U.S. patent application number 12/159684 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for system for handling of liquids.
Invention is credited to Haakon Fykse, Odd Halsnes, Erik Wulvik.
Application Number | 20080310775 12/159684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38109462 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080310775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Halsnes; Odd ; et
al. |
December 18, 2008 |
System for Handling of Liquids
Abstract
A device for storing and delivering liquids comprising a
watertight bag having at least one opening and a delivery system
operatively connected to said opening; the device further comprises
a first and second stiff surfaces connected by flexible flanks. The
delivery system comprises a connection locking device for
connecting the fluid-carrying pipes and fitting system, which
comprises a spigot inserted in the collar of a hose, an external
compression ring positioned onto the portion of the collar which is
covering the spigot and a conical threaded sleeve locking said
external compression ring onto said portion of the collar covering
the spigot.
Inventors: |
Halsnes; Odd; (Bastad,
NO) ; Wulvik; Erik; (Skedsmokorset, NO) ;
Fykse; Haakon; (Enebakkneset, NO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP
1875 EYE STREET, N.W., SUITE 1100
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
38109462 |
Appl. No.: |
12/159684 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
January 2, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2007/000002 |
371 Date: |
June 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60754615 |
Dec 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/06 20130101;
B67D 2210/00131 20130101; B65D 1/0292 20130101; B65D 2231/002
20130101; F41H 1/02 20130101; B67D 1/0001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/66 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A device for storing and delivering liquids comprising a
watertight bag having at least one opening and a delivery system
operatively connected to said opening, characterized in that it
comprises a first and a second stiff surfaces connected by flexible
flanks.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said a
first and a second stiff surfaces are substantially parallel.
3. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
first and second stiff surfaces are integral made with said
watertight bag.
4. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
watertight bag and said first and second stiff surfaces are
separated pieces, said first and second stiff surfaces being fixed
or loosely attached to said watertight bag.
5. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that said
first and second stiff surfaces are connected by flexible
flanks.
6. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that said
first and second stiff surfaces are connected to each other through
one or more elastic elements pulling together said surfaces.
7. The device according to one or more of the previous claims,
characterised in that distant pieces are interposed between said
first and second stiff surfaces.
8. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
first and second stiff surfaces comprise one or more stiff
layers.
9. The device according to claim 8, characterised in that said one
or more stiff layers are interchangeable.
10. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
first and second stiff surfaces are made of bullet-pro of
material.
11. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that it
comprise a liquid-treatment unit.
12. The device according to claim 11, characterised in that said
liquid-treatment unit is a drinking water purifying unit.
13. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
delivery system comprises an insert positioned inside the
watertight bag and extending through said opening.
14. The device according to claim 13, characterised in that said
insert has multiple perforations.
15. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
delivery system comprises a flexible hose.
16. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
watertight bag comprises one or more profiled strip (45) on the
outside.
17. A connection locking device for fluid-carrying pipes and
fitting system, characterized in that it comprises a spigot
inserted in the collar of a hose, an external compression ring
positioned onto the portion of the collar which is covering the
spigot and a conical threaded sleeve locking said external
compression ring onto said portion of the collar covering the
spigot.
18. A connection locking device according to claim 17,
characterized in that the compression ring is made of the same
material as the hose.
19. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that said
delivery system comprise a connection locking device comprises a
spigot inserted in the collar of a hose, an external compression
ring positioned onto the portion of the collar which is covering
the spigot and a conical threaded sleeve locking said external
compression ring onto said portion of the collar covering the
spigot.
20. The device according to claim 2, characterised in that said
first and second stiff surfaces are integral made with said
watertight bag.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a system for
handling liquids, in particular to a device for storing, handling
and delivering liquid; more in particular the present invention
relates to a device for storing, handling and delivering drinkable
liquid to a user.
