# US 11,898,681 B2 · System and method for mounting shut-off valves or adapters in an irrigation system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,898,681 B2 - Document ID: US11898681B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/306,234 - Filed: 2021-05-03 - Published: 2021-11-11 - Granted: 2024-02-13 - Earliest claimed: 2020-05-05 - Assignees: Teco S.R.L. - Applicants: Teco S.R.L. - Inventors: Cosimo Iacopetta - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11898681B2 ## CPC - A01G 25/00: Watering gardens, fields, sports grounds or the like (special apparatus or adaptations for fertilising-liquids A01C23/00; nozzles or outlets, spraying apparatus B05B) - F16L 41/14: by screwing an intermediate part against the inside or outside of the wall {(F16L41/086 takes precedence)} - F16K 5/04: with plugs having cylindrical surfaces; Packings therefor - F16L 41/16: the branch pipe comprising fluid cut-off means - F16L 55/1152: {fixed by screwing or by means of a screw-threaded ring} - Y10T 29/49826: Assembling or joining - A01G: HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING (picking of fruits, vegetables, hops or the like A01D46/00; propagating unicellular algae C12N1/12) - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL - F16K: VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING {(devices for emptying and evacuating the excess liquid in valves or conduits F16L55/07)} - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A system for mounting an adapter on a main flexible pipe for connecting a branch pipe is described, including a fitting having an externally threaded shank and a widened base which can be inserted in a hole of the pipe and can be fixed by a first ring nut screwed on the threaded shank, wherein the system includes a tool for inserting the fitting in the hole and for tightening the first ring nut, and wherein on the adapter a second ring nut is provided for fixing the adapter to the fitting. ## Claims ### Claim 1 System for mounting an adapter on a main flexible pipe of an irrigation system for the connection of a branch pipe, the system comprising a fitting having an externally threaded shank and a widened base which can be inserted in a hole of the main flexible pipe and fixed by a first ring nut screwing on said threaded shank, and further comprising a tool comprising a spanner for inserting said fitting in said hole and for the tightening of said first ring nut, wherein on said adapter a second ring nut is provided for fixing the adapter to the fitting, wherein said shank of the fitting is internally hollow and has a first section with a circular cross section and a second section with a polygonal cross section, said tool comprising a spanner having a stem with an end section with a polygonal cross section, engaging with said polygonal cross section of the shank, and a grip with a hole provided with protrusions for engagement with an external knurling of said first ring nut. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein said adapter comprises a hollow pipe provided at one end with a conical section on which a branch pipe can be fitted which can be fixed by a third ring nut, and provided at the other end with said second ring nut which can be screwed onto said externally threaded shank of the fitting. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The system according to claim 2, wherein said other end of the hollow pipe of the adapter has a diameter such as to be housed in a first section with circular cross section of said shank and externally has a step apt to prevent the removal of said second ring nut from said other end. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein a shut-off valve is provided on said adapter. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, further comprising a ring nut screwing on said fitting to seal the hole made in the pipe. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The system according to claim 1, wherein said adapter comprises a hollow pipe provided at one end with a conical section on which a branch pipe can be fitted which can be fixed by a third ring nut, and provided at the other end with said second ring nut which can be screwed onto said externally threaded shank of the fitting. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The system according to claim 6, wherein said other end of the hollow pipe of the adapter has a diameter such as to be housed in said first section with circular cross section of said shank and externally has a step apt to prevent the removal of said second ring nut from said other end. ### Claim 8 Method of mounting an adapter on a main flexible pipe of an irrigation system for the connection of a branch pipe, comprising: making a circular hole on said main flexible pipe; insertion in said hole of a widened base of a fitting having an externally threaded shank, by a tool comprising a spanner; screwing a first ring nut on said externally threaded shank by internal protrusions of the spanner for fixing the fitting on the main flexible pipe; screwing on said externally threaded shank of the fitting a second ring nut carried by said adapter for fixing the adapter to the fitting. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein said tool comprising a spanner has a polygonal cross section engaging with a polygonal hole provided in said shank of the fitting, and a grip with hole provided with the protrusions for engagement with an external knurling of said first ring nut. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method according to claim 9, wherein said adapter comprises a hollow pipe provided at one end with a conical section on which said branch tube which can be fixed by a ring nut can be fitted, and provided at the other end with said second ring nut which can be screwed onto said externally threaded shank of the fitting. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein said adapter comprises a hollow pipe provided at one end with a conical section on which said branch tube which can be fixed by a ring nut can be fitted, and provided at the other end with said second ring nut which can be screwed onto said externally threaded shank of the fitting. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The method according to claim 8, wherein a shut-off valve is provided on said adapter.