Patent Description:
Air seeders are commonly towed by an agricultural tractor, to apply a material such as seed, fertilizer and/or herbicide to a field. An air seeder includes a wheeled air cart which includes one or more frame-mounted tanks for holding material. In the case of multiple tanks, the tanks can be separate tanks, or a single tank with internal compartments. The air cart is typically towed in combination with a tilling implement, such as an air drill, one behind the other, to place the seed and fertilizer under the surface of the soil. Air seeders include a metering system for dispensing material from the tanks and a pneumatic distribution system for delivering the material from the tanks to the soil. A centrifugal fan provides at least one airstream which flows through the pneumatic distribution system. Material is first introduced to the air stream by the metering system at a primary distribution manifold located below the metering system. The tanks of the air seeders are formed with bottom surfaces that slope downward for the granular material to move toward the metering system. Gravity, in combination with the vibrations and movement of the air seeder, act to move the granular material from the perimeter of the tank toward the metering system located at the center of the tank. Material is carried by the air stream through distribution lines to a series of secondary distribution manifolds, which in turn distribute the material through distribution lines to seed boots mounted behind ground openers on the tilling implement so that the product may be evenly delivered to the ground which is tilled by the tilling implement.

For initial hookup of the air seeder, the traction unit is typically backed up to and coupled with the tilling implement, which in turn is backed up to and coupled with the air cart (e.g., by using respective hitch pins or the like, and assuming that the air cart is behind rather than in front of the air drill). All necessary hydraulic lines, air lines, electrical power lines and/or electrical data lines are then connected between the traction unit, tilling implement and air cart.

Regarding air lines, it will be appreciated that it is desirable to provide connections which are quick and easy to connect, while at the same time provide an effective fluid seal. With air seeders becoming ever larger, the number of air lines and thus the number of air line connections between the tilling implement and the air cart correspondingly increases, making the need for quick and easy air line connections even more important. One type of connection for an air line is a hose clamp however hose clamps have several downsides. One downside is that the hose clamps require labor to individually handle and assemble them. Moreover occasionally the air line becomes plugged with seed material and the hose clamp must be removed to enable access to the air line and the plug. Another downside is that during use of the air line, hose clamps are subject to a severe environment leading to corrosion, stress corrosion, cracking, and binding of the lead screw due to high friction under which the hose clamps are employed. Hose clamps also require a special tool to remove the hose clamp from the air line. In some applications the hose lines in which the hose clamps are clamping are prone to air leakage which leads to inefficiency and possible loss of granular product. Other connections include O-rings to seal the hose lines but these applications are often difficult to install.

Larger air seeders result in more air lines and more air line connections, requiring that the pneumatic distribution system run under a higher operating pressure. This higher operating pressure also mandates that the fluid line connections must be effectively sealed to prevent excess system air leakage. Moreover a larger air seeder results in a larger number of air lines and air line connections thereby requiring more labor to assemble or disassemble and remove the hose clamps which is costly and inefficient use of time.

What is needed in the art is an air seeder with air line connections which are quick and easy to connect, while providing an effective fluid seal.

<CIT> Al discloses an agricultural air seeder that includes a tilling implement having a plurality of air lines. An air cart is coupled with the tilling implement, and includes a pneumatic distribution system with a plurality of air lines. A plurality of air line connections respectively interconnect between an air line associated with the tilling implement and an air line associated with the air cart. Each air line connection has a female connector and a male connector. Each female connector has an inside diameter with an annular groove, and a seal disposed within the annular groove. The male connector is positioned within the female connector and sealed with the seal. Other similar fluid line connections for pneumatic seeders are known from <CIT> and <CIT>. General fluid line connections of the same kind, in which the groove comprises a retaining portion at the end for a more secure locking, are known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

The invention aims to propose an improved and more secure connection by means of a fluid line connection with the features of claim <NUM>. In one embodiment, the groove includes a first groove portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the female connector to connect with a second groove portion that extends laterally from the first groove portion. In one refinement of this embodiment, the groove includes a third groove portion that extends along the longitudinal axis to connect with the second groove portion.

In one embodiment, the female connector has an outer surface that includes a plurality of engagement features.

In one embodiment, further comprising: a fitting connector configured to retain a primary tube thereon, the fitting connector configured for assembly with the female connector; and a locking ring configured to attach to the female connector and retain the fitting connector with the female connector. In one refinement of this embodiment, the female connector and the locking ring each include a plurality of threads to threadingly engage each other.

