GB2468654A

GB2468654A - Fluid flow connector

Info

Publication number: GB2468654A
Application number: GB0904502A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Edward Mcgrellis; Peter James Harold Pegden; Paul Edward Wills
Original assignee: Croydex Ltd
Current assignee: Croydex Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-16
Filing date: 2009-03-16
Publication date: 2010-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-16
Also published as: GB2468654B; GB0904502D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a fluid flow connector for attachment to a spout, such as a tap. The connector has a body 2 having an inlet 6 and an outlet 8, the inlet configured to sealably engage with a spout. In addition, the connector has flexible securing means (12, Figure 8) configured to releasably secure the connector to a portion of said spout external to the connector. The flexible securing means may comprise a strap (12) and/or a bracket (26, Figure 8) connected to the body 2. The flexible securing means (12) may have a touch and hold fastener portion (18, 20, Figure S). The connector may also incorporate a non-return valve (28, Figure 9), which may be arranged in the outlet 8. The invention also relates to a shower attachment (Figures 7, 8) for attaching to a hot and cold-water tap having at least one of said connectors.

Description

FLUID FLOW CONNECTOR

The invention relates to a fluid flow connector and in particular to a fluid connector that can be connectably engaged to a fluid outlet, such as a tap, and enable a hose to be connected thereto. Further, the invention also relates to an attachment, such as a shower attachment for securing to hot and cold water taps in a bathroom, incorporating the aforementioned connector.

Known connectors come in various forms. The most basic connectors take the form of an elongate rubber grommet that is adapted to fit over a tap to control the flow of water, or other such fluids, therefrom. Unfortunately, it is possible for these simple connectors to be displaced from the tap if the pressure of the fluid flowing from the tap is too great.

Connectors that can be securably attached to a tap are commonly known from the field of garden hose connectors. It is common for a connector to screwably engage with an outdoor tap. Where a tap has no threaded portion, the connectors may be provided with a rubber grommet at the inlet for engaging with a tap, and an adjustable band, such as a jubilee clip, configured to compress the rubber grommet radially against the end of the tap located in the connector. In this arrangement, the connector applies a force substantially perpendicular to the axis defmed by the inlet of the connector. This fixing method relies on increasing the friction between the connector and the tap that, unfortunately, is susceptible to being weakened due to the hot andlor humid environment in which the connector is used.

Alternative connectors overcome the problem of securing a connector to a tap using friction by providing a connector with an integrated clamp. The clamp fixes upon the end of a tap with the tap end being held within the connector. Unfortunately, such connectors are relatively complex in nature and limited in use because they can only accommodate taps having dimensions within a predetermined and very limited range.

The connector of the invention is configured to be detachably secured to a spout or tap, by flexible securing means configured to secure the connector to a portion of a spout, or tap, external to the connector. The invention advantageously provides a simple low cost solution while enabling the connector to be secured to a tap irrespective of its shape.

In one aspect, the invention resides in a fluid flow connector for attachment to a spout, such as a tap, comprising: a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet configured to sealably engage with a spout; and flexible securing means configured to releasably secure the connector to a portion of said spout external to the connector. The flexible nature of the securing means enables the connector to be held upon taps of varying dimensions and arrangements.

The flexible securing means may be configured to detachably, or releasably secure said spout between the body and the flexible securing means. In this way, the connector may be securably held on a part of a spout that has a width greater than the width of the body. In other words, the dimensions of the securing means are not restricted by the size of the body and/or spout to which the connector is fitted.

The inlet may have an aperture that defmes an inlet axis and the flexible securing means may be arranged to apply a securing force to the connector in the direction of the inlet axis and be substantially in alignment with a spout when secured thereupon. Such an arrangement provides a secure fixing that inhibits detachment from a spout. The inlet axis may extend perpendicularly from the plane of the inlet.

The outlet may define an outlet axis and the outlet axis may be configured to be offset from the inlet axis.

The flexible securing means may comprise a strap connected to the body.

