U.S. patent application number 14/012647 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for union coupling with removable screen.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rain Bird Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Rain Bird Corporation. Invention is credited to Clint R. Haas, Jason A. Reichard.
Application Number | 20140001744 14/012647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44010392 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140001744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haas; Clint R. ; et
al. |
January 2, 2014 |
Union Coupling With Removable Screen
Abstract
A union coupling having a removable screen is disclosed. The
union coupling includes a pipe joint, a fitting that receives the
screen, and a collar which clamps the fitting to the pipe joint. In
one form, the fitting has an inner surface that defines a passage
through the fitting and a pocket formed in the inner surface. The
screen has a transverse extension that is received at least in part
in the pocket with engagement of the transverse extension and
pocket restricting passage of the screen past a predetermined
position in the passage. A union coupling having a fitting
comprising a fitting body with an outward flange and a shoulder
element with an outward flange is also provided. The shoulder
element is connected to the fitting body to captivate a collar
between the outward flanges of the fitting so that the collar does
not become separated from the fitting body. A method of assembling
a union coupling is also provided.
Inventors: |
Haas; Clint R.; (Tucson,
AZ) ; Reichard; Jason A.; (Vail, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rain Bird Corporation |
Azusa |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Rain Bird Corporation
Azusa
CA
|
Family ID: |
44010392 |
Appl. No.: |
14/012647 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12622046 |
Nov 19, 2009 |
8534467 |
|
|
14012647 |
|
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03B 7/07 20130101; F16L
55/24 20130101; B01D 2201/02 20130101; B01D 29/96 20130101; B01D
35/02 20130101; Y10T 137/0402 20150401; Y10T 137/794 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/5 |
International
Class: |
F16L 55/24 20060101
F16L055/24 |
Claims
1. An irrigation system subassembly comprising: an irrigation
system component having an upstream port and a downstream port; an
union coupling connected to the upstream port of the irrigation
system component, the upstream union coupling comprising an
upstream fitting having a pair of opposed ends with one end
configured to connect to an upstream pipe joint and a first wall
extending between the opposed ends of the upstream fitting, a first
passage defined by the first wall and extending between the opposed
ends of the upstream fitting, a first outward flange extending from
the first wall intermediate the opposed ends of the upstream
fitting, an upstream collar having an upstream collar flange
portion that defines a first opening, the first opening being sized
to pass over the first wall at the one end of the upstream fitting,
and a second outward flange being connected to the one end of the
upstream fitting, the second outward flange being sized to restrict
the upstream collar flange portion from passing beyond the second
outward flange, the first and second outward flanges captivating
the upstream collar on the upstream fitting; and an union coupling
connected to the downstream port of the irrigation system
component, the downstream union coupling comprising a downstream
fitting having opposed ends with one end configured to connect to
the downstream pipe joint and a second wall extending between the
opposed ends of the downstream fitting, a second passage defined by
the second wall and extending between the opposed ends of the
downstream fitting, a third outward flange extending from the
second wall intermediate the opposed ends of the downstream
fitting, a downstream collar having a downstream collar flange
portion that defines a second opening, the second opening being
sized to pass over the second wall at the one end of the downstream
fitting, and a fourth outward flange being connected to the one end
of the downstream fitting, the fourth outward flange being sized to
restrict the downstream collar flange portion from passing beyond
the fourth outward flange, the third and fourth outward flanges
captivating the downstream collar on the downstream fitting.
2. The irrigation system subassembly of claim 1 further comprising
a screen disposed at least in part in the first passage of the
upstream union coupling.
3. The irrigation system subassembly of claim 1 wherein the
irrigation system component is selected from the group consisting
of a valve, a generator, and a filter.
4. The irrigation system subassembly of claim 1 wherein at least
one of the second outward flange and the fourth outward flange is
connected to the respective fitting via a spin weld.
5. The irrigation system subassembly of claim 1 wherein the
upstream union coupling includes the upstream pipe joint and the
downstream union coupling includes the downstream pipe joint.