In one embodiment, further comprising: a primary tube having an outside diameter configured to assemble with the inside diameter of the female connector.

In one embodiment, further comprising: a sealing member positioned on an outer surface of the male connector, wherein the sealing member is configured to engage and form a second seal with the inside diameter of the female connector.

In one embodiment, further comprising: wherein the female connector includes a second internal retention mechanism opposite the groove; and a primary tube having an outside engagement mechanism configured to assemble with the second internal retention mechanism of the female connector to fluidly connect the primary tube to the male connector.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a fluid line connection for a pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural air seeder, the fluid line connection comprising: a female connector having an inside diameter has an internal retention mechanism; a male connector configured for assembly with the female connector, the male connector having an external tab configured to engage the internal retention mechanism and retain the male connector to the female connector to form a seal when the male connector is assembled with the female connector; a fitting connector configured to retain a primary tube thereon, a portion of the fitting connector received in the female connector; and a locking ring configured to attach to the female connector and retain the fitting connector with the female connector.

In a further example, the female connector and the locking ring each include a plurality of threads to threadingly engage each other.

In a further example, the internal retention mechanism includes a first groove portion that extends along a longitudinal axis of the female connector to connect with a second groove portion that extends laterally from the first groove portion.

In a further example, the second groove portion includes a locking feature, and the external tab includes a receiver configured to retain the locking feature therein.

According to another example of the present disclosure, a fluid line connection for a pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural air seeder, the fluid line connection comprising: a male connector having a plurality of threads on an exterior surface, the plurality of threads of the male connector configured to engage a plurality of threads on a locking ring to retain the male connector to the locking ring to form a seal; a fitting connector configured to retain a primary tube thereon, the fitting connector having an engagement feature sized to assemble with the locking ring; and a locking ring having a plurality of threads and a receiving portion on an interior surface, the receiving portion configured to receive the engagement feature of the fitting connector therein to retain the fitting connector with the locking ring, and the plurality of threads of the locking ring configured to engage the plurality of threads on the male connector.

In a further example, a length of each of the plurality of threads on the male connector is less than a circumference of the male connector, each of the plurality of threads having a planar portion that extends between a ramp portion and a stop portion, and a length of each of the plurality of threads on the locking ring corresponds to the length of each of the plurality of threads on the male connector.

In a further example, the fitting connector includes a plurality of barbs configured to retain the primary tuber thereon.

In a further example, the fitting connector includes a split end connector having a length sufficient to support the primary tube from bending movement.

Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several view. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the novel invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> is a partial, side schematic view of an agricultural vehicle, and more particularly an air seeder <NUM>. Air seeder <NUM> includes an air cart <NUM> which is towed by a tilling implement <NUM> with a portion of a rear hitch <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The tilling implement <NUM> is an air drill but can be configured differently in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the tilling implement <NUM> includes a planter and the air cart <NUM> can be used to refill mini-hoppers on the planter. Air cart <NUM> can also include a rear hitch allowing air cart <NUM> to be towed in front of, rather than behind, tilling implement <NUM>.

Air cart <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> which in turn includes front wheels <NUM>, rear wheels <NUM>, tank <NUM>, blower <NUM>, and auger <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the tank <NUM> includes three separate mini-tanks or compartments 24A, 24B, and 24C with each mini-tank or compartment containing a material that is to be deposited or placed into the soil. Some materials include seed, fertilizer, insecticide, and herbicide. Each mini-tank or compartment 24A, 24B, and 24C has a top lid <NUM> that can be opened to fill the mini-tanks 24A, 24B, and 24C with material and then closed.