[0002] When handling, storing or transporting liquids, it is
important to have a container easy to handle. This condition is
generally fulfilled when the container has a relatively stable
shape. For this reason, rigid containers are normally used for
storing and transporting liquid. A rigid container has a stable
shape, in fact a constant shape. However, a rigid container has a
number of drawbacks; for instance the volume occupied is always the
same, independently from the rate of filling of the container
itself. Also, when not filled completely, the presence of air
inside the container and the possibility for the liquid of moving
inside it, bring about undesired "gurgling" and other noises.
[0003] If used for drinking, a way of transporting the liquid to
the mouth is also needed. In general, for use in the field or
during sports, a hose with a good connection mechanism is needed.
Previously described containers for liquids involve a great deal of
piping and fittings, which need to be functioning well and be
watertight over a wide range of temperatures, typically form -40C
to +60C, and under extreme conditions. A simple hose pushed on a
spigot generally do guarantee proper functioning over such a
temperature range. Higher temperatures will cause hose expansion,
and the connection will not be tight anymore; as an extreme
consequence, the hose may even drop off the spigot. Consequences of
losing water reserves may be dramatic in extreme conditions, for
instance for a soldier in the desert. Equipment may also be damaged
by water, and so on.
[0004] Several kinds of solutions have been explored in order to
solve, or at least minimize, the above-mentioned problems. Some
proposed solutions involve profiled and improved spigots, such as
in EP 0 848 201 B to Hansel. All devices and solutions described in
such patent tend to achieve a secure connection at stable
temperature, but not when high temperatures hit.
[0005] Some other solutions involve a clamp to secure the hose on
the spigot. For instance, this is the case described in EP443681 A2
to Bellazzi & al. This solution is simple, robust, stable, and
watertight. However such clamps are sometimes difficult to remove,
especially during cold weather and when the user is wearing gloves.
Also the clamp may be easily lost, for instance in deep snow.
[0006] Other solutions involve a combination of profiled spigots
and simple locking elements, such as GB 1310367 to Bailey and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,772,262 to Dupont. However, in general, such solutions
tend not to accept numerous connections/disconnections, if at all,
and quickly start malfunctioning and losing tightness.
[0007] Still other solutions involve a combination of profiled
spigots and several locking elements, such as U.S. Pat. No.
4,673,199 to Hozelock, so as to achieve a click-and-lock or
disarm-and-unlock mechanisms. This solution is very practical when
connecting again and again same elements, but is demanding when
substituting pipe and fittings elements. There are many spare
parts, and thus more risks to break, lose or be short of some of
them.
[0008] Also refilling the container may be a problem for the
existing liquid storing bags, which in most cases have to be taken
out from their contained, in order to be refilled. For instance,
the so called Camelbak bags, typically used when training outdoors,
need to be taken out of their container, as a large diameter valve
needs to be open. Also, in order to be refilled, the liquid bag
needs to be hold without external pressure.
[0009] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
system with both a liquid container and a good hose connection.
[0010] Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid
container that is both easy to manufacture and user-friendly, and
that can be easily stored and transported.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
container in which the "gurgling" of the liquid and other undesired
noises are reduced to a minimum level.
[0012] Still another object of the present invention relates to a
system with a relatively simple hose connection.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
system for handling liquid having a hose connection secure and
tight despite high temperature variations.
[0014] Thus, the present invention relates to a device for storing
and delivering liquids comprising a watertight bag having at least
one opening and a delivery system operatively connected to said
opening; the device according to the invention is characterized in
that it comprises a first and a second stiff surfaces connected by
flexible flanks.
[0015] Thanks to the presence of the first and second stiff
surfaces, the device according to the invention has a stable form
that makes it easier to design an envelope, a support or a recess
that allows handy handling, storing or transporting for device
itself. If, for example, the container shape varies in only one
dimension when the filling rate varies, it is practical for
packaging in a flexible envelope, such as those made of textile
material.
