior seating surface  24 . 
         [0055]    It should be understood that the material from which the grip is fabricated will have elastic qualities such that the interior seating surface  24  will expand to allow the retaining should  17  to ride over it, but snap back into place once the retaining shoulder  17  is completely through and past the interior retaining surface  24 . This snap-fit action results in the configuration seen in  FIG. 5C . Here, the interior seating surface  24  is shown abutting the exterior seating surface  11  of the fitting. Likewise, the annular lip  29  of the grip is shown abutting the shoulder surface  13  which effectively permanently retains the fitting within the grip. Moreover, in such configuration shown, each keyway boss  28   a - 28   c  and each corresponding keyway recess  19  interlock with one another upon abutment of the interior seating surface  24  with the exterior seating surface  11  so as to preclude rotational movement between the grip and the fitting. In this manner, both rotational and axial movement of the fitting within grip is prevented as the two are locked into place. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the complete flexible tapered grip assembly taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 . Here, the invention is shown after the fitting is snap-fit into the grip and after the fitting is threaded to a coupling mechanism  40  and length of tubing  30 . In particular, it should be noted that the fitting includes barbs  12   a , or some suitable structure, which retain the length of tubing  30  upon the fitting. The tubular interior  25  of the grip itself is also suitably larger than the outer diameter of the tubing  30  so as to allow both unrestricted movement of the tube and yet still allow the grip to function as a strain relief boot with integrated fitting for hydraulic connections. Thus, the present invention is a dual purpose strain relief boot and a grip for manual manipulation of a coupler (e.g., gladhand). Likewise, the space provided between the tubular interior  25  and the outer diameter of the tubing  30  also enables a coil spring (not shown) to be inserted over the tubing  30  all the way up to the fitting, further enhancing flexibility of the inventive assembly. 
         [0057]    The strain relief aspect of the present invention also provides an “anti-kinking” characteristic such that the tubing attached to the fitting through the tapered grip section is precluded from kinking. Unrestricted movement of the tube within the grip at the end opposite the fitting occurs only to a point at which bending of the given tube will result in the tube coming into contact with the sidewall of the grip. Due to the tapered nature of the grip, the ability of the grip to bend along with the tube is a function of the thickness of the grip. The thinner end will therefore bend along with the abutting tube in a manner that is proportional with the varied thickness of the grip wall. This tapering provides flexible support of the tube while inhibiting the ability of the tube to kink. This is effective against kinking that may otherwise (in the absence of the present invention) occur during the time of connection or at the time of operation (e.g., during a turning of the tractor cab relative to the trailer). Elongation of the grip may be provided so as to further enhance the anti-kinking characteristics of the present invention. In such elongation instance, the grip may be provided in successively tapering sections interconnected to one another. 
         [0058]    It should therefore be understood that the sidewall of the flexible tapered grip decreases in thickness along the substantially tubular interior from fitting end to a tear-resistant rail end, so as to oppose kinking of the tube during installation and operation. Moreover, the tear-resistant rail engages with the tube upon minimal bending radius, so as to provide freedom of movement of the tube during initial bending. Thus, the opposing of kinking of the tube is an increasing function of the decrease in thickness from fitting end to rail end and elongation of the flexible tapered grip. In this manner, the grip is elongated along the tube so as to increase anti-kinking characteristics of the overall grip and fitting assembly relative to the tube. 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  is provided so as to more clearly illustrate the details of the internal keyway boss structures. Here, a close-up view of the flexible tapered grip assembly according to the present invention shows the grip and fitting sections disconnected and the grip section partially cutaway to reveal the internal keyway bosses  28   a ,  28   b.  Though three exist, it should be readily apparent that due to the cutaway aspect of  FIG. 7  only two are shown. From this figure, it should be readily apparent that each keyway boss is formed integrally with the grip as part of the sidewall of the tubular interior  25 . Moreover, the keyway boss has a surface that is collinear with the interior seating surface  24 . Thus, the keyway boss structures are internal and integral with the unitarily formed grip. 
         [0060]    In terms of implementation and use of the present invention, when used in conjunction with the all brass, corrosion-resistance fittings of the present invention, the grip and fitting assembly of the present invention provides improved bend and kink resistance during installation, operation, and gladhand connections and disconnections. Specifically, the present invention provides an improved thermo-composite flexible tapered grip and fitting design, the grip having increased thickness at the fitting end tapering to a tear-resistant rail at the hose and tube end of the fitting. The flexible tapered grip and grip fitting of the present invention further simplifies manufacture of the grip fitting assembly reducing cost and providing for longer operational life under bending and kinking. 
