Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Title: "Swivel Hose Couplings"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally as indicated to swivel hose
couplings, and more particularly to certain improvements in such couplings
for providing a swivel hose end on the end OI a hose that is free to swivel
thereon while providing ~ seal against air or fluid loss through the coupling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal object of this invention is to provide a swivelable
self~ealing coupling on the end of a flexible tubular member such as a hose
that does not require critical dimensional stability and is relatively inexpen-
sive to manufacture and install.
Another object is to provide such a swivel hose coupling that can
readily be removed and replaced in the field.
Still another object is to provicle different coupling conigura-
tions for use on different types of hose.
These and other objects of the present invention may be
achieved by providing in one form of the invention a swivel hose coupling
including two parts, a swivel insert which may be threaded or otherwise
attached to the end of the hose, and a swivel hose end piece which is
rotatably connected to the hose end by the swivel insert. The swivel hose
end piece has an internal groove therein in which an exterior portion of the
swivel insert is rotatably received.
Circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending grooves and
lands may be provided on the exterior of the swivel insert to provicle a good
bearing contact for the swivel hose end piece with minimum frietion
therebetween. The grooves desirably terminate short of the axial inner end
of the swivel insert to provide an external flange or shoulder thereat which
overlaps the adjacent end of the internal groove in the swivel hose end piece
to form a flui~tight seal. At the axial inner end of the insert is an inturned
flange which also overlaps the adjacent end of the internal groove in the
swivel hose end piece to form a fluid-tight seal.
A sealing lip may be provided on the exterior of the swivel insert
to ~orm an adàitional seal with the wall OI the internal groove in the swivel
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hose end piece. Also, a skirt portion may be provided on the swivel hose end
piece which extends axially inwardly for a portion of the length of the
internal groove and radially inwardly spaced therefrom so that the skirt
portion extends a short distan~e into the end of the hose to shield the axial
outer end of the swivel insert and hose end against entrained material and
other debris in the fluid passing through the coupling from entering the
swivel connection between the swivel insert and swivel hose end piece.
For attachment of the swivel hose coupling to wire reinforced
hose, the swivel insert desirably includes a pair of concentric, radially
spaced inner and outer tubular sleeve portions connected together at the
axial outer ends thereof by a radially e~tending end wall portion. The
exterior surface of the inner sleeve portion is threaded for threaded
engagement with the hose wire reinforcement interiorly of the hose.
Alternatively, a hot melt grommet may be used in place of the
threaded swivel insert to provide a hot melt connection between the
grommet and either a smooth or corrugatecl plastic hose.
In still another form of swivel hose coupling in accordance with
the present invention, the swivel hose end piece may consist of two separate
parts, n plain end portion and a swivel insert retaining end portion, thereby
permitting the plain end portion to be made of a softer, more pliable plastic
material than the swivel insert retaining end portion to facilitate insertion
of an attachment piece over the tapered end OI the plain end portion for
enhanced gripping therebetween. To connect the plain end portion to the
swivel insert retaining end portion, an external annular groove may be
provided adjacent the axial inner end of the plain end portion for receipt of
an inturned end at the axial outer end of the swivel insert retaining end
portion. Also, an inturned flange may be provided on the swivel insert
retaining end portion adjacent the axial inner end of the plain end portion to
provide a hard bearing surface for the axial outer end of the swivel insert.
In yet another form of swivel hose coupling in accordance with
this invention, a two-piece swivel hose end is provided, including a plain end
portion and a threaded end portion having internal threads thereon for
threaded engagement with the end of a corrugated plastic hose. A swivel
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coupling is provided between the plain end portion and threaded end portion
as by providing an inturned flange on the axial outer end of the threaded end
portion for receipt in an external annular groove adjacent the axial inner
end of the plain end portion. In this case, both the plain end portion and
threaded end portion are desirably made of a relatively hard plastic material
to provide a better bearing surface therebetween and prevent the plain end
portion from being accidentally pulled off the threaded end portion.
