RV sewage disposal hose with swiveling connector

• US 9,303,802 B1
• Filed: 04/03/2013
• Issued: 04/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/24/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Camco Manufacturing Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Camco Manufacturing Incorporated
• Inventors: Mancari, Robert, Angel, Bruce A, Price, Clay D, Russell, Jeffrey R, Eisenhauer, Dallas V, Brockington, William T
• Primary Examiner(s): Dunwoody, Aaron
• Application Number:
  US13/856,051
• Time in Patent Office: 1,098 Days
• Field of Search: 285/86, 285/81, 285/89, 285/92, 285/275, 285/276, 285/278, 285/280, 285/921, 285/181, 285/148.4, 285/144.1, 285/121.6, 285/121.3
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 15/00 Arrangements or adaptations of sanitation devices
• CPC Class Codes: E03F 1/008 Temporary fluid connections for emptying mobile sewage holding tanks, e.g. of trailers, boats
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 25/0036 Joints for corrugated pipes
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 27/08 allowing adjustment or movement only about the axis of one pipe
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/107 Bayonet-type couplings
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 41/023 Y- pieces F16L41/025, F16L41/026, F16L41/028 take precedence

Abstract

A swivel coupling is provided for a waste disposal system having a first waste disposal component and a second waste disposal component. The swivel coupling comprises a first coupling portion having a first end and a second end, the second end being configured for connection to the first waste disposal component, and a second coupling portion having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end being configured for connection to the second waste disposal component. The first end is rotatably connected to the third end such that when the second end is connected to the first waste disposal component and the fourth end is connected to the second waste disposal component, the first and second coupling portions are rotatable relative to one other.

Claims

1. A coupling for a waste disposal system for a recreational vehicle, the coupling comprising:

(a) a first coupling portion having an inner end and an outer end, the outer end being configured for a non-rotatable connection to a first waste disposal component;

(b) a second coupling portion having an inner end and an outer end, the outer end being configured for a non-rotatable connection to a second waste disposal component; and

(c) the inner end of the first coupling portion being snap fit to the inner end of the second coupling portion such that the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion rotate with respect to each other when a connection is created between the first and second waste disposal components,

wherein the first coupling portion comprises a radially inwardly extending lip formed at the inner end thereof; and

the second coupling portion comprises a circumferential groove radially extending around the outer surface of the inner end thereof, the snap fit provided by engaging the lip of the first coupling portion with the groove of the second coupling portion;

wherein a separate sealing member is not used between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, and leakage or seepage of waste material between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is insubstantial under normal conditions without the use of the separate sealing member; and

a lubricant that is applied between the lip and the groove to minimize friction during rotation of the first coupling portion relative to the second coupling portion.

2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the inner ends of both the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion each include a frusto-conical surface, wherein the frusto-conical surfaces cooperate to facilitate the achievement of the snap fit during assembly.

3. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion further comprises a plurality of tabs extending radially outward therefrom to provide an improved grip when rotating the first coupling portion relative to the second coupling portion or when connecting the respective coupling portion to the respective disposal component.

4. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the outer end of the first coupling portion is configured for a non-rotatable connection to a recreational vehicle storage tank.

5. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the outer end of the second coupling portion is configured for a non-rotatable connection to a hose.

6. The coupling according to claim 5, wherein the hose comprises a length of flexible corrugated pipe.

7. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion is constructed of a substantially translucent or substantially transparent material.

8. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein both of the first and second coupling portions comprises a central longitudinal bore having a plurality of spirally arranged internal threads.

9. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second coupling portions comprises a female bayonet connection at the outer end thereof.

10. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second coupling portions comprises a male bayonet connection at the outer end thereof.

11. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion comprises an elbow.

12. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion comprises a Y-adapter.

13. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion comprises a spigot and the spigot is configured to be clamped or adhered to a hose.