Pipe Coupling

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fluid coupling and more particularly to an improved coupling device for facilitating the coupling of a hose for use under fluid pressure.

2. Prior Art Statement

Various types of fluid coupling devices have been proposed in the prior art for coupling a hose for transmitting a wide variety of gases and liquids with a solid suspended therein. Coupling devices have been utilized for coupling hydraulic fluids, liquids, semi-solids and the like. Among the most difficult materials to transmit through a fluid coupling device are high pressure fluids such as high pressure liquids and/or high pressure gases with the solid particulate material suspended therein. In the field of sand blasting, wet blasting and painting, the difficulties encountered with fluid couplings are particularly troublesome due to the abrasive quality of the sand blasting or wet blasting materials.

In a typical sand blasting operation, a high pressure air compressor forces particulate abrasive material in the form of sand particles through a hose to a nozzle whereat the fluid projects the abrasive particles to a surface for cleaning and removing undesirable surface material. In general, the hose interconnecting the high pressure air compressor and the nozzle is composed of a plurality of hose sections interconnected by hose couplings. In the past, the hose couplings were typically formed from a metallic material and interconnected the hose sections to form a fluid tight conduit between the high pressure air compressor and the sand blasting nozzle. Since the abrasive material was transmitted through the hose and couplings at a high rate, it was common for the hose to become abraded and fracture at a point particularly where the hose would undergo a small radius bend. In addition, the high velocity abrasive material would likewise abrade the couplings interconnecting the hose sections, thereby deteriorating the fluid tight seals in the coupling member. The deterioration of the fluid tight seal, typically an O-ring in the coupling member, would cause high pressure leaks which further increased the leak in the coupling member resulting in the failure of the coupling member. Accordingly, the coupling member would have to be replaced by a new coupling. It should be appreciated that a typical sand blasting operation incorporates a multitude of coupling members between the air compressor and the nozzle. The replacement of the coupling members caused a substantial downtime for the sand blasting operation, resulting in enormous expense in some situations, for example a ship located in a dry dock. The dry dock fees of large ships are very substantial and the failure of a low cost coupling member resulted in a very substantial loss in the overall cost of the sand blasting operation.

In my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,7188, 4,666,193, 5,033,776 and 5,160,688, I disclosed superior coupling members made of a resilient plastic material which was suitable for use with high pressure fluids and/or liquids and specifically suitable for sand blasting and wet blasting operations. In these superior coupling members disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,033,776 and 5,160,688, the end of a first hose was abutted against an end of a second hose to provide a hose to hose coupling and to eliminate any metallic material interposed between the first and second hoses. These invention eliminated any contact of the abrasive material with any coupling material of the coupling members.

Although my prior invention as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,188, 4,666,193, 5,033,776 and 5,160,688, provided improved apparatuses and methods of joining a first and a second hose, it was found that in extreme circumstances, the couplings disconnected from the hose. Typically, these extreme circumstances were generally caused by improper adhesives or improper preparation of the hose prior to bonding to the couplings. Both of these circumstances were the result of improper operator error due to improper cleaning of the hose or improper use of the adhesive.

It is a primary object of the present application expands upon my prior inventions to provide a coupling apparatus and method and to eliminate the few problems encountered in any prior inventions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose comprising a first and a second coupling member having first and second coupling thread means enabling the first coupling member to be threadably engaged with the second threaded member.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose wherein the first and second coupling members are constructed of a resilient and deformable material for enabling radial expansion of the first and second coupling members upon the application of fluid pressure in combination with means for inhibiting the radial expansion of the second coupling member, whereby the radial expansion of the first coupling member within the second coupling member creates a fluid tight seal therebetween.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose including a locking pin to releasably inhibit relative rotation between the first and second coupling members.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose having a first and a second attachment member connected to the first and second hoses, respectively, with a flowable adhesive.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose, wherein the first and second hoses are secured to a first and a second attachment means and the first and second attachment means are secure to a first and a second coupling member of the coupling apparatus by linking thread means enabling the hose sections to be readily attached to the coupling apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose wherein the first and second coupling thread means have an integral number of turns for enabling the insertion of a first hose section between a second and third hose section while maintaining the preferred orientation of the first, second and third hose sections.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose which enables a hose to hose coupling such that the first and second coupling members are not exposed to the material internal the hose.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose wherein the first and second coupling members are constructed of a low cost polymeric material.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose which is lower in cost, more reliable, and provides easier replacement of the coupling member on a hose than heretofore known in the art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coupling apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose wherein the first and second hoses are provided with grooves for enhancing the bonding between the first and second hoses and the first and second attachment means.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an imp:roved method and apparatus for coupling a first and a second hose to enable the flow of a fluid therethrough. The apparatus comprises a coupling apparatus for coupling a first hose end of a first hose to a second end of a second hose for enabling the flow of fluid therethrough. The first hose has first hose groove means defined in the outer hose surface of the first hose. The coupling apparatus comprises first coupling member having an inner end and an outer end with a first coupling internal bore extending therebetween. First coupling threads are defined in the first coupling member proximate the inner end of the first coupling member. First coupling linking threads are defined by the first coupling internal bore of the first coupling member proximate the outer end of the first coupling member. A second coupling member has second coupling threads defined therein with the second coupling member being secured to the second hose. The first attachment member has first attachment linking threads with first affixing threads defined in a first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member. First affixing means affix the first attachment member to the first hose remote from the first end of the first hose including a flowable adhesive disposed between the first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member and the first hose and extending into the first affixing threads defined in the first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member and extending into the first hose groove means in the outer hose surface of the first hose. The first attachment linking threads engage with the first coupling linking threads for securing the first hose to the first coupling means. The first coupling threads engage with the second coupling threads for interconnecting the first coupling member and the second coupling member with the first end of the first hose engaging with the second end of the second hose.