6. A method of assembling a union coupling, the method comprising:
aligning an opening of a collar with an end of a fitting body
portion; passing the opening of the collar over the end of the body
portion; connecting a fitting shoulder portion to the end of the
body portion, which positions an inward flange portion of the
collar in axial overlapping relation with an outward flange portion
of the body portion and an outward flange portion of the shoulder
portion;
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising inserting a downstream
portion of a screen into a passage of the body portion defined by a
wall of the body portion.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising seating a rim of the
screen against a stop extending inwardly from the wall of the body
portion.
9. The method of claim 6 further comprising aligning a plurality of
transverse extensions of a screen with recesses in the shoulder
portion and inserting the plurality of transverse extensions of the
screen into the recesses of the shoulder portion.
10. The method of claim 6 further comprising mating threads on the
collar with threads on a pipe joint and rotating the collar to draw
the shoulder portion and the pipe joint into abutting relation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/622,046, filed Nov. 19, 2009, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The field relates to pipe couplings used in irrigation and,
more particularly, to pipe couplings having removable screens.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Irrigation systems utilize a series of pipes or conduits for
conveying water from a water source to a series or network of water
emitters or sprinklers. Irrigation system components are typically
installed and operate below ground level, which may cause rocks,
dirt, and other debris to enter the irrigation system and travel
along the pipes with the water flow. Contamination, particularly in
the form of particulate matter, can impair the operation of
components within the irrigation system. To protect a component,
such as a valve, from particulate matter, some irrigation systems
utilize a screen disposed at the inlet of the valve. However, a
valve using such an approach suffers from a significant shortcoming
in that a user must disconnect the valve from the upstream and
downstream pipe in order to service the valve. Commonly, the pipes
are threadingly engaged with the valve and must be rotated to
disconnect the pipe from the valve. This operation may be difficult
and time consuming if the valve and the upstream pipe are in narrow
confines or are otherwise limited in their range of movement.
[0004] One approach to creating a more easily serviceable
connection between a pipe and a valve is to use a union coupling. A
union coupling has a pair of fittings or joints that may connect to
other irrigation system components, such as the pipe and the valve.
The union coupling further comprises a collar that is rotated or
otherwise manipulated to draw the fittings together and form a
connection therebetween. One type of existing union coupling
includes a fitting having an annular ridge extending around one end
of the fitting to restrict the collar from sliding off of the
fitting. However, the collar is free to slide off the other end of
the fitting until that end is connected to the pipe or valve. This
approach may be problematic during installation, as the fitting
with the annular ridge can be accidently installed onto the pipe or
valve without the collar. If pipe cement or other chemical bonding
has been used, subsequent removal of the fitting from the pipe or
valve may cause damage to the fitting and require replacement.
[0005] Another shortcoming of existing union couplings is that they
are often unable to withstand loads applied to the side of the
manifold. In greater detail, these types of manifolds have an
annular ridge to retain a collar on each outlet of the manifold
with the collars being used to connect the respective outlet to a
fitting or hose. Irrigation manifolds are assembled by passing a
collar of the union coupling over the outlet and urging an inwardly
projecting lip of the collar against the annular ridge of the
manifold until it is forced beyond the ridge. Once the lip has been
forced past the annular ridge, the interference between the lip and
the annular ridge restricts the collar from falling off the
manifold outlet. Because the annular ridge has to be small enough
to permit the lip of the collar to snap beyond the annular ridge,
the ability of the ridge to restrict the collar from falling off of
the outlet is necessarily less than optimal. Accordingly, when a
side load is applied to the manifold, the resulting bending moment
between a manifold outlet and the corresponding fitting tends to
cause the collar to snap past the annular ridge and off of the
manifold outlet.
[0006] Yet another disadvantage of existing union couplings is
manifest in typical plumbing installations using polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipes. Specifically, one common approach to installing a
union coupling with PVC pipes involves using a series of fittings
interconnected by short pieces of pipe. For example, if a PVC pipe
is to be connected to a valve, an installer would use: 1) a slip
fitting for connecting to the end of the PVC pipe; 2) a union
coupling including two fittings and a collar; 3) a male threaded
adapter for connecting to the valve inlet; 4) a short piece of PVC
pipe to connect the slip fitting to the union coupling; and 5) a
short piece of PVC pipe to connect the union coupling to the male
threaded adapter. Although the series of fittings and PVC pipes
would be relatively rigid once connected, the overall size of the
installation is very large and labor-intensive to assemble.
