Garden fluid flow connectors

Abstract

A garden fluid flow connector arrangement including a first connector portion and a second connector portion which is arranged to inter-engage with the first connector portion to form a fluid path through the connector arrangement. The first connector portion includes a first body portion and a locking portion mounted on the first body portion for rotation about an axis of the first body portion and the second connector portion includes a second body portion carrying an engaging portion. The locking portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion and the engaging portion between a first position in which the first and second connector portions are engaged and held against axial separation by interaction of the locking portion and the engaging portion and a second position for allowing axial separation of the first and second connector portions.

Claims

1. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion which is arranged to inter-engage with the first connector portion to form a fluid path through the connector arrangement, wherein the first connector portion comprises a first body portion and a locking portion mounted on the first body portion for rotation about an axis of the first body portion and the second connector portion comprises a second body portion carrying an engaging portion and wherein the locking portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion and the engaging portion between a first position in which the first and second connector portions are engaged and held against axial separation by interaction of the locking portion and the engaging portion and a second position for allowing axial separation of the first and second connector portions, wherein, in addition to the locking portion and the engaging portion, the connector arrangement comprises a further, posh fit, connection mechanism for connecting the connector portions together.

2. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which the locking portion and engaging portion are arranged to latch into the first position such that movement out of the first position towards the second position is resisted.

3. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which one of the locking portion and the engaging portion comprises a detent and the other of the locking portion and the engaging portion comprises a camming surface over which the detent rides as the locking portion is moved into and out of the first position relative to the engaging portion.

4. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 3 in which the camming surface has a shoulder portion against which the detent rides as the locking portion is moved out of the first position towards the second position.

5. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 3 in which the camming surface comprises a ramp portion for guiding the detent as the locking portion is rotated towards the first position, an apex portion at an upper end of the ramp and a recess portion on an opposite side of the apex portion than is the ramp portion wherein the detent is disposed in the recess portion when the locking portion is in the first position.

6. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which the locking portion and the engaging portion comprise respective stop portions which abut one another and resist further rotational movement of the locking portion relative to the engaging portion when the locking portion is moved fully into the first position.

7. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which the rotatable mounting of the locking portion on the first body portion is such that the first body portion is freely rotatable relative to the locking portion when the locking portion is in the first position with the first and second connector portions engaged with one another.

8. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which the locking portion is arranged as a locking collar.

9. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which the locking portion comprises at least one of arm terminating in a lip which is arranged to interact the engaging portion to resist axial separation of the first and second connector portions.

10. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 9 in which the locking portion comprises a pair of arms each terminating in a respective lip.

11. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which the engaging portion comprises at least one flange portion which is arranged to interact with the locking portion to resist axial separation of the first and second connector portions.

12. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which at least one of the second connector portion and the locking portion comprises guiding means for guiding the locking portion towards the first position as the connector portions are brought axially together.

13. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 12 in which the guiding means comprises at least one incline surface provided on one of the locking portion and the second connector portion for guiding the travel of a corresponding follower portion provided on the other of the locking portion and the second connector portion as the two connector portions are moved towards one another by a user.

14. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which one of the first and second connector portions is a tap connector in which the respective body portion comprises a tap mounting portion via which the tap connector is mountable on a garden tap.

15. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which one of the first and second connector portions is a hose fitting in which the respective body portion comprises a hose connector portion for receiving an end of a garden hose.

16. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion is arranged to be backwards compatible with one of a male and a female industry-standard quick connect hose fitting.

17. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 in which one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion comprises a male connector portion and the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion comprises a female connector portion arranged for receiving the male connector portion, wherein the male connector portion carries two O-ring seals for sealing against a body portion of the female connector portion.

18. A first garden fluid flow connector portion for use in a garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the first connector portion comprises a first body portion and a locking portion mounted on the first body portion for rotation about an axis of the first body portion and the locking portion is arranged for interaction with the engaging portion of the second connector portion.

19. A second garden fluid flow connector portion for use in a garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the second connector portion comprises a second body portion carrying an engaging portion arranged for interaction with the locking portion of the first second connector portion.

20. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said push fit connection mechanism comprising a quick-connect connection system having a male part which carries at least one O-ring seal and a female part which includes a bore arranged to accept the male part with the O-ring seal sealing against a wall of the bore and the female part further comprising a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move resiliently between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in the receiving bore.

21. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion which is arranged to inter-engage with the first connector portion to form a fluid path through the connector arrangement, wherein the first connector portion comprises a first body portion and a locking portion mounted on the first body portion for rotation about an axis of the first body portion and the second connector portion comprises a second body portion carrying an engaging portion and wherein the locking portion is rotatable relative to the first body portion and the engaging portion between a first position in which the first and second connector portions are engaged and held against axial separation by interaction of the locking portion and the engaging portion and a second position for allowing axial separation of the first and second connector portions, wherein the connector arrangement comprises a quick-connect connection mechanism for connecting the first and second connector portions, wherein the second connector portion comprises a male part of the quick-connect connection system and the first connector portion comprises a female part of the quick-connect connection system, the female part comprising a plurality of engaging fingers arranged to move resiliently between an extended position for capturing the male part and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of the male part in a receiving bore in the female part, and the female part further comprising a release mechanism for retracting the engaging fingers for removal of the male part, and the second connector portion comprises a release mechanism operating portion for operating the release mechanism as the locking portion is moved from the first position towards the second position by a user.

22. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 21 in which the release mechanism is arranged to be operated by an axial retraction of a sleeve portion of the connecting portion away from a male portion insertion end of the connecting portion and the release mechanism operating portion is arranged for driving retraction of the sleeve portion.

23. A garden fluid flow connector arrangement according to claim 22 in which the locking portion is carried on the sleeve portion and the release mechanism operating portion is arranged for acting on the sleeve via the locking portion.

Description

(1) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically show a garden hose, a garden tap and a garden fluid flow connector arrangement, with FIG. 1A showing the hose disconnected from the tap and FIG. 1B showing the hose connected to the tap via the garden fluid flow connector arrangement;

(3) FIG. 2A is a partial view of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1B in an unlocked state;

(4) FIG. 2B is a partial view of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1B in an locked state;

(5) FIG. 3 is sectional view of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A to 2B;

(6) FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show, in isolation, a first connector portion of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A to 3;

(7) FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically show, in isolation, a second connector portion of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A to 3;

(8) FIG. 6A is a partial view of an alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement in an unlocked state;

(9) FIG. 6B is a partial view of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement of FIG. 6A in a connected state;

(10) FIG. 6C is a partial view of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement of FIG. 6A in a locked state;

(11) FIG. 7 is sectional view of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C;

(12) FIG. 8 schematically shows, in isolation, a first connector portion of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 6A to 7C; and

(13) FIG. 9 schematically shows, in isolation, a second connector portion of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement shown in FIGS. 6A to 7.

(14) FIGS. 1A and 1B show a garden fluid flow connector arrangement A which comprises a first connector portion 1 and a second connector portion 2. In the present embodiment the first connector portion 1 is in the form of a hose fitting and the second connector portion 2 is in the form of a tap connector. It will be noted however, that the first and second connector portions 1 and 2 may also take other forms when embodying the present invention.

(15) The hose fitting 1 is arranged to be mounted on an end of a length of hose, and is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B mounted on a hose H. The tap connector 2 is arranged to be mounted on a garden tap and is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B mounted on a tap T.

(16) In FIG. 1B the hose H is shown connected to the tap T by the first and second portions 1, 2 of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A (ie by the hose fitting 1 and the tap connector 2). In this state the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A puts the outlet of the tap T in fluid communication with the interior of the hose H, so that water may be fed into the hose H. There is a fluid flow path through the connector arrangement A.

(17) In FIG. 1A the hose H is shown disconnected from the tap T, by virtue of the first and second connector portions 1, 2 being disconnected, or axially separated, from one another.

(18) The garden fluid flow connector arrangement, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to the remaining drawings, comprises a conventional connection system and a twist-lock arrangement for guarding against unintentional disconnection of the first and second connector portions 1, 2.

