Hose coupling locking mechanism

A locking clip for use with a hose coupling is provided that includes a first member and a second member that grasp and maintain a locking arm of a locking mechanism commonly used in conjunction with hose couplings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to couplings for interconnecting hoses or additional couplings. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device that prevents a hose or coupling from disengaging a locking coupling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the prior art as shown inFIG. 1, hose couplings2generally comprise a male portion4and a female portion18wherein the male portion14is interconnected to a hose for transferring gasses or fluids. Often, the male portion14includes a plurality of ribs positioned on its outer surface that engages an inner diameter of an interconnected hose. In operation, the male portion14is inserted into the hose and the coupling2is secured to the hose by a clamp positioned around the outer diameter of the hose. The female portion18of hose coupling2is used to selectively interconnect to another coupling, a hose, etc.

Often, the coupling2includes a locking mechanism22is used to selectively apply pressure to an exterior wall of the interconnected hose to secure the hose and the hose coupling2. Alternatively, the locking mechanism22is used to interconnect the coupling2to another coupling by locking the two couplings together. The locking mechanism22often employs a bulbous locking end12that is associated to a locking arm22that is rotatably interconnected to a clevis54of the coupling2. In an unlocked position of use, the locking arm22is rotated away from the male portion which positions the locking end out of the female portion18. In a locked position of use, the locking arms are positioned adjacent to the male portion, thereby positioning the locking end within the female portion to engage the hose. The locking mechanism22is typically secured to the coupling2when it is in the locked position to prevent unintended movements of the locking arms22and inadvertent disconnection of the hose from the coupling2. One method of securing the locking mechanism is to employ a cotter pin30, that prevents the locking mechanism22from releasing the hose by maintaining the locking mechanism in a locked position.

To disconnect the hose from the coupling2, the cotter pin30, must be removed, which may be difficult. More specifically, operators typically wear thick protective gloves that limit dexterity, thereby making it difficulty to remove the cotter pin30from the locking mechanism22. The cotter pin30also allows considerable movement of the locking mechanism, which may allow the hose to disconnect from the coupling2. In addition, the cotter pin30is easy to lose because it is usually not connected to the body of the coupling2.

Thus, a significant need exists for a safety device that maintains the locking mechanism in a locking configuration, yet allows an operator to release the locking mechanism if necessary even if the operator is wearing safety equipment such as thick gloves. A need also exists to reduce the amount of travel of the locking mechanism, thereby providing a firm and secure connection. To minimize the cost associated with replacing existing hose couplings, it is desirous to provide a locking device that may be retrofitted onto existing hose couplings while maintaining the structural integrity thereof. It would also be desirable to alleviate the difficulty of releasing the locking mechanism so that the operator may maintain control of the hose coupling and hose. Furthermore, it would be desirable for the safety device to be interconnected to the hose coupling, thereby reducing loss and the replacement costs associated therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a safety device for securing a locking mechanism of a hose coupling while allowing an operator to easily release the safety device to uncouple the hose coupling from an interconnected hose or coupling. Thus one embodiment of the present invention includes a hose coupling lock retention mechanism that allows the operator to quickly release the locking mechanism from the hose coupling while wearing safety equipment.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a safety device that limits the amount of travel of the locking mechanism, which helps prevent the hose from disconnecting from the hose coupling, for example.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a hose coupling locking clip that is adapted for constraining locking arms of a hose coupling that includes a clevis portion with a rotatably interconnected locking arm, comprising: a plate having a right edge with a right wall extending therefrom and a left wall with a left wall extending therefrom, the distance between the left edge and the right edge defining a first width; a left locking shoulder having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge interconnected to the left wall wherein the left locking shoulder is angled with respect to the left wall; a right locking shoulder having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge interconnected to the right wall wherein the right locking shoulder is angled with respect to the right wall and wherein a second distance between the second edge of the left locking shoulder and the second edge of the right locking shoulder is less than the first distance; a left locking wing wall interconnected to the second edge of the left locking shoulder, the left locking wing wall angled with respect to the left locking shoulder in a direction toward the left wall; a right locking wing interconnected to the second edge of the right locking shoulder, the right wing angled with respect to the right locking shoulder in a direction toward the right wall; a left clevis plate interconnected to the left locking shoulder and generally parallel thereto; a right clevis plate interconnected to the right locking shoulder and generally parallel thereto; a left retention tab interconnected to the left clevis plate about 90 degrees relative thereto; a right retention tab interconnected to the right clevis plate about 90 degrees relative thereto; wherein the left clevis plate and the right clevis plate are adapted to be associated with the clevis of the hose coupling with the locking arm positioned therebetween; and wherein when the locking arm of the hose coupling is positioned adjacent to the plate, the left locking shoulder and the right locking shoulder prevent movement of the locking arm without deflection of the left locking wing wall and the right locking wing. It is contemplated thee the plate, the left wall, the right wall, the left clevis plate, the right clevis plate, the left locking wing, the right locking wing, the left locking shoulder and the right locking shoulder may be fabricated from a single sheet metal member. Further, in some embodiments, the angle between the left shoulder and the left wall is about 145 degrees, the angle between the right shoulder and the right wall is about 145 degrees, the angle between the left wing wall and the left shoulder is about 100 degrees, and the angle between the right wing wall and the right shoulder is about 100 degrees.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detail Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