Further, it is problematic to keep all of the fittings and PVC
piping on hand for what is essentially a custom installation for
each valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a union coupling;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the union
coupling of FIG. 1 taken across line 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a fitting
body and a collar of the union coupling of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fitting
body and the collar of FIG. 3 in conjunction with a shoulder
element of the union coupling;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view similar to FIG.
4 with the shoulder element connected to the fitting body;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fitting
body, shoulder element, and collar of FIG. 5, in conjunction with a
screen of the union coupling;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view similar to FIG.
6 with the screen installed within the fitting body and the
shoulder element;
[0014] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the union coupling
of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the screen of the union
coupling of FIG. 8; and
[0016] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an irrigation system
subassembly which includes an irrigation system component and a
pair of union couplings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A union coupling with a removable screen is provided that
retains the screen in a user-serviceable portion of the coupling
such that a user may readily access, clean, or replace the screen.
The union coupling may be installed at any location within an
irrigation system, though the union coupling is particularly
well-suited for installation between a pipe and a valve or between
two pipes. By one approach, the union coupling comprises a pipe
joint, a collar, and a fitting, wherein the collar is configured to
clamp the fitting to the pipe joint. The fitting has an inner
surface that defines a passage and has a pocket formed in the inner
surface. The fitting has an opening at one end thereof that opens
into the passage and is sized to accept at least a portion of a
screen. Specifically, the screen has a downstream portion that is
inserted through the opening of the fitting and into the passage.
The screen also has an upstream portion with a transverse
extension, wherein the transverse extension is received in the
pocket of the fitting. In this way, the engagement between the
transverse extension of the screen and the pocket of the fitting
restricts passage of the upstream portion of the screen beyond a
predetermined position in the passage. This configuration permits a
user to easily remove the screen from the fitting for cleaning by
simply disconnecting one end of the fitting from the pipe joint and
the other end of the fitting from the valve or pipe. In one form,
the transverse extension of the screen comprises a tip portion that
is received in the pocket, and a thin gripping portion that a user
may conveniently grip to remove the screen from the fitting.
Further, the engagement between the transverse extension and the
pocket requires the screen to be installed in the fitting in a
particular orientation which ensures that the screen is properly
installed within the union coupling.
[0018] In another respect, the union coupling comprises a pipe
joint, a collar, and a fitting comprising a fitting body and a
shoulder element. The fitting body has a first end that is
configured to connect to the pipe joint. To assemble the union
coupling, the collar is passed over the first end of the fitting
body. The shoulder element is then connected to the fitting body
which captivates the collar on the fitting body. With the shoulder
element connected to the first end of the fitting body, the fitting
body and the shoulder element have outward flange portions that
restrain an inward flange of the collar therebetween. Further,
connecting the shoulder element to the fitting body after the
collar has passed over the first end of the fitting body permits
the outward flange portion of the shoulder element to be made
sufficiently large to restrict movement of the collar. In contrast
to prior irrigation manifolds, the outward flange portion of the
shoulder element may be larger than the traditional annular ridge
because the inward flange portion of the collar does not need to
snap past the outward flange portion of the shoulder element.
Further, a larger shoulder element also has a larger bearing
surface for engaging a sealing surface of the pipe joint which
permits a more stable interface between the fitting and the pipe
joint than conventional union couplings. As is apparent, this
approach resists pulling apart of the fitting and pipe joint such
that the union coupling may better resist side loading than
traditional configurations.
[0019] By another approach, the union coupling has a fitting with
an inner surface that defines a passage through the fitting. The
fitting has a recessed support formed in the inner surface and at
least one stop that extends from the inner surface and is spaced
from the recessed support along the length of the fitting. The
recessed support extends transversely to the length of the fitting
and outwardly from the inner surface thereof. A screen is received
within the fitting and includes an upstream end with a transverse
extension that seats against the recessed support. Further, a
downstream end of the screen includes a rim that rests against the
stop. This way, the recessed support and the stop brace the screen
against the flow of the water debris within the water flow. In one
form, the rim of the screen has a continuous outer surface that is
flush with the inner surface of the fitting when the screen is
received within the fitting. The close fit between the rim of the
screen and the inner surface of the fitting resists the passage of
waterborne particles beyond the screen. Additionally, removing the
screen from the fitting causes the screen rim to slide along the
inner surface of the fitting and pull debris deposited on the inner
surface of the fitting out of the fitting.