Such swivel hose couplings may be used to attach a nozzle or
other attachment device to the end of a vacuum hose and permit the
attachment to be rotated or twisted and angled without having to unduly
rotate or twist the hose. The swivel hose couplings make it easier for the
user to move the hose about to different places and angles, by swiveling the
swivel hose couplings rather than having to twist the hose. Not only is it
sometimes difficult to twist the hose, but undue twisting could lead to
premature Eailure of the hose and possibly obstruct the passage of fluid
through the hose.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the
invention, then, cornprises the fefltures hereinaeter fully described and
particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the
annexed drawings setting forth in detflil certain illustrative embodiments of
the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several o the various
ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a swivel hose coupling comprising a swivel insert~ means for
attaching said swivel insert ~o an end of a hose, said swivel insert including
a sleeve portion surrounding such hose end, and a swivel hose end piece
surrounding said swivel insert, said swivel hose end piece having an internal
cylindrical groove therein in which an e~ternal cylindrical portion of said
sleeve portion having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of said
internal groove is rotatably received, said internal groove having opposite
axial inner and outer ends overlapping opposite axial inner and outer ends of
said sleeve portion to retain said sleeve portion within said internal groove,
said sleeve portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudi-
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nally extending grooves in said external cylindrical portion separated by
relatively narrow ribs therebetween for reducing frictional contact between
said swivel insert and swivel hose end piece during relative rotation
therebetween.
In aceordance with a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a swivel hose coupling comprising a swivel insert, means
for attaching said swivel insert to an end of a hose, said swivel insert
including a sleeve portion surrounding such hose end, and a swivel hose end
piece surrounding said swivel insert, said swivel hose end piece having an
internal cylindrical groove therein in which an external cylindrical portion
of said sleeve portion having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter
of said internal groove is rotatably received, said internal groove having
opposite axial inner and outer ends overlapping opposite axial inner and
outer ends of said sleeve portion to retain said sleeve portion within said
internfll groove, said swivel hose end piece having a radially outwardly
tapered opening adjacent an axial inner end thereof to facilitate camming of
the axial inner end of said swivel hose end piece over an axial outer end of
said swivel insert as said swivel hose end piece is pushed onto and along said
sleeve portion unti:l said sleeve portion seats within said internal groove in
said swivel hose end piece.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a swivel hose coupling cornprising a swivel insert, means
for attaching said swivel insert to an end of a hose, said swivel insert
including a sleeve portion surrounding such hose end, and a swivel hose end
piece surrounding said swivel inserl:, said swivel hose end piece having an
internal cylindrical groove therein in which an external cylindrical portion
of said sleeve portion having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter
of said internal groove is rotatably received, said internal groove having
opposite axial inner and outer ends overlapping opposite axial inner and
outer ends of said sleeve portion to retain said sleeve portion within said
internal groove, said swivel insert including another sleeve portion radially
inwardly spaced from said first-mentioned sleeve portion, both of said
sleeve portions having axial outer ends connected together by a radially
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extending end wall portion, said another sleeve portion being externally
threaded for internal threaded engagement with the end of a wire reinforced
hose.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a swivel hose coupling comprising a swivel insert, means
for securing said swivel insert to an end of a hose, and a swivel hose end
piece surrounding said swivel insert, said swivel hose end piece having an
internal annular groove therein in whieh an external portion of said swivel
insert is rotatably received, said internal groove having opposite axial inner
and outer ends overlapping opposite axial inner and outer ends of said swivel
insert, and annular skirt means integral with said swivel hose end piece and
extending axially inwardly from the axial outer end of said internal groove
and radially inwardly spaced therefrom, said skirt means extending axially
inwardly beyond the axial outer end of said swivel insert to prevent
entrained material in fluid passing through said coupling from entering a
swivel connection between said swivel insert and swivel hose end piece, said
sw;vel hose end piece having an axial outer end portion extending forwardly
of said internal groove, said outer end portion of said swivel hose end piece
having a longitudinal opening therethrough in line with the center of the
hose end, said slcirt means extending said opening into the end of said hose
beyond the axial outer end of said swivel insert, said swivel insert including
a pair of concentric, radially spaced inner and outer tubular sleeve portions
having axial outer ends connected together by a radially extending end wall
portion, said inner sleeve portion being externally threaded for internal
threaded engagement with a wire reinforced hose, said skirt means
extending axially into said inner sleeve portion of said swivel insert.
