Patent Publication Number: US-11649913-B1

Title: Irrigation line couplings and irrigation manifolds including irrigation line couplings

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/696,927, filed on Nov. 26, 2019, entitled IRRIGATION LINE COUPLINGS AND IRRIGATION MANIFOLDS INCLUDING IRRIGATION LINE COUPLINGS, which is a non-provisional application of App. Ser. No. 62/774,221, entitled DRIP MANIFOLD SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed on Dec. 1, 2018, each of which are incorporated in their entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to irrigation systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to irrigation line couplings and irrigation manifolds including irrigation line couplings. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Irrigation sprinklers, including drip irrigation systems, are used to, for example, deliver water to lawn and garden areas. Improvements in the usability, functionality, and manufacturability of irrigation line couplings and irrigation manifolds for delivering irrigation water to multiple locations is desirable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only examples of the invention thereof and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of the invention&#39;s scope, particular embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a drip manifold; 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a side view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 B  comprises a side, cross-sectional view of the drip manifold of  FIG.  3 A  taken across the line  3 B- 3 B in  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded perspective view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is an exploded side view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5 B  is an exploded side, cross-sectional view of the drip manifold of  FIG.  5 A  taken across the line  5 B- 5 B in  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  5 C  is an exploded side, cross-sectional enlarged view of region  5 C of  FIG.  5 B ; 
         FIG.  6 A- 6 C  comprise various lower perspective views of internal portions comprising ledges of a drip lockable release mechanism of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  6 D- 6 F  comprise various elevational perspective views of internal portions comprising ledges of a drip lockable release mechanism of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  6 A- 6 C ; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a partially exploded, top view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a partially exploded, side view of the drip manifold of  FIG.  1    illustrating a drip line coupling lockable release mechanism in a released position; 
         FIG.  7 C  is an enlarged view of region  7 C identified in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B ; 
         FIG.  7 D  is a simplified, flattened view of ledges and two two-part protrusions of a coupling of  FIG.  1    in a released position; 
         FIG.  7 E  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the interaction between an inner release cylinder and a ring of gripping teeth in the released position, shown together with a conduit; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a partially exploded, top view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a partially exploded, side view of the drip manifold of  FIG.  1    illustrating a drip line coupling lockable release mechanism in an intermediate position; 
         FIG.  8 C  is an enlarged view of region  8 C identified in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B ; 
         FIG.  8 D  is a simplified, flattened view of ledges and two two-part protrusions of a coupling of  FIG.  1    in an intermediate position; 
         FIG.  8 E  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the interaction between an inner release cylinder and a ring of gripping teeth in an intermediate position, shown together with a conduit; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a partially exploded, top view of the drip manifold shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a partially exploded, side view of the drip manifold of  FIG.  1    illustrating a drip line coupling lockable release mechanism in a locked position; 
         FIG.  9 C  is an enlarged view of region  9 C identified in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B ; 
         FIG.  9 D  is a simplified, flattened view of ledges and two two-part protrusions of a coupling of  FIG.  1    in a locked position; 
         FIG.  9 E  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the interaction between an inner release cylinder and a ring of gripping teeth in a locked position, shown together with a conduit; 
         FIG.  10    is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a drip manifold expansion unit; 
         FIG.  11    is an elevated perspective view of multiple drip manifold expansion units of  FIG.  10    coupled to the drip manifold of  FIG.  1    shown with various broken line representations of main lines and drip lines; 
         FIG.  12 A  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a seal that may be used with a drip line coupling; 
         FIG.  12 B  is an elevated perspective, cross-sectional view of the seal shown in  FIG.  12 A ; 
         FIG.  13 A  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a seal that may be used with a drip line coupling; 
         FIG.  13 B  is an elevated perspective, cross-sectional view of the seal shown in  FIG.  13 A ; 
         FIG.  14 A  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of a seal that may be used with a drip line coupling; 
         FIG.  14 B  is an elevated perspective, cross-sectional view of the seal shown in  FIG.  14 A ; and 
         FIG.  15    is an elevated perspective view of a hose end drip adapter. 