[0020] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an embodiment
of a union coupling 1 comprising a pipe joint 2, a collar 4, and a
fitting 6. The coupling 1 may be installed between lengths of pipe,
as well as between a pipe and a valve. As shown in FIG. 1, the
fitting 6 has a threaded portion 8 that is connected to the inlet
of a valve (not shown). This way, water will flow in the direction
of arrow 10 into the pipe joint 2 through the fitting 6 and
eventually into the valve. The pipe joint 2 has a wall 12 that
defines a passage 14 for receiving an end of a pipe (not shown) and
an inner surface 16 configured to fit snugly with the end of the
pipe. The pipe joint 2 also has a threaded portion 18 at the end of
the pipe joint 2 adjacent the fitting 6. The threaded portion 18 of
the pipe joint 2 is configured to interface with threads (see FIG.
2) on an interior surface of the collar 4. The engagement of the
threads of the collar 4 with the threaded portion 18 of the pipe
joint 2 is configured such that rotating the collar 4 draws the
fitting 6 and the pipe joint 2 into abutting relation and clamps
the fitting 6 against the pipe joint 2. To improve the ease of
installation of the union coupling 1, the collar 4 may include
protuberances 20 positioned around the circumference of the collar
4 that assist with manual manipulation of the collar 4.
Additionally, the fitting 6 may include flat surfaces 22 that are
arranged around the circumference of the fitting 6 and interface
with a wrench so that fitting 6 may be firmly connected to the
downstream valve or pipe.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the fitting 6 includes a passage 24 that
is aligned with the passage 14 in the pipe joint 2 when the pipe
joint 2 is connected to the fitting 6 via the collar 4. A screen 26
is positioned within the fitting 6 and in the path of water flow
shown by direction arrow 10. As will be discussed in greater detail
below, the screen 26 includes fins or transverse extensions 28 that
are each held within a recess or pocket 30 by the compression of an
annular wall 32 of the pipe joint 2. In one approach, the screen 26
is inserted into the fitting 6 and the annular wall 32 of the pipe
joint 2 is pressed against an upstream facing surface 34 of the
fitting 6 before the collar 4 is rotatably engaged onto male
threads 36 located on the pipe joint 2. The fitting 6 may have a
two-part construction comprising a fitting body 38 and a shoulder
element 40 that are connected at a fixed joint 42, preferably by a
frictional spin weld. In one approach, the spin weld is produced by
pressing the shoulder element 40 against the fitting body 38 and
rotating the shoulder element 40 until the friction therebetween
generates localized heating. Once the heating reaches a sufficient
temperature, the materials of the shoulder element 40 and the
fitting body 38 melt together. The rotation is stopped and the
fitting 6 is allowed to cool. Alternatively, the shoulder element
40 may be connected to the fitting body 38 via a chemical weld or
mechanical means, such as fasteners which tightly clamp the
shoulder element 40 to the fitting body 38.
[0022] In one form, the fitting body 38 has an annular wall 44 that
partially defines the passage 24. The wall 44 includes an outward
flange 46 that projects radially outward from the wall 44. The
outward flange 46 defines an annular recess 48 that faces
downstream and is configured to receive a seal or o-ring 50. The
o-ring 50 provides a water tight seal with the inlet of the valve.
The fitting body 38 also includes an inwardly directed flange or
stop flange 52 that is spaced from the pockets 30 of the fitting 6
along the length of the fitting 6. The stop flange 52 projects
radially inward from the inner surface 54 of the fitting 6. In the
embodiment shown, the flange 52 comprises a plurality of ledges or
stops having surfaces which face upstream and abut an end of the
screen 26 to brace the screen 26 against the flow of water and
debris. The stops are shown as being integrally formed with the
fitting body 38, though they may be separate structures that are
connected to the fitting body 38. Alternatively, the stop flange 52
may be a continuous radially projecting element to support the
screen 26.