To assist in the understanding of the present invention the following list of components and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1-15a hydraulic coupling2of one embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes a safety device6. The hose coupling12includes a male portion14and a female portion18, wherein the male portion14is adapted to fit into a hose (not shown) and the female portion18is adapted to receive a hose (not shown). The hose coupling2includes at least one locking arm22which is rotatably interconnected adjacent to the female end18of the hose coupling2. In a first, locked position of use, an end26of the locking arm22is positioned within the female portion18of the hose coupling2(SeeFIG. 13). In this configuration, the locking arm end26contacts an outer surface of a hose, for example, thereby preventing removal of the hose from the female portion18of the hose coupling2. In order to maintain the locking arm22in the locked position, a cotter pin30is traditionally used that prevented the locking arm22from rotating outwardly which removes the locking arm end22from the female portion18. In order to address various issues related to the drawbacks of using a cotter pin30described above, a locking clip6(i.e. safety device) is employed.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-8, the locking clip6of one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The locking clip6includes a plate34having a left locking wall38L and a right locking wall38R. The locking walls38have portions that are bent inwardly towards the center of the plate34to form a right locking shoulder42R and a left locking shoulder42L. A left locking wing46L and a right locking wing46R are interconnected to the left locking shoulder42L and the right locking shoulder42R, respectively. The locking wings46are designed to engage the locking arm as it is rotated to the locked position to facilitate deflection of the locking shoulders42, which allow the locking arm22to be further rotated to the locked position. One of skill in the art will appreciate that locking wings may not be required. For example, the shape of the locking arm may facilitate deflection of the locking shoulders.

Extending from each of the locking walls38is a clevis plate50. More specifically, a left clevis plate50L and a right clevis plate50R. The clevis plates50are designed to interface with a clevis54(seeFIG. 9, for example) traditionally found on hydraulic couplings. An aperture58is provided through the left clevis plate50L and the right clevis plate50R that is designed to receive a securing pin62(seeFIG. 12, for example). The pin62is positioned through a first portion of the clevis54, the left clevis plate50L, the locking arm22, the right clevis plate50R and the second portion of the clevis54. At least one of the clevis plates50includes a retention tab66that engages an outer portion of the clevis54to prevent rotation of the locking clip6relative to the hose coupling. At least one of the locking walls38, locking shoulders42, and locking wings46may also include an aperture70for receiving a cotter pin (not shown) to provide additional security.

Referring now toFIGS. 9-12, one embodiment of the present invention is shown interconnected to a hose coupling2. More specifically, the locking clip6is placed within a clevis54wherein the locking arm22is rotatably interconnected via the pin62to the clevis54. The plate34of the locking clip6is engaged onto the female portion18of the hose coupling2and is rotatably maintained in place by the retention tab66, which contact the clevis54.

To install the locking clip6, i.e., to retrofit traditional couplings2as shown inFIG. 1, the pin62and locking arm22are removed from the clevis54. The locking clip6is then placed within the clevis54and the locking arm22and the pin63are replaced. The locking arm22is able to rotate within the clevis54as it was able to prior to the integration of the locking clip6. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the locking clip may be devoid of the plate wherein a clevis plate associated locking walls and locking shoulders are associated with one portion of the clevis54. Two locking clip halves, would then work in concert to selectively secure the locking arm. The locking clip halves may be welded or otherwise attached to the clevis. Alternatively, the locking clip halves may be integrated into the clevis.

To lock a hose or other coupling to the coupling, the locking arm22is rotated such that at least one locking arm end26is placed within the female portion18of the hose coupling2. In order to completely locate the locking arm end26within the female portion18of the hose coupling2, the locking arm22must generally lie parallel to a center line of the hose coupling2. To achieve this orientation, the locking arm22is placed adjacent to the plate34of the locking clip. In operation, the locking arm22is rotated a predetermined amount until it contacts the wing walls46of the locking clip6. Force applied to the locking arm22resiliently deflects the wing walls46outwardly which allows the locking arm22to be positioned adjacent to the plate34. Once the locking arm22is in the locked position of use adjacent to the plate34, the wing walls46will resiliently deflect back to their original location, thereby positioning the shoulders42above the locking arm22. The locking arm22is thus positioned between the shoulders42and the plate34such that it is not easily rotated back to an open configuration.

To allow the interconnected hose or other coupling to be removed from the hose coupling2, the locking arm22must be rotated to a first, unlocked position of use as shown inFIG. 9. In order to achieve this, the locking arm22must be rotated past the shoulders42. Rotation of the locking arm22to the unlocked position will bear the locking arm22against the shoulders42of the locking clip6. As force is applied, the shoulders42will resiliently deflect to the walls38outwardly to allow the locking arm ends22to be removed from the locking clip. In order to facilitate the removal of the locking arm22from the locking clip6, a ring74may be employed, which provides a convenient gripping member. The ring74also helps facilitate removal of the locking arm22from the locking clip6when individuals are wearing gloves or other safety gear.