In aceordance with a IurtheP aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a swivel hose coupling comprising a swivel insert, means
for securing said swivel insert to an end of a hose, and a swivel hose end
piece surrounding said swivel insert, said swivel hose end piece having an
internal annular groove therein in which an external portion of said swivel
insert is rotatably received, said internal groove having opposite axial inner
and outer ends overlapping opposite axial inner and outer ends of said swivel
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insert, and annular skirt means integral with said swivel hose end piece and
e~tending axially inwardly from the axial outer end of said internal groove
and radially inwardly spaced therefrom, said skirt means extending axially
inwardly beyond the axial outer end of said swivel insert to prevent
entrained material in fluid passing through said coupling from entering a
swivel connection between said swivel insert and swivel hose end piece, said
swivel hose end piece having a radially outwardly tapered opening adjacent
an axial inner end thereof to facilitate camming of said axial inner end of
said swivel hose end pieee over the a~ial outer end of said swivel insert as
said swivel hose end piece is pushed onto and along said swivel insert until
said swivel insert seats within said internal groove in said swivel hose end
piece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The iovention is illustrated by way of example in the
accompanyin~ drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section through one form of swivel hose
coupling in accordance with this invention shown connected to the end of a
corrugated plastic tube;
Flg. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse section through the
swivel hose coupling of Fig. 1, taken on the plane of the line 2-2 thereof;
Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through another form of swivel
hose coupling in accordanee with this invention;
Fig. '1 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the swivel
insert for the swivel hose coupling of Fig. 3; and
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Figs. 5-12 are longitudinal sections through still other forms of
swivel hose couplings in accordance with this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now in detail to the drawings, and initially to Fig. 1
thereof, one form of swivel hose coupling 1 in accordance with this invention
is shown attached to the end of a flexible tubular member or hose 2. The
swivel hose coupling 1 essentially consists of two parts, a swivel insert 3
which is attached to the hose itself, and a swivel hose end piece 4 which is
rotatably connected to the hose end by the swivel insert. When the hose 2 is
blow molded out of a suitable plastic and provided with an external spiral
groove or thread 5 therein to give it flexibility as shown in Fig. 1, the swivelinsert 3 is desirably molded in the form of a sleeve 6 with an internal thread
or corru~ation 7 which is complementary to the spiral groove on the hose so
th~t the swivel insert may be screwed or threaded onto the end of the hose.
At the axial outer end of the swivel insert is an inturned flange or shoulder 8
which may be engaged by the tip 10 of the hose when the swivel insert is
fully threaded onto the hose to form a fluid-tight seal thereat.
Referring further to Fig. 1, and also to Fig. 2, preferably the
exterior of the swivel insert sleeve 6 has a plurality of circumferentially
spaced longitudinally extending external grooves 12 therein separated by
relatively narrow ribs or lands 13 therebetween. The grooves 12 desirably
terminate short of the axial inner end of the sleeve to provide an external
flange or shoulder 14 thereat, for a purpose to be subsequently described.
The swivel hose end piece ~ is of a length substantially greater
than the length of the swivel insert 3 and has an internal groove 16 therein
of a diameter and length somewhat greater than the outer diameter and
length of the swivel insert for receipt of the exterior portion of the swivel
insert therein. At the ends of the internal groove are internal shoulders or
flanges 17, 18 which have an inner diameter somewhat less than the outer
diameter of the swivel insert thereby preventing disassembly of the swivel
hose end piece from the swivel insert while permitting swiveling or rotation
of the swivel hose end piece relative to the hose.