         [0061]    Swivel Coupling 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a swivel coupling assembly  100 , according to another aspect of this invention, in an exploded view depicting the two sub-assemblies, namely, annular barb insert assembly  110  and annular fitting sub-assembly  150 . When joined the sub-assemblies form a rotatable coupling to interconnect, for example, two fluid carrying hoses (not shown), one affixed to each sub-assembly at ends  112  (barb insert end) and  154  (fitting assembly end), respectively. It should be noted that various size hoses may be accommodated by changing the sizes of the ends  112  (barb insert end) and  154  (fitting assembly end) of the sub-assemblies and the overall diameter of the swivel coupling assembly. 
         [0063]    Barb insert assembly  110  is a machined metallic part formed of brass or a comparable material having an outer surface  111  with a varying radius along its length and an inner surface  113  defining a bore through which fluid may flow between the hoses interconnected by the swivel coupling assembly  100 . On outer surface  111  of barb insert assembly  110  there is a barb insert  114  spaced from barb insert end  112 , along the longitudinal axis A of barb insert assembly  110 , and at the opposite end of said assembly. Beginning at end  112  are formed a series of annular barbs  115  (in this example there are four but there may be greater or fewer depending on the application) which are designed to be inserted into a hose up to approximately shoulder  116  and provide a certain amount of gripping force to hold the hose in place on barb insert assembly  110 . The amount of gripping force may not be sufficient to hold the hose in place in the hostile environments encountered by these components, therefore, a metal crimp (not shown) may be installed over the hose in the area of the barb insert assembly to more securely hold the hose in place. 
         [0064]    Between shoulder  116  and barb insert  114  are formed three annular grooves  117 ,  118 , and  119  in outer surface  111  of barb insert assembly  110 . The groove closest to shoulder  116  may be a retaining ring groove  117  in which retaining ring  120  is disposed. The diameter of the retaining ring  120  is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface  111  in the area adjacent to the retaining ring groove  117 , which results in the retaining ring protruding above the outer surface  111  when it is disposed in the retaining ring groove  117 . Retaining ring  120  may be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel, carbon steel or the like, to provide it with sufficient stiffness to hold the two sub-assemblies in place when they are interconnected, as described below. Retaining ring  120  is constructed in the form of a coil so that as force is applied about the circumference it compresses and its diameter is reduced and when the force is terminated the ring expands to its neutral position with an increased diameter. The width of groove  117  is only slightly larger than the width of retaining ring  120 , allowing for insertion of the ring but providing a friction fit so as to retain it in place. 
         [0065]    Grooves (or glands)  118  and  119  are also disposed in outer surface  111 , but they are further along the longitudinal axis A and closer to barb insert  114  than groove  117 . Grooves  118  and  119  may have a width greater than groove  117 , so they can accommodate O-ring seals  130  and  140 , respectively, which may have a greater width than retaining ring  120 . The diameters of O-ring seals  130  and  140  are slightly larger than the diameter of the outer surface  111  in the area adjacent to grooves  118  and  119 , which results in the O-ring seals protruding just above the outer surface  111  when they are disposed in the grooves. In this example, groove  119  abuts barb insert  114 . 
         [0066]    Still referring to  FIG. 8 , at end  154  of annular fitting assembly  150  are a series of threads  153  on the outer surface for engaging with the inner surface of a hose (not shown), for example. Opposite end  151  has a hexagonal nut  152 , which may be engaged by a wrench or other appropriate tool to apply torque to the annular fitting assembly  150  as it is installed on the hose. Inner surface  153  defines a bore through which fluid may flow between the hoses interconnected by the swivel coupling assembly  100 . 
         [0067]    A cross-sectional view of swivel coupling assembly  100  is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  with annular barb insert assembly  110  and annular fitting sub-assembly  150  joined to form a rotatable coupling. When the sub-assemblies are joined, outer surface  111  of barb insert assembly  110  (within fitting assembly  150 ) is mated with inner surface  155  annular fitting sub-assembly  150  and barb insert  114  is substantially aligned with end  154 . At the opposite end  151  of annular fitting sub-assembly  150 , barb insert shoulder  116  is mated with inner surface  155  and forms a frictional connection to allow for rotation of the annular barb insert assembly  110  with respect to the annular fitting sub-assembly  150 . 
