Fast coupling for irrigation systems, particularly domestic irrigation systems

• US 20040108716A1
• Filed: 06/13/2003
• Published: 06/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/24/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ferrari Group SRL
• Original Assignee: Ferrari Group SRL
• Inventors: Ferrari, Ruggero
• Granted Patent: US 6,971,684 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 285/318
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0987 the flexible hook being progressively compressed by axial tensile loads acting on the coupling
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/127 using hooks hinged about an axis F16L37/1215 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/921 Snap-fit

Abstract

The invention relates to fast couplings for connecting hoses, particularly for domestic irrigation. A fast coupling (1) is formed by a first body (2) and a second body (4) reciprocally connected by inserting first lugs (23) projecting from the second body (4) in first slots (19) made on first body (2). A male connector (15) is locked inside the first coupling (1) by radially pressing an end (14) of said male connector with a torus-shaped elastic element (11). Unlocking the second body (4) from the first body (2) causes the automatic ejection of the male connector (15).

Claims

1. Fast coupling (1) for connecting two hoses, specifically intended to be used for the domestic irrigation, and of the type comprising:

at least one body adapted to be connected to a male connector (15), characterized by the fact that it comprises;

a first inner body and second outer body (2, 4) coaxial to each other, the first and second body being partially slidable to each other along a common longitudinal axis;

said first and second body being hollow along said longitudinal axis and being reciprocally cooperant with connecting and disconnecting means (18, 20, 21, 24);

said second body (4) being adapted to be connected to the male connector (15);

an elastic torus-shaped element (11) housed inside the second body (4), said elastic element being adapted to lock said male connector;

a compression elastic element (7) longitudinally located between said first and second body;

said elastic element being adapted both to instantaneously disconnect the male connector (15) from the second body (4) and easily release the first body (2) from said second body;

said first and second body being detachably locked when the fast coupling (1) is operative.

2. Fast coupling according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first body (2) is provided, along its outer circumference, with two first flexible elements (18) and two first slots (19), each first slots being in between said two first flexible elements;

said first flexible elements being adapted to be pressed by an user.

3. Fast coupling according to claim 2 characterized by the fact that the second body (4) is provided, along its outer circumference, with two second flexible elements (21) and two third flexible elements (22), each third flexible elements being in between said two second flexible elements;

each said second flexible elements (21) being adapted to cooperate with one of said first flexible elements (18);

each said third flexible elements being adapted to interfere with one of the first slots (19) by a first lug (23).

4. Fast coupling according to claim 3 characterized by the fact that each second flexible element (21) is provided with a second lug (24) adapted to interfere with a second slot (20) made on the first body (2) in the housing of each first flexible element (18);

said interference occurring simultaneously with a radial shrinkage of the torus-shaped elastic element (11) caused by the thrust of a circumferential shoulder (10) integral with the first body (2).

5. Fast coupling according to claim 4 characterized by the fact that the torus-shaped elastic element (11) is received in an inner part (12) of the second body (4) having a hemispherical cross-section;

said cross-section shrinking towards the end of said body that is provided with an opening (13) adapted to receive an end (14) of the male connector (15).

6. Fast coupling according to claim 55, characterized by the fact that the torus-shaped elastic element (11) is located inside the first body (4) in a housing (17) defined by the inner part (12), the circumferential shoulder (10), and the outer surface of end (14).

7. Fast coupling according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the torus-shaped elastic element (11) is located inside the housing (17) so that said elastic element is forced to radially shrink when said second body (4) is completely inside the first body (2) when the male connector (15) is connected to the fast coupling (1);

said male connector being locked because said radial shrinkage exerts a thrust around its outer surface.

8. Fast coupling according to claim 6 characterized by the fact that, when the male connector (15) is locked inside the second body (4), the outer surface of the second flexible elements (21) contacts a part of the inner surface of the first flexible elements (18) by a portion (25);

said contact allowing the disconnection of said second lugs (24) from the respective second slots (20) by pressing said first flexible elements.

9. Fast coupling according to claim 5 characterized by the fact that, when said fast coupling is operative, the second body (4) and the first body (2) are reciprocally connected by the interference of the third flexible elements (22) with respective first slots (19) after the second body (4) is pressed inside the first body (2);

said connection allowing to lock and unlock the male connector (15) in and from said second body.