Abstract:
A quick-mounting adapter is axially forced upon and then twisted relative to threaded targets for connection. A rotatable hub has a threaded portion for connection to a hose and an integral flange fastened to a tubular sleeve coaxially within the adapter. A rotatable handle assembly comprises a rigid ring with an internal orifice and at least two outwardly projecting handle segments. A multi-segment thread assembly secured within a ring groove to the sleeve is displaceable radially inwardly and outwardly in response to a rigid, cylindrical collar secured to the handle assembly. Each segment comprises an outer tapered portion contacted by and compressed by the collar. Pushing and subsequent rotation of the handle assembly attaches the thread assembly on the threaded target to connect the adapter.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This utility application is based upon a prior pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled Fire Hose Connection Adaptor, Ser. No. 61/211,131, Filed Mar. 30, 2009, by inventor Jeffrey M. Stroope, and priority based upon said application is claimed. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to connection adaptors for hoses. More particularly, the present invention relates to connecting apparatus with multiple, coordinated coupling threads that enable a fire hose to be quickly coupled to a fire hydrant or fire truck. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Means have been provided in the prior art for quick connecting fire hoses. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,786,516 and 7,140,645 respectively issued to Cronley on Sep. 7, 2004 and Nov. 28, 2006 show quick-connecting couplers for attaching the male end of a hose to a female end of a suitable receptacle, including a faucet or another hose. In first embodiments, the female end of the coupler is mechanically locked in sealing engagement with a male end by means of wedges and an outer retaining sleeve. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure provides the final seal, with the female end being a spring split-ring locked and compressed by means of an outer locking sleeve. The depicted designs use four segments that, when attached, have around 70% combined thread contact, limiting high pressure applications. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,001,244 to Ezell shows a design that is permanently fastened to a hose with a swedge type connection and connects to a hydrant using a cam not a slide with segments. This design would be permanently attached to the hose and would not be removable after assembled. This design would not be able to withstand high pressure. 
         [0008]    Thomson U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,501 discloses segment that expands over the threads by pressing forward. For attachment, the coupler is pressed over the male threads which will distort an segment, that will then retract into place over the male threads of the element. Designs of this nature have been unable to withstand high pressure. 
         [0009]    Other quick-connecting couplers of interest are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,761,157, 1,920,524 and 2,267,252. 
         [0010]    Under the pressure of fire fighting, the connecting adapter hose adapters must function reliably and quickly. Threads must mate with the hydrants or other fixtures to which they are attached, and mechanical connection must withstand high pressure. It is important that thread contact be maximized, but at the same time, it is important that after use, the adaptor be easily and quickly detachable without damaging fitting threads. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    This invention provides an improved quick connection adaptor for fire hose connections and the like. 
         [0012]    A compressible thread assembly comprising multiple, radially spaced apart segments first engages a target thread. A handle assembly drives a collar that compresses the thread segments radially inwardly upon axial installation pressure. Subsequent turning of the handle assembly threadably rotates the threads to secure the connection. 
         [0013]    Thus a basic object is to provide a quick connecting hose connector or coupling. 
         [0014]    Another basic object of my invention is to provide a device that allows a person to connect a fire hose to a hydrant or fire truck at a faster rate of speed than is presently done. 
         [0015]    A related object of my invention is to provide a device that allows a person to disconnect a fire hose from a hydrant at a faster rate of speed than is presently done. 
         [0016]    Another object is to maximize the thread contact established by “quick connectors” used in fire fighting and the like. 
         [0017]    Similarly, it is an object of my invention to maximize the high pressure capabilities of quick connectors of the type discussed. 
         [0018]    A still further object of my invention is to provide a connector device of the character described that minimizes cross threading and thread damage. 
         [0019]    Another object of my invention is to provide a quick-connecting device that can be quickly removed from a hose if the hose fails to pass critical pressure tests. 
         [0020]    Another object of my invention is to provide a connecting device that will be easily utilized with very little training. 
         [0021]    Another objective of the present invention to provide a quick-connecting hose coupler which is highly reliable and suitable for quick connections and disconnections where the operator is under stress and facing emergency situations. 
         [0022]    Another objective of the present invention to provide a connector adaptor or hose coupler that quickly locks in place mechanically without cross threading. 
