Patent Application
20200263824
The present disclosure relates to filters for water tools. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a visible and removable filter for water tools.
Watering tools generally include a filter to check any undesired particles such as impurities and the like present in water. But due to its role to check the impurities, the filter needs to be cleaned regularly as per use for a longer lifetime. However, conventional watering tools prove cumbersome for a common user for engaging with the filter due to multiple reasons.
The reasons which make using the conventional watering tools, and filters used therewith, difficult range from low access to recognizability of the filters. This invariably leads to indifferent use of the filter with less emphasis and attention to proper cleaning of the filter. Moreover, at times the filter maybe located substantially inside the watering tools thereby requiring application of some tools to remove them, if possible.
An example of a connector system is provided by WO2010/127815 (hereinafter referred to as '815 reference). The '815 reference provides a connector piece for a click-on connector system used in watering. The connector piece includes a connector nipple. Further, a sealing element is arranged in the connector piece which automatically blocks the flow path through the connector piece if no connector sleeve is clicked on. However, when a connector sleeve is clicked onto the connector nipple, there is a lift-off of the sealing element in the interior of the connector piece off the sealing surface and therefore release of the flow path.
The filter, as used conventionally, also needs to be provided with a means for cleaning when not in use. Further, these improvements are expected to be provided without increasing the number of parts or components of the water tool, especially the filter. Thus, an improved filter for water tools is required.
In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a hose connector. The hose connector includes a connector port adapted to receive water at an inlet. The hose connector includes an outlet to allow water to leave the connector port. The hose connector includes a filter coupled to the connector port at the inlet. The hose connector is characterized in that the filter is adapted to be inserted inside the inlet. The hose connector includes at least one recess. The filter has a first end and a second end. Further, the filter includes a flange portion towards the first end, such that the flange portion has at least one protrusion adapted to engage the at least one recess. Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple, compact and convenient filter which can be removably engaged with a typical hose connector.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the hose connector is a water nipple. Further, the filter is compatible with different types of the water nipples increasing versatility of application of the filter.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is configured to be inserted with a cleaning needle at the second end. The cleaning needle may be used to clean nozzles etc. of watering tools.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is configured to be removably engaged with the at least one recess. As elaborated earlier, any maintenance or even cleaning operation of the filter would preferably require the filter to be removable as per need.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is readily removable with human intervention. This obviates need of any complex tool or equipment to remove the filter thereby making it convenient for a common user.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is made as a single unit. By manufacturing the filter as a single unit, the filter may provide benefits such as lower maintenance costs, and ease of replacement, if required.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is made of a plastic material. Preference for the plastic material takes into account lifetime and implementation needs of the filter. Also, as the filter is in contact with water, plastics typically provide advantages over metal materials.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter has a plurality of holes towards the second end. The plurality of holes is provided to serve as water outlet and filter out any impurities (in the water) around the second end.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter is visibly distinguishable from the connector port. This make it easy for the common user to identify and engage with the filter, whenever required.
Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings
The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “longitudinal”, “lateral”, “transverse”, “upwards”, “downwards”, “forward”, “backward”, “sideward”, “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward”, “inner”, “outer”, “inward”, “outward”, “top”, “bottom”, “higher”, “above”, “below”, “central”, “middle”, “intermediate”, “between”, “end”, “adjacent”, “proximate”, “near”, “distal”, “remote”, “radial”, “circumferential”, or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
The filter 110 of the present disclosure includes two recesses 112. The filter 110 may normally be covering the recesses 112 in order to provide a desired waterproof connection for engaging a hose (not shown) with the hose connector 100, particularly with the filter 110. Further, the size, position, and arrangement of the recess 112 may be primarily dependent upon the filter 110 among other factors. This will allow a secure connection between the recess 112 and the filter 110 and thereby lead to the watertight connection. In a preferred embodiment, the hose connector 100 is a water nipple or any similar water tool as known or used in the relevant art.
The filter 110, preferably the flange portion 306 (shown in
The filter 110 is configured to be removably engaged with the recess 112. Thus, the user may readily gain access to the filter 110 as would be required for regular cleaning purposes. Moreover, the filter 110 is readily removable just with human intervention, even without a need of any tool or equipment. This feature is readily possible as the filter 110 may be manufactured as a single unit which provides handling and operational benefits. The single unit also reduces the disadvantages of large number of parts and maintenance required. Additionally, or alternatively, the filter 110 may be made as a modular unit, preferably the flange 306 or other components of the filter 110 may be readily detachable and later-on refitted as per requirement. This further allows replacement or servicing of any part(s) of the filter 110 such as the flange 306 which may be susceptible to wear and tear during working life of the filter 110.
The filter 110 has a plurality of holes 312 (or simply, holes 312) towards the second end 304. A filtering zone 314 is defined by the holes 312. The number or type or arrangement of the holes 312 may be dependent upon the type of application of the filter 110, or even quality of water involved with the application.
The filter 110 with the cleaning needle 802 around the second end 304 prevents loss of the cleaning needle as compared to conventional watering tools. Further, in order to use the cleaning needle 802, the filter 110 is removed from the recess 112 of the hose connector 100. This makes the filter 110 free of any water and thereby ready for any cleaning action. Then, the filter 110 along with the cleaning needle 802 may be used for cleaning any part (say nozzles) of the hose connector 100.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2017 009 041.6 | Sep 2017 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2018/053780 | 2/15/2018 | WO | 00 |