The flexible securing means may additionally comprise a bracket, connected to the body, and a strap. The bracket may be incorporated with the body. The flexible securing means may have a touch and hold fastener, such as a VelcroTM fastener.

Alternatively, the flexible securing means may be a simple piece of string, which can be tied to a spout, or it may take the form of a belt having a buckle arrangement enabling the belt to tighten the connector upon the spout.

The connector may have valve means and the valve means may take the form of a non-return valve. The valve means may be a bi-directional non-return valve, but is preferably a one-directional non-return valve. The valve may be configured in the outlet of the connector, or may be configured in a hose or tube to which the connector is attached.

Preferably, the valve is configured in a connection member, or ferrule. The ferrule may be located between the connector and a hose connected thereto. The ferrule may engage with the interior surfaces of the apertures of the respective portions of the connector and hose to which it may be connected. Alternatively, the ferrule may engage with the exterior surfaces of the apertures of the respective portions of the connector and hose to which it may be connected. The ferrule is preferably fully enclosed when the connector is assembled in a hose and is not visible in use.

The non-return valve, or connecting member, or ferrule, may have an engaging portion for connecting to a hose. The non-return valve may be configured to remain in the hose in the event that that the hose becomes detached from the connector. The non-return valve may comprise a tubular body, incorporating a movable stop means therein, configured to prevent fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet. The stop means may comprise an elongate body; a first end having a bulbous portion, which is configured to prevent fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet; and a second end having a hook, which is configured to prevent the stop from being separated from the tubular body when a fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the length of the elongate body is configured to be longer than the length of the tubular body. This configuration is particularly advantageous in preventing the back-flow of water in a showerhead attachment that is connected to a hot and a cold water tap, wherein water is prevented from passing from one water outlet to another.

Alternatively, the connector may have valve means comprising a two-way non-return valve. A two-way non-return valve, or control means, enables flow from the inlet to the outlet within a given flow rate and/or pressure range, while preventing flow from the outlet towards the inlet of the connector. By way of example, water is prevented from flowing from the outlet to the inlet by the control means, which also prevents sudden bursts of pressure through the connector to a hose-end or similar point of flow downstream. This is advantageous, for example, when a spray-gun is connected to the connector via a hose, and said hose or spray-gun fails. In the event of a failure, the control means regulate, inhibit or stop the flow through the connector. The flow may be regulated to 1 bar of pressure.

The body may be made of resilient material, such as elastomeric material for sealingly engaging a spout or tap. Securing means, for example in the form of a clip or clips, may be provided for strengthening the grip between the hose and the body, and/or between the hose and the connection member, and/or between the body and the connection member. A clip or clamp member may be provided extending around all or a part of the outer surface of the hose or body for providing a radial gripping force acting on a part of the connection member held within the hose or body. The clip or clamp may be of plastic or metal.

The invention also resides in a shower attachment for attachment to a hot and cold water tap having a connector of the present invention.

It is against this background that the invention has been made. This invention results from efforts to overcome the problems of known connectors. Other aims of the invention will be apparent from the following description. In order that the invention may be more readily i.mderstood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a known connector adapted for screwable engagement with a tap; Figure 2 shows a known connector having a rubber grommet at its inlet and having an adjustable band secured thereupon; Figure 3 shows a known connector having a clamp, wherein the end of a tap is shown received therein and clamped in place; Figures 4a to 4c show an embodiment of a connector of the invention in perspective view, front elevation view and side elevation view, respectively;

S

Figure 5a to 5c show a plan view, side view and bottom view of a strap of the invention; Figures 6a to 6c show alternative views of the connector shown in Figure 4, and in particular show an end elevation view looking into an inlet of the connector, a sectional view of the connector and a detailed view of a portion of the connector, respectively; Figure 7 shows a showerhead attachment incorporating two connectors of the invention; Figure 8 shows the connectors of Figure 7 mounted upon taps; Figure 9 shows an insert part of a valve of the invention; and Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through a connector attached to a hose, wherein the insert of Figure 9 is seen located in a ferrule that connects the connector to the hose.