     
    
    
     In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or method. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the present disclosure are described below. It should be apparent that the teachings herein may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and that any specific structure, function, or both disclosed herein is merely representative. Based on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art should appreciate that an aspect disclosed herein may be implemented independently of any other aspects and that two or more of these aspects may be combined in various ways, even if not specifically illustrated in the figures. For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced, using any number of the aspects set forth herein whether disclosed in connection with a method or an apparatus. Further, the disclosed apparatuses and methods may be practiced using structures or functionality known to one of skill in the art at the time this application was filed, although not specifically disclosed within the application. 
     By way of introduction, the following brief definitions are provided for various terms used in this application. Additional definitions will be provided in the context of the discussion of the figures herein. As used herein, “exemplary” can indicate an example, an implementation, and/or an aspect, and should not be construed as limiting or as indicating a preference or a preferred implementation. Further, it is to be appreciated that certain ordinal terms (e.g., “first” or “second”) can be provided for identification and ease of reference and may not necessarily imply physical characteristics or ordering. Therefore, as used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first,” “second,” “third”) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not indicate priority or order of the element with respect to another element (unless explicitly stated otherwise), but rather distinguishes the element from another element having the same name (but for use of the ordinal term). In addition, as used herein, indefinite articles (“a” and “an”) can indicate “one or more” rather than “one.” As used herein, a structure or operation that “comprises” or “includes” an element can include one or more other elements not explicitly recited. Thus, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof signify “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, an operation performed “based on” a condition or event can also be performed based on one or more other conditions or events not explicitly recited. As used in this application, the terms “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “another embodiment,” or analogous language do not refer to a single variation of the disclosed subject matter; instead, this language refers to variations of the disclosed subject matter that can be applied and used with a number of different implementations of the disclosed subject matter. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     Different embodiments disclosed herein will be assigned reference numerals chosen from groups of one thousand. For example, a first embodiment may include numbers within the range 1000-1999, and a second embodiment may include numbers within the range 2000-2999. 
     Identical or similar parts will in the different embodiments include analogous numbers. For example, an arm in a first embodiment may be assigned reference numeral  1024 , while a similar or identical arm in the second embodiment will be assigned reference numeral  2024 . When an item or component is shown multiple times in a single figure, not all such instances of the item or component will be labeled with a reference numeral to avoid the undue proliferation of reference numerals. Likewise, when multiple figures are discussed as a group, items or components appearing multiple times in the group of figures will generally not all be labeled with reference numerals to avoid the undue proliferation of reference numerals. 
     When an item or component is present multiple times in a single figure and one or more of the items will be discussed separately, a suffix comprising a hyphen followed by a number (e.g., “−1”) may be used to identify individual instances of the item in the figures. For example, a figure may include a first arm  1024 - 1 , a second arm,  1024 - 2 , and third arm  1024 - 3 . All of the arms may be referred to generally as “arms  1024 ” (without a suffix), while the first arm may be referred to as a “first arm  1024 - 1 .” 
     In this application, the phrases “connected to,” “secured to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction and may also include integral formation. The phrase “attached to” refers to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached objects. The phrases “pivotally attached to” and “slidably attached to” refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motion. The term “integrally formed” refers to a component or item that is manufactured integrally, i.e., as a single piece, without requiring the assembly of multiple pieces. Multiple parts may be integrally formed with each other if they are formed from a single workpiece. 
     As used in this application, drip line couplings may engage with, for example, drip-type tubing (irrigation tubing including small openings for emitting water along the length of the tubing) or micro tubing (e.g., tubing of a smaller diameter than the main line conduits or tubing). By way of example only, in various embodiments, main line tubing may be ½ inch or ¾ inch tubing, while micro conduit or tubing may be ¼ inch or ⅛ inch tubing. Accordingly, as used in this application, the term “drip line” is not limited to drip-type tubing including small openings for emitting water along the length of the tubing. The drip line or main line tubing may be made, for example, of vinyl or polyethylene. 