         [0068]    Still referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , retaining ring  120  is positioned in annular recess  160  formed in inner surface  155  and also in retaining ring groove  117 . In this position, the annular barb insert assembly  110  and annular fitting sub-assembly  150  are locked together in place preventing them from being pulled apart. Retaining ring  120  is designed to withstand axial forces sufficiently greater than those likely to be encountered by the components under normal environmental conditions. 
         [0069]    O-ring seals  130  and  140  are shown in a compressed state in annular grooves/glands  118  and  119 , respectively, since the diameter of the bore in annular fitting sub-assembly  150  defined by inner surface  155  is slightly smaller than the diameters of O-ring seals  130  and  140 . This forms tight seals with inner surface  155  to prevent fluids from flowing in the gap defined by outer surface  111  of annular barb insert assembly  110  and inner surface  155  of annular fitting sub-assembly  150 . In addition, wide bearing surfaces  131  and  141  are included adjacent to O-rings  130  and  140 , respectively, which are in contact with and bear against inner surface  155  of annular fitting sub-assembly  150  to provide stable bearing surfaces to protect the O-rings from abnormal loading. This is particularly important as the components wear over time and may otherwise become susceptible to wobble during rotation. By wide, what is meant is that the bearing surfaces are at least as wide as the width of the annular grooves/glands  118  and  119  and preferably wider. The typical range for each bearing surface may be from 1 to 3.5 times wider than the annular grooves. In this embodiment, it should be noted that bearing surface  131  is the external surface of barb insert  114 . 
         [0070]    By way of example, bearing surface  131  may be 0.186 in. in width and bearing surface  141  may be 0.113 in. in width. With annular grooves  118 / 119  having a width of 0.095 in. the bearing surfaces  131  and  141  are respectively 1.19 and 1.86 times the width of the annular grooves. These dimensions are provided only as an example and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. 
         [0071]    The O-ring seals  130  and  140  as well as the retaining ring  120  and the outer surface  111  in the region of the annular barb insert assembly  110  inside the bore of annular fitting sub-assembly may be coated with a lubricant to provide for a smoother and easier insertion and rotational movement when the coupling is installed. To further facilitate a smoother and easier insertion, proximate end  151  of annular fitting assembly  150 , the opening to the bore defined by inner surface  155  at location  162  is shown to have a wider diameter than the nominal diameter of the bore, such as at location  164  and throughout the rest of the bore to end  154  (excluding annular recess  160 ). From location  164  to  162  the diameter of inner surface  155  gradually increases at fixed angle relative to longitudinal axis A (approximately 5 to 10 degrees) about the circumference of the bore, thus forming a frusto-conically shaped section between locations  162  and  164 . From location  162  to the end  151  is formed a chamfered outer edge  166  which further helps in the smooth insertion of the annular barb insert assembly  110  into the annular fitting assembly. In particular, chamfered edge  166  is helpful in transitioning the retaining ring  120  as it goes from its normal expanded position and it begins to be compressed when it enters the bore. 
         [0072]    During the assembly process, as retaining ring  120  encounters chamfered edge  166  it is guided into place and once it enters the bore at location  162  the force and compression on retaining ring  120  begins and gradually increases until the ring reaches location  164 . As the retaining ring is pressed further into the bore beyond location  164 , it encounters annular recess  160 , at which point the force on the circumference of the retaining ring  120  is removed and retaining ring  120  expands and locks in place in annular recess  160 . Once locked in place in annular recess  160 , the retaining ring  120  prevents further movement of annular barb insert assembly  110  in either direction in the bore. Once in the installed position it can be seen that the outer surface of shoulder  116  is angled in a complimentary fashion to the inner surface  155  of the annular fitting assembly in that region to allow for a proper frictional fit and enable rotation between the two sub-assemblies. 
         [0073]    An alternative embodiment of the swivel coupling assembly  100  of  FIG. 8  is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11A / 11 B, as swivel coupling assembly  100   a , which includes annular barb insert assembly  110   a  and annular fitting sub-assembly  150   a.  Most aspects of this swivel coupling assembly are the equivalent of swivel coupling assembly  100 . The most notable difference is that there is no retaining ring groove or retaining ring used in this embodiment. Corresponding components in swivel coupling assembly  100  of  FIG. 8  are similarly numbered in swivel coupling assembly  100   a  of  FIG. 10  with the addition of letter designation “a”. 