Preferably, the first coupling threads are defined on an exterior surface of the first coupling member with the second coupling threads being defined in an internal bore of the second coupling member. The first coupling member are insertable into the second coupling internal bore of the second coupling member when the first coupling threads engage with the second coupling threads. The first and second coupling members are constructed of a resilient material for enabling radial expansion of the first and second coupling members upon the application of a fluid pressure within the first hose. Means are secured to the second coupling member for inhibiting radial expansion of the second coupling member to enable the radial expansion of the first coupling member within the second coupling member to create a fluid tight seal therebetween.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first attachment member extends between an inner end and an outer end of the first attachment member with the first attachment linking threads being defined on an outer surface of the first attachment member proximate the inner end of the first attachment member. The inner end of the first attachment member are insertable into the first coupling internal bore proximate the outer end of first coupling member for enabling the first attachment linking threads to engage with the first coupling linking threads of the first coupling member. A first and a second coupling locking aperture are disposed in the first and the second coupling members, respectively with a coupling locking pin cooperating with the first and second coupling locking apertures to releasably inhibit relative rotation between the first and second coupling members. The first affixing means includes a first input aperture defined in the first attachment member and communicating with the first attachment internal bore with the input aperture providing means for inserting a flowable adhesive into the first attachment internal bore for bonding the flowable adhesive to the first hose.

The adhesive cures within the first attachment internal bore and bonds to the first hose thereby creating first hose threads and cures within the first hose groove means in the outer hose surface of the first hose thereby creating first annular hose ring means. The first hose threads of the first hose cooperate with the first affixing threads of the first attachment members and the first annular hose ring means cooperate with the first hose groove means for securing the first hose to the first attachment member. The adhesive bonds to the first hose and occupies a void located between the first attachment internal bore and the first hoses thereby creating the first hose threads for threadably engaging with the first affixing threads of the first attachment member. The adhesive occupies a void in the first hose groove means in the outer hose surface of the first hose thereby creating the annular hose ring means for engaging with first hose groove mean.

The invention is also incorporated into the method of attaching a first coupling member to an end of a first hose with the first hose having an outer hose surface, the first coupling member comprising an internal bore extending through the first coupling member and with first coupling linking threads defined in the internal bore. The method comprises the steps of forming a first attachment member including a first attachment internal bore for receiving the first hose therein and forming a first input aperture in the first attachment member to communicate with the first attachment internal bore. Grooves means are formed in the outer hose surface of the first hose. The first hose is inserted into the first attachment internal bore and a flowable adhesive is injected into the first input aperture for enabling the adhesive to flow through the first attachment internal bore into a void defined by the first attachment member and the first hose to flow into the groove means in the outer hose surface of the first hose. The adhesive cures within the void for bonding the first hose to the first attachment member and for creating first hose threads bonded to the first hose. The first hose threads of the first hose are threaded into the first coupling linking threads of the first coupling member for attaching the first hose to the first coupling member.

In a more specific form of the method, the step of forming the first attachment member includes molding the first attachment member from a polymeric material having first affixing threads defined in the first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member. The step of inserting the flowable adhesive into the first input aperture includes bonding the first hose to the first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member with the flowable adhesive. The step of forming the first attachment member includes molding the first attachment member from a polymeric material having first affixing threads defined in the first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member. The step of inserting the flowable adhesive into the first input aperture includes flowing the flowable adhesive into the first affixing threads defined in the first attachment internal bore of the first attachment member and flowing the flowable adhesive into the groove means in the outer hose surface of the first hose.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. 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 invention as set forth in the appended claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art coupling apparatus in an uncoupled position;

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the prior art coupling apparatus of FIG. 1 with the hoses being removed;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the prior art coupling apparatus of FIG. 1 in the coupled position;

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the prior art coupling apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the improved coupling apparatus of the present invention in an uncoupled position;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the improved coupling apparatus of FIG. 5 with the hoses being removed;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the improved coupling apparatus of FIG. 5 in the coupled position;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the improved coupling apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating a first and a second locking aperture with a locking pin being removed;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 with the locking pin being partially inserted;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 with the locking pin being completely inserted;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of an attachment member of the improved coupling:

FIG. 13 is a left end elevational view of the attachment member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a right end elevational view of the attachment member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 12 illustrating a restricting wall;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 12 illustrating a yielding wall;

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the attachment member of FIGS. 12-16 with a standard diameter hose being disposed therein;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 17 being partially filled with a flowable adhesive;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 17 being totally filled with a flowable adhesive;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 17 being totally affixed to the standard diameter hose;