[0023] The upstream facing surface 34 of the fitting 6 defines a
recess 56 configured to receive an o-ring 58. The o-ring 58 forms a
water-tight seal between the surface 34 of the fitting 6 and a
downstream facing end surface 60 of the pipe joint 2. Rotation of
the collar 4 when threaded onto the male threads 36 of the pipe
joint 2 tends to compress the o-ring 58 between the surfaces 34, 60
which enhances the water-tight seal. The shoulder element 40 also
includes an outward flange 62 that extends radially outward from
the fitting 6. The outward flange 62 of the shoulder element 40 and
the outward flange 46 of the fitting body 38 restrain movement of
an inward flange 64 of the collar 4 along the fitting 6. With the
inward flange 64 of the collar 4 between the outward flanges 46,
62, the collar 4 is captivated on the fitting 6 such that the
collar 4 may only translate along the length of the fitting 6
between the flanges 46, 62. Further, the collar 4 may freely rotate
about a longitudinal axis of the fitting 6, as represented by line
A-A in FIG. 2.
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 3-7, there is illustrated one
approach to assembling the coupling 1. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows
the collar 4 being positioned on the fitting body 38 before the
shoulder element 40 is connected to the fitting body 38. The collar
4 has a wall 80 that includes female threads 82 on an inner surface
83 thereof which are configured to engage the male threads 36 on
the pipe joint 2. The inward flange 64 of the collar 4 defines an
opening 84 that is sized to pass over a first end 86 of the fitting
body 38 in direction 88. Because the shoulder element 40 is not yet
attached to the fitting body 38, the collar 4 is free to be removed
from the first end 86 of the fitting body 38. Opposite the first
end 86 of the fitting body 38 is a second end 90 that includes the
threaded portion 8. The outward flange 46 is positioned
intermediate the first end 86 and the second end 90 of the fitting
body 38. The outward flange 46 resists movement of the inward
flange 64 of the collar 4 along the fitting body 38 toward the
second end 90 of the fitting body 38.
[0025] The first end 86 of the fitting body 38 is configured to
connect to the shoulder element 40. Specifically, FIG. 3
illustrates a series of concentric, annular lips 92A-92C disposed
at the first end 86 of fitting body 38 and grooves 94A and 94B
concentrically disposed between the lips 94A-94C. In one
embodiment, the shoulder element 40 is connected to the fitting
body 38 via a spin weld. The spin welding process deforms lips
92A-92C and welds the lips 92A-92C to adjacent structures of the
shoulder element 40. FIG. 3 also illustrates an inner surface 96 of
the fitting body 38 that defines a passage 98 extending along the
length of the fitting body 38. An opening 100 opens into the
passage 98 at the first end 86 of the fitting body 38, while at the
second end 90, the stop flange 52 projects radially inward from the
inner surface 96. As shown, the stop flange 52 comprises a series
of equally spaced ledges or stops 102A-102E extending radially
inward from the inner surface 96.
[0026] Once the opening 84 of the collar 4 has passed over one
first end 86 of the fitting body 38, the shoulder element 40 may be
connected to the fitting body 38 in direction 110, as shown in FIG.
4. The shoulder element 40 has concentric, annular lips 112A and
112B configured to mate with lips 92B and 92C, respectively, of the
fitting body 38, while radially inner neck 114 mates with the lip
92A. Adjacent the lips 112A, 112B of the shoulder element 40 are
concentrically disposed grooves 116A and 116B, the grooves 116A,
116B being aligned with grooves 94A and 94B, respectively, of the
fitting body 38 when the shoulder element 40 is connected to the
fitting body 38. The grooves 116, 94 form annular pockets 117A,
117B that extend around the wall 44 of the fitting body 38 at the
first end 86 (see FIG. 6). In one form, the pockets 117A, 117B
defined by the grooves 94, 116 permit the lips 92, 112, and neck
114 to deform during the spin welding process.
[0027] Returning to FIG. 4, the shoulder element 40 includes a
radially inner surface 118 that defines an opening 120. With the
shoulder element 40 connected to the fitting body 38, the opening
120 of the shoulder element 40 is aligned with the opening 100 of
the fitting body 38 such that the radially inner surface 118 of the
shoulder element 40 is flush with the inner surface 96 of the
fitting body 38. In this way, the screen 26 may be inserted into
the passage 24 of the fitting 6 without snagging on the radially
inner surface 118 of the shoulder element 40 or the inner surface
96 of the fitting body 38. The shoulder element 40 may also include
a series of pockets 30 disposed evenly around the radially inner
surface 118. Each pocket 30 includes a recessed support or seating
surface 122 that extends perpendicularly to the inner surface 118
of the shoulder element 40. The seating surface 122 is configured
to restrict movement of the transverse extensions 28 of the screen
26 from traveling toward the second end 90 of the fitting body 38.