Air cart <NUM> includes a pneumatic distribution system <NUM> for delivering the air-entrained materials to the soil where trenches or rows have been formed by the tilling implement <NUM>. Pneumatic distribution system <NUM> includes a metering system <NUM>, blower <NUM> and a plurality of air lines <NUM>. The metering system <NUM> dispenses material from the tanks 24A, 24B, and 24C into a manifold <NUM> and then the manifold <NUM> directs the product into one of multiple conveyance tubes <NUM> and from there the product is conveyed to the air seeder <NUM> via a plurality of air lines <NUM>. Although the illustrated embodiment includes three air lines <NUM>, it is contemplated that a corresponding amount of air lines <NUM> as conveyance tubes <NUM> would be implemented.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the conveyance tubes <NUM> extend to and terminate at a fluid line connection <NUM> for coupling with the manifold <NUM>. One form of the fluid line connection <NUM> includes a female connector <NUM> and a male connector <NUM> assembled together. The female connector <NUM> is assembled onto the male connector <NUM> such as being rotatingly assembled with the male connector <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> can be a part of or monolithic with the manifold <NUM> as illustrated, or can be a separate part that is attached to the manifold <NUM> in another embodiment.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, one form of the female connector <NUM> is illustrated. The female connector <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a length L1 that spans between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The female connector <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> that includes a plurality of engagement features <NUM> near the first end <NUM>. In other forms, the engagement features <NUM> can be placed near the second end <NUM> or in the mid-portion of the female connector <NUM>. The plurality of engagement features <NUM> include a plurality of ridges <NUM> between a plurality of troughs <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> also includes one or more visual indicators <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The visual indicator <NUM> indicates a locked position and a direction in which to rotate the female connector <NUM> to lock the female connector <NUM> with the male connector <NUM>. The visual indicator <NUM> indicates an unlocked position for the female connector <NUM> and a direction in which to rotate the female connector <NUM> to unlock and disassemble the female connector <NUM> from the male connector <NUM>. The visual indicator <NUM> is an arrow that corresponds with a groove <NUM> on the inside surface <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> wherein the visual indicator <NUM> indicates where to align the groove <NUM> with an external tab <NUM> on the male connector <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) to more easily assemble the female connector <NUM> with the male connector <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> also includes one or more wrench grooves <NUM> configured to receive a wrench head in the event the female connector <NUM> is not easily rotated about the male connector <NUM>.

The female connector <NUM> has an inside surface <NUM> with one or more grooves <NUM> thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the inside surface <NUM> includes three grooves <NUM> thereon. In other form, there may be more or less of the grooves <NUM> on the inside surface <NUM>. The female connector <NUM> has an inside diameter that forms and defines the inside surface <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, only one of the grooves <NUM> will be described as the remaining grooves <NUM> are the same or substantially similar. The groove <NUM> includes a first groove portion <NUM> that extends along a longitudinal axis of the female connector from the first end <NUM> to connect with a second groove portion <NUM> that extends at an angle from the first groove portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is about <NUM> degrees such that the second groove portion <NUM> extends laterally from the first groove portion <NUM>.

In the illustrated form, the groove <NUM> includes a locking feature <NUM> that extends away from the surface of the groove <NUM>. The locking feature <NUM> is positioned in the second groove portion <NUM> for engagement with the external tab <NUM> wherein the external tab <NUM> includes a receiver <NUM> that is configured to retain the locking feature <NUM> therein. The external tab <NUM> also includes a ramp groove <NUM> configured to guide the locking feature <NUM> into the receiver <NUM> when the male connector <NUM> is assembled with the female connector <NUM>.

The inside surface <NUM> also includes one or more threads or second internal retention mechanism <NUM> to threadingly engage with threads <NUM> on a corresponding end of the male connector <NUM> or threads on a primary tube <NUM> having an outside diameter configured to assemble with the inside diameter of the female connector <NUM>.

The male connector <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The male connector <NUM> is configured for assembly with the female connector <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a length L2 that spans between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> has an outside diameter configured to assemble with the inside diameter of the female connector <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> that includes one or more external tabs <NUM> near the first end <NUM>. There are a corresponding number of external tabs <NUM> as there are grooves <NUM> as the external tabs <NUM> are configured to engage the grooves <NUM> to retain the male connector <NUM> to the female connector <NUM> to form a seal when the male connector <NUM> is assembled with the female connector <NUM>. In the illustrated form, there are <NUM> of the external tabs <NUM> and <NUM> of the grooves <NUM>. The external tabs <NUM> are sized and shaped to slide along the first groove portion <NUM> as the first end <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> is pushed onto the second end <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. As the female connector <NUM> is rotated about the male connector <NUM>, the external tab <NUM> slides from the first groove portion <NUM> along the second groove portion <NUM>.

As discussed above, the external tab <NUM> includes the receiver <NUM> that is configured to retain the locking feature <NUM> therein of the female connector <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the receiver <NUM> is circular in shape but may be configured differently in other forms. The external tab <NUM> also includes a ramp groove <NUM> configured to guide the locking feature <NUM> into the receiver <NUM> when the male connector <NUM> is assembled with the female connector <NUM>.