(19) FIG. 2A shows part of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in an unlocked state and FIG. 2B shows part the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in a locked state. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in a locked state.

(20) On the other hand for clarity, the first connector portion 1 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the second connector portion 2 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 5A to 5C.

(21) Referring to primarily to FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, and also FIGS. 2A, and 2B, the hose fitting which is the first connector portion 1 comprises a main body 1B which comprises a hose connection portion 3 and a connector receiving portion 4. The first connector portion 1 further comprises a locking collar 5 which is mounted for rotation on the main body 1B about an axis of the main body 1B. The main body 1B has a main bore B through which fluid can flow when the first connector portion 1 is connected to a second connector portion 2 and in use.

(22) The hose connection portion 3 comprises a spigot 31 which is arranged to receive the end of a length of hose and a clamping arrangement 32 comprising a plurality of deformable claws 32a which surround the spigot 31 and are arranged to be driven into contact with a hose end carried on the spigot 31 under action of a locking nut 32b such that a carried hose is clampable between the claws 32a and the spigot 31 as the locking nut 32b is screwed onto a threaded stem 32c on the hose connection portion. The hose H is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B so mounted in the hose connection portion 3.

(23) The connector receiving portion 4 is arranged for receiving a part of the second connector portion 2 when the first and second connector portions 1, 2 are connected together as shown for example in FIG. 1B.

(24) In the present embodiment the first connector portion 1 is arranged as a female connector and the second connector portion 2 is arranged as a male connector.

(25) In the present embodiment the first connector portion 1, specifically the connector receiving portion 4, comprises the female components of a quick connect type of connection system.

(26) Correspondingly, as will be described in more detail below, the second connector portion 2 in the present embodiment comprises the male parts 21 (see FIGS. 3 and 5A) of a quick connect type of connection system.

(27) It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present invention the first and second connector portions might not include such quick connect components.

(28) Returning now to the connector receiving portion 4, this comprises a bore 41 for accepting the male parts 21 of the second connector portion. Provided in the region of this bore 41 are a plurality of engaging fingers 42 arranged to move resiliently between an extended position (as shown in FIG. 3) for extending into the bore 41 and capturing the second connector portion 2, and a retracted position allowing insertion and removal of second connector portion 2. As the second connector portion 2 is introduced into the connector receiving portion 4, the engaging fingers 42 are driven into the retracted position and return to the extended position once the two parts are fully engaged. A release mechanism in the form of a spring loaded sleeve 43 is provided for releasing the two parts. When the sleeve 43 is operated by pulling this away from the insertion end of the connector receiving portion 4, this retracts the engaging fingers 42 so that the male parts 21 of the second connector portion 2 are released and the second connector portion may be removed.

(29) The hose connection portion 3 and connector receiving portion 4 of the first connector portion 1 are of a type that can be found in existing hose fittings. As mentioned in the introduction, where such a connection system is provided, then sometime there can unintentional disconnecting or separation of the connector portions 1, 2.

(30) The locking collar 5 is provided with the aim of relieving this type of issue.

(31) The locking collar 5 comprise a ring portion 51 which is mounted on the main body 1B of the first connector portion 1 so as to be able to rotate freely around the axis of the main body 1B, and in this case also around the axis of the bore 41 of the connector receiving portion 4. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the ring portion 51 has an internally projecting rib 52 that runs in a peripheral channel 44 provided in the connector receiving portion 4. This serves to hold the ring portion 51 in position axially on the first connector portion 1, whilst allowing rotation of the ring portion around the first connector portion 1.

(32) The locking collar 5 comprises a pair of arms 53 that extend axially from the ring portion 51. Each arm 53 includes, and in the present embodiments, terminates in lip portion 54. Each lip portion 54 extends radially inwards from the respective arm 53. This provides an overhang or shoulder 55. A projection arranged to act as a detent 56 is provided on the lip portion 54. In the present case this projects from the shoulder 55 back towards the main body B of the first connector portion 1.

