Valved coupling for drip irrigation line

Abstract

A valved coupling for use in a drip irrigation line includes a body having a top end and an open lower end. A main port is formed as part of the body. A cup engaged to the open lower end of the body forms the outlet. The body may be formed as a T-body have two ports or may be formed as an elbow body having only one port. A means for restricting the flow from the main port to the outlet is enclosed with the valved coupling. The flow restriction means includes a floating flow restrictor enclosed within a cavity formed by an insert contained within the cup and the body. As fluid flows into the cavity through the insert, the floating flow restrictor floats off the bottom surface of the cup thereby opening flow paths to the outlet.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.