The male connector <NUM> also includes a plurality of threads <NUM> at or near the second end <NUM> wherein the plurality of threads <NUM> are sized to engage with the plurality of threads <NUM> on the inside surface <NUM> of the female connector <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> includes an inside surface <NUM> having an inside diameter for air flow or product flow.

In one form, one or more O rings or other types of sealing members <NUM> are positioned on the plurality of threads <NUM> for engaging the inside surface <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> to form a seal to retain fluid pressure and material. Other types of sealing members <NUM> can include triple lip or wiper seals, to name a few. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that other types of sealing members not specifically mentioned can be used as well.

Turning now to <FIG>, another form of a female connector <NUM> not according to the invention is illustrated. Female connector <NUM> is similar to female connector <NUM> in many aspects, unless noted otherwise. The female connector <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> that includes a plurality of engagement features <NUM> near a first end <NUM> that are similar to engagement features <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> also includes a plurality of threads <NUM> that are similar to threads <NUM>. The plurality of threads <NUM> are configured to threadingly engage a locking ring, described below.

Female connector <NUM> has an inside surface <NUM> with one or more grooves <NUM> thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the inside surface <NUM> includes three grooves <NUM> thereon. In other forms, there may be more or less of the grooves <NUM> on the inside surface <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is very similar to the groove <NUM>. For the sake of brevity, only one of the grooves <NUM> will be described as the remaining grooves <NUM> are the same or substantially similar. The groove <NUM> includes a first groove portion <NUM> that extends along a longitudinal axis of the female connector <NUM> from a first end <NUM> to connect with a second groove portion <NUM> that extends at an angle from the first groove portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is about <NUM> degrees such that the second groove portion <NUM> extends laterally from the first groove portion <NUM>. The groove <NUM> includes a third groove portion <NUM> that extends along the longitudinal axis to connect with the second groove portion <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, another form of a male connector <NUM> not according to the invention is illustrated. Male connector <NUM> is similar to male connector <NUM> in many aspects, unless noted otherwise. The male connector <NUM> is configured for assembly with the female connector <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. The male connector <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> that includes one or more external tabs <NUM> near the first end <NUM> or near a mid-portion of the male connector <NUM>. There are a corresponding number of external tabs <NUM> as there are grooves <NUM>. The external tabs <NUM> are configured to engage the grooves <NUM> to retain the male connector <NUM> to the female connector <NUM> to form a seal when the male connector <NUM> is assembled with the female connector <NUM>. In the illustrated form, there are three external tabs <NUM> and three grooves <NUM>. The external tabs <NUM> are sized and shaped to slide along the first groove portion <NUM> as the first end <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> is pushed onto the second end <NUM> of the male connector <NUM>. The external tab <NUM> is substantially round but could be shaped differently in other embodiments. As the female connector <NUM> is rotated about the male connector <NUM>, the external tab <NUM> slides from the first groove portion <NUM> along the second groove portion <NUM>. The female connector <NUM> is then pushed further onto the male connector <NUM> and the external tab <NUM> slides along the third groove portion <NUM>.

The male connector <NUM> also includes a plurality of threads <NUM> at or near the second end <NUM> wherein the plurality of threads <NUM> are sized to retain one or more O rings or other types of sealing members <NUM> for engaging the inside surface <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> to form a seal. Other types of sealing members <NUM> can include double lip, triple lip, or wiper seals, to name a few. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that other types of sealing members not specifically mentioned can be used as well. The male connector <NUM> also includes an inside surface <NUM> having an inside diameter to fluidly connect with a primary tube <NUM> as described below.

Turning now to <FIG>, two of the female connectors <NUM> are assembled with two of the male connectors <NUM> with a primary tube <NUM> therebetween in the first embodiment. Although the female connector <NUM> and male connector <NUM> are illustrated, it is possible that the female connector <NUM> and the male connector <NUM> can be used. The primary tube <NUM>, the female connectors <NUM>, and the male connectors <NUM> have a combined total length when assembled to span between two manifolds <NUM>.

The primary tube <NUM> includes an outside engagement mechanism configured to assemble with the second internal retention mechanism <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> to fluidly connect the primary tube <NUM> to the male connector <NUM>. In the second embodiment, the two female connectors <NUM> have been unassembled or disassembled from the male connectors <NUM> with the primary tube <NUM> therebetween. To remove the two female connectors <NUM>, the connectors <NUM> are rotated and then slid inboard or towards each other on the primary tube <NUM>. In <FIG>, the primary tube <NUM> along with the two female connectors <NUM> are removed from the male connectors <NUM> to expose the inside diameter or inside surface <NUM> of the male connectors <NUM>. Beneficially by exposing the inside surface <NUM> of the male connectors <NUM> enables unplugging of any material that has plugged the air lines.