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the attachment member of FIGS. 12-16 with a small diameter hose being disposed therein;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 21 being partially filled with a flowable adhesive;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 21 being totally filled with a flowable adhesive;

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 21 being totally affixed to the small diameter hose;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a section of hose affixed to plural attachment members;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the improved coupling apparatus of the present invention in an uncoupled position;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of the improved coupling apparatus of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the improved coupling apparatus of FIGS. 25-27 coupled to a conventional T coupling;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a large hose affixed to an attachment member;

FIG. 30 is a side sectional view of the improved coupling apparatus accommodating the large hose and the attachment member of FIG. 29 and with treads molded onto the large hoses;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of a large hose affixed to an attachment member and a supplemental hose element;

FIG. 32 is a side sectional view of the improved coupling apparatus accommodating the large hose, the attachment member and the supplemental hose element of FIG. 31 and with treads molded onto the large hoses;

FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the attachment member with the large hose disposed therein;

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the attachment member and the large hose disposed within a mold;

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of the attachment member and the mold being filled with a flowable adhesive to form threads;

FIG. 36 is a sectional view of the attachment member and threads affixed to the large hose;

FIG. 37 is a side sectional view of the attachment member of FIGS. 12-16 with a grooved standard diameter hose being disposed therein;

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 37 being partially filled with a flowable adhesive;

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 37 being totally filled with a flowable adhesive;

FIG. 40 is a sectional view of the attachment member of FIG. 37 being totally affixed to the standard diameter hose.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a prior art coupling apparatus 10 for coupling a first and a second hose 11 and 12 as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,188. The coupling apparatus 10 comprises a first coupling member 21 and a second coupling member 22. A first internal bore 31 shown more fully in FIG. 2 extends between the ends of the first coupling member 21 whereas a second internal bore 32 extends between the ends of the second coupling member 22. The first hose 11 is inserted into the first coupling member 21 and is secured thereto by first minor thread means 34 disposed within the first internal bore 31 in combination with an adhesive 36 shown in FIG. 4. In a similar manner, the second hose 12 is inserted through an end of the second coupling member 22 and is secured thereto by second internal minor thread means 38 in combination with an adhesive 40. The first coupling member 21 includes first major thread means 41 whereas the second coupling member 22 includes second major thread means 42 which enable a threadable engagement between the first and second coupling members 21 and 22.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are an elevational view and a side sectional view of the coupling apparatus 10 being threadably engaged with the first major thread means 41 engaging the second major thread means 42. The first hose 11 and the second hose 12 are located within the first and second coupling members 21 and 22 such that the first end 51 of the first hose abuts the end 52 of the second hose when the first major thread means 41 fully engages the second major thread means 42. The hose-to-hose contact inhibits any direct contact of the material internal the first and second hoses 11 and 12 with the first and second coupling members 21 and 22.

The first and second coupling member 21 and 22 include filling apertures 93 and 94 for enabling the introduction of the flowable adhesives 36 and 40. The end 51 of the first hose 11 is inserted into the internal bore 31 of the first coupling member 21 and the flowable adhesive is forced under pressure through the filling aperture 93 to propagate and fill all voids between the hose 11 and the internal bore 31. The flowable adhesive fills all voids between the first internal minor threads 34 thus creating adhesive threads in the adhesive bonding to the hose 11. The adhesive threads matingly engage with the first internal minor threads 34 to threadably engage hose 11 to the first coupling 21. Upon curing of the adhesive material 36, the first hose 11 is mechanically bonded to the first coupling member 11 through the first internal minor threads 34 and the structural hose threads. In a similar manner, the flowable adhesive 40 fills all voids between the second internal minor threads 38 and the second hose 12 thus creating adhesive threads in the adhesive bonding to the second hose 12. The adhesive threads matingly engage with the second internal minor threads 38 to threadably engage the second hose 12 to the second coupling 22. Upon curing of the adhesive material 10, the second hose 12 is mechanically bonded to the second coupling member 12 through the second internal minor thread 38 and the structural hose threads.

A metallic locking ring (not shown) may be disposed within recess 68 in the first and second coupling members 21 and 22 to prevent relative rotation between the first and second coupling members 21 and 22. A restraining metallic band 74 in the second coupling member 22 inhibits the radial expansion of the second coupling member 22. The first coupling member 21 is made of a resilient material which radially expands upon the application of fluid pressure. The restraining means 74 inhibits the radial expansion of the second coupling member 22 resulting in a fluid tight seal between the first and second coupling members 21 and 22.

The prior art coupling apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,188 provided a substantial improvement in the coupling art. Although the coupling apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be reused by securing a new hose to the coupling members 21 and 22, the improved coupling 110 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5-29 facilitate the process of securing a new hose to the coupling apparatus 110.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the improved coupling apparatus 110 of the present invention for coupling a first and a second hose 111 and 112 to enable the flow of a fluid therethrough. The coupling apparatus 110 is suitable for use with liquids and gases as well as combinations thereof or with liquids or gases transmitting liquids or solid particles therein. The improved coupling apparatus 110 comprises a first coupling member 121 and a second coupling member 122 with the first coupling member 121 having an outer end 124 and an inner end 126. The second coupling member 122 includes an outer end 128 and an inner end 130. A first coupling internal bore 131 shown more fully in FIG. 6 extends between the outer end 124 and the inner end 126 whereas a second coupling internal bore 132 extends between the outer end. 128 and the inner end 130 of the second coupling member 122.