     As used herein, “circumferentially intermediate” indicates that one item is between two other identified items along a circumference. 
     FIGS.  1 - 5 C 
       FIGS.  1 - 5 C  provide various views of a drip manifold  1000  and will be discussed concurrently. As illustrated in these figures, the drip manifold  1000  may comprise a first main line coupling  1010 - 1  and a second main line coupling  1010 - 2  and may include a first drip line coupling  1014 - 1  and a second drip line coupling  1014 - 2 . In various embodiments, the number of drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  and main line couplings  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Also, in embodiments, the drip manifold  1000  may include only a single main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  and may have an enclosed end opposite the single main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2 . Alternatively, for example, the body of the drip manifold may be in a Y-shaped configuration employing three main line couplings. As illustrated in these figures, the body of the manifold  1012  is linear in shape. In alternative embodiments, the body of the manifold may include, for example, a 90° or a 60° bend or may be Y-shaped, as mentioned above. 
     The number of drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  included with the drip manifold  1000  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, in various embodiments, only a single or ten drip line couplings are included with the drip manifold  1000 . 
     As illustrated, the first and second main line couplings  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  are designed for receiving a pressurized fluid from a main line  1090 - 1 ,  1090 - 2  (illustrated in  FIG.  11   ) which may optionally be larger in diameter than a drip line  1092 - 1 ,  1092 - 2 ,  1092 - 3 ,  1092 - 4 ,  1092 - 5 ,  1092 - 6  (illustrated in  FIG.  11   ). One or more drip lines  1092 - 1 ,  1092 - 2 ,  1092 - 3 ,  1092 - 4 ,  1092 - 5 ,  1092 - 6  may be coupled to the first and second drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2 . 
     With specific reference to  FIG.  3 B , each drip line coupling  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  comprises a drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2 . Each drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  (sometimes referred to as a “coupling body”) may comprise an axial dimension  1030  and a transverse dimension  1033 , as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B . Each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  may rotate with respect to and move along an axial dimension  1030  of a drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2 . Each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  (sometimes referred to as a “lockable release mechanism”) is in rotatable engagement with the drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  employing an inwardly projecting annular lip  1020  on a drip line coupling cap  1018 - 1 ,  1018 - 2  and an outwardly projecting annular lip  1022  on the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2 . As discussed below, rotation of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  may be limited, i.e., 360° rotation is not permissible in certain embodiments. 
     Each of the first and second main line couplings  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  may comprise a first and second main line coupling release mechanism  1028 - 1 ,  1028 - 2 , a main line coupling cap  1035 - 1 ,  1035 - 2 , a main line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1032 - 1 ,  1032 - 2 , a main line coupling support ring  1034 - 1 ,  1034 - 2 , and a main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2 . The main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  may engage with and seal to a conduit (e.g., a main line) disposed within the pertinent main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2 . The main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  comprises a radially inward disposed lip  1052 - 1 ,  1052 - 2  that enables the main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  to engage with conduits of various sizes. The main line coupling support ring  1034 - 1 ,  1034 - 2  supports the main line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1032 - 1 ,  1032 - 2 . 
     The main line coupling cap  1035 - 1 ,  1035 - 2  engages with the body of the manifold  1012  and may, for example, be adhered to the body of the manifold  1012  using various securing mechanisms or techniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, sonic welding, and/or spin welding. The main line coupling cap  1035 - 1 ,  1035 - 2  retains the main line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1032 - 1 ,  1032 - 2 , the main line coupling support ring  1034 - 1 ,  1034 - 2 , and the main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  within the main line coupling assembly recess  1038 - 1 ,  1038 - 2 . 