The steps are reversed to re-assemble the primary tube <NUM>, the female connectors <NUM>, and the male connector <NUM>. First the primary tube <NUM> and female connectors <NUM> are aligned with the male connectors <NUM>. Next the female connectors <NUM> are pushed onto the male connectors <NUM> until the external tab <NUM> slides along the first groove portion <NUM> to the second groove portion <NUM>. The female connector <NUM> is then rotated such that the external tab <NUM> slides along the second groove portion <NUM>. The female connector <NUM> is then pushed further onto the male connector <NUM> and the external tab <NUM> slides along the third groove portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side perspective view of one embodiment of another embodiment of a fluid line connection <NUM> including the female connector <NUM> assembled with a locking ring <NUM> and a barbed fitting connector <NUM>. The barbed fitting connector <NUM> is configured to retain a flexible hose thereon (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, the barbed fitting connector <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a length that spans between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The barbed fitting connector <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> that includes a plurality of engagement features <NUM> near the first end <NUM>. In other forms, the engagement features <NUM> can be placed near the mid-portion of the barbed fitting connector <NUM>. The plurality of engagement features <NUM> include a plurality of threads <NUM>. The second end <NUM> including a portion of the barbed fitting connector <NUM> is received in the female connector <NUM>.

The locking ring <NUM> is configured to attach to the female connector <NUM> and retain the barbed fitting connector <NUM> with the female connector <NUM>. In particular, the locking ring <NUM> includes a plurality of threads (not illustrated) on an interior diameter that are configured to threadingly engage the plurality of threads <NUM> of the female connector <NUM> to retain the locking ring <NUM> on the female connector <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> can be configured differently in other embodiments to connect with the female connector <NUM> and retain the barbed fitting connector <NUM> to the female connector <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, additional forms of fluid line connections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are illustrated. Each of a conveyance or primary tube <NUM> extends to and terminates at each of the fluid line connections <NUM> and <NUM> for coupling with a manifold <NUM>. Each of a flexible conveyance or primary hose or tube extends to and terminates at each of the fluid line connections <NUM> for coupling with the manifold <NUM>. The conveyance or primary tubes <NUM> that extend between the fluid line connections <NUM> cannot travel axially and are trapped between the respective manifolds <NUM>. The conveyance or primary tubes <NUM> that extend between the fluid line connections <NUM> can travel axially between the respective manifolds <NUM>. Further details regarding the connectivity between the conveyance or primary tubes <NUM> and the fluid line connections <NUM> and <NUM>, and flexible conveyance or primary hose or tubes and the fluid line connections <NUM>, are discussed below.

<FIG> includes the manifold <NUM> with the fluid line connections <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> assembled therewith for illustrative purposes. In an assembled configuration for operation of the agricultural vehicle, the manifold <NUM> would include the same type of fluid connections for a single side as illustrated in <FIG>.

The fluid line connection <NUM> includes a fitting connector <NUM>, a male connector <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>), and a locking ring <NUM> that are assembled together. The fitting connector <NUM> is assembled with the locking ring <NUM>, and thereafter the assembled fitting connector <NUM> and locking ring <NUM> is assembled onto the male connector <NUM> such as being rotatingly assembled with the male connector <NUM>.

The fitting connector <NUM> is a tube configured to receive the conveyance or primary tube or hose <NUM> therein (not illustrated) and retain the conveyance or primary tube or hose <NUM> between the respective manifolds <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting connector <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a length that spans between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The fitting connector <NUM> has a smooth outer surface <NUM> that includes an engagement feature or lip <NUM> near the first end <NUM>. The engagement feature or lip <NUM> is a ring that extends around the outer surface <NUM> and is sized fit within the locking ring <NUM>.