         [0074]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the manner of assembling and retaining the annular barb insert assembly  110   a  and annular fitting sub-assembly  150   a  is depicted. Annular barb insert assembly  110   a  is inserted into annular fitting sub-assembly  150   a  through end  154   a  until the front side of shoulder  116   a  of barb insert assembly  110   a  abuts stop  161   a  formed in the inner surface  155   a  by changing the diameter of the bore defined by inner surface  155   a  in region  170   a  from a first diameter to a second, smaller diameter of the bore defined by inner surface  155   a  in region  180   a.  At the transition point, the stop  161   a  is formed. In this position, the outer surface  111   a  of section  190   a  of barb insert assembly  110   a  is mated with inner surface  155   a  in region  180   a.  It should be noted that the inner surface  155   a  in region  180   a  is not angled as there is no need for a wider opening and an angled transition as is the case with the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , due to the absence of retaining ring  120 . 
         [0075]    As with the embodiment in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , in the embodiment of  FIGS. 11A / 11 B wide bearing surfaces  131   a  and  141   a  are included adjacent to O-rings  130   a  and  140   a , respectively, which are in contact with and bear against inner surface  155   a  of annular fitting sub-assembly  150   a  to provide stable bearing surfaces to protect the O-rings from abnormal loading. By wide, what is meant is that the bearing surfaces are at least as wide as the width of the annular grooves/glands  118   a  and  119   a  and preferably wider. In this embodiment, it should be noted that bearing surface  131   a  is the external surface of barb insert  114   a.    
         [0076]    The typical range for each bearing surface may be from 1 to 3.5 times wider than the annular grooves. By way of example, in this embodiment, bearing surface  131   a  may be 0.155 in. in width and bearing surface  141   a  may be 0.310 in. in width. With annular grooves  118   a / 119   a  having a width of 0.095 in. the bearing surfaces  131   a  and  141   a  are respectively 1.63 and 3.26 times the width of the annular grooves. Again, this is merely a specific example and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. 
         [0077]    The O-ring seals  130   a  and  140   a  and the outer surface  111   a  in the region of the annular barb insert assembly  110   a  inside the bore of annular fitting sub-assembly may be coated with a lubricant to provide for a smoother and easier insertion and rotational movement when the coupling is installed. To further facilitate a smoother and easier insertion, proximate end  151   a  of annular fitting assembly  150   a  has a chamfered outer edge  166   a  which further helps in the smooth insertion of the annular barb insert assembly  110   a  into the annular fitting assembly. 
         [0078]    Hose Assemblies and Kits Utilizing the Grip and/or Swivel Coupling 
         [0079]    As indicated above, various hose assemblies and kits using the flexible tapered grip assembly and/or the swivel coupling will be described. As shown in  FIG. 12A , hose assembly  200   a  includes hose  210   a  which can be of any desired diameter and/or length. On a single end of hose  210   a  is installed a swivel coupling assembly which can be either the swivel coupling assembly  100  or  100   a , as described above. The swivel coupling assembly is secured to hose  210   a  using crimp  216   a.  On the other end of hose  210   a  may be installed a fitting other than the swivel coupling. Similarly, hose assembly  200   b  shown in  FIG. 12B  includes hose  210   b  of any length but in this case, on each end of hose  210   b , is installed a swivel coupling assembly which can be either the swivel coupling assembly  100  or  100   a , as described above. The swivel coupling assemblies are secured to hose  210   b  using crimps  216   b  and  218   b , respectively. 
         [0080]    One application of hose assembly  200  is shown in  FIG. 13  to be installed on a coupling fixture application for use with a gladhand. A coupling fixture may include a swinger assembly or a pair of swinger assemblies affixed to a bulkhead (not shown). Hose assemblies  200   a  and  200   b  are shown to be affixed to coupling fixtures  220   a  and  220   b , respectively. Hose assemblies  200   a  and  200   b  are affixed to first ports  222   a  and  222   b  by means of swivel coupling assemblies  212   a  and  212   b , respectively. Second ports  224   a  and  224   b  of fixtures  220   a  and  220   b  are connected to gladhand fixtures  230   a  and  230   b.  Installed over hose assembly  200   a  about swivel coupling assembly  212   a  is swinger collar  240   a.  Installed over hose assembly  200   b  about swivel coupling assembly  212   b  is swinger collar  240   b.  Swinger collars  240   a  and  240   b  may contain markings or color coding to make apparent to which coupling fixture they are to be attached, for example, red for the “emergency brake” gladhand of  FIG. 13A  and blue for the normal braking gladhand of  FIG. 13B  also distinguished by “ear”  232   b.  For example, swinger collar  240   a  may be the same color as glad hand  230   a  to make proper connection very easy for the installer. Likewise, swinger collar  240   b  may be the same color as gladhand  230   b.    