Figures 1 to 3 show alternative forms of known connectors. In Figure 1, the connector is adapted to threadably engage with a threaded portion on a tap, while at the opposite end to the threaded portion the connector has an interface for connecting to a hose connector. The connector of Figure 2 is adapted for use with a tap that has no threaded portion. This connector includes a rubber grommet that is adapted to fit upon the end of a tap and be secured thereon by tightening a band around the rubber grommet using a "jubilee clip" type of feature. Figure 3 shows a connector that can connectably engage with a tap by receiving the end of the tap within an aperture of the connector. A clamp is provided to hold the end of the tap within the connector.

In each of the above-mentioned known connectors, features are provided to prevent the connector from being displaced under the pressure of the water flowing from a tap.

Unfortunately, the connector of Figure 1 relies upon the engagement with a threadable portion of a tap, while Figure 2 relies upon a friction-fit.

The friction-fit arrangement applies a pressure substantially perpendicular to the flow of water from the tap and is prone to being displaced when the water pressure is too great or the flow therefrom is dramatically stopped. An example of this would be a situation when a garden hose was connected to the connector and the immediate stop of water flow from the hose resulted in a shock-pulse, created by the momentum of water flow, being transmitted to the connector. The frictional fit connector of Figure 2 is, in effect, a weak link in the fluid flow path.

The connector of Figure 3 addresses the problem of the connector in Figure 2 by clamping the connector to a tap such that a force is applied in the opposite direction to the flow of the water through the connector. This is achieved by inserting the end of the tap into the connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of water through the connector. A clamp is provided to hold the end of the tap within the aperture and applies a force through the connector against the direction of the water pressure flow as it exits the tap. As can be seen in Figure 3, the connector and the clamp must be large enough to accommodate a tap located therein.

Figures 4a to 4c show a connector of the invention. The connector comprises a body 2, a snout 4, an inlet 6, an outlet 8 and an attachment portion 10.

The body 2 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is configured to receive the end of a spout, or a tap, into the body 2 through the inlet 6. The inlet 6 has a flange adapted to mate with the end of the tap to inhibit, or prevent, water passing from the tap back out through the inlet.

At the opposite end of the body from the inlet, the snout 4 is arranged to extend in a direction away from a tap. The snout 4 incorporates the outlet 8. The snout takes the form of a truncated cone, with the wider base of said cone connected to the body 2 and the truncated tip of said cone narrowing towards the outlet 8.

The connector is configured to receive an uncontrolled flow of water within the body 2 and channel it through the snout towards the outlet 8 such that the water flowing from the outlet has an even, controlled flow. The snout 4 may include a flow control feature (not shown) such as a turbine, aerator or other such feature that regulates the flow of water therethrough.

The attachment portions 10 are configured to engage with a strap 12 shown in Figures 5a to 5c. The attachment portions in the example embodiment are mounted upon the body, on opposite sides of the body, to provide two apertures 14. The apertures 14 are configured to releasably engage with the strap 12.

The strap 12 is formed of a substantially elongate strip of flat flexible material. At each end of the strap are provided raised portions in the form of wedges 16 and each wedge is adapted to pass through the apertures 14 located on the body 2 of the connector. Each wedge 16 has a stop surface to inhibit the strap from becoming disengaged during assembly, and or general use.

On the reverse side of the strap 12 from the wedges 16, the strap is provided with a hooked area 18 and a looped area 20, said hooked and looped areas configured to releasably engage in a touch and hold fastener manner.

In use, the wedges 16 located at the end of the strap 12 are inserted through the apertures 14, such that one end of the strap is inserted and projects through one of the apertures on one side of the body and the other end of the strap is inserted through the aperture on the opposite side of the body.