(33) Referring now to FIGS. 5A to 5C as well as FIG. 3, the second connector portion 2 has a main body 2B with a main bore B and comprises an engaging portion 6 for interacting with the locking collar 5 as will be described in more detail further below. When in use the main bore B provides a fluid flow path through the second connector portion 2.

(34) The second connector portion 2 of the present embodiment also comprises the male parts 21 of the quick connect system as mentioned above. As such the second connector portion 2 comprises a connector spigot 22 which carries a sealin this case two O-rings seals 23, and a retaining shoulder 24. When the male parts 21 are accepted in the connector receiving portion 4 of the second connector portion 2, the engaging fingers 42 act against this retaining shoulder 24, to hold the parts engaged. At the same time the seal, in the present case the two O-rings 23, seals against the wall of the bore 41 of the connector receiving portion 4 in the second connection portion. The use of two O-rings 23 gives additional security against leaks, especially as the O-rings 23 age.

(35) As best seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the second connector portion 2 (a tap connector in this embodiment) comprises an internally threaded portion 25 for threaded engagement on a garden tapas shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

(36) The second connector portion 2 comprises flange 26. In the present embodiment this is provided at a location axially between the internally threaded portion 25 and the male parts 21. Ribs 26a are provided on a peripheral edge of the flange 26 part way around its extent. Ribs 25a are also provided on the external surface of the internally threaded portion 25. Both sets of ribs 25a, 26a are axially extending, in the present embodiment. Both of these sets of ribs 25a, 26a assist a user in gripping the tap connector 2 when mounting this on a tap.

(37) The engaging portion 6 comprises two flange portions 26b of the flange 26. The flange portions 26b are provided at a peripheral edge of the flange 26.

(38) Each flange portion 26b comprises a ramp portion 61, an apex portion 62, and a recess portion 63. One of the flange portions 26b is arranged for interacting with a first of the arms 53 on the locking collar 5, and the other of the flange portions 26b is arranged for interacting with a second of the arms 53 on the locking collar 5. Together in each flange portion 26b, the ramp portion 61, the apex portion 62 and the recess portion 63 acts as a camming surface over which the respective detent 56 of the locking collar 5 rides when moving the locking collar 5 between an unlocked position as shown in FIG. 2A and a locked position as shown in FIG. 2B.

(39) The engaging portion 6 further comprises a stop portion 64 for stopping rotational movement of the locking collar 5 relative to the second connector portion 2 passed a desired point. The stop portion 64 abuts against an edge of the respective arm portion 53 when the stop position is reached. In the present embodiment the stop portion 64 extends further radially outwards than does the engaging portion 6 in the region of the ramp, apex and recess portions 61, 62, 63. In the present embodiment a stop portion 64 is provided at each flange portion 26b of the engaging portion 6.

(40) In order to connect the first and second connector portions 1, 2, the male parts 21 of the second connector portion 2 are inserted into the connector receiving portion 4 of the first connector portion 1. At this point there is normal connection between connector portions 1, 2 as provided by the quick connect components.

(41) In order to facilitate this connecting together of the connector portions 1, 2, the connector portions 1, 2 need to be offered up together with the locking collar 5 in an unlock position relative to the second connector portion 2, in particular with respect to the engagement portion 6.

(42) In practice in the present invention, this means aligning the arms 53 away from the flange portions 26b as the connector portions 1, 2 are brought together.

(43) Once the connector portions 1, 2 are connected, they may be locked together by twisting the locking collar 5 relative to the main body 1B of the first connector portion 1 and the engagement portion 6.

(44) As this twisting is carried out, the detents 56 ride up the ramps 61, over the apexes 62 and into the recesses 63, in contact with the respective surfaces 61a, 62a, 63a. Then the detents 56 act against the surface 63a of the recess portion whilst the surfaces 62a of the apexes 62 act against the surface of the underside of the lipie the overhang 55, and this serves to resist axial separation of the connector portions 1, 2 and so guards against accidental disconnection. There is a positive abutment between the locking portion 5 and the engaging portion 6 that resists the axial separation.

(45) When disconnection is desired the locking collar 5 is twisted in the opposite direction to unlock the connector portions 1, 2 with the detent 56 riding in the opposite direction over the camming surfaces.

