Removable flush cap for a multi-diameter tube coupling
US7419194B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/903
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A removable flush cap designed for use with an irrigation tube coupling or fitting, to facilitate post-installation flushing of dirt and grit from an irrigation system. The flush cap is particularly designed for use with a tube coupling of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,747 B2, having a plurality of retainer collets each with multiple lock fingers oriented for push-in locked reception of a tube end in engagement with a compliant seal. The flush cap includes a generally cylindrical barrel for sealed slide-fit engagement with the compliant seal within one of the retainer collets, and a recessed groove for snap-fit locked reception of the collet lock fingers. The flush cap further includes a plurality of cams for engaging and releasing the collet lock fingers from the cap groove, upon cap rotation, to permit slide-out cap removal from the retainer collet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.