Alternative embodiments of the seating surface 122 may include a
variety of configurations for the seating surface 122. For example,
the seating surface 122 may be inclined at an angle relative to the
inner surface 118 of the shoulder element 40. The shoulder element
40 also may include an annular channel 123 that extends around the
shoulder element 40 and receives the o-ring 58. The o-ring 58 is
configured to form a water-tight connection with the annular wall
32 of the pipe joint 2 when the coupling 1 is fully assembled.
[0028] In FIG. 5, the shoulder element 40 is connected to the
fitting body 38 to form the fitting 6. The inward flange 64 of the
collar 4 is captured between the outward flange 46 of the fitting
body 38 and the outward flange 62 of the shoulder element 40. In
this configuration, the outward flange 46 and the outward flange 62
are in overlapping relation with the inward flange 64 of the collar
4 along the longitudinal axis of the fitting 6. An interface 126 of
the fitting 6 provides a smooth transition between the inner
surface 118 of the shoulder element 40 and the inner surface 96 of
the screen body 38. In this way, the inner surface 54 of the
fitting 6 defines a passage 24 for receiving the screen 26.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 6, once the shoulder element 40 has been
connected to the fitting body 38, the fitting 6 and the collar 4
are effectively a single piece that may be handled and installed
onto a valve or pipe without the collar 4 falling off or being
incorrectly installed. With the shoulder element 40 connected to
the fitting body 38, the opening 120 of the shoulder element 40
opens into the passage 24 of the fitting 6 such that the screen 26
may be inserted in direction 140 into the passage 24 of the fitting
6. The screen 26 has one or more transverse extensions 28 that each
include a tip 142 at the outermost portion of the transverse
extension 28 and a gripping portion 144 that extends from a mid
point 146 of the screen 26 to the tip 142. The gripping portion 144
is relatively thin and permits a user to grab the gripping portion
144 between the user's thumb and index finger or with a tool, such
as a pair of pliers.
[0030] Each transverse extension 28 also includes a rib 148 that
extends between a downstream end 150 of the screen 26 and an
upstream end 152 of the screen 26. In the illustrated embodiment,
the transverse extensions 28 are organized in a cross configuration
so that one pair of transverse extensions 28 lies along a plane
that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the other pair of
transverse extensions 28. The transverse extensions 28 extend
outward beyond an outer profile or outer surface 160 of the screen
which permits the screen 26 to be clamped between the pipe joint 2
and the fitting 6. Further, a pair of outermost surfaces 154 and
156 defines a distance that is less than the distance between tip
142A and tip 142C. The narrower portions of the screen 26 permit
the downstream end 150 of the screen 26 to be inserted into the
passage 24 with the outermost surfaces 154, 156 abutting the inner
surface 96 of the fitting body 38. Conversely, the tips 142 extend
outward beyond an outer surface 160 of the screen 26 which prevents
over-insertion of the screen 26 in the passage 24 in direction 140.
Specifically, the engagement of the tips 142 in the pockets 30
restricts movement of the screen 26 and, in combination with the
stop flange 52, braces the screen 26 against the water flow and
debris suspended in the water that may impact against the screen 26
and force the screen 26 toward the second end 90 of the fitting
body 38.
[0031] At the downstream end 150, the screen 26 has a seating rim
158 that seats against the stop flange 52 and has a shape that is
similar to the contour of the inner surface 96 of the fitting body
38, as shown in FIG. 6. In this manner, the outer surface 160 is
complimentary with the inner surface 96 of the fitting body 38. The
outer surface 160 is continuous about the rim 158 so that when the
screen 26 is installed within the fitting 6, debris traveling in
direction 140 toward the screen 26 will be trapped upstream of the
rim 158 and unable to pass beyond the rim 158. The outer surface
160, however, may also be discontinuous about the rim 158 while
still restricting debris from passing beyond the screen 26. For
example, the rim 158 may include a slot formed in the outer surface
160 that is configured to engage a raised feature on the inner
surface 54 of the fitting 6.