The internal shoulder 18 at the axial inner end of the internal
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groove 16 has an inner diameter somewhat greater than the outer diameter
OI the hose 2 so as not to bind on the hose thereat. Also, the internal
surface of the swivel hose end piece desirably tapers radially outwardly
from the internal shoulder 18 toward the axial inner end of the swivel hose
end piece to provide a taper or cam surface 19 adjacent such axial inner end
to facilitate assembly of the swivel hose end piece onto the swivel insert
and also provide additional radial clearance around the hose to accomm~
date some bending of the hose in any transverse direction. At the same
time, the taper 19 only permits a gradual bending of the hose to prevent any
abrupt and deleterious bending of the hose adjacent the axial inner end of
the swivel insert. Ally forces acting on the hose tending to bend the hose
too abruptly will result in the hose being supported by the outwardly flaired
taper 19.
The inner end portion 20 of the swivel hose end piece 4 which
surrounds the end of the hose when the swivel hose end piece is assembled
on the swivel insert 3 desirably has a generally cylindrical exterior for ease
of gripping by the user. The outer end portion 21 of the swivel hose end
piece forwardly of the swivel insert desirably has a reduced outer diameter
and gradually tapers inwardly toward the a~cial outer end thereof to provide
for wedging contact with a nozzle or other attachment device inserted over
such outer end. ~entrally of the outer end portion 21 is a longitudinal
opening 22 through which fluid passes into the hose when a suction force is
applied thereto~
The swivel insert 3 is desirably made of a relatively hard plastic
material having a relatively low coefficient of friction with the swivel hose
end piece 4 so that the swivel hose end piece is freely rotatable relative to
the swivel insert9 and the swivel insert cannot be pulled off the hose end.
Likewise, the swivel hose end piece 4 is desirably made of a relatively hard
and longitudinally rigid plastic material to preven$ the swivel hose end piece
from being pulled off the swivel insert and provide a relatively rigid handle
for the user and a relatively rigid mounting for the attachments on the axial
outer end thereof so that the user may easily guide and direct the
attachments during the cleaning or vacuuming operation.
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The external lands or ribs 13 on the outer surface of the swivel
insert provide a good bearing contact for the swiYel hose end piece while
minimizing the friction therebetween. Moreover, such external ribs may be
advantageously used to aid in screwing the swivel insert onto the hose end.
~ luid leakage between the hose and swivel insert 3 is prevented
by engagement of the tip of the hose with the inturned lip 8 at the axial
outer end of the swivel insert. Likew;se, fluid leakage between the swivel
insert and swivel hose end piece is substantially prevented when one or the
other end of the swivel insert is forced into engagement with the adjacent
end of the internal groove 16 in the swivel hose end piece. The inturned
flange or lip 8 on the axial outer end of the swivel insert overlaps the
adjacent shoulder 17 of the internal groove to form a fluid-tight joint
thereat when forced into engagement with each other. Similarly, the
external shoulder 14 at the axial inner end of the swivel insert overlaps the
adjacent shoulder 18 of the internal groove to form a fluid-tight joint when
forced into engagement.
Prior to assembly of the swivel hose end piece 4 onto the swivel
insert 3, the swivel hose end piece should be heated up somewhat, for
example, to approximately 100 to 110F, to make it more pli~ble so that it
will stretch. When thus heated, the axial inner end of the swivel hose end
piece can readily be pushed onto the swivel insert after the swivel insert has
been screwed or otherwise attached to the hose end. The outwardly tapered
opening 19 at the axial inner end of the swivel hose end piece assists in
camming such axial inner end over the axial outer end of the swivel insert as
the swivel hose end piece is pushed onto and along the swivel insert until the
swivel insert seats within the internal groove 16 in the swivel hose end piece.
Although the dimensions of the swivel hose coupling will vary
depending on the size of the hose with which the eoupling is used, such
coupling does not require critical dimensional stability~ As an example, a
swivel hose coupling for use with a blow molded hose having an inner
diameter (I.D.) of approximately 1-1/2" and a corrugated outer diameter
(O.D.) of approximately 1-13/16" may be dimensioned substantially as foll~ws:
The swivel insert 3 may have a length of approximately 1-5/16",
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an I.D. of approximately 1-13/16", and an O.D. of approximately 2-1/16".
