US 3,997,192 A · Universal coupling for movable irrigation pipes

Abstract

A universal coupling for irrigation pipes that are incorporated into continuously movable land surface irrigation systems may incorporate pipe sections having extremities that are adapted to be positioned one within the other. A connector projection extends from one of the pipe sections and is adapted to be received within a connection aperture defined in the opposite one of the pipe sections upon assembly of the pipe sections. The coupling has a load bearing capability which is promoted by one of the extremities of each one of the pipe sections being supported directly by a mobile tower which the opposite extremity thereof bears upon the supported extremity of the adjacent pipe section, thereby causing both of the pipe sections to be supported one relative to the other. At least one of the extremities of one of the pipe sections is formed to allow substantially vertical movement of the opposite pipe section during assembly and disassembly thereof. A bearing and positioning element is adapted to be interposed between the pipe sections to establish proper positioning of the pipe sections in the assembled condition thereof and to prevent wear during relative movement of the pipe sections. Sealing of the pipe sections may be established by means of a flexible fluid impervious boot positioned about the joint between the pipe sections and secured in sealed relation to each of the pipe sections.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A universally movable coupling for irrigation pipes, said coupling comprising:

first and second pipe sections;
a connector projection extending transversely from first pipe section in transverse relation to the path of fluid flow through said first pipe section;
said second pipe section being formed to define a connection aperture in the wall structure thereof, said connection aperture being adapted to receive said connector projection therein, at least one of said first and second pipe sections being formed to define clearance means allowing relative vertical movement between said connector projection and said connection aperture for assembly and disassembly of said pipe sections with the axes of said pipe sections remaining in substantially parallel relation and with no linear separation occuring between said first and second pipe sections during said assembly and disassembly;
one extremity of one of said first and second pipe sections being adapted to bear upon the other of said first and second pipe sections, the weight thereof maintaining said connector projection in assembly with said connection aperture;
and
means for establishing a fluid tight seal between said first and second pipe sections.

3 more elements

A universally movable coupling for irrigation pipes, said coupling comprising:

first and second pipe sections;
means establishing universally movable connection between said first and second pipe sections;
means provided on one extremity of one of said first and second pipe sections for providing support for one extremity of the other of said first and second pipe sections;
and
at least one of said first and second pipe sections being formed to allow connection and disconnection of said universally movalbe connection with the axes of said pipe sections remaining in substantially parallel relation and with no linear separation occuring between said first and second pipe sections during said connection and disconnection.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Universal coupling for movable irrigation pipes

Life of this patent

Universal coupling for movable irrigation pipes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18