(46) There is a shoulder 65 where the recess portion 63 meets the apex portion 62 that serves to resist (to a modest degree) unlocking of the connector portions 1, 2. Thus the locking collar 5 is latched into the first, or locking, position.

(47) Further it can be noted that the movement of the locking collar 5 to move between locked and unlocked positions is transverse, ie perpendicular in this case, to the direction of movement of the connectors when connecting or disconnecting these. This movement is also transverse to the direction of movement of the spring loaded sleeve 43 required to release the quick connect fingers 42. These facts together and alone help to further guard against accidental disconnection of the connectors.

(48) In the present embodiment the interaction between the locking collar 5 and the engaging portion 6 in fact resists movement of the spring loaded sleeve 43 in the release direction when the locking collar 5 is in the locked position. Since the collar 5 is mounted on the sleeve 43, when the locking collar 5 is in the locked position and its interaction with the engaging portion 6 holds it against axial movement, then axial movement of the sleeve 43, in particular in the release direction is also resisted. This further reduces the risk of accidental disconnection of the connectors 1, 2.

(49) In alternatives a resilient element (not shown), say a flat ring may be included in the connector arrangementsay on the face of the flange 26 that faces the first connector portion 1that aims to help keep the detent 56 pressed into the recess portion 63 when locked and the compression of which can aid locking and unlocking of the locking collar 5. However, the provision of such a resilient element is not necessary.

(50) It will be noted that the main body B1 of the first connector portion 1 can spin relative to the locking collar 5 and hence also relative to the second connector portion 2. Thus whilst the locking collar 5 and engaging portion 6 are locked together axially and against rotation (until the shoulder 65 is overcome), this does not stop the connected components from rotating relative to one another. Thus in the situation shown in FIG. 1B, the hose H can freely rotate relative to the tapthis can help prevent twisting and/or kinking of the hose H.

(51) It should be noted that if desired the engaging portion 6 might be made to be rotatable relative to the body B2 of the second connector portion 2. For example the flange 26 could be rotatable relative to the body B2 of the second connector portion 2.

(52) Further the connector arrangement could be reversed with the male parts and/or engaging portion on the hose fitting and the female parts and/or locking ring on the tap connector.

(53) Further the engaging portion 6 or locking ring 5 might be provided on other garden products/componentseither might be provided on say a hose gun, a garden sprinkler, a watering lance, a water computer and so on.

(54) That said, to fit with existing connection systems, it is probably preferable that the female parts are provided in a hose fitting and probably preferable that the rotatable locking portion is mounted on a hose fitting.

(55) Note that there is nothing to say that a detent if provided need be on the locking portion nor that camming surfaces if provided need be provided on the engagement portionthese can be reversed. In this specification the expression locking portion is used in combination with the idea of rotation relative to its respective connector portionie what makes it a locking portion is that it can rotate relative to its connector portion-whereas the engaging portion may or may not be able to rotate relative to its connector portion. The precise features present on the locking portion and engaging portion are a matter of choice.

(56) The present hose fitting 1 and present tap connector 2 may each be used with a more conventional corresponding tap connector (or other component) and a more conventional hose fitting respectively. That is parts that do not carry a locking portion or an engagement portion of the present type. In such a case there can still be connection between the components relying on the quick connect connection system, but just no additional twist-lock functionality. This makes the present connectors backwards compatible with existing connectors.

(57) The present connectors might be described as garden hose connectors. Typically of course the fluid carried will be water. The connectors might be described as garden watering connectors.

(58) The present connectors can provide an improved connection. There can be an advantage in using rotation to lock or capture the connectors together rather than translational movement or rather than just translational movement. The lock and unlock movement is thus orthogonal to the direction in which the connectors are moved for connection and disconnection, and orthogonal to force that might be generated by pull on the connected components, water pressure and so on.

(59) As alluded to above the present connectors can be arranged to allow backwards compatibility, arranged to allow use of existing quick-connect connection as well as twist-lock connection, and can be arranged to allow say a connected hose and hose gun to rotate relative to one another at the connection to avoid twisting/kinking.