     The main line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1032 - 1 ,  1032 - 2  engage and retain a conduit within the pertinent main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2 . The main line coupling release mechanism  1028 - 1 ,  1028 - 2  is movable with respect to the body of the drip manifold  1012  along the axial dimension  1030  such that a main line coupling inner release cylinder  1036 - 1 ,  1036 - 2  may be pressed toward the body of the drip manifold  1012  and thereby dislodge the ring of gripping teeth  1032 - 1 ,  1032 - 2  from a conduit disposed in the main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2 , such that the conduit may be removed from the main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2 . The inner release cylinder  1036 - 1 ,  1036 - 2  may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be formed of a unitary piece or a plurality of pieces with optional gaps between the plurality of pieces (e.g., the inner release cylinder  1036 - 1 ,  1036 - 2  may comprise a series of elongate planar members around the perimeter of the cylindrical shape). The inner release cylinder  1036 - 1 ,  1036 - 2  may be surrounded by an outer wall  1069 - 1 ,  1069 - 2 . 
     Each of the drip line conduit couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  may include a drip line coupling cap  1018 - 1 ,  1018 - 2 , a drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 1 ,  1060 - 2  (including engaging ends  1061 , which comprise the ends of the teeth that engage a conduit), a drip line coupling support ring  1062 - 1 ,  1062 - 2 , and a drip line coupling seal  1064 - 1 ,  1064 - 2  (e.g., an O-ring seal). These components may be secured within a drip line coupling assembly recess  1066 - 1 ,  1066 - 2  using the drip line coupling cap  1018 - 1 ,  1018 - 2 . The drip line coupling cap  1018 - 1 ,  1018 - 2  may be adhered to the drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  using various techniques, such as adhesives, sonic welding, and spin welding. The drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 1 ,  1060 - 2  may sometimes be referred to as a “ring of gripping teeth”  1060 - 1 ,  1060 - 2 . 
     The drip line coupling support ring  1062 - 1 ,  1062 - 2  supports the drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 1 ,  1060 - 2 . The drip line coupling seal  1064 - 1 ,  1064 - 2  engages and seals a drip line disposed within the pertinent drip line coupling  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2 . 
     The drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  may be employed to release a conduit (e.g., a drip line) secured by the drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 1 ,  1060 - 2  using the drip line coupling inner release cylinder  1068 - 1 ,  1068 - 2 , which may be generally cylindrical in shape. The drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  may be pressed toward the body of the drip manifold  1012  to dislodge the drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 1 ,  1060 - 2  from an engaged conduit, thereby enabling the engaged conduit to be removed from the drip manifold  1000 . 
     The drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  may include a series of inwardly disposed ledges comprising a shallow ledge  1104 - 1  (which defines a shallow recess  1072 - 1 ), an intermediate ledge  1106 - 1  (which defines an intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ), and a deep ledge  1110 - 1  (which defines a deep recess  1080 - 1 ). The drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  will be discussed further in connection with subsequent figures. The ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1110 - 1  may be integrally formed or separately manufactured from the outer wall  1069 - 1 ,  1069 - 2  and/or inner release cylinder  1068 - 1 ,  1068 - 2 . 
     Each of the main line couplings and the drip line couplings enable insertion and removal of conduits (e.g., a main line conduit or a drip line conduit) without the use of adhesives or unique structures on the conduits (e.g., the conduits may have a generally smooth outer surface devoid of beads, ribs, or ridges) for engaging with the couplings. In addition, the body of the manifold  1012  may include centering inward protrusions  1057 . 
     The components of the main line couplings  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  and the drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  shown in these figures are merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the disclosure provided herein, the precise form and features of the components of these couplings may be varied. For example, a release mechanism may be distributed separately, i.e., the release mechanism is not attached or secured in any way to the drip manifold  1000 . Also, for example, the precise configuration of the ring of gripping teeth may be varied as well. 
