Patent Publication Number: US-2019186664-A1

Title: Hose coupling assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to fluid couplings, and more specifically to a hose coupling assembly including a male stem and a ferrule for attachment to a hose. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Couplings that are attached to an end of a hose typically include a male stem that is insertable into a hose end and a ferrule that is concentric with the male stem. Together, the male stem and ferrule define an annular cavity for receiving the hose end. This type of coupling typically is retained by positioning the hose end in the annular cavity between the ferrule and stem, and pinching the hose end via the ferrule and stem such as by either radially reducing at least a portion of the ferrule or by radially increasing the size of the male stem. Crushable ferrules generally are preferred for accurately controlling the pinching process. For example, radially reducing the size of a ferrule by crushing it to a smaller diameter may be accomplished through crimping processes that use a plurality of circumjacently arranged die fingers. 
     For convenience of assembly, the ferrule may be pre-attached to the male stem by the manufacturer, such as by crimping an end portion of the ferrule to the male stem, thereby creating a one-piece coupling that subsequently can be attached to the hose end by the assembler. While preattachment of the ferrule to the male stem has advantages associated with reducing the number of parts during the hose attachment process, it introduces a disadvantage as to the number of couplings required for a line of hose sizes because some hoses require the same size stem but different size ferrules. For example, three different-sized ferrules may be used with the same size stem for coupling one-half inch inner diameter hose having different tube, reinforcement, and cover combinations. Consequently, in this example three different couplings would be stocked in inventory, with each coupling including the same size stem but different-sized ferrules to accommodate the different hose combinations. 
     Some assemblers prefer to select an appropriate ferrule for a hose when it is to be crimped on a hose so as to minimize inventory and thus maintain two-piece coupling components (i.e., separate male stems and ferrules) in inventory for assembly during the hose attachment process. However, the geometry of the ferrules used in two-piece couplings typically are different than the ferrules used in one-piece couplings to facilitate assembly of the two-piece couplings, thus requiring the manufacturer to manufacture different ferrules for the same hose configuration depending on whether the ferrules are intended to be used in one-piece or two-piece couplings. Also, when assembling the two-piece couplings, the ferrule sometimes is misaligned with the stem during attachment of the ferrule to the stem, thereby rendering the resulting coupling unusable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a hose coupling assembly is provided. The hose coupling assembly includes a male stem, a ferrule, and a retainer configured to couple the ferrule to the male stem. The male stem may include an elongated body with a latch groove, and the ferrule may include a latch. The retainer may be disposed on the male stem and may be configured to couple the ferrule to the male stem such that the latch is aligned with the latch groove. 
     In an embodiment, a method of assembling a hose coupling assembly is provided. The method may include contacting an inner surface of a retainer with a shoulder of a male stem; deflecting, via the shoulder, a retention feature of the retainer radially outwards; aligning a portion of the retention feature with a latch groove defined in the male stem; contacting a latch of a ferrule with an outer surface of the retention feature; deflecting, via the latch, the retention feature radially inward; and aligning the latch with the latch groove of the male stem. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the specification in which like numerals designate like parts, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a hose coupling assembly in an assembled position; 
         FIG. 2  is another isometric view of the hose coupling assembly of  FIG. 1  with a connected hose; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the hose coupling assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  of the hose coupling assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an embodiment of a retainer; 
         FIG. 6  is another isometric view of the retainer of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view along line  7 - 7  of the retainer of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view along line  8 - 8  of the hose coupling assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a retainer in a first position relative to a stem; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view along line  11 - 11  of the stem and retainer of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the retainer in a second position relative to the stem; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along line  13 - 13  of the stem and retainer of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the retainer in the second position relative to the stem, and a ferrule in a third position relative to the stem and retainer; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view along line  15 - 15  of the stem, retainer, and ferrule of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a hose coupling assembly; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a hose coupling assembly; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram of a method of assembling a hose coupling assembly; and 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the retainer of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-18  generally relate to a hose coupling assembly including a male stem, a ferrule, and a retainer. The retainer may enable the assembler to use ferrules designed for one-piece couplings, thereby allowing the manufacturer to manufacture a single type of ferrule regardless of whether the ferrules are intended to be used in one-piece or two-piece couplings. Additionally or alternatively, the retainer may axially locate the ferrule relative to the male stem, thereby reducing the likelihood of misalignment of the ferrule relative to the stem during assembly. For example, the retainer may align a latch of the ferrule with a latch groove of the stem. After alignment, an assembler may stake (e.g., crimp) the ferrule to the stem during attachment of a hose to the hose coupling assembly. 