Thereafter, the body 2 is placed upon the end of a tap such that the end of the tap extends into the inlet 6. After being mounted on' the tap, the centre portion of the strap 12, between the wedges 16, is positioned over part of the tap external to the connector and secured thereto. By way of example, the strap would be placed over the handles of the tap. Thereafter, the wedges would be pulled backwards towards the centre portion of the strap. In effect, the pulling of the ends of the strap 12 towards the centre portion of the strap, where it is fixed to the tap, draws the attachment portion 10 and the body 2 towards the point at which the strap is secured upon the tap. The hooked areas 18 are then pressed upon the looped area 20 to secure the strap and connector in place upon the tap.

Alternatively, the touch and hold fastener function provided by the hooked area and the looped area may use a buckle type fastening arrangement or any other such fastening means. Further, the body may be provided with a bracket as shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein said bracket engages with the body 2 of the connector and the bracket is configured to define apertures for the strap to pass therethrough and secure the connector to a tap as described above.

In its simplest form, the body of the connector would be provided with holes (not shown) and a portion of string that could allow the connector to be securably tightened upon a tap would form the strap. The embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 6, including the above-mentioned strap features, are preferably configured to improve ergonomics, increase tie down strength and provide durability.

The body of the connector 2 and the strap 12 are made of a flexible resilient material, and are preferably made of natural andlor synthetic rubber. In order to improve the durability of the connector, Figures 6a to 6c show a preferred arrangement of the apertures 14 incorporated within the attachment portion adjacent to the inlet 6 of the connector body 2. Figure 6b shows a partial cross-sectional view taken through the section indicated in Figure 6a. Figure 6c shows the detail of Figure 6b, wherein the apertures 14 are provided with rounded features to prevent wear and tear of the material the connector body 2 is made from.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment in which a showerhead attachment is provided with two of the above-mentioned connectors. Each connector is attached and secured to respective hot and cold taps as shown in Figure 8. Hosing, or similar tubing, extends from the or each outlet 8 towards a connection where the hoses join together providing a mixture of water from each tap to the showerhead. Grips or clamps (not shown) may be provided on the outside of the body 4 and the hose for providing a radial gripping force acting on a part of the connection member held within the hose or body.

As shown, the straps 12 are connected to the body 2 via a bracket 22 that engages with a flange 24 located on the perimeter of the inlet 6. The bracket 22 is provided with apertures 26 through which the strap 12 is located, in a similar manner to the arrangement of the straps in the apertures 14 shown in Figures 4 and 6. The bracket may provide a more durable interface between the strap 12 and the body 2 by distributing the pulling force around the perimeter of the inlet 6 against the flange 24.

Figure 8 shows the connectors of Figure 7, in use. The connector of Figures 4 and 6 is adapted to mount to a tap in the same way as shown in Figure 7.

The or each connector may further comprise a valve means internal to the connector and is preferably arranged within a connection member, or ferrule (see Figure 10), extending between the snout 4 at the outlet 8 and a hose. The valve means may take the form of a non-return valve that is configured to allow water to flow only one way through the connector, from the inlet to the outlet.

The one-way control valve (not shown), or check-valve, allows water to flow from the inlet towards the outlet, while preventing water flow from the outlet towards the inlet.

The one-way control valve comprises a connection member in the form of a tubular body, incorporating a movable stop means therein, configured to prevent fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a stop means 28, which takes the form of an elongate body 30 having a first end 32 with a bulbous portion which is configured to prevent fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet and a second end 34 having a hook 36, which is configured to prevent the stop from being separated from the tubular body when a fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet. The arms of the hook 36 flex towards the body 30 upon insertion to the tubular body (not shown) and return to a position substantially perpendicular, but slightly curved, in use. The hook 36 is shaped to prevent the body 30 from being displaced from the tubular body of the valve means.

The one-way control valve is particularly suited to low-pressure hot water systems. In the event that there is blockage and pressure builds up, for example, in the shower-head, the valve closes and prevents water flowing from the outlet towards the inlet. This is particularly important in a known showerhead attachment, where a low pressure hot water system may allow high pressure cold water flow to pass through the showerhead attachment and into a hot water system via the connector. Cold water flow into a hot water tank may cause damage to the hot water system.