         [0023]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a fragmentary, partially exploded elevational view showing the coupling relationship between a typical fire hydrant (i.e., and the threaded fittings thereon), the instant coupler and a remote hose; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a fragmentary, partially exploded elevational view similar of  FIG. 1 , but showing the coupler attached to the hydrant; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, combined elevational and longitudinal sectional view, showing the hose coupler as it appears prior to connecting with a threaded hydrant fitting, with potions thereof broken away for clarity or brevity; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, longitudinal sectional view of the fitting as it appears prior to connecting with a threaded fitting, with potions thereof broken away for clarity or brevity; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, exploded isometric view of the connector; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, isometric view of the handle assembly, showing the hose receptacle hub and the collar; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded, isometric view of the preferred control sleeve with the peripheral, thread contacting segments expanded about their periphery for illustration; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 7  showing the threaded segments contracted into position about the radial periphery of the control sleeve; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is an elevational view taken generally from a position to the left of  FIG. 4 , showing a first stage of installation of the connector; and, 
           [0034]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are views similar to  FIG. 9  showing succeeding positions of the connector assumed during installation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    With initial reference directed to  FIGS. 1-3  of the appended drawings, a hose connecting adapter constructed generally in accordance with the best mode of the invention has been generally designated by the reference numeral  20 . The connecting adapter is adapted to be coupled to a conventional fire hose  22  used by fireman. Hose  22  has a conventional, threaded coupling  24  that is adapted to be threadably connected to the threaded hub  25  on the rear of the hose connecting adapter  20  as later described. A conventional fire hydrant  28  ( FIG. 1 ) is illustrated with its high pressure cap  29  installed. Cap  29  must first be removed with a special wrench applied to nut  30  for removal in the conventional fashion. As seen in  FIG. 2 , when the cap  29  is removed, it can fall safely to a lower, out-of-the way position, being restrained by chain  32 . Removal of the cap  29  exposes the hydrant fitting  34  ( FIG. 3 ) and threads  36 . With the hydrant thus opened, the connecting adapter  20  is forcibly pushed towards and over the threads  36 , and the internal thread segments on connecting adapter  20  described later “snap fit” over threads hydrant  36 . When adapter  20  is thus partially connected, it is rotated with handle assembly  40  and as rotation occurs as in  FIG. 9-11 , the installed connecting adapter  20  assumes the position of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0036]    With joint reference now directed to  FIGS. 3-7 , the threaded hub  25  comprises an outer, threaded tubular portion  44  whose threads  46  mate with conventional, internal threads in coupling  24 . Tube portion  44  is integral with a larger diameter, coaxial flange  48 , which includes a plurality of radially spaced apart orifices  49  ( FIG. 5 ). Hub flange  48  is connected by screws  50  (i.e., that penetrate orifices  49 ) to a rigid, internal sleeve  54  (i.e.,  FIGS. 3 ,  5 ). Screws  50  engage radially spaced apart orifices  56  ( FIG. 5 ) in the sleeve end. Hub  25  and its flange  48  are thus coaxial with and mated to sleeve  54 . The assembly comprising hub  25  and sleeve  54  are rotatable relative to the handle assembly  40 . Sleeve  54  penetrates the handle assembly orifice  58  and while it can normally rotate relative to the handle assembly  40 , it is axially restrained by abutment of hub flange  48  with handle assembly  40  (i.e.,  FIG. 3 ). Sleeve  54  secures critical screw segments discussed hereinafter. Relative axial displacement between the sleeve  54  and the handle assembly  40  is illustrated by comparing  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; an external gap  60  ( FIG. 4 ) between the flange  48  of hub  25  and the handle assembly  40  exists when the coupler  20  is installed. Prior to installation there is no external gap  60 , and instead an internal gap  61  ( FIG. 3 ) exists between the handle assembly ring  62  and the threaded elements discussed later. 
         [0037]    The handle assembly  40  comprises a rigid ring  62  from which a pair of operating handle segments  64 ,  65  outwardly projecting from ring  62 . Ring  62  surrounds orifice  58  through which hub  25  projects. A plurality of radially spaced-apart orifices  67  defined in the periphery of the handle ring  62  receive threaded fasteners  68 . A rigid, cylindrical collar  70  has radially spaced apart, threaded orifices  72  ( FIG. 5 ) that seat fastener  68  to coaxially secure the handle assembly  40  to collar  70 . Ring  62  is thus secured to, and coaxially abuts collar  70 , which is controlled by handle movement during installation or disconnection of the adapter  20 . 
         [0038]    The previously discussed sleeve  54  is secured to front hub  25  and rotatable within handle ring  62 . As best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , sleeve  54  includes a peripheral ring groove  82  adjacent its terminal end  84  that receives and mounts the thread assembly  88  that ultimately engages threads  36  ( FIG. 3 ). Preferably there is a concentric, resilient O-ring  89  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ) that is disposed within an inner ring groove at the end of sleeve  54 . 