     To install the retainer onto the male stem, the assembler may slide the retainer onto the male stem, and the retainer may autonomously snap into its intended position. For example, the retainer may include one or more retention features (e.g., resilient arms or prongs) configured to contact an external shoulder on the male stem during installation of the retainer onto the stem. The stem shoulder may force the one or more resilient arms to elastically deform outwardly during movement of a proximal portion of the resilient arms past the stem shoulder. Once the proximal portion of the resilient arms pass by the stem shoulder, the resilient arms may return to their non-deformed configuration, and the proximal portion of the resilient arms may be seated in a groove formed in the exterior surface of the male stem adjacent to the shoulder. When seated in the groove, the resilient arms may restrain the retainer from moving axially along the length of the stem. 
     To install the ferrule onto the male stem, the assembler may slide the ferrule onto the male stem, and the ferrule may autonomously snap into its intended position. For example, the one or more resilient arms of the retainer may be configured to contact the latch of the ferrule during installation of the ferrule onto the stem. The ferrule latch may force a distal portion of the resilient arms to elastically deform inwardly during movement of the latch past the distal portion of the resilient arms. Once the ferrule latch passes by the distal portion of the resilient arms, the resilient arms may return to their non-deformed configuration to restrict the ferrule from moving axially along the length of the stem. For example, the ferrule latch may be trapped between a base (e.g., a backstop or collar) of the retainer and the distal portion of the resilient arms. In this trapped position, the ferrule latch may be axially aligned with the groove formed in the stem. 
     To attach a hose to the hose coupling assembly, an end of the hose may be inserted into an annular cavity defined between the stem and the ferrule. Then, the ferrule may be plastically deformed radially inward (e.g., crimped) to pinch the hose end between the crushed ferrule and the stem. During the crimping process, the ferrule latch is plastically deformed radially inward into the groove formed in the stem to ensure the ferrule is axially fixed to the stem. 
       FIGS. 1-4  show an embodiment of a hose coupling assembly.  FIG. 1  is an isometric view a hose coupling assembly  100  in an assembled position  102 .  FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the hose coupling assembly  100  of  FIG. 1  with a connected hose  104 .  FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of the hose coupling assembly  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  of the hose coupling assembly  100  of  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the hose coupling assembly  100  may include a male stem  110 , a ferrule  120 , and a retainer  130 . In some examples, the hose coupling assembly  100  also includes a hose  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in some examples, the male stem  110  may have an elongated body  112  with a first end  114  opposite a second end  116 . The male stem  110  may be serrated and have a central bore  194  extending through the length of the elongated body  112 . An annular groove  118 , referred to herein as a latch groove, may be formed in the elongated body  112  between the first end  114  and the serrations  119 . A first shoulder  124  may extend radially outward from the elongated body  112  and may be positioned between the latch groove  118  and the serrations  119 . A second shoulder  126  may be positioned between the latch groove  118  and the first end  114 . The second shoulder  126  may extend to the first end  114 , or it may be laterally offset from the first end  114 . In some examples, the first shoulder  124  defines one side wall of the latch groove  118 , and the second shoulder  126  defines an opposite side wall of the latch groove  118 . In some examples, there may be multiple latch grooves positioned along the length of the elongated body  112 . The latch groove  118  may be formed to receive a portion of a ferrule latch when the hose coupling assembly  100  is coupled to a hose. The first end  114  of the stem may be formed to include a variety of end terminations, such as threads using various classifications, male and female joints, elbows, connection features, etc. 