The locking ring <NUM> is configured to attach to the male connector <NUM> and retain the fitting connector <NUM> with the conveyance or primary tube <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> on an interior surface <NUM> that are configured to threadingly engage a plurality of threads <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> to retain the locking ring <NUM> on the male connector <NUM>. The plurality of threads <NUM> extend for a portion of the circumference of the interior surface <NUM> wherein the interior surface <NUM> has a smooth surface or wall between two groups of the plurality of threads <NUM>. As such, the plurality of threads <NUM> are intermittent threads. The length of the plurality of threads <NUM> corresponds to the length of a plurality of threads <NUM> on the male connector <NUM> to matingly engage one another. The locking ring <NUM> can be configured differently in other embodiments to connect with the male connector <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> includes a receiving portion <NUM> on the interior surface <NUM> that is sized to receive the engagement feature or lip <NUM> of the fitting connector <NUM> therein.

The male connector <NUM> can be a part of or monolithic with the manifold <NUM>, or can be a separate part that is attached to the manifold <NUM> in another embodiment. The male connector <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> that extend for a portion of the circumference of an exterior surface <NUM>. The plurality of threads <NUM> can include a full thread or partially thread configuration as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates one form of the plurality of threads <NUM>. In this form, each of the plurality of threads <NUM> includes a ramp portion <NUM>, a planar portion <NUM>, and a stop portion <NUM>. The ramp portion <NUM> extends to the planar portion <NUM>, and the planar portion <NUM> extends to the stop portion <NUM>. The ramp portion <NUM> is a tapered portion as compared to the planar portion <NUM> of the threads <NUM>. The stop portion <NUM> extends perpendicularly to the planar portion <NUM>. As the locking ring <NUM> is rotated about the male connector <NUM>, the plurality of threads <NUM> engage and slide along the ramp portions <NUM> of the plurality of threads <NUM>. As the locking ring <NUM> continues to rotate about the male connector <NUM>, the plurality of threads <NUM> engage and start to slide along the planar portions <NUM> until ends of the plurality of threads <NUM> reach the stop portions <NUM> of the threads <NUM> which thereby limit movement or rotation of the locking ring <NUM> about the male connector <NUM>.

To assemble the fluid line connection <NUM>, the engagement feature or lip <NUM> of the fitting connector <NUM> is inserted into the receiving portion <NUM> of the locking ring <NUM>. The fitting connector <NUM> and locking ring <NUM> slide onto or receive the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> between a pair of manifolds <NUM>. The opposite end portion of the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> is received similarly with another fitting connector <NUM> and another locking ring <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> rotates about the male connector <NUM> such that the plurality of threads <NUM> engage the plurality of threads <NUM> to retain the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> and conveyance or primary tube <NUM> therewith. To fully assemble the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM>, the rotation of the locking ring <NUM> is between about <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, and in one form about <NUM> degrees. After assembly, the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> cannot move axially due to being trapped between the pair of manifolds <NUM>.

To disassemble the fluid line connection <NUM>, the locking ring <NUM> rotates about the male connector <NUM> such that the plurality of threads <NUM> disengage from the plurality of threads <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> slide along the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> to disengage from the male connector <NUM>. The conveyance or primary tube <NUM> with the locking ring <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> can then be removed from the male connector <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> can then slid off or otherwise removed from the conveyance or primary tube <NUM>.

Illustrated in <FIG>, is the fluid line connection <NUM> which includes a split end connector <NUM>, a male connector <NUM>, and a locking ring <NUM> that are assembled together. The split end connector <NUM> is assembled with the locking ring <NUM>, and thereafter the assembled split end connector <NUM> and locking ring <NUM> are assembled onto the male connector <NUM> such as being rotatingly assembled with the male connector <NUM>.

The split end connector <NUM> includes a clamp or other mechanism <NUM> to retain the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> with the split end connector <NUM>. The split end connector <NUM> is configured to receive a portion of the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> therein. The split end connector <NUM> has a length that is sufficient to support and constrain the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> from axial or bending movement however the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> can travel axially.

To assemble the fluid line connection <NUM>, the split end connector <NUM> is inserted into the receiving portion <NUM> of the locking ring <NUM>. The split end connector <NUM> and locking ring <NUM> slide onto or receive the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> between the pair of manifolds <NUM>. The opposite end portion of the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> is received similarly with another split end connector <NUM> and another locking ring <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> rotates about the male connector <NUM> such that the plurality of threads <NUM> engage the plurality of threads <NUM> to retain the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM> and the split end connector <NUM> and the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> therewith. To fully assemble the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM>, the rotation of the locking ring <NUM> is between about <NUM> to <NUM> degrees, and in one form about <NUM> degrees. The clamp mechanism <NUM> is engaged to retain the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> in the split end connector <NUM>. After assembly, the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> can move axially between the pair of manifolds <NUM>.