[0016] At the same time, the device according to the invention is
characterised by the fact that the two relatively stiff surfaces
are joined by flexible flanks which function as bellows. Thus, the
relative position of the stiff surfaces with respect to each other
will depend on the filling rate. When the container is empty, the
opposite sides will typically be against each other. When there is
some liquid in the container, the opposite sides will be separated
by a distance which will be a function of the flexibility of the
flanks. Consequently, the volume of the watertight bag varies in
accordance to its filling rate.
[0017] This is especially advantageous when the storage volume is
scarce, such as is the case when the liquid is drinking water
carried by people during trekking, sports or soldiers in the field.
A variable volume is also favourable to air removal from the
container, thus avoiding the "gurgling" during transport, as known
from currently used containers.
[0018] Further characteristics and advantages will become more
clear from the description of preferred, but not limiting,
embodiments of the device according to the invention, illustrated
in the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a
watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a
watertight bag used in the device according to the invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 shows the procedure of filling a watertight bag from
another bag;
[0025] FIG. 7 shows the procedure of filling a watertight bag from
a bottle;
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a first particular embodiment of a delivery
system used in the device according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a second particular embodiment of a delivery
system used in the device according to the invention;
[0028] FIGS. 10 and 11 show in the details the piping system and
the connections to a mouthpiece;
[0029] FIG. 12 shows in details a mouthpiece with a possible
embodiment of a case for the mouthpiece;
[0030] FIG. 13 shows in details a possible embodiment of a valve
system used in the delivery system of the device according to the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 shows in details a possible embodiment of a
three-way valve used in the delivery system of the device according
to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 15 shows in details a possible embodiment of a
connection locking device used in the delivery system of the device
according to the invention.
[0033] With reference to the attached figures, the device 1 for
storing and delivering liquids according to the invention comprises
a watertight bag 2 which has at least one opening 3 serving as
inlet/outlet of the liquid. In the embodiments of the attached
figures, the bag is provided with a single opening 3; other
solutions, in which the bag is provided with more than one opening
dedicated to the inlet or outlet of the liquid, are also possible.
Inlet and outlet of the liquid, i.e. filling and delivery of the
liquid, are carried out through a delivery system which comprises
one or more pipes connected to the opening(s).
[0034] The device of the invention comprises a first 20 and a
second 30 stiff surfaces which are connected by flexible flanks 40,
50. As explained above, thanks to the stiff surfaces, the device
according to the invention has a substantially stable shape; at the
same time, the flexible flanks allow expansion of the watertight
bag in one direction, thereby adapting the overall volume of the
device to the amount of the liquid contained into it. In an
alternative embodiment, the two opposite stiff surfaces may be
drawn to each other by elastic elements. In both cases, the stiff
surfaces and their connecting flanks or elastic elements will form
an envelope with a thickness that will be dependent on the filling
rate of the internal bag.
[0035] If desirable, distant pieces may be interposed between said
first and second stiff surfaces, so as to keep the two surfaces at
a desired and predetermined distance, particularly when the
watertight bag is empty or almost empty.
[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the flanks may be such
that the expansion of the watertight bag in its variable dimension
will be proportional along the whole extension of the flanks.
Preferably, as represented in the attached figures, the first and
second stiff surfaces are substantially flat and parallel to each
other.
[0037] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first and second stiff
surfaces 20, 30, as well as the flanks 40, 50, are integral made
with the watertight bag 2. In other words, according to this
embodiment, the necessary stiffness is provided directly by the
material used for the fabrication of the bag.
[0038] Alternatively, the watertight bag and said first and second
stiff surfaces are separated pieces, said first and second stiff
surfaces being fixed or loosely attached to said watertight bag.
This is the case of the embodiment represented in FIG. 2, in which
the device 10 comprises a watertight bag 102 with one opening 103
functioning as an inlet and an outlet. The bag 102 is flexible, and
is freely disposed in an envelope made of two opposite stiff
surfaces 60, 70 connected to each other by flexible flanks 80, 90
which function as bellows.
[0039] Also in this case, the first and second stiff surfaces 60,
70 can be connected to each other through one or more elastic
elements pulling together said surfaces 60, 70.