     The hose coupling assembly  100  also includes the ferrule  120 . In some examples, the ferrule  120  is used to secure the hose to the stem  110  using a crimping or ferrule crushing process. The ferrule  120  may be hollow and generally cylindrical. The internal surface  196  of the ferrule  120  may be textured or shaped to help secure the hose to the stem  110  during the crimping or ferrule crushing process. The ferrule  120  may have a first end  198  and a second end  202 . A latch  122  may be positioned adjacent the first end  198 . The latch  122  may be formed as a protrusion or lip and extend radially inward towards a center axis of the ferrule  120 . The latch  122  may have a diameter that is smaller than an external diameter of the ferrule  120 . The latch  122  may be formed to fit into the latch groove  118  of the male stem  110  when the hose coupling assembly  100  is coupled to a hose. 
     The hose coupling assembly  100  also includes the retainer  130 , which in some embodiments may be referred to as a pronged clip. In some examples, the retainer  130  has a collar  132  and a ferrule retention feature  134 . The ferrule retention feature  134  may extend away from (e.g., orthogonal to) a surface of the collar  132 . The ferrule retention feature  134  may be used to couple the ferrule  120  to the male stem  110 . In some examples, the collar  132  may be used as a bumper or a backstop to align the latch  122  of the ferrule  120  with the latch groove  118  of the male stem  110 . The collar  132  may also be used to align a connector coupled to or formed adjacent to the first end  114  of the male stem  110 . In some examples, the collar  132  may be formed as a washer, such as a Belleville washer. 
       FIGS. 5-7  show an embodiment of the retainer  130 .  FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an embodiment of the retainer  130 .  FIG. 6  is another isometric view of the retainer  130  of  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view along line  7 - 7  of the retainer  130  of  FIG. 5 . In some examples, the retainer  130  includes the collar  132  and the ferrule retention feature  134 . The collar  132  may be positioned adjacent a first end  184  of the retainer  130 , and the ferrule retention feature  134  may be positioned adjacent a second end  186  of the retainer  130 . The collar  132  and ferrule retention feature  134  may be concentric or centered about a central axis  188  of the retainer  130 . In the examples of  FIGS. 5-7 , the collar  132  forms a full ring about the axis  188  and has a complete circumference such that it is not split. In other examples, the collar  132  may have a split circumference, so that the ring formed by the collar  132  is not complete. A split circumference may be used to help increase the ease with which the retainer  130  is positioned about the male stem  110 . The collar  132  has a first surface  136  and a second surface  152 . In the examples of  FIGS. 5-7 , the second surface  152  is adjacent the first end  184  of the retainer  130 . In some examples, the second surface  152  may be sloped or angled. The slope or angle of the second surface  152  may ease installation when the retainer is positioned about the male stem  110 . 
     The ferrule retention feature  134  extends away from the first surface  136  of the collar  132 . In examples where the collar  132  has a split or incomplete circumference, the ferrule retention feature  134  may extend partially or fully around the incomplete circumference of the collar  132 . In some examples, the ferrule retention feature  134  includes at least one flexible or resilient arm  138 . In some examples, the retainer  130  includes a quantity of flexible arms  138  (e.g., two or more flexible arms  138 ). In some examples, the flexible arm  138  is curved and extends about a partial circumference of the collar  132 . In examples where the collar  132  has a split or incomplete circumference, the flexible arm  138  may extend partially around the entire incomplete circumference of the collar  132 . 
     The flexible arm  138  may include a stem ramp  140  that extends radially inward. The stem ramp  140  has a sloped surface. A first end  204  of the stem ramp  140  is proximate to the first end  184  of the retainer  130 . A second end  206  of the stem ramp  140  is proximate to the second end  186  of the retainer  130 . The stem ramp  140  may slope inward towards the central axis  188  between the first end  204  and the second end  206 . The first end  204  of the stem ramp  140  may be connected to the second surface  152  of the collar  132  at a bevel  182 . The second end  206  may be connected to a ferrule ramp  142  at a bevel  180 . In some examples, the stem ramp  140  has a length extending from the first end  204  to the second end  206  that is smaller than a length of the latch groove  118 . In some examples, the diameter of the stem ramp  140  at the first end  204  may be similar to the diameter of the shoulder  124  of the male stem  110 , and larger than the diameter of the latch groove  118  of the male stem  110 . The diameter of the stem ramp  140  at the second end  206  may be between the diameter of the latch groove  118  and the shoulder  124  of the male stem  110 . In other examples, the stem ramp may be similar in size to the latch groove, or even have an interference fit in the latch groove. 