The first hose 111 is inserted into the outer end 124 of the first coupling member 121 and is secured thereto by a first attachment member 141 received within the first internal bore 131 in combination with a first affixing means 151 shown in FIG. 8 as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. In a similar manner, the second hose 112 is inserted into the outer end 128 of the second coupling member 122 and is secured thereto by a second attachment member 142 received within the second internal bore 132 in combination with a second affixing means 152. The first and second coupling members 121 and 122 are provided with first and second grasping members 144 and 146 shown as indentations for facilitating relative rotation between the first and second coupling members 121 and 122.

As is can be clearly shown from the sectional view of FIG. 6, first coupling threads 161 are located on the inner end 126 of the first coupling member 121 whereas second coupling threads 162 are located on the inner end 130 of the second coupling member 122 to enable a threaded engagement between the first and second coupling members 121 and 122. The inner end 126 of the first coupling member 121 comprises a shoulder 164 defining an undercut region 166 which undercut region 166 is received within an enlarged region 168 of the second internal bore 132 disposed on the inner end 130 of the second coupling member 122. The first coupling threads 161 are disposed on the undercut region 166 whereas the second coupling threads 162 are defined by the enlarged region 168 of the second internal bore 132.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the coupling apparatus 110 being threadably engaged with the first coupling threads 161 engaging with the second coupling threads 162. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the coupling apparatus 110 of FIG. 7 which illustrates an end 111A of the first hose 111 abutting an end 112A of the second hose 112 thereby creating a hose to hose coupling and thus eliminating direct contact of the material internal the first and second hoses 111 and 112 with the first and second coupling members 121 and 122. The first hose 111 and the second hose 112 are positioned within the first and second coupling members 121 and 122 such that the end 111A of the first hose abuts the end 112A of the second hose 112 when the first coupling threads 161 fully engage with the second coupling threads 162 and a shoulder 170 of the second coupling member 122 engages with the shoulder 164 of the first coupling member 121.

A first coupling locking aperture 171 is defined in the first coupling member 121 and is aligned with a second coupling locking aperture 172 defined in the second coupling member 122. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate the second coupling locking aperture 172 being smaller in diameter relative to the first coupling locking aperture 171. A locking pin 174 is preferably a resilient plastic pin having a head 175 and an enlarged terminal end 176 enabling the locking pin 174 to be resiliently retained by the first locking aperture 171. FIG. 10 illustrates the locking pin 174 being inserted within the second locking aperture 172 with the enlarged terminal end 176 being larger than the second locking aperture 172 and being deformed thereby. FIG. 11 illustrates the locking pin 174 being totally inserted within the first and second locking apertures 171 and 172 with the enlarged terminal end 176 being retained within the larger first locking aperture 171 and with the head 175 being received by a recess 177 in the second coupling member 122. When the locking pin 174 is disposed within the locking apertures 171 and 172 as shown in FIG. 11, the locking pin 174 prevents relative rotation between the first and second coupling members 121 and 122.

The second coupling member 122 includes a restraining metallic band 178 which is received within a annular recess 179 for inhibiting radial expansion of the second coupling member 122. The restraining means 178 is preferably a metallic band which may be located within the annual recess 179 and fastened together or in the alternative may be heat shrunk into the annular recess 179 as should be well known to those skilled in the art.

The first and second coupling members 121 and 122 are preferably made of a resilient and deformable material such as a polymeric material which radially expands upon the application of fluid pressure within the first and second hoses 111 and 112. The expansion of the first coupling member 121 is applied against the enlarged region 168 of the second coupling member 122. Since the restraining means 178 inhibits the radial expansion of the second coupling member 122, the first coupling threads 161 are sealed against the second coupling threads 162 resulting in a fluid tight seal therebetween. Additionally, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 8, the restraining band 178 is disposed adjacent the abutment of the end 111A of the first hose 111 and the end 112A of the second hose 112. Accordingly, the restraining means 179 adds mechanical strength at the abutment of the first and second hoses 111 and 112 in addition to enhancing the seal between the first and second coupling threads 161 and 162 by allowing radial expansion of the first coupling member 121 and inhibiting radial expansion of the second coupling member 122.

The first coupling member 121 includes first coupling linking threads 181 defined by the first coupling internal bore 131 proximate the outer end 124 of the first coupling member 121. In a similar manner, the second coupling member 122 includes second coupling linking threads 182 defined by the second coupling internal bore 132 proximate the outer end 128 of the second coupling member 122.

The first attachment member 141 includes a first attachment internal bore 191 extending between an outer end 194 and an inner end 196 of the first attachment member 141. First attachment linking threads 201 are defined on an outer surface proximate the inner end 196 of the first attachment member 141.