The connector of the invention prevents flow from a cold water tap into the hot water tap when used in a showerhead attachment, or similar application, where backflow into a tap may occur.

By way of example, Figure 10 shows a valve means in the form of a connection member, or ferrule 38. The stop means 28 of Figure 9 is shown incorporated in the ferrule 38. One end of the tubular body of the ferrule 38 is connected to the snout 4.

Protrusions 40 on the body of the ferrule function to hold the ferrule in the snout such that it is removably secured therein. Similarly, a hose 42 is connected to the other end of the ferrule 38.

The protrusions 40 are shaped to inhibit detachment of the hose 42 and/or ferrule 38 from the snout 4. The protrusions may be configured such that separation from one end of the ferrule requires less force than separation from the other. By way of example, if a user pulls the connector body 2 and hose 42 in opposite directions, the detachment of the hose from the ferrule will require less force than is required to detach the ferrule from the snout 4.

Alternatively, the ferrule may be integrally moulded with the hose and/or snout.

Further, the valve means are configured between the hose and the body 2 such that in the event of a detachment of the hose from the connector, the valve means remains located within the hose portion of the showerhead. As a result, water from the showerhead or the hot or cold water taps is prevented from being ejected out the disconnected portion of the hose, or tubing, that was previously connected to the connector.

If the hose were to become detached from the body 2 on the cold water tap then hot, potentially scalding water is prevented from being sprayed out, uncontrollably, from the disconnected portion of the hose.

In an alternative arrangement, a two-way control valve is provided. The two-way control valve allows water to flow from the inlet towards the outlet, and prevent backflow as described above for the one-way control valve. However, in addition, the two-way control valve is configured such that an immediate and uncontrolled release of the pressure from the outlet, which may occur as a result of a pipe attached to the outlet becoming displaced, activates the two-way control valve to close and prevent water, from jetting outwards from the outlet uncontrollably.

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of such features or any generalisation of such features or combination.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A fluid flow connector for aftachnient to a spout, such as a tap, comprising: a body having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet configured to sealably engage with a spout; and flexible securing means configured to releasably secure the connector to a portion of said spout external to the connector.
2. A fluid flow connector according to Claim 1, wherein the flexible securing means is configured to detachably secure said spout between the body and the flexible securing means.
3. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the inlet has an aperture that defines an inlet axis and the flexible securing means is arranged to apply a securing force to the connector in the direction of the inlet axis and be substantially in alignment with a spout when secured thereupon.
4. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the inlet axis extends perpendicularly from the plane of the inlet.
5. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the outlet defmes an outlet axis and the outlet axis is configured to be offset from the inlet axis.
6. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the flexible securing means comprise a strap connected to the body.
7. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the flexible securing means comprise a bracket, connected to the body, and a strap.
8. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the flexible securing means has a touch and hold fastener.
9. A fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim, wherein the connector comprises a valve means.
10. A fluid flow connector according to Claim 9, wherein the valve means is a non-return valve.
11. A fluid flow connector according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the valve means is a bi-directional non-return valve.
12. A fluid flow connector according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein the valve means is configured in the outlet.
13. A fluid flow connector according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the non-return valve has an engaging portion for connecting to a hose.
14. A fluid flow connector according to Claim 13, wherein the non-return valve is configured to remain in the hose in the event that that the hose becomes detached from the connector.
15. A fluid flow connector according to any one of Claims 9 to 14, wherein the non-return valve comprises a tubular body, incorporating a movable stop means therein, configured to prevent fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet.
16. A fluid flow connector according to Claim 15, wherein the stop means comprises: an elongate body; a first end having a bulbous portion, which is configured to prevent fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet; and a second end having a hook, which is configured to prevent the stop from being separated from the tubular body when a fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the length of the body is configured to be longer than the length of the tubular body.
17. A shower attachment for attaching to a hot and cold water tap having a fluid flow connector according to any preceding Claim.
18. A fluid flow connector as hereinbefore described and as shown in Figures 4 to 6, 7 and 8.