Also, there may be for example 12 to 16 external grooves and lands on the
outer surface of the swivel insert. Where 16 grooves and lands are provided,
the grooves may have a width of approximately l/41' and the lands a width of
approximately 1/8". The grooves may have a depth of approximately 3/64",
and both the inturned lip 8 at the axial outer end of the swivel insert and
outturned shoulder 14 at the axial inner end thereof may have an overall
radial height of approximately 3/16".
The handle portion 20 of the swivel hose end piece 4 may have an
O.D. of approximately 2-5/16" and an axial length of approximately 1-3/4".
Also, tlle internal groove 16 may have an inner diameter of approximately 2-
1/8" and an axial length of approximately 1-11/32", and the inner diameter of
the shoulders 17, 18 adjacent opposite ends of the internal groove may be
approximately 1-7/8". From the inner diameter of the shoulder 18 adjacent
the axial irmer end of the swivel hose end piece, the inner wall of the swivel
hose end piece may extend axially inwardly approximately 1/8" and then
taper radially outwardly at an angle of approximately 30 to form the
tapered opening 19 which may have an axial length of approximately 7/32".
From the outer diameter of the tapered opening 19, the inner wall desirably
extends axially inwardly for the remainder of the length thereof, which may
be approximately 3/32".
The opposite end portions 20, 21 of the spiral hose end piece 4
may be interconnected by a sharply tapered intermediate portion 25 which
may have a slope of approximately 34 from the horizontal. The inner
diameter of the opening 22 through the forward end portion 21 is approxi-
mately 1-7tl6", whereas the outer wall of such forward end portion 21
desirably gradually tapers inwardly from a maximum outer diameter of
approximately 1-3/4" adjacent the axial outer end of the intermediate
portion 25 to Q minimum outer diameter of approximately 1-11/16" adjacent
the axial outer end of the forward end portion, which may have an overall
length of approximately 2".
In Fig. 3 there is shown another form of swivel hose coupling 30
in accordance with this invention which is substantially identical to the
swivel hose coupling 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, except for the addition of an
annular sealing lip 31 on the exterior of the swivel insert 32. The sealing lip
31 is adjacent the axial inner end of a radially outwadly extending flange 33
on the axial inner end of the swivel insert, and when in the fully extended
position shown in Fig. 4 prior to insertion of the swivel hose end piece onto
the swivel insert, extends radially outwardly therebeyond a sufficient dis-
tance, for example 5/64", to provide for sealed engagement with the inner
diameter of the internal groove 34 in the swivel hose end piece 35 when the
assembly is complete. Also, the sealing lip 31 desirably tapers outwardly at
an angle of approximately 40 from the horizontal towards the axial inner
end thereof and then has a cylindrical portion 36 that extends generally
axially for a short distance, for example, approximately 1/16". When the
swivel hose end piece is assembled onto the swivel insert as shown in Fig. 3,
the sealing lip 31 is nattened out somewhat by engagement with the w~ll of
the internal groove 34 to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Otherwise,
the swivel hose coupling shown in Fig. 3 may be substantially the same as
that shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. S shows still another swivel hose coupling 37 in accordance
with this inv~ntion in which the swivel insert 38 may be identical to either
of the swivel inserts 3 and 3a previously described. The swivel hose end
piece 39 may also be substantially the same as the swivel hose end pieces 4
and 35 previously described. However, such swivel hose end piece 39
additionally includes an annular skirt portion 40 extending axially inwardly
from the inner end of the longitudinal bore 41 in the outer end portion 42.
The skirt portion 40 extends axially inwardly for a portion of the length of
the internal ~roove 43 and radially inwardly spaced therefrom to shield the
axial outer end of the swivel insert 38 and hose end against entrained
material and other debris in the fluid passing therethrough from entering the
swivel connection between the swivel insert and swivel hose end piece
surrounding same. Also, the skirt portion 40 assists in helping to establish a
fluid seal at the axial outer end of the hose.
Although the dimensions of the skirt portion 40 may vary
depending on the type and size of hose and the particular application, a
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swivel hose coupling for a l-l/2" diameter hose may have a skirt length of
from approximately l/8'1 to 3/8", with sufficient clearance, for example,
approximately 13/32", between the internal groove 43 and outer diameter of
the skirt portion to receive the swivel insert and hose end therebetween.