     The flexible arm  138  may include the ferrule ramp  142  that extends radially outward, away from the central axis  188 . A first end  208  of the ferrule ramp  142  is proximate to the first end  184  of the retainer  130 . A second end  210  of the ferrule ramp  142  is proximate to the second end  186  of the retainer  130 . The ferrule ramp  142  has at least one sloped surface  176 . In some examples, the ferrule ramp  142  has a second sloped surface  178 . In some examples, the angles formed by the first sloped surface  176  and the second sloped surface  178  are different. In some examples, the first sloped surface  176  is proximate to the first end  208 , and the second sloped surface  178  is proximate to the second end  210 . The ferrule ramp  142  may slope inward towards the central axis  188  between the first end  208  and the second end  210 . An inside surface  212  of the ferrule ramp  142  may have a generally constant diameter. The diameter formed by the inside surface  212  may be larger than a diameter formed by the shoulder  124  of the male stem  110 . In some examples, the ferrule ramp  142  may have a length extending between the first end  208  and the second end  210 . 
     The flexible arm  138  may include a channel  144  formed between the ferrule ramp  142  and the first surface  136  of the collar  132 . The channel  144  may have a length that extends between a first end  190  proximate the first end  184  of the retainer  130  and a second end  192  proximate the second end  186  of the retainer  130 . The first end  190  of the channel  144  may be formed at least partially by the first surface  136  of the collar  132 . The second end  192  of the channel  144  may be formed at least partially by the first end  208  of the ferrule ramp  142 . The length of the channel  144  may be larger than a length of the latch  122  of the ferrule  120 . The bottom portion of the channel  144  may have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter formed by the latch  122 . 
     In some examples, the retainer  130  may be formed from a semi-rigid material. In some examples, the retainer may be formed from thermoplastic materials such as nylon, polyolefin, thermoplastic elastomer or the like, which may include various additives such as particulate fillers, glass or carbon fiber, anti-degradants, or the like. In some examples, the retainer may be formed using injection molding, 3D printing, milled, or similar manufacturing techniques. 
     The assembled hose coupling  100  is shown in  FIGS. 8-9 .  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view along line  8 - 8  of the hose coupling assembly of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 . When the components of the hose coupling assembly  100  are positioned in the assembled position  102 , the stem ramp  140  of the retainer  130  is at least partially positioned within the latch groove  118  of the male stem  110 . The latch  122  of the ferrule  120  is at least partially positioned within the channel  144  of the retainer  130 . In the assembled position  102 , the retainer  130  helps to align the latch  122  of the ferrule  120  with the latch groove  118  of the male stem  110 . This alignment may allow the ferrule  120  to be loosely coupled with the male stem  110  so that it can freely rotate but remains axially constrained with respect to the male stem  110 . The hose coupling  100  may then be assembled or coupled to a hose, and the deformation or crushing of the ferrule  120  during the crimping process will position the latch  122  within the latch groove  118 . When the hose coupling assembly  100  is in the assembled position  102 , the ferrule  120  may rotate about the male stem  110 , but the latch groove  118  and latch  122  remain aligned. In the assembled position  102 , the retainer  130  may act as a mechanical device to prevent the ferrule  120  from separating from the male stem  110 . 
     The components of the hose coupling assembly  100  may be assembled together to form the assembled position  102  shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . In some examples, the hose coupling assembly  100  may be assembled by hand, without the use of a machine to loosely couple or stake the ferrule to the male stem.  FIGS. 10-11  show the retainer  130  in a first position  150  relative to the male stem  110 .  FIGS. 12-13  show the retainer  130  in a second position  160  relative to the male stem  110 .  FIGS. 14-15  show the retainer  130  in the second position relative to the male stem  110 , and the ferrule  120  in a third position  170  relative to the male stem  110 . As the components are assembled together, they are moved from the first position  150  to the second position  160  to the third position  170  and finally positioned to create the assembled position  102 . 