(60) FIGS. 6A to 9 relate to an alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A which is similar to the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5C. In the description below the same reference numerals as were used above, are used to indicate those parts in the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 6A to 9 which correspond to the same parts in the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A which is shown in FIGS. 1 to 5C.

(61) The alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A again comprises a first connector portion 1 and a second connector portion 2. Again in the present embodiment the first connector portion 1 is in the form of a hose fitting and the second connector portion 2 is in the form of a tap connector. As has been noted however, that the first and second connector portions 1 and 2 may also take other forms when embodying the present invention.

(62) The alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement again comprises a conventional connection system and a twist-lock arrangement for guarding against unintentional disconnection of the first and second connector portions 1, 2.

(63) FIG. 6A shows part of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in an unlocked state, FIG. 6B shows part of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in a connected state and FIG. 6C shows part the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in a locked state.

(64) FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A in a locked state.

(65) On the other hand for clarity, the first connector portion 1 of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A is shown in isolation in FIG. 8, and the second connector portion 2 is shown in isolation in FIG. 9.

(66) Referring to FIGS. 6A to 8, again the first connector portion 1 is provided in the form of a hose fitting which comprises a main body 1B which comprises a hose connection portion 3 and a connector receiving portion 4. The first connector portion 1 again further comprises a locking collar 105 which is mounted for rotation on the main body 1B about an axis of the main body 1B. The main body 1B has a main bore B through which fluid can flow when the first connector portion 1 is connected to a second connector portion 2 and in use.

(67) The hose connection portion 3 in the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A is the same as the hose connection portion 3 of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 1 to 5C and hence detailed description of that is omitted.

(68) The connector receiving portion 4 in the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A is in most respects the same as the connector receiving portion 4 of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 1 to 5C and hence detailed description of those parts in common is omitted. Those parts where there some differences will be described further below.

(69) The locking collar 105 in the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A has some of the same function and operation as the locking collar 5 in the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 1 to 5C, but it has a different arrangement. This will be described further below.

(70) Referring to FIGS. 6A to 7 and 9, in the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A, the second connector portion 2 is again provided as a tap connector.

(71) The second connector portion 2 is in most respects the same as that of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 1 to 5C. It has a main body 2B with a main bore B, it includes the male parts 21 of the quick-connect system, is arranged to connect with the first connector portion and comprises an engaging portion 106 for interacting with the locking collar 105.

(72) However the engaging portion 106 in the connector portion 2 of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A is different than that of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 1 to 5C.

(73) Below is a more detailed description of the locking collar 105 and engaging portion 106 of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A and their interaction with one another.

(74) Unlike the locking collar 5 of the garden fluid flow connector arrangement A of FIGS. 1 to 5C, the locking collar 105 of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A does not comprise a pair of arms. Rather the locking collar 105 of the alternative garden fluid flow connector arrangement A is arranged as an uninterrupted ring portion 1051. This might serve to make it less clear how the ring 1051 should be disposed to allow connection of the connectors, but the alternative connector arrangement A includes features to mitigate against this as will be explained below.

(75) As can be seen in FIG. 7, the ring portion 1051 again has an internally projecting rib 1052 that runs in a peripheral channel 44 provided in the connector receiving portion 4. This serves to hold the ring portion 1051 in position axially on the first connector portion 1, whilst allowing rotation of the ring portion 1051 around the first connector portion 1.

(76) In the present arrangement the locking collar 1051 comprise at least one, in the present case four, projecting portions 1053. Each projecting portion 1053 projects inwardly from an internally facing circumferential side wall of the ring portion 1051. As will be explained in more detail below these projecting portions 1053 are arranged to interact with the engaging portion 106 of the second connector portion 2.

(77) The engaging portion 106 comprises at least one locking region 1061 comprising a locking location 1061a for receiving a respective projection portion 1053 of the locking collar 1051 for holding the connector portions 1, 2 together. In the present embodiment there are two locking locations 1061a provided by the engaging portion 106. These are diametrically opposed to one another and one of these can be seen in FIG. 9. Midway between each of these locking locations 1061a are projection receiving regions 1062 each of which comprises a projection receiving recess 1062aone of which can be seen in FIG. 9.