Still another form of swivel hose coupling 45 is shown in Fig. 6
for attachment to a wire reinforced hose 47. Such coupling is very similar
to that shown in Fig. l, including particularly the swivel hose end piece 48
which may be identical to the swivel hose end piece 4. Also, the swivel
insert 49 may be similar to the swivel insert 3 shown in Fig. l, except that it
includes a pair of concentric9 radially spaced inner and outer tubular sleeve
portions 51, 52 connected together at the axial outer ends thereof by a
radially extending end wall portion 53. The exterior surface of the outer
sleeve portion 52 may be provided with a plurality of circumferentially
spaced axially extending grooves 54 and lands 55, with an outturned lip 56 at
the axial inner end of the outer sleeve portion, similar to the swivel inserts
previously described. ~Iowever, the threads or corrugations 57, rather than
being provided on the internal surface of the outer sleeve portion, are
provided on the exterior surface of the inner sleeve portion 51. Such inner
sleeve portion has an outer diameter slightly greater than the inner
diameter of the wire reinforced hose 47 for engagement between the hose
wire reinforcements 58 interiorly of the hose. The inner sleeve portion 51
adjacent the axial inner end thereof tapers radially inwardly toward such
axial inner end to provide an inwardly flaired end surface 59 thereon to aid
in inserting the inner sleeve portion into the hose.
Such internal threaded engagement of the swivel insert 49 within
the wire reinforced hose 47 has the advantage that as the hose and swivel
insert are screwed together, the hose is slightly compressed, which causes
the hose wire reinforcements to expand somewhat to make the assembly
easier. During use, as the hose is stretched or tensioned, the hose wire
reinforcements 58 contract somewhat thereby enhancing the gripping action
between the hose and swivel insert.
The modified swivel insert 49 Witil male threads 57 may also be
provided with a sealing lip 60 adjacent the axial outer end of the outer
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sleeve portion 52 for sealing engagement with the wall of the internal
groove 61 in the swivel hose end piece 48 as shown in Fig. 7, similar to the
sealing lip 31 of the Figs. 3 and 4 embodiment. Also, a skirt portion 62 may
be provided on the swivel hose end piece 48 extending axially inwardly
beyond the axial outer end of the internal groove 61 and radially spaced
therefrom to provide a d;rt or containment seal keeping dirt out of the
swivel area of such swivel hose coupling, similar to the skirt portion 40
shown in Fig. 5.
In another form of swivel hose coupling 70 in accordance with
this invention shown in Fig. 8, a hot melt grommet 66 is used in place of the
swivel inserts previously described to provide a hot melt connection between
the grommet and either a smooth or corrugated plastic pipe 67. As shown,
the grommet 66 includes a tubular sleeve portion 68 having an outer
diameter and axial length somewhat less than the inner diameter and axial
length of the internal groove 69 in the swivel hose end piece 75. The inner
wall 71 of the grommet may be relatively smooth, and has an inner diameter
somewhat greater than the outer diameter of the hose to permit the
grommet to be easily inserted over the end of the hose. ~t the axial outer
end of the grommet is a radial inturned flange 72 which is engaged by the
tip 73 of the hose. The grommet is securely fastened to the hose by
applying a hot melt plastic material 74 to the axial inner end of the inturned
flange 72 or tip 73 of the hose just prior to inserting the grommet over the
end of the hose. Then, when the inturned flange is pushed up against the tip
of the hose, the hot melt plastic material melts the abutting end surfaces of
the hose and grommet and bonds the two surfaces together as the hot melt
material cools, thereby forming a secure connection therebetween.