The second attachment member 142 includes a second attachment internal bore 192 extending between an outer end 198 and an inner end 200 of the second attachment member 142. Second attachment linking threads 202 are defined on an outer surface proximate the inner end 200 of the second attachment member 142. The first attachment linking threads 201 are engagable with the first coupling linking threads 181 for securing the first attachment member 141 to the first coupling member 121. Similarly, the second attachment linking threads 202 are engagable with the second coupling linking threads 182 for securing the second attachment member 142 to the second coupling member 122.

A first coupling attachment locking aperture 211 is defined in the first coupling member 121 and may be aligned with a first attachment locking aperture 211A defined in the first attachment member 141. A second coupling attachment locking aperture 212 is defined in the second coupling member 122 and may be aligned with a second attachment locking aperture 212A defined in the second attachment member 142. Locking pins (not shown) are insertable within the locking aperture 211, 211A, 212 and 212A in a manner similar to FIGS. 9-11. When the locking pins are disposed within the locking apertures 211 and 211A and 212 and 212A, the locking pin prevent relative rotation between the first and second coupling members 121 and 122 and the first and second attachment members 141 and 142, respectively. The locking apertures 211 and 211A and 212 and 212A are preferably identical to the locking apertures 171 and 172 making the required locking pins interchangeable with the locking pin 174 shown in FIGS. 9-12.

As best shown in FIGS. 12-16, the first affixing means 151 includes first affixing threads 221 defined in the first attachment internal bore 191 of the first attachment member 141. A first input aperture 231 is defined in the first attachment member 141 between a first restricting wall 241 and a first yielding wall 251 and communicates with the first attachment internal bore 191. Similarly, the second affixing means 152 includes second affixing threads 222 defined in the second attachment internal bore 192 of the second attachment member 142. A second input aperture 232 is defined in the second attachment member 142 between a second restricting wall and a second yielding wall and communicates with the second attachment internal bore 192 in a manner similar to FIGS. 12-16. The input apertures 231 and 232 provide means for inserting a flowable adhesive into the first and second attachment bores 191 and 192 for bonding the flowable adhesive to the first and the second hoses 111 and 112, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the first restricting wall 241 is an annular flexible wall having a central aperture 241A which is smaller than the diameter of the first hose 111 for flexing the first restricting wall 241 as shown in FIG. 15. In a similar manner and as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the first yielding wall 251 is an annular flexible wall having a central aperture 251A which is smaller than the diameter of the first hose 111 for flexing the first yielding wall 251 as shown in FIG. 16. The first restricting wall 241 and the first yielding wall 251 extends generally perpendicular from and into attachment internal bore 191 in an unattended position.

Upon the insertion of the first hose 111 into the first attachment bore 191, the first hose 111 flexes the first restricting wall 241 into the phantom position as shown in FIG. 15. Similarly, upon the insertion of the first hose 111 into the first attachment bore 191, the first hose 111 flexes the first yielding wall 251 into the phantom position as shown in FIG. 16.

The inward flexing of the first restricting wall 241 by the insertion of first hose 111 from the outer attachment end 194 causes the restricting wall 241 inhibiting the flow of the adhesive towards the left in FIG. 15. Similarly, the inward flexing of the first yielding wall 251 by the insertion of first hose 111 from the outer attachment end 194 causes the yielding wall 251 permitting the flow of the adhesive towards the right in FIG. 16. In addition, the resiliency of the first restricting wall 241 and the first yielding wall 251 results in a resilient engagement with the first hose 111 to center the first hose 111 within the attachment internal bore 191.

The first and second attachment members 141 and 142 are preferably made of a resilient and deformable material such as a polymeric material. In one embodiment of the invention, the restricting wall and the yielding wall are molded with the attachment member as a unitary, one-piece unit from a polymeric material.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate the method of inserting a flowable adhesive within the first attachment internal bore 191 to bond the first hose 111 to the first attachment member 141. In this example, the diameter of the hose 111 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the first attachment internal bore 191.

FIG. 17 illustrates the first hose 111 inserted into the first attachment bore 191 from the outer attachment end 194 with the diameter of the first hose 111 flexing the first restricting wall 241 and the first yielding wall 251 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The first hose 111 is positioned such that the end 111A of the first hose abuts the end 112A of the second hose 112 when the first and second attachment members 141 and 142 are threadably secured to the first and second members 121 and 122 and when the first coupling threads 161 fully engage the second coupling threads 162 as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 illustrates the introduction of the flowable adhesive through the first input aperture 231 into the first attachment internal bore 191 of the first attachment member 141 between the first restricting wall 241 and the first yielding wall 251. The first restricting wall 241 inhibits the flow of the adhesive thereby such that the flowable adhesive migrates toward the first yielding wall 251 to fill the void between the first attachment internal bore 191 and the first hose 111.

FIG. 19 illustrates the continued introduction of the flowable adhesive through the first input aperture 231 resulting in the first yielding wall 251 permitting the flow of the adhesive thereby to exit past the first yielding wall 251. The flow of the adhesive past the first yielding wall 251 indicates that the void between the first attachment internal bore 191 and the first hose 111 is totally occupied by the flowable adhesive. The excess adhesive which exits past the first yielding wall 251 may be removed by conventional means.