To disassemble the fluid line connection <NUM>, the clamp mechanism <NUM> is released and the locking ring <NUM> rotates about the male connector <NUM> such that the plurality of threads <NUM> disengage from the plurality of threads <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> and the split end connector <NUM> slide along the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> to disengage from the male connector <NUM>. The conveyance or primary tube <NUM> with the locking ring <NUM> and the split end connector <NUM> can then be removed from the male connector <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> and the split end connector <NUM> can then slide off or otherwise be removed from the conveyance or primary tube <NUM>.

The fitting connector <NUM> is a tube configured to receive the conveyance or primary tube or hose <NUM> therein (not illustrated) and retain the conveyance or primary tube or hose <NUM> between the respective manifolds <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting connector <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM> and a length that spans between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The fitting connector <NUM> has a barbed or ribbed outer surface <NUM> that extends to an engagement feature or lip <NUM> near the first end <NUM>. The barbed or ribbed outer surface <NUM> is configured to receive and retain an end of a flexible hose thereon. The engagement feature or lip <NUM> is a ring that extends around the outer surface <NUM> and is sized fit within the locking ring <NUM>.

The locking ring <NUM> is configured to attach to the male connector <NUM> and retain the fitting connector <NUM> with the conveyance or primary tube <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> on an interior surface <NUM> that are configured to threadingly engage a plurality of threads <NUM> of the male connector <NUM> to retain the locking ring <NUM> on the male connector <NUM>. The plurality of threads <NUM> extend around the circumference of the interior surface <NUM>. The length of the plurality of threads <NUM> corresponds to the length of a plurality of threads <NUM> on the male connector <NUM> to matingly engage one another. The locking ring <NUM> can be configured differently in other embodiments to connect with the male connector <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> includes a receiving portion <NUM> on the interior surface <NUM> that is sized to receive the engagement feature or lip <NUM> of the fitting connector <NUM> therein.

The male connector <NUM> can be a part of or monolithic with the manifold <NUM>, or can be a separate part that is attached to the manifold <NUM> in another embodiment. The male connector <NUM> includes a plurality of threads <NUM> that extend around the circumference of an exterior surface <NUM>. The plurality of threads <NUM> are a fully threaded configuration but may be a partially threaded configuration in other embodiments such as the plurality of threads <NUM>.

To assemble the fluid line connection <NUM>, the engagement feature or lip <NUM> of the fitting connector <NUM> is inserted into the receiving portion <NUM> of the locking ring <NUM>. The fitting connector <NUM> and locking ring <NUM> slide onto or receive an end portion of the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> between a pair of manifolds <NUM>. The opposite end portion of the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> is received similarly with another fitting connector <NUM> and another locking ring <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> rotates about the male connector <NUM> such that the plurality of threads <NUM> engage the plurality of threads <NUM> to retain the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> and conveyance or primary tube <NUM> therewith to fully assemble the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM>. Rotation of the locking ring <NUM> can be between <NUM> degrees or less and <NUM> degrees of turning to lock the locking ring <NUM> onto the male connector <NUM>. After assembly, the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> cannot move axially due to being trapped between the pair of manifolds <NUM>.

To disassemble the fluid line connection <NUM>, the locking ring <NUM> rotates about the male connector <NUM> such that the plurality of threads <NUM> disengage from the plurality of threads <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> slide along the conveyance or primary tube <NUM> to disengage from the male connector <NUM>. The conveyance or primary tube <NUM> with the locking ring <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> can then be removed from the male connector <NUM>. The locking ring <NUM> and the fitting connector <NUM> can then slide off or otherwise be removed from the conveyance or primary tube <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A fluid line connection (<NUM>) for a pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural air seeder, the fluid line connection comprising:
a female connector (<NUM>) having an inside diameter with a groove (<NUM>); and
a male connector (<NUM>) configured for internal assembly with the female connector, the male connector having an engagement mechanism in the form of an external tab (<NUM>) configured to engage the groove and retain the male connector to the female connector to form a seal when the female connector is rotatingly assembled with the male connector; and
characterized in that the groove (<NUM>) includes a locking feature (<NUM>) that extends away from the surface of the groove, and the external tab includes a receiver (<NUM>) configured to retain the locking feature therein and the external tab includes a ramp groove (<NUM>) configured to guide the locking feature into the receiver when the female connector is assembled with the male connector.