[0040] The stiff surfaces may be made as a single layer, or sheet,
of stiff material or may comprise one or more different layers.
Accordingly, the resulting stiffness may thus be adapted to
different functions, depending on the characteristics of the layers
used. In order to improve the versatility, the layers can be
interchangeable, so as to adapt the resulting stiffness according
to the needs.
[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, said first 20, 60 and
second 30, 70 stiff surfaces are made of bullet-proof material. In
this way, it is possible, for instance, to combine the drinking
water functions with bullet dampening characteristics.
[0042] One embodiment of this is a bullet-proof jacket for soldiers
or various security forces, featuring liquid containers held
between surfaces stiffened by bullet-proof plates. For an exposed
mission, the soldier may select heavier and more effective
bullet-proof ceramic plates, while he may prefer lighter ones (for
instance Kevlar-based textile) for a long distance reconnaissance.
The jacket is then designed so as to allow an easy replacement of
the plates. One way to achieve this is to have double-layered
opposite surfaces, each surface forming an envelope where the
bullet-proof plate may be inserted both outside and inside the
liquid containing bag. The liquid container will have additional
protecting functions by reducing speed, destabilising the bullet
(which may then present a larger perforating surface) and
distributing the shock-wave on a larger surface. For a better
protection, it is important to have a good distribution of water
over the whole container, and keep the air out. This can be done
simply by sucking in the air contained in the bag. As mentioned
above, in case the bag went empty, distance pieces to keep the
stiff plates apart even if there is no more liquid in the bag may
be advantageous.
[0043] Such functions are advantageous when implemented as a
bullet-proof jacket. They may also be applied to the protection of
war field vehicles, by inserting such liquid container between
external and internal armoured plates. The liquid container will
then have same absorbing, destabilising and distributing
functions.
[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the device of the
invention may comprise a liquid-treatment unit 90. Conveniently,
when the device is used as a reservoir for drinking water, said
liquid-treatment unit 90 is a drinking water purifying unit.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 9, the water-cleaning filter 90 may
be inserted on the filling line 520, upstream a three-way valve 510
which alternatively connects the watertight bag (not shown in FIG.
9) with the filling line 520 or with the user (through the pipe 51
and the mouthpiece 550). In this way it is possible to keep the
watertight bag quite clean. This solution allows for example the
use of manually actuated filters, such as those from
Katadyn.RTM..
[0046] Another possibility, illustrated in FIG. 8, is to place the
water-cleaning filter 90 downstream the three-way valve 510, on the
line 51 between the water bag (not shown) and the drinking
mouthpiece 550. In such case, the watertight bag is filled with
dirty water, and this may favour unwanted bacterial growth.
Chemicals against growths of algae, bacteria etc. . . . may also be
used.
[0047] In order to be able to totally empty the bag containing the
liquid, several solutions are considered.
[0048] According to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4, it
is possible to put an insert 150 in place within the watertight bag
122, so as to always keep a drain on a portion of the bag,
preferentially from the opening area 123 to the bottom of the bag
122. This will prevent the sides 20, 30 of the bag to collapse, and
isolate the liquid from the aspiration effect. The insert 150 may
for instance be a hose of the type which is used outside the bag
122, and it may have multiple perforations (as in the case shown in
FIG. 4) to further improve draining. However, all elongated
non-perforating insert with a thick section can be used.
[0049] Another solution, illustrated in FIG. 5, is to force such
draining channel to the sides of the bag thanks to reinforcing
strip on the side(s), using for instance the solution described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,731 to Richter. In this case, a typical
watertight bag 132 has a profile 45 on the sides 20, 30 in order to
be able to pump or suck out all the liquid through the opening 133.
The profile is, for instance, made of grooves aligned differently
on each side of the bag 132, and presenting a 90 degrees angle.