Thereafter, the swivel hose end piece 75, which may be identical
to the swivel hose end piece 4 previously described, may be heated some-
what and then shoved over the grommet 66 on the hose end to receive the
grommet within the internal groove 69 in the swivel hose end piece to form
a swivel coupling therebetween. With such a coupling, the fluid passing
therethrough will force one or the other end of the grommet into sealing
engagement with the adjacent ends of the internal groove in the swivel hose
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end piece. However, if desired, an annular sealing lip 76 similar to the
sealing lip 31 shown in Fig. 3 may also be provided on the outer diameter of
the grommet 66 to form a further seal with the internal wall of the annular
groove 69 in the swivel hose end piece 75 as shown in Fig. 9. Also, an
axially extending skirt 77 similar to the skirt 40 of Fig. 5 may be provided
on the swivel hose end piece extending axially into the hose end for a short
distance to keep dirt and other material entrained in the fluid from entering
the swivel connection between the swivel insert and swivel hose end piece as
further shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 10 shows yet another form of swivel hose coupling 80 in
accordance with this invention which may be substantially the same as the
couplings previously described. Ilowever, in this case the swivel hose end
piece 81 consists of two separate pieces, a plain end 82 and a swivel insert
retaining end 83, thereby permitting the plain end 82 to be made of a softer,
more pliable plastic material than the swivel insert retaining end 83 to
facilitate insertion of an attachment piece over the tapered axial outer end
portion 84 for enhanced gripping therebetween. To connect the plain end 82
to the swivel insert retaining end 83 of the swivel hose end piece 81, the
plain end 82 may be provided with an external annular groove 85 adjacent
the axial inner end thereof for receipt of an inturned end 86 at the axial
outer end of the swivel insert retaining end. Radially outwardly extending
flanges 87, 88 may be provided on the plain end 82 adjacent opposite sides of
the external groove 85 to provide a deeper groove in the plain end 82 for the
inturned end 86 on the axial outer end of the swivel insert retaining end 83
for increased sl ability.
In the swivel hose coupling configuration shown in Fig. 10, the
internal groove 89 in the swivel insert retaining end 83 is of a length
somewhat greater than both the outturned flange 88 at the axial inner end
of the plain end 82 and the swivel insert 90 for receipt of both the flange 88
and insert 90 therein. In that event, the outturned flange 88 ends up being
the beuring surface for the axial outer end of the swivel insert, which may
not be as effective as desired because of the softer material from which the
plain end 82 is desirably made.
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An improved bearing surface may be provided for the axial outer
end of the swivel insert 90 by providing an inturned flange 91 on the swivel
insert retaining end 92 axially inwardly of the inturned end 93 as shown in
}~ig. 11. The axial spacing between the inturned flange 91 and inturned end 93
of the swi vel insert retaining end 92 is slightly greater than the axial
thickness of the outturned flange 88 on the plain end 82 to accommodate the
outturned flange 8$ therebetween. Otherwise, the swivel coupling 94 shown
in Fig. 11 may be substantially identical to that shown in Fig. 10, including anidentical plain end 82 and swivel insert 90.
Another form of swivel hose coupling 95 in accordance with this
invention is shown in Fig. 12, in which a two-piece swivel hose end 96 is
provided, including a plain end portion 82 which may be identical to the
plain end portion shown in Eiigs. 10 and 11, and a threaded end portion 97
having internal threads or corrugations 98 thereon for threaded engagement
on the end of a corrugated plastic hose 99. A swivel coupling is formed
between the plain end 82 and threaded end 97 as by providing an inturned
end 100 on the a~cial outer end of the threaded end for receipt in the external
annular groove ~5 adjacent the axial inner end of the plain end. The
threaded end 97 may have an axially extending internal surface portion 101
adjacent the axial inner end of the inturned end 100 which is of a diameter
substantially equal to the outer diameter of the outturned flange 88 of the
plain end 82 to provide additional support between the plain end and
threaded end. ~lso, both the plain end and threaded end shown in Fig. 12 are
desirably made of a relatively hard plastic material to provide a better
bearing surface therebetween which facilitates swiveling of the plain end
relative to the threaded end, and to prevent the plain end from being
inadvertently pulled off the threaded end and the threaded end from being
pulled off the hose end.
Although the invention has been shown and described with
respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent
alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the
reading and understanding of the specification. The present invention
includes all such equivalent alterations and modifications and is limited only
by the scope of the claims.