[0032] The components of the coupling 1 may have a cross-sectional
configuration other than the substantially circular embodiment
shown in FIG. 1. For example, if the fitting 6 has a rectangular
cross section, then the rim 158 of the associated screen 26 may
also be rectangular so that the rim 158 will abut the inner surface
96 of the fitting body 38. Like the fitting 6 and the screen 26,
the screen element 162 may take other shapes, such as cubic or
cylindrical, as appropriate for a desired application. In the
embodiment of FIG. 6, the screen 26 has a frusto-conical screen
element 162 that is wider at the downstream end 150 and narrower at
the upstream end 152. This configuration tends to direct debris
toward downstream end 150 of the screen 26 where the debris
accumulates adjacent the rim 158 and the inner surface 96 of the
fitting body 38. By directing the debris downstream, the upstream
end 152 of the screen element 162 tends to remain unblocked during
operation, which improves fluid flow through the coupling 1.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 7, the screen 26 is shown having been
installed in direction 164 into the fitting 6. The downstream end
150 of the screen 26 is inserted through an opening 166 formed by
the collar 4 and into the opening 120 of the shoulder element 40.
With the screen 26 received within the fitting 6, the ribs 148 are
in close relation with the inner surface 54 of the fitting 6, which
limits movement of the screen 26 in directions that are transverse
to the longitudinal axis of the fitting body 38. The rim 158 abuts
the stop flange 52, which restricts movement of the screen 26
toward the second end 90 of the fitting body 38. At the upstream
end 152 of the screen 26, there is an upstream surface 168 that is
level with or slightly down stream of an adjacent, annular surface
170 of the shoulder element 40. The surface 170 extends radially
outward from the opening 120 of the shoulder element 40 and along
the outward flange 62 to form an interface with the sealing surface
60 of the pipe joint 2. By positioning the upstream surface 168 of
the screen 26 level with or slightly downstream of the surface 170
of the shoulder element 40, a water tight seal may be formed
between the surface 170 and the sealing surface 60 of pipe joint 2
when the collar 4 connects the fitting 6 to the pipe joint 2. As
shown in FIG. 7, the fitting 6, collar 4, and screen 26 are ready
to be connected to the pipe joint 2.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 8, the o-ring 50 is received within
an annular recess in the outward flange 46 on the fitting body 38.
Then, the opening 84 of the collar 4 is aligned with and passed
over the first end 86 of the fitting body 38 before the shoulder
element 40 is affixed to the first end 86 of the fitting body 38.
By connecting the shoulder element 40 to the fitting body 38, the
fitting 6 is formed and the collar 4 is captivated thereon.
Specifically, the inward flange 64 of the collar 4 is positioned in
overlapping relation with the outward flanges 46, 62 along the
longitudinal axis of the fitting 6. FIG. 8 also shows the plurality
of pockets 30 that extend from the opening 120 of the shoulder
element 40 longitudinally along the fitting 6. The shoulder element
40 includes the annular channel 123, which receives the o-ring 58.
The o-ring 58 provides a water tight seal between the fitting 6 and
the pipe joint 2.