[0050] The watertight bag, when empty, can either be refilled, or
the liquid bag replaced. If the bag is to be replaced, easy
replacement handling can be designed. An envelope-type structure
for the watertight bag as described above will for example allow
the following sequence: close and disconnect piping connections,
lift the cover of the envelope if existing, extract the empty bag,
replace it with the new full one, install and connect the
piping.
[0051] If the bag is to be refilled, there are many solutions,
several of which are described here.
[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the watertight bag 11 can
typically be filled from a similar bag 160, a bottle 150 or a water
tank by using a standard rubber pipe connection. There must be a
level difference between filling bag 160, bottle 150 or tank and
the filled bag 11, so as to create the head necessary to generate
enough filling flow. As an alternative to give extra head, filling
bag 160 or bottle 150 can be pressed, for example under the arm or
in the hand.
[0053] Alternatively, the watertight bag may also be filled from
the water tap of a pressurised drinking water piping. In such case,
a pressure reducer may help smoothing the operation.
[0054] To make filling operations effective, it is important to
prevent air coming in the flow. This is easily achieved by putting
filling units in a "head-down" position, so the air-liquid
interface keeps above the tap. It is also advisable to remove all
air trapped in the filled bag by for example sucking in air from
the bag with the mouthpiece.
[0055] Experience on prototype showed a 3 liters bag filled with
water in approximately 2 minutes with a 0.1 bar head. The typical
volume for liquid bags in an outdoor application is between 1 and 3
liters, but any other volume can be considered.
[0056] The present invention is particularly meant to allow filling
while the watertight bag is in place. This is not the case with
existing containers for liquids, such as the Camelbak ones used
typically when training outdoors. To allow filling, Camelbak bags
need to be taken out of their container, as a large diameter valve
needs to be open. Then, in order to be refilled, the liquid bag
needs to be hold without external pressure. The device according to
the invention can be refilled even when submitted to external
pressure: the filling container need only be dispensing at slight
extra head (0.1 or 0.2 bar).
[0057] When used to carry water for outdoor activities, the device
of the present invention allows avoiding gurgle noises by simply
sucking in the air present in the bag. Some details on piping
solutions are given hereinafter and in the attached figures.
[0058] A standard two-way valve 570, illustrated in details in
exploded view in FIG. 13, can be used for filling operations (see
FIGS. 6 and 7), or for connection with a mouthpiece 550 (see FIG.
11) through a spigot 210 or, in general, in all cases in which it
is necessary to isolate different sections of the piping 51 (see
FIG. 10). In the latter case, the connection can be done using a
spigot 220 whose feature can be any depending on the needs.
[0059] A three-way valve 510, illustrated in details in FIG. 14,
can be used when using a treatment unit 90, such as a drinking
water purifying filter, to avoid complex
connections/disconnections. It can also be used when connecting
several bags or containers. In FIG. 14, the three way valve 510 is
represented in exploded view (510A) and under two different
operating positions (510B, 510C).
[0060] When the device of the invention is used for storing and
dispensing drinkable water, a mouthpiece 550 of elastic material
and ergonomic larger dimensions is normally used. The mouthpiece
550 is advantageously provided with a split in the middle so as not
to leak water when unused (the mouthpiece seems closed), but allow
drinking when this split is open by pressing the mouthpiece 550 in
the mouth while sucking in from the watertight bag. The mouthpiece
550 may need regular washing so as to avoid growth of
micro-organisms. This can be done by simply pulling it away from
the spigot 210 (see FIG. 11).
[0061] In order to protect it, the mouthpiece 550 may be covered by
some sort of rubber cap 580, as illustrated in FIG. 11, or be
clipped-in in a dedicated case 590, as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0062] In the case where the device this invention is used as a
man-borne drinking water reservoir for soldier, the whole system
can easily be kept under the bacteriological/chemical protection
dress and hood. The water container may typically be borne in
jacket or rucksack, and the feeding pipe to the mouth crosses the
mask thanks to specially designed crossing nipples. Drinking water
is neither infected nor polluted.