(78) As mentioned above in the present arrangement there are four projecting portions 1053 on the locking collar 105. When the connector portions 1, 2 are locked together as shown in FIG. 6C, one pair of the projecting portions 1053 are received in respective locking locations 1061a, and one pair of the projecting portions 1053 are received in respective projection receiving recesses 1062a.

(79) Each locking region 1061 comprises a first incline surface 1063 and a second incline surface 1064. The first and second incline surfaces 1063, 1064 are arranged around an outwardly facing circumferential side wall 102 of the second connector portion 2 and are inclined with respect to a plane normal to the axis of the second connector portion 2. This is inclination is such that a component following the inclined surface moves axially relative to the second connector portion 2.

(80) The first incline surface 1063 leads towards the respective locking location 1061a. The second incline surface 1064 leads towards the first incline surface 1063.

(81) Each projection receiving region 1062 comprises a third incline surface 1065 and a fourth incline surface 1066. The third and fourth cline surfaces 1065, 1066 are arranged around an outwardly facing circumferential side wall 102 of the second connector portion 2 and are inclined with respect to a plane normal to the axis of the second connector portion 2. This is inclination is again such that a component following the inclined surface moves axially relative to the second connector portion 2.

(82) A portion of the outwardly facing circumferential side wall 102 of the second connector portion 2 acts as a camming surface 1021 and comprises a ramp portion 1021a and a shoulder portion 1021b with an apex portion 1021c disposed between the ramp portion 1021a and the shoulder portion 1021b. The locking location 1061a is disposed between the apex portion 1021c and a stop portion 1021d.

(83) When the first connector portion 1 and second connector portion 2 are introduced together by a user, the projecting portions 1053 on the locking collar 5 will tend to meet and be guided by the incline surfaces 1063-1066. The incline surfaces 1063-1066 act as guiding means and the projecting portions 1053 act as following portions.

(84) If a projecting portion 1053 lands on the first incline surface 1063 this will tend to guide the projecting portion 1053 towards the locking location 1061a. If a projecting portion 1053 lands on the second incline surface 1064 this will tend to guide the projecting portion 1053 towards the first incline surface 1063, from where it can be guided towards the locking location 1061a.

(85) Projecting portions 1053 landing on the third and fourth incline surfaces 1065, 1066, may be correspondingly guidedalthough these incline surfaces could be omitted if chosen.

(86) As can be seen in FIG. 8 the projecting portions 1053 have taper surfaces 1053a which surfaces follow along a respective incline surface 1063-1066 as the connector portions 1, 2 are brought together.

(87) It will be recalled that the locking collar 105 is mounted for rotation relative to the remainder of the first connector portion 1. Thus as a user brings the connector portions 1, 2 axially towards one another for connecting the parts together, the interaction between the guiding portions and the following portionsie between the incline surfaces 1063-1066 and the projecting portions 1053will tend to cause rotation of the locking collar 105 relative to the main body 1B of the first connector portion 1 and also relative to the engaging portion 106 of the second connector portion 2. This in turn serves to lead the locking collar 105 towards a first position where the locking collar 105 interacts with the engaging portion 106 to hold the first and second connector portions against axial separation and, in this embodiment, where the locking collar 105 is locked against movement out of the first position by interaction of the projecting portion 1053 and the shoulder 1021b of the camming surface 1021. In this way the projecting portion 1053 acts as a detent for resisting movement of the locking collar 105 out of the first positionthe locking collar 105 latches into the first position.

(88) In the present embodiment the rotation described above takes the locking collar 105 through an intermediate position before the first position is reached. This intermediate position is one where the first and second connector portions 1, 2 are connected and so held against axial separation but the locking collar 105 has not fully reached its first, locked, position.

(89) In should be noted that in other embodiments a position that corresponds to the present the intermediate position might represent the first position as defined in the appended claims.