     With specific reference to  FIG.  4   , each of the drip line coupling bodies  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  may include a two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4 . The two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  engage with the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2 , as will be explained subsequently. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , each drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  may comprise a pair of two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  disposed on opposite sides of the drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2 . Each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  includes an axial portion  1048 - 1  generally parallel to an axial dimension  1030  of the drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2 , a transverse portion  1050 - 1 ,  1050 - 2  generally perpendicular to the axial portion  1048 - 1 , and a locking lip  1054 - 1 . The axial portion  1048 - 1  comprises an axial edge  1042 , the transverse portion  1050 - 1 ,  1050 - 2  comprises a transverse edge  1044  and an inclined face  1046  and the locking lip  1054 - 1  comprises a lip edge  1056 . As used herein the term “generally perpendicular,” in various embodiments, signifies within plus or minus 15° of being perfectly perpendicular. As used herein the term “generally parallel,” in various embodiments, signifies within plus or minus 15° of being perfectly parallel. In addition, when an item is “extending along” a particular dimension, in various embodiments, this signifies that the item is within 15° of extending perfectly along the identified dimension. It should also be noted that the number of two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  on each drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, in alternative variations, each drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  may include one, three, or four two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS.  1 - 5 C , each of the first main line coupling  1010 - 1 , second main line coupling  1010 - 2 , body of the manifold  1012 , first drip line coupling  1014 - 1 , and second drip line coupling  1014 - 2  are in fluid communication with one another. 
     FIGS.  6 A- 6 F 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 F , various views of internal portions of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  are provided with an outer wall  1069 - 1 ,  1069 - 2  of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  omitted for illustrative purposes. The outer wall  1069 - 1 ,  1069 - 2  of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  may be integrally formed or may be formed separately and secured or coupled to the internal portions of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2 . 
     As indicated above, each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  comprises a series of inwardly disposed ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2 . In various embodiments, the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  on each drip line coupling  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  may comprise a first and a second shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2  (each of which define a shallow recess  1072 - 1 ,  1072 - 2 ), a first and a second intermediate ledge  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2  (each of which define an intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2 ), and a first and a second deep ledge  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  (each of which define a deep recess  1080 - 1 ,  1080 - 2 ) and a first and second intermediate ledge stop  1112 - 1 ,  1112 - 2 . A released position stop  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2  is positioned circumferentially intermediate each adjacent shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2  and deep ledge  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2 . A locked position stop  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2  is positioned circumferentially intermediate each adjacent intermediate ledge  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2  and shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 . The released and locked position stops  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2 ,  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2  limit rotation of each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  with respect to a coupled drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2 . 
     It should be noted that, as illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 F , each set of ledges  1110 - 1 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1104 - 1  (i.e., a deep ledge  1110 - 1 , an intermediate ledge  1106 - 1 , and a shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ) is identical or similar but rotated a certain number of degrees (i.e., rotation about a central point by 180 degrees) with respect to another set of ledges  1110 - 2 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1104 - 2  to allow simultaneous engaging of, for example, both two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  on a single drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2  in a locked position  1300 , a released position  1100 , and an intermediate position  1200 . This simultaneous engagement allows the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  to be more securely retained in each position. It should also be noted that the number of ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  and two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter, to allow for, simultaneous engaging of, for example, one or more two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  per drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2 . In various embodiments, there is a 3-to-1 ratio of ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  to two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4 . Of course, other ratios may be implemented within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. 
     Each of the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  may comprise opposing ends  1105 , only a few of which are labeled in  FIG.  6 A- 6 D  to avoid the undue proliferation of reference numerals. 
     Each of the stops  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2 ,  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2  disclosed herein may comprise, for example, an edge, protuberance or other shape that engages with a two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  and limits movement of a lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  with respect to a coupling body  1016 - 1 ,  1016 - 2 . 
     FIG.  7 A- 7 E 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 E  illustrate each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  in a released position  1100 . In  FIG.  7 A- 7 C , a first drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1  is shown in an exploded view (separated from the first drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ), while a second drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  is shown disposed on the drip line coupling body  1016 - 2  in the released position  1100 .  FIG.  7 D  is a simplified, flattened view of the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  and two-part protrusions  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  of a drip line coupling  1014 - 2  of  FIG.  1    in a released position  1100 .  FIG.  7 E  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the relative position of an inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  relative to a ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 2  in the released position  1100 , shown together with a conduit  1015 . 