[0063] The watertight bag can be made with different materials;
preferably it is made of a material resisting extreme temperature,
typically in the range from -40 C to +60.degree. C., such as an
elastomer, capable of keeping its flexible properties over the
whole temperature range and not subject to cracks or leaks.
[0064] When the device of present invention is applied to carry
drinkable water outdoor, for instance in a specially designed
jacket, there are several advantages for the user. In very cold
conditions, the drinking line may be kept within the clothes, for
example along the arm with the mouthpiece positioned closed to the
wrist. The watertight bags may also be kept above freezing point if
they are covered by some clothes worn by the user.
[0065] In very warm conditions, care should be taken to prevent
unwanted disconnections between the hoses and the fittings. It may
have dramatic consequences on the chances for survival of the user.
This is the object of a locking ring for secure hose
connection.
[0066] Previously described container for liquids involves a great
deal of piping and fittings, which need to be functioning well and
be watertight under extreme temperatures, typically -40C to
+60.degree. C. A simple hose pushed on a spigot will generally not
do. Higher temperatures will cause hose expansion, and the
connection will not be tight anymore, and the hose may even drop
off the spigot.
[0067] It would be advantageous to have a secure connection, which
has the following properties. It shall be simple and robust, as we
are talking about equipment taken typically to outdoors and war
activities. It shall require as few spare parts as possible, and
preferably some also used for other equipment as a person cannot
move with to heavy spare parts a load. It shall be easy to remove
and reassemble numerous times, so as to allow swift and repeated
substitution of bags, pipings, or fittings such as a mouthpiece, or
any combination of those, even under stressful situation. And it
shall be watertight.
[0068] Accordingly, with reference in particular to FIG. 15, the
present invention relates also to a connection locking device 200
for fluid-carrying pipes and fitting system, particularly for use
in the delivery system of a device for storing and delivering
liquids as previously described.
[0069] The connection locking device 200 of the present invention
comprises a spigot 201 which is inserted in the collar 501 of a
flexible hose 51. An external compression ring 202 is positioned
onto the portion of the collar 501 which is covering the spigot 201
and a conical threaded sleeve 203 is then used for locking said
external compression ring 202 onto said portion of the collar 501
which covers the spigot 201.
[0070] In this way, the threaded conical sleeve 203 which tightens
the compression ring 202 around the end 501 of a hose 51 in which
the spigot 201 of a pipe 51 or fitting has been introduced. This
brings about several benefits.
[0071] The connection is secure: the conical threaded sleeve 203
can be easily screwed by hand and compresses the compression ring
202 onto the hose 51 in which the spigot 201 has been introduced.
As a consequence, the hose 51 is well applied on the spigot 201,
even if temperature were to increase dramatically.
[0072] Also, only few parts of simple design and construction are
involved. In addition to the hose 51 carrying the liquid and the
spigot 201 of the required pipe or fitting (typically a valve or a
mouth piece), the device requires only a compression ring 202 and a
conical threaded sleeve 203 made of metal (such as Aluminium) or
plastic material. Advantageously, the compression ring 202 is made
of a slice of a hose of larger diameter than the hose 51.
Preferably, the sleeve 203 has a rough surface to make turning
easier.
[0073] With the device of the present invention, connecting and
disconnecting are simple and repeatable operations: they are mostly
limited to screwing and unscrewing the threaded sleeve 203, and
connecting or disconnecting the connection between the hose 51 and
the spigot 201. As a further advantage, the threaded sleeve cannot
easily be missed, as it is barred from dropping off the hose 51 by
the compression ring 202.
[0074] The spigot 201 is preferably as simple as possible:
cylindrical and smooth. However, it could also be rough and with a
more complex profile.
[0075] The connection locking device of the present invention has
been designed to solve in particular locking problems with low
pressure connections, typically less than one bar. However, there
is no reason to limit its pressure use at that stage.
[0076] The device of the present invention has been tested by
soldiers in the field. After many connection/disconnection
operations, the connection tested by soldiers still were tight and
secure.
* * * * *