Abstract: A composite coupling nut and method of making the same wherein a substantially rigid annular body portion with an internal threaded portion is provided with an outer annular layer of an elastomeric material formed thereon in intimate juxtaposed relation to increase the grasping coefficient.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for hoses fabricated of plastic and comprising one-piece male and multi-piece snap together female coupling section. The male section includes an externally threaded fitting and an integral hub adapted to fit over the end of a hose section, the hub having integrally formed ribs or barbs. A ferrule inserted into the hose expands the base all into engagement with the ribs or barbs for securing the section to the hose. The female section includes an annular collar fitted over and secured to the end of a hose section. An annular flange terminating in a forwardly axially extending annular sealing lip is formed on the collar and an internally threaded connector is provided including an inwardly extending annular flange adapted to snap over and engage behind the flange for rotatably mounting the connector on the collar.

Abstract: A marking means for a hose coupling expansion attachment machine automatically provides desired markings on the female hose coupled simultaneously with attaching it to a particular hose section. The marking means which is mounted on the front of the machine adjacent to the expanding means is in marking alignment with the curved periphery of the rotatable female external end section of a hose coupling. The marking means is linearly moveable between a nonmarking position and a marking engagement position so that as the marking means passes into and through the marking position, the female and section will be rotated to provide the desired marking on the curved periphery of the female end section. Rigid hollow circular cylindrical stamp arbors are utilized to prevent deformation of the hose couplings, and two or more expanding means stations can be utilized for either male or female couplings, or both, with only the female couplings being marked.