     In the released position  1100 , the axial portion  1048 - 1 ,  1048 - 2  of each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  is disposed within the deep recess  1080 - 1 ,  1080 - 2  formed by each deep ledge  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2 . The transverse portion  1050 - 1 ,  1050 - 2  of each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  is disposed within each corresponding deep recess  1080 - 1 ,  1080 - 2  and intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2 . As illustrated, each locking lip  1054 - 1 ,  1054 - 2  may abut a corresponding intermediate ledge  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2  and may be disposed within the corresponding intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2 . In the released position  1100 , the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  may be positioned and moved along the axial dimension  1030  within a drip line coupling body  1016 - 2  toward the body of the drip manifold  1012  such that the drip line coupling inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  may be interposed and dislodge the engaging ends  1061  of the drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 2  from a coupled conduit  1015 , as illustrated in  FIG.  7 E . Please note that in the illustrated embodiment, each released position stop  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2  limits rotation of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  in a counterclockwise direction  1051  when the two-part protrusion  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  abuts the released position stop  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2 . In alternative embodiments, the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  could be arranged in a reverse order such that each released position stop  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2  limits rotation of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  in a clockwise direction  1053  when the two-part protrusion  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  abuts the released position stop  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2 . 
     FIGS.  8 A- 8 E 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  illustrate each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  in an intermediate position  1200  (a position intermediate a released position  1100  and a locked position  1300 ). In  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , the first drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1  is shown in an exploded view (separated from the first drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ), while the second drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  is shown disposed on the second drip line coupling body  1016 - 2  in the intermediate position  1200 .  FIG.  8 D  is a simplified, flattened view of the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  and two two-part protrusions  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  of a drip line coupling  1014 - 2  of  FIG.  1    in an intermediate position  1200 .  FIG.  8 E  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the relative position of an inner release cylinder  1068 - 1  relative to a ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 1  in an intermediate position  1200 , shown together with a conduit  1015 . 
     In the illustrated intermediate position  1200 , the axial portion  1048 - 1 ,  1048 - 2  of each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  is disposed within a deep recess  1080 - 1 ,  1080 - 2  formed by each deep ledge  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  and the intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2  formed by each intermediate ledge  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 . A transverse portion  1050 - 1 ,  1050 - 2  of each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  is disposed within a corresponding deep recess  1080 - 1 ,  1080 - 2 , intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2  and shallow recess  1072 - 1 ,  1072 - 2 . As illustrated, each locking lip  1054 - 1 ,  1054 - 2  is disposed within a corresponding shallow recess  1072 - 1 ,  1072 - 2  and abuts or is proximate the shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 . In the illustrated intermediate position  1200 , movement of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  along the axial dimension  1030  toward the body of the drip manifold  1012  is limited because of contact between the shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2  and the locking lip  1054 - 1 ,  1054 - 2 , and the drip line inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  is not disposed between the engaging ends  1061  of the drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 2  and a coupled conduit  1015  (i.e., the drip line inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  is not radially inward with respect to the engaging ends  1061  of the drip line ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 2 ), as illustrated in  FIG.  8 C- 8 E . In the intermediate position  1200 , each axial portion  1048 - 1 ,  1048 - 2  may be positioned at various locations within the intermediate recesses  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2  until the two-part protrusions  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  are positioned within a corresponding locked position  1300 , as discussed below in connection with  FIGS.  9 A- 9 E . When moving from the released position  1100  to the intermediate position  1200 , the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  is rotated in a clockwise direction  1053 . It should be noted that the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  could be configured in a reverse order such that movement of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  in a counterclockwise direction  1051  could transition from a released position  1100  to a locked position  1300 . 
     FIGS.  9 A- 9 E 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 E  illustrate each drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  in a locked position  1300  (a position in which each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  engages a corresponding one of the shallow recesses  1072 - 1 ,  1072 - 2 ). In  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C , the first drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1  is shown in an exploded view (separated from the first drip line coupling body  1016 - 1 ), while the second drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  is shown disposed on the second drip line coupling body  1016 - 2  in the locked position  1300 .  FIG.  9 D  is a simplified, flattened view of the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  and two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  of a drip line coupling  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  of  FIG.  1    in a locked position  1300 .  FIG.  9 E  is a simplified cross-sectional view illustrating the relative position of an inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  to a ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 2  in a locked position  1300 , shown together with a conduit  1015 . 