FIGS. 14-15provide perspective views of one embodiment of a locking clip84. As shown, an aperture80is provided through a portion of the clip84. Aperture80is provided in various embodiments for accommodating and/or receiving locking means (not shown). Various devices, including but not limited to, pins, cotter pins, locks, devises and various similar devices may be selectively inserted by a user to secure the clip6in a desired position. It is contemplated that a desired position for securing the clip6is generally a closed or locked position. It is further contemplated, however, that it may be desirable to lock or secure the clip in a generally open position and, as such, the present disclosure is not limited to any single arrangement in this regard. It will further be recognized that features of the present disclosures, such as apertures may be provided in any one or more of the various embodiments disclosed herein. Apertures80as shown and described are thus not limited to any one embodiment or otherwise dependent upon the existing various other features.

At least one feature82is formed on the clip84to further secure an associated locking arm (not shown, but22inFIG. 12). As shown inFIG. 14, the feature82comprises a stamped portion forming a détente for generally impeding the passage or movement of the locking arm22. The stamped portion82may be provided in any one or more suitable locations, such locations being dictated or influenced by, for example, manufacturing considerations. Stamped portion82may be provided, for example, for maintaining a locking arm in an open position, such as may be desirable when installing or connecting various features of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the stamped feature comprises a ramp or otherwise asymmetric feature for providing greater resistance to movement of a locking arm in one direction than in a second direction. For example, in a particular embodiment, the stamped features comprises a ramp on an internal surface of the clip84which creates a first resistance when the locking arm is moved over the ramp toward a closed position and a second resistance when the locking arm22is moved toward an open position, the second resistance being greater than the first. Stamped features and portions82of the present disclosure thus provide for a reduced likelihood of accidental or undesired movement of a locking arm22, while generally allowing for locking arms22to moved between open and closed position when so desired by a user. Such features may be provided on one or both internal surfaces of a clip6proximal to a locking arm22.

FIGS. 14-15depict a clip84according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the clip84comprises a first clip portion84aand a second clip portion84b, first and second clip portions generally comprising mirror images of each other. The clip84is adjustable between at least two positions.

In one embodiment, contractible clip members84a,84bare selectively expandable in a manner that allows for selective removal or release of locking arms. In alternative embodiments, the members84a,84bare translated or contracted in an irreversible manner.

In one embodiment, at least one clip member84a,84bis freely translatable with respect to the second clip member and the clip members84a,84bare lockable or securable to one another by a locking element. Locking element comprises, for example, a pin, cotter pin, clevis, and/or a deformable feature of the member. A locking element may be provided, for example, through aperture(s)80formed in one or both of the locking wings46R,46L.

Members86are provided for securing the clip84in progressively contracted positions. In operation, a contractible clip84is provided in a first expanded state, the first expanded state comprising a width greater than a width of an associated locking arm (not shown). Upon securing a hose and positioning the arm in a closed position, portions of the clip84a,84bare contracted (i.e. translated toward one another), the portions84a,84bbeing successively secured at various discrete locations. Members86generally comprise curved members with leaf-spring properties, the members86being biased against a front (i.e. locking arm side) of the clip84. Members86are biased against and in operable communication with one or more teeth or ratchet members for receiving the members86and securing the clip portions in a desired position with respect to one another.

As best shown inFIG. 14, at least one member90bis provided for adjusting a length of a portion84bof the clip84. Member90bis preferably of substantially similar construction to previously discussed widthwise adjustment features86in that a curved or leaf spring portion is provided, the curved portion in communication with one or more teeth or ratchet members provided on an internal surface of a wall of the clip84. In one embodiment, member90extends from an outer portion of a wall of the clip portion84b, comprises at least two points of inflection, and is biased against an interior portion of the wall, the interior portion of the wall comprising one or more teeth, ramps, or ratchet features for receiving an end of the member90and securing the clip portion84bin a desired position.

AlthoughFIG. 14depicts a plurality of width-wise adjustment members86disposed in a generally staggered pattern, it will be expressly recognized that the present disclosure is not so limited. Indeed, various arrangements of adjust members86,90are contemplated.

In embodiments where locking means86,90comprise curved portions, it will be recognized that the shape and material of the members provides for a biasing force to urge an end of the member into communication with teeth or ratchet features. Such features may comprise, for example, various spring steels with inherent elastic properties.

In alternative embodiments, however, clip adjustment members86,90comprise alternative structures. For example, elastic curved portions such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,911 to Adams, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, may be provided in combination with or in lieu of the plate portion of the clip.

In one embodiment, clip elements84a,84bare provided as non-interlocking or non-connected members, thus providing for an infinite range of adjustability in the width between a first portion84aand a second portion84b.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, locking wings46L,46R are manually adjustable. For example, in one embodiment, it is contemplated that one or both locking wings of a clip are provided in a first position adapted for receiving a locking arm, wherein a smallest width between the locking wings is greater than a width of an associated locking arm. The wings may be manually contracted, such as through an application of a bending force, to secure a locking arm once the locking arm is placed in a closed position.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and alterations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, the invention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.