FIG. 20 illustrates the flowable adhesive bonded to the first hose 111 and creating first hose threads 111B bonded to the first hose 111. The first hose threads 111B of the first hose 111 threadably engaging with the first affixing threads 221 of the first attachment member 141 for securing the first hose 111 to the first attachment member 141. The threadably engagement of the first hose threads 111B with the first affixing threads 221 removably secures the first hose 111 to the first attachment member 141.

The flowable adhesive bonds only to the hose 111 and does not form a bond with the polymeric material of the first coupling member 121. It should be appreciated that the adhesive exactly duplicates the first affixing threads 221 to provide a strong and fluid tight seal therebetween. In addition this exact duplication inhibits rotation of hose 111 relative to the first coupling member 121. However, if it is desired, the first coupling member 121 can be rotated and removed from the first hose 111.

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate the method of inserting a flowable adhesive within the first attachment internal bore 191 to bond with a hose 111D wherein the diameter of the hose 111D is significantly smaller than the diameter of the first attachment internal bore 191.

FIG. 21 illustrates the hose 111D inserted into the first attachment bore 191 from the outer attachment end 194 with the diameter of the hose 111D inwardly flexing the first restricting wall 241 and the first yielding wall 251 to center the hose 111D within the attachment internal bore 191.

FIG. 22 illustrates the introduction of the flowable adhesive through the first input aperture 231 into the first attachment internal bore 191 with the first restricting wall 241 inhibiting the flow of the adhesive thereby such that the flowable adhesive migrates toward the first yielding wall 251 to fill the void between the first attachment internal bore 191 and the hose 111D.

FIG. 23 illustrates the continued introduction of the flowable adhesive through the first input aperture 231 resulting in the first yielding wall 251 permitting the flow of the adhesive thereby and to exit past the first yielding wall 251.

FIG. 24 illustrates the flowable adhesive bonded to the hose 111D and creating hose threads 111E bonded to the hose 111D for threadably engaging with the first affixing threads 221 of the first attachment member 141 for securing the first hose 111D to the first attachment member 141.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a hose section 311 with plural attachment members 341 and 342 being secured thereto. In this embodiment, the hose section 311 is preformed with the plural attachment members 341 and 342 and is supplied to a user in lieu of a separate hose the plural attachment members 341 and 342. Since the volume of the polymeric material required for the plural attachment members 341 and 342 is relatively small, and since the plural attachment members 341 and 342 can be bonded to the hose section 311 by automatic machinery, the additional cost of supplying the preformed hose section 311 with the plural attachment members 341 and 342 is only about $0.01 per linear foot more than conventional hose sections. However, the convenience and rapid replacement of hose sections with the present invention more than offsets the additional cost of the preformed hose sections 311.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate a second embodiment of the improved coupling apparatus 410 of the present invention for securing a T-coupling 414 through a first hose 411 to a second hose 412. The T-coupling 414 may be a conventional T-joint but is shown as a T-coupling 414 incorporating the improved mixing device set forth in my pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 215,004 filed Jul. 5, 1988 with is incorporated by reference into the instant specification. In accordance with my pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 215,004 filed Jul. 5, 1988, the metallic T-coupling 414 comprises a polymeric insert 415 defining an aperture 416 and an end face 417 in a nipple 418.

The improved coupling apparatus 410 comprises a first coupling member 421, a second coupling member 422 as well as a first attachment member 441 and a second attachment member 442. In this embodiment, the first and second coupling members 421 and 422 are identical to the first and second coupling members 121 and 122 and the second attachment member 442 is identical to the second attachment member 142 shown in FIGS. 5-25. The first coupling member 421 includes first coupling linking threads 481 defined by the first coupling internal born 431 of the first coupling member proximate the outer end 424 of the first coupling member 421.

The first attachment member 441 includes a first attachment internal bore 491 extending between an outer end 494 and an inner end 496 of the first attachment member 441. First attachment linking threads 501 are defined on an outer surface proximate the inner end 496 of the first attachment member 441.

The first attachment linking threads 501 are engagable with the first coupling linking threads 481 for securing the first attachment member 441 to the first coupling member 421.

The first and second hoses 411 and 412 are positioned within the first and second coupling members 421 and 422 such that the end 411A of the first hose 411 abuts the end 412A of the second hose 412 when the first coupling member 421 is threadably engaged with the second coupling member 422 thereby creating a hose-to-hose seal.

In this embodiment, the first attachment member 441 includes a first attachment machine threads 484 disposed on the outer end 494 of the first attachment member 441. The first attachment machine threads 484 engage with machine threads 486 of the nipple 418 extending from the T-coupling 414. The first hose 411 is also positioned within the first coupling member 421 such that an end 411B of the first hose 411 abuts the end face 417 of the polymeric insert 415 thereby creating a hose-to-end face seal. The first hose 411 is retained within the first coupling member 421 by the end 411B of the first hose 411 engaging the end face 417 of the polymeric insert 415 and the end 411A engaging the end 412A of the second hose 412.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a first large hose 611 affixed to a first attachment member 641. The first large hose 611 includes a nominal sidewall diameter 614A and a reduced sidewall diameter 614B. The reduced sidewall diameter 614B is substantially equal to the nominal sidewall diameter of the hoses illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. A first attachment internal bore 691 of the first attachment member 641 is enlarged relative to the first attachment member 141 shown in FIGS. 5-8 for accommodating the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first large hose 611.