         [0081]    In another application, shown in  FIG. 14 , a hose coil assembly  300  is shown to include a length of hose  302 , which may be plated with heavy duty, corrosion resistant spring guards  304  (although it is not a requirement). Assembly  300  may be an air coil assembly or may be any assembly having a first and second end onto to which grips and fixtures as described herein are applied. On a first end of hose  302  may be installed a swivel coupling assembly  306 , such as swivel coupling assembly  100  or  100   a  described above. On a second end of hose  302  may be installed a grip assembly  308 , such as the flexible tapered grip assembly described herein with regard to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, it should be noted that any suitable grip assembly could be used for grip assembly  308 . 
         [0082]    In  FIG. 15A , there is shown a kit  400   a  which includes two or more assemblies, such as assemblies  402   a ,  404   a , and  406   a  required for a particular installation, wherein the assemblies are neatly bundled together by a heavy duty spiral wrap  408   a.  Assembly  402   a  may be comprised of a hose  420   a  with a grip assembly  422   a  installed on one end and a swivel coupling  424   a  installed on the other end. Similarly, assembly  406   a  may be comprised of a hose  430   a  with a grip assembly  432   a  installed on one end and a swivel coupling  434   a  installed on the other end. The swivel coupling assemblies may be the same as swivel coupling assembly  100  or  100   a  described above. The grip assemblies may be the same as the flexible tapered grip assembly described herein with regard to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, it should be noted that any suitable grip assembly could be used for grip assemblies. Assembly  404   a  may be an electrical power assembly and comprises cable  440   a  which has electrical connectors  442   a  and  444   a  disposed on either end of cable  440   a.  Kit  400   a  may also include a banner  450   a  made of a durable plastic material wrapped about the kit to include labeling describing the kit and displaying the name brand of the product. 
         [0083]    Kit  400   a  may further include a clamp assembly  460   a  which can be located at various positions along the lengths of the hoses/cable product to lift and secure the kit when the various assemblies are connected. Clamp assembly  460   a  is more clearly depicted in  FIG. 16A  to include clamp ring  462   a  which is affixed about the assemblies and the spiral wrap and a loop  464   a  through which a line  466   a  may be tied and fastened to a point on the vehicle or other system the kit is being mounted to elevate the assemblies as needed. Kit  400   a  may include a hangar (not shown) or vertical support (not shown) attached to clamp  460   a  to hold entire kit in place relative to connection points of the hose assemblies. 
         [0084]    Similarly, there is shown in  FIG. 15B , a kit  400   b  which includes two or more assemblies, such as assemblies  402   b ,  404   b , and  406   b  required for a particular installation, wherein hose coil assembly  402   b  may be comprised of a hose  420   b  with a grip assembly  422   b  installed on one end and a swivel coupling  424   b  installed on the other end. Similarly, hose coil assembly  406   b  may be comprised of a hose  430   b  with a grip assembly  432   b  installed on one end and a swivel coupling  434   b  installed on the other end. The swivel coupling assemblies may be the same as swivel coupling assembly  100  or  100   a  described above. The grip assemblies may be the same as the flexible tapered grip assembly described herein with regard to  FIGS. 1-7 . However, it should be noted that any suitable grip assembly could be used for grip assemblies. Assembly  404   b  may be an electrical power assembly and comprises cable  440   b  which has electrical connectors  442   b  and  444   b  disposed on either end of cable  440   b.    
         [0085]    Kit  400   b  may further include a clamp assembly  460   b  which can be located at various positions along the lengths of the hoses/cable product to lift and secure the kit when the various assemblies are connected. Clamp assembly  460   b  is more clearly depicted in  FIG. 16B  to include clamp rings  462   b  which are affixed about assemblies  402   b  and  406   b  and a loop  464  through which a line  466  may be tied and fastened to a point on the vehicle or other system the kit is being mounted to elevate the assemblies as needed. Kit  400   b  may include a hangar (not shown) or vertical support (not shown) attached to clamp  460   b  to hold the entire kit in place relative to connection points of the hose assemblies. 
         [0086]    While the foregoing description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments and examples herein. 
         [0087]    The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0088]    The invention is therefore not limited by the above-described embodiments and examples, or embodiments and applications within the scope and spirit of the invention claimed as follows.