Garden hose and couplings

Abstract

Improved male/female hose couplings for opposite ends of a hose are disclosed. Each of the couplings is injection molded from a strong plastic material such as polyvinylchloride, and includes coupling member having internal projecting and external coupling portions. The internal projection portion is diametrically sized for insertion into the hose bore and is chemically bonded to the hose. The external coupling portion of the male coupler is externally threaded. The female portion is internally threaded and also includes radially extending tabs to facilitate rotation. A strain relief device in the form of an extruded coil spring extends from the coupling and encircles the hose end, protecting the hose from fracture by repeated bending. In an alternative embodiment, the strain relief device takes the form of a thickened sleeve of softer material such as a plasticized vinyl, and is formed with a plurality of radially extending disks that limit the degree of bending movement of the hose end. Both strain relief devices also provide a handle function for the hose end.