The reduced sidewall diameter 614B of the first large hose 611 may be formed by turning the first large hose 611 in a lathe for cutting an outer portion of the nominal sidewall diameter.

In the alternative, the first large hose 611 may be preformed with a sheet of release agent (not shown) inserted at the level of the reduced sidewall diameter 614B during the wrapping of the first large hose 611. Preferably, the sheet of the release agent is intermittently inserted along the length of the first large hose 611. Thereafter, the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first large hose 611 may be slit allowing an outer portion of the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first large hose 611 to be readily removed from an inner portion of the large hose 611. The sheet of the release agent allows the outer portion of the nominal sidewall diameter 614A to be readily removed from an inner portion of the first large hose 611 below the sheet of the release agent.

As shown in FIG. 30, the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first large hose 611 is provided with first hose threads 611B. The first hose threads 611B are preferable formed from a flowable adhesive introduced through a first input aperture 731 for creating the first hose threads 611B bonded to the first hose 611. The first hose threads 611B are formed on the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first hose 611.

The first hose threads 611B of the first large hose 611 threadably engage with the first coupling linking threads 681 of the first coupling member 621. The reduced sidewall diameter 614B of the first large hose 611 is tightly received within the first coupling internal bore 631 of the first coupling member 631. The reduced sidewall diameter 614B allows a portion of the first large hose 611 to be tightly received within the first coupling internal bore 631 of the first coupling member 631 while first hose threads 611B are formed on the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first large hose 611. A second large hose 612 includes a nominal sidewall diameter 616A and a reduced sidewall diameter 616B. A second attachment member 642 is disposed on the nominal sidewall diameter 616A as well as second hose threads 612B being formed on the nominal sidewall diameter 616A of the second large first hose 612 in a manner similar to the first large hose 611. The ends 611A and 612A of the first and second large hoses 611 and 612 are joined within the first and second couplings members 621 and 622 in a manner as heretofore described.

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of a large first hose 811 affixed to a first attachment member 841 and a supplemental hose element 817. The large first hose 811 includes a nominal sidewall diameter 814A whereas the supplemental hose element 817 includes a reduced sidewall diameter 816A. The reduced sidewall diameter 814B is substantially equal to the nominal sidewall diameter of the hoses illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. The supplemental hose element 817 further includes a compression flange 817C.

A first attachment internal bore 891 of the first attachment member 841 is enlarged relative to the first attachment member 141 shown in FIGS. 5-8 for accommodating the nominal sidewall diameter 814A of the large first hose 811.

As shown in FIG. 32, the nominal sidewall diameter 814A of the first large first hose 811 is provided with first hose threads 811B. The first hose threads 811B are preferable formed from a flowable adhesive introduced through a first input aperture 931 for creating the first hose threads 811B bonded to the first hose 811. The first hose threads 811B are formed on the nominal sidewall diameter 814A of the first hose 811.

The first hose threads 811B of the first large hose 811 threadably engage with the first coupling linking threads 881 of the first coupling member 821. The reduced sidewall diameter 816A of the supplemental hose element 917 is tightly received within the first coupling internal bore 831 of the first coupling member 831. The compression flange 817C of the supplemental hose element 817 is compressed between an inner end 811A of the first large hose 811 and an internal shoulder 870 within the first coupling internal bore 831. When the first hose threads 811B of the first large hose 811 are tightened with the first coupling linking threads 881 of the first coupling member 821, the inner end 811A of the first large hose 811 compresses the compression flange 817C against the internal shoulder 870 to create a fluid tight seal therebetween. The reduced sidewall diameter 816A of the supplemental hose element 817 allows the use of the first coupling member 831 with the first large hose 811.

FIGS. 33-36 illustrate the method of forming the first those thread 611B on the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first hose 611 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 30. FIG. 33 illustrates the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first hose 611 inserted into the first attachment bore 691. The first hose 611 is positioned such that the end 611A of the first large hose 611 abuts an end 612A of the second hose 612 when the first and second attachment members 641 and 642 are threadably secured to the first and second coupling members 621 and 622 and when the first coupling threads 661 fully engage the second coupling threads 662 as shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 illustrates the attachment member 641 and the first large diameter hose 611 disposed within a mold 672. The mold 672 defines a cavity or pattern 674 for forming the first hose threads 611B on the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first hose 611.

FIG. 35 illustrates the introduction of the flowable adhesive through the first input aperture 631 into the first attachment internal bore 691 of the first attachment member 641. The flowable adhesive migrates into the cavity 674 to form the first hose threads 611B on the nominal sidewall diameter 614A of the first hose 611. The continued introduction of the flowable adhesive through the first input aperture 631 results in the complete void between the first attachment internal bore 691 and the first hose 611 and the mold cavity 674 being totally occupied by the flowable adhesive.

FIG. 36 illustrates the flowable adhesive bonded to the first hose 611 and creating first hose threads 611B bonded to the first hose 611. The first hose threads 611B of the first large hose 611 threadably engage with the first coupling linking threads 681 of the first coupling member 621. The adhesive exactly duplicates the threads defined in the cavity 674 of the mold 672 to provide a strong and fluid tight seal there between.