         [0039]    The thread assembly  88  preferably comprises a plurality of radially spaced-apart, internally thread segments  90 , preferably four, that are interconnected with one another and function in unison. Each segment  90  comprises an internal ring groove  94  ( FIG. 7 ) bounded by integral, internal feet  96  that fit within sleeve ring groove  82 . The body of each thread segment  90  comprises an outer tapered portion  98  integral with a concentric inner body portion  99  that is non-tapered. Adjoining thread segments  90  are coupled together by pairs of springs  101 ,  102  at the segment ends, that bias the segments towards each other, and maintain the foot portions concentrically within sleeve ring groove  82 . The sleeve terminus 104 (i.e., part of the sleeve  54 ) concentrically fits within the internal ring groove  94  of the various thread segments  90 . In assembly, collar  70  (that is controlled by handle assembly  40 ) coaxially surrounds the thread assembly  88 . 
         [0040]    Relative movement of the handle assembly  40  towards the left (i.e., as viewed in  FIG. 3 ) initially results in axial pressure against the thread assembly  88  that forces the segments  90  over the threads, such as threads  36 , of a fitting to which the adapter  20  is to be connected. As pressure continues. collar  70  slides over tapered portions  98  of the thread segments  90 , forcing then to contract against pressure from springs  101 ,  102 , and form a smaller diameter. Contraction of segments  90  forces their internal threads  110  into engagement with threads  36 . A comparison of  FIGS. 3 and 4  shows that, prior to attachment, adjoining segments  90  are spaced apart with springs  101  elongated; segment feet  96  ( FIG. 3 ) are only partially pressed into ring groove  82  on sleeve  54 . The combined segments  90  thus present a relatively large diameter opening that surmounts threads  36  quickly and easily upon initial installation. 
         [0041]    When the handle assembly  40  is pressed axially towards the fire hydrant  28  and thereafter rotated, resulting in the position seen in  FIG. 4 , threads  36  are firmly engaged by the internal threads  110  of the segments  90 , which move closer to one another in response to force from collar  70  that bears against the tapered segment portions  98 . Segment feet  96  are pressed into ring groove  82  in the sleeve  54 , and as the threaded segments  90  are forced into the sleeve  70  by axial deflection, internal gap  61  ( FIG. 3 ) between the thread segments  90  and the handle ring  62  disappears, and external gap  60  ( FIG. 4 ) appears. 
         [0042]    After initial axial thrusting of the adapter  20 , and subsequent rotation of the handle assembly  40 , the coupling thread segments  90  are firmly pressed into threadable engagement with the target fitting&#39;s threads, such as threads  36  ( FIG. 3 ). As best seen in  FIGS. 9-11 , alignment pins  120  project radially inwardly from the collar  70  towards the thread segments  90 . These followers move towards the viewer (i.e., as in  FIG. 9 ) as the coupling adapter  20  is pressed towards the target threads, and when rotation ensues, the segment threads can rotatably engage the target threads. As alignment pins  120  move towards the left (i.e., as viewed in  FIGS. 9-11 ) they first travel through slots  122  defined in the segments  90  and then abut gap ends  124  to force relative rotation of the threaded segments  90 . Thus when the segments  90  are radially compressed concurrent with axial deflection, they can threadably engage the target threads  36 . 
         [0043]    Operation: 
         [0044]    To operate the coupling adapter  20  the operator first removes any existing caps  29  ( FIG. 1 ) located on the destination point, such as hydrant  28 . Then, while holding the coupling  20  by the handle assembly  40 , the coupling is axially aligned with the destination. Threaded segments  90  facie away from the operator. As the operator pushes the adapter over the threads, the angled surface on the threaded segments  90  engages the inner periphery of the collar  70 , and the threaded segments  90  push together, compressing their threads to the correct size to provide proper connection to the destination point. The operator must insure that the alignment pins reach the notches located on the outer diameter of the threaded segments. At this point the operator can turn the handles of the adapter to tighten the adapter. This should only take approx one quarter to one half turn. If more than one quarter to one half turn is needed than the operator is improperly connecting the hose adapter to the destination point. At this point the operator is to turn the adapter to tighten until the desired torque is applied. The operator is to then try to pull against both handles to insure that the adapter will not fail and become disconnected during the pressurizing process. 
         [0045]    It has been discovered that if the adapter is turned approximately one eighth of a turn to the left before the operator tries to turn the adapter to tighten that this will help allow the locking pins to locate in the notches. The operator will always need to pull on the adapter to ensure that the adapter will not fail and become disconnected during the pressurizing process. 
         [0046]    To disconnect the adapter, the operator simply will have to ensure that the fluid source is turned off and the pressure is relieved, then the operator will need only to turn the handles of the adapter approx ten degrees counter clockwise and the adapter will be able to be pulled off. It is very important that the fluid source is turned off and that there is not excessive pressure on the adapter before the operator tries to remove the adapter to prevent possible serious injury. 
         [0047]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the part of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0048]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0049]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
         [0050]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.