(90) Further as can be seen from a consideration of FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking collar 105 is arranged to be snap fittable on the remainder of the first connector portion 1 during assembly. As might be noted from FIG. 8, the projecting portions 1053 project radially inwards of the outermost diameter of the retractable sleeve 43. To facilitate snap fitting of the locking collar 105, corresponding recesses 43a are provided in the retractable sleeve 43 through which the projecting portions 1053 can pass during assembly. Further a leading edge 1052a of the rib 1052 provided on the locking collar 105 is chamfered and a correspondingly chamfered retaining ring portion 43b is provided on the retractable sleeve 43 so that in fitting the locking collar 105, the rib 1052 can be pushed over the chamfered retaining ring portion 43b into the retaining recess 44.

(91) FIG. 6A shows the connector portions 1, 2 with the locking collar 105 in an unlocked position which corresponds to the second position as defined in the appended claims. In this state the connector portions can be moved axially apart and if the connector portions are moved axially further together, the projecting portions 1053 will tend to be guided by the incline surfaces 1063-1066 towards the first position at least until the intermediate position is reached.

(92) Thus a user can achieve connection of the connector portions 1, 2 simply by pushing the connector portions together. This leads to an automatic movement of the locking collar 105 and at least initial locking against axial separation. If needed the user can make a final turn of the locking collar 105 to reach the first position. Thus connection is simplified and initial rotational lining up of the connectors is unnecessary.

(93) If the connector portions 1, 2 are offered up in exactly the wrong relative rotational position, then the guiding may not work immediately, but some small relative wiggling of the connector portions 1, 2, which is likely to take place instinctively, will typically quickly resolve this issue.

(94) FIG. 6B shows the connector portions 1, 2 with the locking collar 105 in the intermediate position. As mentioned above in this state the first and second connector portions 1, 2 are held against axial separation by the interaction of the locking collar 105 and the engaging portion 106 and so the state might be described as connected.

(95) FIG. 6C shows the connector portions 1, 2 with the locking collar 105 in the locked position which in this embodiment is considered the first position as defined in the appended claims. As mentioned above, in this state the first and second connector portions 1, 2 are held against axial separation by the interaction of the locking collar 105 and the engaging portion 106, and the locking collar 105 is locked against movement out of the first position back towards the second position.

(96) When the connector portions 1, 2 are connected and the locking collar 105 is in the state shown in FIG. 6B or 6C, the connector portions 1, 2 are held against axial separation as described above by interaction of engaging elements provided respectively on the locking collar 105 and the engaging portion 106. The projecting portion 1053 provides the engaging element on the locking collar 105 and has an engaging surface 1053b. The engaging element provided on the engaging portion 106 comprises a engaging projecting portion 1067 provided in the region of, and projecting away from, the camming surface 1021 and has an engaging surface 1067a. The engaging surfaces 1053b, 1067a abut one another when the connector portions 1, 2 are in the states shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C resisting axial separation of the connector portions 1, 2.

(97) In the present embodiment, the incline surfaces 1063-1066 also act as release mechanism operating portions for operating the release mechanism of the quick-connect system provided in the first connector portion 1 when the locking collar 105 is moved away from the first position (or the intermediate position, in the present embodiment) towards the second position. In particular, the incline surfaces 1063-1066 serve to act on the spring loaded sleeve 43 via the projection portion 1053 and the locking collar 105 in general as the locking collar 105 is rotated by a user to disconnect the connector portions 1, 2 from one another.

(98) This eases the process of disconnecting the connector portions without removing the benefits of better interconnection and reduced risk of accidental disconnection provided by the provision of the twist-lock arrangement.

(99) It should be noted that in this connector arrangement A rotation of the first body portion of the first connector portion 1 relative to the locking collar 105 and second connector portion 2 is again possible even when the locking collar 105 is engaged with the engaging portion 106 as those parts are held against relative rotation. So in this case too, there is reduced risk of twisting or tangling of a hose connected to the connector arrangement A.

(100) Further in this connector arrangement A both the first connector portion 1 and the second connector portion 2 again can be, and are, backwards compatible with existing standard quick-connect connectors.