[0035] Once the o-ring 58 has been installed in the channel 123 of
the shoulder element 40, the screen 26 may be installed into the
passage 24 defined by the fitting 6. The transverse extensions 28
of the screen 26 are aligned with the pockets 30 before the
downstream end 150 of the screen 26 is inserted into the passage
24, with continued insertion of the screen 26 engaging the
transverse extensions 28 within the pockets 30. As the transverse
extensions 28 engage the pockets 30, the rim 158 of the screen 26
seats against the stop flange 52 of the fitting 6. With the screen
26 received within the fitting 6, the pipe joint 2 is ready to be
connected to the fitting 6 via rotation of the collar 4 which
engages the female threads 82 of the collar 4 with the male treads
36 of the pipe joint 2. Continued rotation of the collar 4 draws
the inward flange 64 of the collar against the outward flange 62 of
the shoulder element 40 which, in turn, draws the confronting
surface 170 of the shoulder element 40 against the pipe joint 2 to
securely fasten the fitting 6 to the pipe joint 2. This rigidly
locks the transverse extensions 28 of the screen 26 within the
pockets 30 formed in the shoulder element 40. Additionally, the
engagement of the fitting 6 against the pipe joint 2 presses the
rim 158 of the screen 26 against the stop flange 52 of the fitting
body 38. In this form, the union coupling 1 is assembled into an
interconnected assembly that is ready to be transported or
installed as desired.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 9, the screen element 162 forms a
juncture 194 with the outer surface 160 of the rim 158. This
configuration tends to accumulate debris at the juncture 194 and
restricts passage of the debris beyond the rim 158 of the screen
26. A wider end 190 of the screen element 162 is positioned
adjacent the juncture 194, while a narrower end 192 of the screen
element 162 is positioned adjacent the upstream end 152. The screen
element 162 includes longitudinal members 196 and arcuate lateral
member 198, wherein the longitudinal members 196 extend from the
downstream end 150 of the screen 26 to the upstream end 152.
Conversely, the lateral numbers 198 extend around the circumference
of the frusto-conical screen element 162 between the transverse
extensions and are positioned radially outward of the longitudinal
members 196. The criss-cross overlapping configuration of the
longitudinal members 196 and the lateral members 198 forms
rectangular openings 200 that are sized appropriately for a
particular application. For example, 0.0004 inches.sup.2 is
preferable to restrict small stones, rocks, and other debris from
passing beyond the screen 26 and potentially damaging a downstream
structure, such as a valve.
[0037] With regard to the materials of coupling 1, the pipe joint 2
and the fitting 6 may be made from a PVC material, which permits
PVC cement to be used to connect the pipe joint 2 and the fitting 6
to PVC pipes or other components of the irrigation system. In one
form, the collar 4 and the screen 26 are both manufactured using a
polyethylene material. To provide a water tight seal, the o-rings
50, 58 may be made from a resilient material, such as Buna-N,
nitrile, or urethane. Other materials may be used for the coupling
1, although they are preferably chosen to provide strength and
impact resistance through a wide range of environmental conditions.
In some applications, it may even be desirable to utilize steel or
a metallic alloy for one or more components of the coupling 1.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 10, an irrigation system subassembly 300 is
shown. Irrigation system subassembly 300 includes an irrigation
system component 302 having an upstream port 304 and a downstream
port 306. The irrigation system component 302 may be a number of
different types of components, including but not limited to a
valve, a generator, or a filter. An upstream fitting 308 is
connected to the upstream port 304, the fitting 308 being
configured to connect to an upstream pipe joint 310 that is joined
to an upstream pipe 312. Similarly, a downstream fitting 314 is
connected to the downstream port 306, the downstream fitting 314
being configured to connect to a downstream pipe joint 316 that is
joined to a downstream pipe 318. In one embodiment, the upstream
fitting 308 has a screen (not shown) that is similar to the screen
26 discussed above, while the downstream fitting 314 does not have
a screen.
[0039] By way of a pair of rotatable collars 320, 322, the
irrigation system component 302 may be readily connected or
disconnected to the pipes 312, 318. Specifically, the component 302
is lowered in direction 324 until the fittings 308, 314 are aligned
with the respective pipe joints 312, 316. Next, the collars 320,
322 are shifted in directions 326, 328 toward the pipe joints 310,
316 before being threadingly engaged thereto. Conversely, removal
of the component 302 is readily accomplished by threadingly
disengaging the collars 320, 322 from the pipe joints 310, 316 and
shifting the collars 320, 322 inward. The component 302 may be
lifted upward and out of alignment with the pipes 312, 318. This
configuration permits removal or installation of the component 302
without having to manipulate the pipes 312, 318, which is
beneficial for installations where the pipes 312, 318 are
fixed.
[0040] It will be understood that various changes in the details,
materials, and arrangements of parts and components which have been
herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of
the union coupling with removable screen may be made by those
skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the union
coupling with removable screen as expressed in the appended claims.
Furthermore, while various features have been described with regard
to a particular embodiment or a particular approach, it will be
appreciated that features described for one embodiment also may be
incorporated with the other described embodiments.
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