     In the locked position  1300 , the axial portion  1048 - 1 ,  1048 - 2  of each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  is disposed within a corresponding intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 02  formed by a corresponding intermediate ledge  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 . Each axial portion  1048 - 1 ,  1048 - 2  may abut or be proximate a corresponding locked position stop  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2 . The transverse portion  1050 - 1 ,  1050 - 2  of each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  is disposed within a corresponding shallow recess  1072 - 1 ,  1072 - 2  and intermediate recess  1076 - 1 ,  1076 - 2 . As illustrated, each locking lip  1054 - 1 ,  1054 - 2  is disposed within an adjacent deep recess  1080 - 1 ,  1080 - 2  (e.g., a second deep recess  1080 - 2 ) and abuts or is proximate a released position stop  1102 - 1 ,  1102 - 2  such that each two-part protrusion  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2  engages a shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2  to retain the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  in the locked position  1300 . In the locked position  1300 , movement of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  along the axial dimension  1030  toward the body of the drip manifold  1012  is limited because of contact between each shallow ledge  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2  and each transverse portion  1050 - 1 ,  1050 - 2  such that the drip line coupling inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  may not be interposed and dislodge the engaging ends  1061  of the drip line coupling ring of gripping teeth  1060 - 2  from a coupled conduit  1015  (i.e., the engaging ends  1061  are spaced apart from the drip line coupling inner release cylinder  1068 - 2  by a distance  1055  along the axial dimension  1030 ), as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 C- 9 E . This is helpful to prevent inadvertent removal of the drip line conduit  1015  from the drip manifold  1000 . As indicated above, each locked position stop  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2  limits rotation of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  in a clockwise direction  1053  when the axial portion  1048 - 1 ,  1048 - 2  of the two-part protrusion  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  is rotated and abuts the locked position stop  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2 . It should be noted that the ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 1 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  could be configured in a reverse order such that each locked position stop  1108 - 1 ,  1108 - 2  limits rotation of the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 2  in a counterclockwise direction  1051 . 
     It should be noted that the mechanisms described in connection with the drip line coupling lockable release mechanism  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  illustrated in the figures and described herein are merely illustrative. For example, the shape and number of the various ledges  1104 - 1 ,  1104 - 2 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1106 - 2 ,  1110 - 1 ,  1110 - 2  and two-part protrusions  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter to achieve the same function and operation disclosed herein. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a drip manifold expansion unit  2000 . The drip manifold expansion unit  2000  may be identical or similar to the drip manifold  1000  (illustrated, for example in  FIG.  1   ) except that an engaging extension  2004  is used in place of the first main line coupling  1010 - 1  or the second main line coupling  1010 - 2  of the drip manifold  1000  shown in  FIG.  1   . As a result, the common features will not be discussed again in connection with  FIG.  10   . The engaging extension  2004  is sized and shaped such that it may be received into and secured to a main line coupling  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  of an adjacent drip manifold  1000  or another drip manifold expansion unit  2000 , as illustrated in  FIG.  11   . 
     FIG.  11   
     With reference to  FIG.  11   , a drip manifold  1000  is illustrated with a first drip manifold expansion unit  2000 - 1  secured to the drip manifold  1000 , and a second drip manifold expansion unit  2000 - 2  secured to the first drip manifold expansion unit  2000 - 1 . Of course, the number of expansion units  2000 - 1 ,  2000 - 2  that may be used with a drip manifold  1000  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, no drip manifold expansion units  2000  may be employed or 12 drip manifold expansion units  2000 - 1 ,  2000 - 2  may be employed. Also, on a main line  1090 - 1 ,  1090 - 2 , a number of different groups of manifold units (a drip manifold  1000  optionally with one or more drip manifold expansion units  2000 - 1 ,  2000 - 2 ) may be employed periodically within the main line  1090 - 1 ,  1090 - 2 , such as every 10 feet or at irregular intervals, to facilitate customization of the positioning of drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2 . Thus, by securing and/or releasing various manifold expansion units  2000 - 1 ,  2000 - 2  using the previously described release mechanisms  1028 - 1 ,  1028 - 2 , a drip irrigation system may be customized. This customization may take place not just at the time of the initial construction of the system but, as desired, throughout the life of the system. 
