Reinforcement for a hose coupling

• US 7,387,317 B2
• Filed: 05/23/2007
• Issued: 06/17/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hutchinson FTS Incorporated (Cook Composites and Polymers)
• Original Assignee: Hutchinson FTS Incorporated (Cook Composites and Polymers)
• Inventors: Chisnell, Jerry H.
• Primary Examiner(s): BOCHNA, DAVID
• Application Number:
  US11/805,343
• Publication Number:
  US 20070222212A1
• Time in Patent Office: 391 Days
• Field of Search: 285/256, 285/321, 285/258, 285/242, 285/249
• US Class Current: 285/256
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 33/2076 by plastic deformation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49911 by expanding inner annulus

Abstract

A hose coupling using at least one reinforcing ring to reinforce a hose coupling during a crimping process, the hose coupling having an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve coaxial with the inner sleeve, and a hose coaxially interposed therebetween. During the crimping process a crimping force is applied directly to the outer sleeve to form at least one depression that results in an area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve, the depression helping to seal and lock the hose between the inner and outer sleeves. The reinforcing ring is positioned within the inner sleeve and concentric with the area of peak crimp force on the inner sleeve. Consequently, the reinforcing ring prevents the inner sleeve from deforming under the crimping force, thereby ensuring the integrity and long-term durability of the hose coupling. The reinforcing ring preferably has an inside diameter equal to or greater than an inside diameter of the inner sleeve and is disposed within at least one groove located within the inner sleeve to permit unrestricted fluid flow through the hose coupling.

Claims

1. A reinforced hose coupling, said reinforced hose coupling comprising:

an annular inner sleeve having a first end, a second end opposite said first end, and a pair of annular upset beads therebetween, said annular inner sleeve further having an inner diameter and an outer diameter thereon, said outer diameter having at least one projection thereon;

a hose having an inner diameter positioned over said outer diameter of said annular inner sleeve, said at least one projection of said annular inner sleeve interlocking with said hose to resist axial movement of said hose relative to said reinforced hose coupling;

an annular outer sleeve having a terminating end sandwiched between said pair of annular upset beads of said annular inner sleeve to prevent axial movement relative to said annular inner sleeve, said annular outer sleeve further having an inner diameter circumscribing said hose, said inner diameter of said annular outer sleeve further including at least one depression therein formed by a crimping operation, said at least one depression defining an area of peak crimp force of a predetermined longitudinal length and interlocking with said hose to further resist axial movement of said hose relative to said reinforced hose coupling; and

at least one reinforcing ring positioned within said inner diameter of said annular inner sleeve, said at least one reinforcing ring having a predetermined longitudinal length less than said predetermined longitudinal length as defined by said area of peak crimp force, whereby said at least one reinforcing ring provides localized support along said predetermined longitudinal length of said at least one depression to resist deformation of said annular inner sleeve during said crimping operation.

2. The reinforced hose coupling according to claim 1, wherein said second end of said annular inner sleeve is flared.

3. The reinforced hose coupling according to claim 2, wherein said second end of said inner sleeve is received within a second coupling, said second coupling comprising:

a tubular body having an annular upset bead;

a cage axially retained by said annular upset bead; and

a spring disposed within said cage, said second end of said annular inner sleeve being retained between said cage and said spring of said second coupling.

4. The reinforced hose coupling according to claim 1, wherein said at least one reinforcing ring is made of a rigid material.

5. The reinforced hose coupling according to claim 4, wherein said at least one reinforcing ring is made of steel.

6. A reinforced hose coupling, said reinforced hose coupling comprising:

a hose having an outer diameter and an inner diameter;

an annular outer sleeve having an inner diameter circumscribing said outer diameter of said hose, said annular outer sleeve further having a plurality of depressions therein, said plurality of depressions defining an area of peak crimp force of a predetermined longitudinal length and interlocking with said hose to resist axial movement of said hose relative to said annular outer sleeve;

an annular inner sleeve having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, said annular inner sleeve being adapted to be inserted into said inner diameter of said hose, said annular inner sleeve having at least one projection interlocking with said hose to resist axial movement of said hose relative to said annular inner sleeve; and

at least one reinforcing ring situated within said inner diameter of said annular inner sleeve, said at least one reinforcing ring having a predetermined longitudinal length not exceeding said predetermined longitudinal length as defined by said area of peak crimp force, whereby said at least one reinforcing ring provides localized support along said predetermined longitudinal length of said at least one depression to resist deformation of said annular inner sleeve.

7. A reinforced hose coupling, said reinforced hose coupling comprising:

a hose having an outer diameter and an inner diameter;

an annular outer sleeve having an inner diameter circumscribing said outer diameter of said hose, said annular outer sleeve further having at least one depression therein, said at least one depression defining an area of peak crimp force of a predetermined longitudinal length and interlocking with said hose to resist axial movement of said hose relative to said annular outer sleeve;

an annular inner sleeve having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, said annular inner sleeve being adapted to be inserted into said inner diameter of said hose, said annular inner sleeve having at least one projection interlocking with said hose to resist axial movement of said hose relative to said annular inner sleeve; and

at least one reinforcing ring situated within said inner diameter of said annular inner sleeve, said at least one reinforcing ring having a predetermined longitudinal length not exceeding said predetermined longitudinal length as defined by said area of peak crimp force, whereby said at least one reinforcing ring provides localized support along said predetermined longitudinal length of said at least one depression to resist deformation of said annular inner sleeve.