       FIGS. 10-11  show the retainer  130  positioned in the first position  150  relative to the male stem  110 .  FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the stem  110  and the retainer  130 , and  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view along line  11 - 11  of the stem and the retainer of  FIG. 10 . In the first position  150 , the retainer  130  is positioned between the shoulder  124  and the second end  116  of the male stem  110 . The stem ramp  140  of the retainer  130  contacts the shoulder  124 . As the first end  184  of the retainer  130  is moved towards the first end  114  of the male stem  110 , the stem ramp  140  is positioned against the shoulder  124  and the flexible arm  138  is flexed (e.g., elastically deformed) and is forced radially outward as the stem ramp  140  is sloped. This allows the retainer  130  to continue to be moved towards the first end  114  of the male stem  110 . 
       FIGS. 12-13  show the retainer  130  positioned in the second position  160  relative to the male stem  110 .  FIG. 12  is a left isometric view of the male stem  110  and the retainer  130 , and  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along line  13 - 13  of the male stem  110  and the retainer  130  of  FIG. 12 . In the second position  160 , the retainer  130  is positioned about the shoulder  124  of the male stem  110 . At least a portion of the stem ramp  140  of the retainer  130  is positioned within the latch groove  118 . The position of the stem ramp  140  within the latch groove  118  allows the retainer  130  to be coupled to the male stem  110  but still allows the retainer  130  to rotate with respect to the male stem  110 . 
       FIGS. 14-15  show the retainer  130  in the second position  160  relative to the male stem  110 , and the ferrule  120  in a third position  170  relative to the male stem  110 .  FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the stem  110 , retainer  130 , and ferrule  120 , and  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the components along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . In the third position  170 , the second end  116  of the male stem  110  is inserted through the bore of the ferrule  120 . The first end  198  of the ferrule  120  is positioned against the second end  210  of the ferrule ramp  142 . In some examples, the latch  122  may contact the second end  210  of the ferrule ramp  142 . As the ferrule  120  is moved towards the assembled retainer  130  and male stem  110 , the latch  122  contacts the sloped surface of the ferrule ramp  142  and the flexible arm  138  is forced radially inward. The flexing of the flexible arm  138  allows the ferrule  120  to be moved into the assembled position  102 . 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a hose coupling assembly  300 . The components of hose coupling assembly  300  may be similar to the components of hose coupling assembly  100 . In  FIG. 16 , the hose coupling assembly  300  is shown in an assembled position  302 . The ferrule  120  and male stem  110  are similar to those described with respect to the hose coupling assembly  100 . Unlike the assembled position  102 , in the assembled position  302 , the retainer  330  is positioned adjacent the shoulder  124  of the male stem  110  opposite the latch groove  118 , and axially spaced away from the first end  198  of the ferrule  120 , towards the second end  202 . In this embodiment, the retainer  330  is received in corresponding grooves of the stem  110  and the ferrule  120  located in an annular space between the stem  110  and retainer  330  to axially locate the ferrule  120  relative to the stem  110  during an assembly process. The retainer may have a complete circumference, or be a split ring as shown by retainer  330  in  FIG. 19 . It may be advantageous for this embodiment to assemble the retainer  330  into or with the ferrule  120  before pushing the resulting partial assembly onto the male stem  110 . 
       FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the retainer  330  of  FIG. 16 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the retainer  330  is a split ring type, such that it has a circumference that is split, incomplete, or partial. The split circumference may allow the retainer  330  to be flexible in size. In an example, the retainer  330  may be flexed inwardly, such that an overall diameter is decreased, or be flexed outwardly, so that the overall diameter is increased. The flexibility of diameter size may allow the retainer  330  to expand to fit over portions of a stem  110 , such as the shoulder  124 . The flexibility of diameter size may also allow the retainer  330  to be compressed so that it may be received in corresponding grooves of the ferrule  120  and stem  110 . In some examples, the retainer  330  may be used with a variety of stems or retainer sizes since the diameter size is flexible. 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a hose coupling assembly  400 . The components of hose coupling assembly  400  may be similar to the components of hose coupling assembly  100 . In  FIG. 17 , the hose coupling assembly  400  is shown in an assembled position  402 . The ferrule  120  and male stem  110  are similar to those described with respect to the hose coupling  100 . Unlike in the assembled position  102 , in the assembled position  402 , the retainer  430  is positioned adjacent to the first end  198  of the ferrule  120 . The retainer  430  is positioned about the shoulder  126  of the male stem  110 . The retainer  430  may include a first sleeve portion  433  disposed about the elongated body  112  of the stem  110 , a second sleeve portion  435  disposed about an outer surface of the ferrule  120 , and an abutment portion  437  disposed adjacent the first end  198  of the ferrule  120  and interconnecting the sleeve portions  433 ,  435 . The first sleeve portion  433  and the second sleeve portion  435  may be configured to axially secure the ferrule  120  to the stem  110 . For example, the first sleeve portion  433  may be secured to the stem  110  such that the retainer  430  is restrained from moving axially along the length of the stem  110 , and the second sleeve portion  435  may be secured to the ferrule  120  such that the ferrule  120  is restrained from moving axially relative to the retainer  430 . In some examples, the first sleeve portion  433  is interference fit onto the stem  110 , and/or the second sleeve portion  435  is interference fit onto the ferrule  120 . In some examples, the first sleeve portion  433  includes a protrusion or lip  439  that extends radially inward towards a center axis of the stem  110 , and the lip  439  may be received in an annular groove formed in the elongated body  112  of the stem  110  to restrict relative axial movement between the retainer  430  and the stem  110 . Likewise, the second sleeve portion may include a lip (not shown) which may be received into a corresponding annular groove (not shown) formed in the ferrule to restrict relative axial movement between the retainer and the ferrule. Retainer  430  could be separately formed or molded. Alternately, retainer  430  could be formed in situ around the stem and ferrule, for example, by using a heat-shrinkable tube. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagram for a method of assembling a hose coupling assembly. The method of assembling a hose coupling assembly  500  may include components similar to those described with respect to hose coupling assembly  100 ,  300 , and  400 . In an example, the method  500  may begin with inserting a retainer onto a male stem (step  505 ). The method  500  may include contacting an inner surface of the retainer with a shoulder of the male stem (step  510 ). In an example, the inner surface in step  510  may be formed as a stem ramp that extends radially inwards towards a centerline of the retainer (step  515 ). The method  500  may include pushing the retainer over the shoulder and forcing the retention feature radially outwards (step  520 ). A retention feature of the retainer may flex outward during step  520  so that the retention feature may ride up and over the shoulder. 
     The method  500  may include aligning a portion of the retention feature with a latch groove in the male stem (step  525 ). In an example, step  525  may include aligning a portion of the stem ramp with the latch groove (step  530 ). The method  500  may include inserting a ferrule onto the male stem(step  535 ). The method  500  may include contacting a latch of the ferrule that extends radially inward with an outer surface of the retention feature (step  540 ). In an example, step  540  may include contacting the latch with a ferrule ramp of the retention feature that extends radially outward (step  545 ). 
     The method  500  may include pushing the ferrule over the retention feature and forcing the retention feature radially inward (step  550 ). The retention feature may flex radially inward so that the ferrule may be pushed over the retention feature. The ferrule may ride against the sloped ferrule ramp to force the retention feature inward. The method  500  may include aligning the latch with the latch groove of the male stem (step  555 ). 
     In another example, the method may begin with inserting a retainer into a ferrule. The method may include contacting an outer surface of the retainer with a groove or shoulder inside the ferrule. The method may include pushing the retainer, housed within the ferrule, over the stem. A retention feature of the retainer may flex outward during so that the retention feature may ride up and over a shoulder of the stem or into a groove on the stem. 
     Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods or steps.