     FIGS.  12 A- 14 B 
       FIG.  12 A- 14 B  illustrate various embodiments of seals  1064 - 1 ,  3300 ,  1026 - 1  that may be used as, for example, a drip line coupling seal  1064 - 1  or a main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 . The first embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , is an O-ring seal  1064 - 1 . The O-ring seal  1064 - 1  may be made of a resilient material, such as rubber or another polymer. 
     The second embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B , comprises a seal  3300  with an inwardly projecting lip  3302 . The inwardly projecting lip  3302  accommodates variation in the outer diameter of an engaged conduit within the coupling and may also accommodate some shifting of the engaged conduit within the coupling and still maintains a fluid-tight seal. The inward radial dimension of the inwardly projecting lip  3302  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. 
     The third embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIGS.  14 A- 14 B , of the seal  1026 - 1  comprises a seat protrusion  1406 , an outward protrusion  1404 , and a radially inward disposed lip  1052 - 1 . The seat protrusion  1406  may engage with an annular recess, in which the seal  1026 - 1  may be positioned. The outward protrusion  1404  may engage with, for example, a support ring  1034 - 1 ,  1034 - 2  or another structure situated adjacent to the seal  1026 - 1 . The radially inward disposed lip  1052 - 1 , as with the inwardly projecting lip  3302 , enables a fluid tight seal to be maintained even when there is variation in the outer diameter of an engaged conduit or the positioning of the engaged conduit. The inward radial dimension of the radially inward disposed lip  1052 - 1  may be varied within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. 
     FIG.  15   
       FIG.  15    is an elevated perspective view of a hose end drip adapter  4000 . The hose end drip adapter  4000  comprises a hose coupling  4002  (i.e., a hose end coupling) and a drip line coupling  1014 . The hose coupling  4002  may comprise, for example, a threaded connector or a push-fit connector. The drip line coupling  1014  may include, by way of example only, the embodiments of the drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  illustrated and disclosed in the specification and figures herein. 
     It should be noted that the seals  1064 - 1 ,  1064 - 2 ,  3300 ,  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  disclosed and shown in this application are merely examples of the type of seals  1064 - 1 ,  1064 - 2 ,  3300 ,  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  that may be used. For example, a drip line coupling  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  may employ a seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  of the type shown in connection with the main line coupling seal  1026 - 1 ,  1026 - 2  and vice versa. Also, the O-ring seal  1064 - 1 ,  1064 - 2  illustrated in the drip line coupling  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  as a circular cross-sectional shape (that is, in the shape of a torus). Seals of different cross-sectional shapes may be employed, such as a disc-shaped seal having a central opening. 
     The body of the manifold  1012  and various components of the manifold  1000  may be made for example of ABS, another type of polymer or even metal. The drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2  disclosed herein may be incorporated into a manifold  1000  or other type of irrigation component, such as fittings (tees, elbows, etc.), valves, filters, pressure regulators, emitters, and adapters. 
     The lockable release mechanisms  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  and two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  disclosed herein may be incorporated into other types of irrigation line couplings besides drip line couplings  1014 - 1 ,  1014 - 2 . For example, lockable release mechanisms  1024 - 1 ,  1024 - 2  and two-part protrusions  1040 - 1 ,  1040 - 2 ,  1040 - 3 ,  1040 - 4  may be incorporated into main line couplings  1010 - 1 ,  1010 - 2  or other types of irrigation line couplings. When used in this broader sense, the term “irrigation line coupling” (in plural or singular form) will be used in place of “drip line coupling” (in plural or singular form), and the term “irrigation manifold” (in plural or singular form) will be used in place of “drip manifold” (in plural or singular form). 
     The previous description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.