The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a simple and low cost means for creating and repairing fluid tight couplings between the coupling members and furthermore, since the adhesive material does not adhere to the first coupling member, the coupling member may be reused if the hose is deemed to be defective or deteriorated to a point beyond safe use. In addition, hose sections may be preformed with plural attachment members and be supplied to users to provide convenience and rapid replacement of hose sections for the user. Furthermore, the apparatus and method of the present invention is suitable for use with T-couplings such as sand-air mixing devices of conventional design or specific design. The present invention is also adaptable to hoses of a large size.

FIGS. 37-40 illustrate a further method and apparatus of bonding a first hose 1211 to a first attachment member 1241 by inserting flowable adhesive 1236 within a first attachment internal bore 1291 to bond the first hose 1211 to the first attachment member 1241. Preferably, the diameter of the first hose 1211 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the first attachment internal bore 1291.

In this embodiment, the first hose 1211 comprises a plurality of grooves shown as an inner groove 1217, an intermediate groove 1218 and an outer groove 1219. Preferably, the grooves 1217-1219 are uniformly spaced to be equally distributed within the region of the first hose 1211 encompassed by the first attachment bore 1291. The grooves 1217-1219 extend partially into the first hose 1211 a distance sufficient to permit sufficient mechanical strength within the grooves 1217-1219 with substantially reducing the mechanical strength of the first hose 1211. It has been found that three grooves 1217-1219, with each groove having a depth of 0.09375 inches and a width of 0.1875 inches in a hose having an inner diameter of 1.5 inches and an outer diameter of 2.25 inches produces the above desired result.

The grooves 1217-1219 may be formed by cutting, grinding or burning the first hose 1211 to produce the desired groove with and groove depth. In should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that numerous devices and methods may be utilized to form the grooves 1217-1219 in the first hose 1211.

FIG. 37 illustrates the first hose 1211 inserted into the first attachment bore 1291 from the outer attachment end 1243 toward an inner attachment end 1244 with the diameter of the first hose 1211 flexing the first restricting wall 1246 and the first yielding wall 1248 as shown in FIGS. 37. The first hose 1211 is positioned such that an end of the first hose 1211 abuts an end of a second hose (not shown) when the first attachment member 1241 is and a second attachment member (not shown) are threadably secured to the first and second members 121 and 122 and when the first coupling threads 161 fully engage the second coupling threads 162 as shown in FIG. 7. This position of the first hose 1211 also positions the inner groove 1217, the intermediate groove 1218 and the outer groove 1219 to be uniformly spaced between the outer attachment end 1243 and the inner attachment end 1244.

FIG. 38 illustrates the introduction of the flowable adhesive 1236 through the first input aperture 1331 into the first attachment internal bore 1291 of the first attachment member 1241 between the first restricting wall 1246 and the first yielding wall 1248. The first restricting wall 1246 inhibits the flow of the adhesive 1236 thereby such that the flowable adhesive 1236 migrates toward the first yielding wall 1248 to fill the void between the first attachment internal bore 1291 and the first hose 1211. The flow of the adhesive 1236 migrates into the outer groove 1217, the intermediate groove 1218 and the inner groove 1219 to form an outer annular ring 1217A, and intermediate annular ring 1218A and an inner annular ring 1219A with the flowable adhesive 1236.

FIG. 39 illustrates the continued introduction of the flowable adhesive 1236 through the first input aperture 1331 resulting in the first yielding wall 1246 permitting the flow of the adhesive 1236 thereby to exit past the first yielding wall 1248. The flow of the adhesive 1236 past the first yielding wall 1248 indicates that the void between the first attachment internal bore 1291 and the first hose 1211 is totally occupied by the flowable adhesive 1236. In addition, the flow of the adhesive 1236 past the first yielding wall 1248 indicates that the grooves 1217-1219 are totally occupied by the flowable adhesive 1236 and that the annular rings 1217A-1219A are properly formed. The excess adhesive 1236 which exits past the first yielding wall 1248 may be removed by conventional means.

FIG. 40 illustrates the flowable adhesive 1236 bonded to the first hose 1211 and creating first hose threads 1211B bonded to the first hose 1211. The first hose threads 1211B of the first hose 1211 threadably engaging with the first affixing threads 1321 of the first attachment member 1241 for securing the first hose 1211 to the first attachment member 1241. The threadably engagement of the first hose threads 1211B with the first affixing threads 1321 permanently secures the first hose 1211 to the first attachment member 1241. It should be appreciated that the adhesive 1236 exactly duplicates the first affixing threads 921 to provide a strong and fluid tight seal therebetween. In addition this exact duplication inhibits rotation of the first hose 1211 relative to the first coupling member 921.

After curing of the flowable adhesive 1236, the cured adhesive 1236 interlocks the first hose 1211 to the first attachment member 1241 through the use of the first hose threads 1211B bonded to the first hose 1211 and the use of the annular rings 1217A-1219A. The annular rings 1217A-1219A enhance the bonding of the adhesive 1236 to the first hose 1211 and prevent axial movement of the hose relative to the coupling to eliminate the problems encountered in my prior inventions.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.