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Irrigation coupling apparatus

  • US 7,445,247 B2
  • Filed: 05/06/2005
  • Issued: 11/04/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A coupling for conveying fluid between a conduit and a component of a fluid system, the coupling comprising:

  • a body comprising a bore into which a tube end of the conduit is insertable, wherein the tube end has a smooth outer surface without annular grooves, annular flanges, or annular beads;

    a gripping mechanism that grips the smooth outer surface of the tube end of the conduit, to fix a position of the tube end of the conduit within the bore; and

    a release mechanism slidably attached to the body to induce the gripping mechanism to release the tube end of the conduit, the release mechanism comprising a continuous, undivided unitary release ring with an axial through bore and at least one radially-through retention slot, said release ring encircling the body, said release ring to facilitate gripping and manual actuation of the release mechanism; and

    the body further comprising a retention feature protruding radially outward to establish a limited range of motion for the release mechanism.

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