GB2516711A

GB2516711A - A swivel coupling and apparatus comprising said swivel coupling

Info

Publication number: GB2516711A
Application number: GB1403033.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Garth Cairns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-02-20
Filing date: 2014-02-20
Publication date: 2015-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-20
Also published as: GB201403033D0; GB2516711B

Abstract

A coupling comprises relatively rotatable first coupling member 1 and a second coupling member 2, the coupling also comprising a seal member 12 between the coupling members 1 & 2 to provide a seal between the first and second coupling members. The coupling preferably includes a releasable clamp 3, which may comprise two channel parts hinged together. The seal 12 preferably comprises an outer collar (121, fig 1b) and an angled sealing lip (126, fig 1b) preferably angled at 37 degrees to the outer collar. The coupling may be used in an apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry.

Description

A SWIVEL COUPLING AND AN APPARATUS COMPRISING SAID SWIVEL COUPLING

The present invention relates to a swivel coupling and the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising said swivel coupling. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a swivel and tail assembly comprising said coupling; and to an apparatus comprising said swivel and tail assembly.

A known joint is included in a number of apparatuses for transporting, delivering and distributing or spreading slurry. The known joint consists of joint members which are fixedly connected to each other and comprises a number of ball bearings. When slurry is being pumped under high pressure (which can be up to about 17 bar) through this known joint, the joint becomes clogged and then seizes completely, preventing any flow of slurry through the joint, after a period of 2-3 months of use. This then involves intensive labour by a trained operated who can open the joint, access the ball bearings and clean each ball bearing to remove the accumulated thickened slurry. In addition, the joint may be prone to leakage with slurry becoming accumulated around the outside of the joint. The need for a skilled operator to open and clean the known joint has involved huge expense necessitated to clean and return the joint to an operational capability. Bearing in mind that the apparatus incorporating this known joint may be used by a contractor or farmer who needs to carry out a job, time is also of the essence and the time consuming nature of requiring a skilled operator to attend to this task has incurred time and expense for all involved.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with known joints included in machinery for transporting, distributing and spreading slurry.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a coupling comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member being insertable into the second coupling member and being rotatably moveable relative to the second coupling member; the coupling also comprising a seal member adapted to be engaged between the first coupling member and the second coupling member whereby in use, the seal member is adapted to be pressed against one of the coupling members so as to securely provide a seal between the first and second coupling members.

The coupling of the present invention has the advantage that the coupling members can be turned through an arc or rotated relative to each other thereby enabling flexibility of use of the coupling and enabling alternative directing of outlet piping from the coupling that was heretofore, not possible.

Preferably, one of the first and second coupling members comprises a recess which defines a seat for the seal member such that in use, as fluid is pumped under pressure through the coupling, the seal member is urged into sealing engagement with one of the coupling members so as to provide the secure seal between the first and second coupling members.

Ideally, the coupling also comprises a releasable clamp adapted for releasably locking the first and second coupling members together with the sealing member located in position between the first and second coupling members. This has the significant advantage of allowing easy access to the inside of the coupling which facilitates ready opening of the coupling to carry out any clearing of slurry from the seal or from the first and second coupling members that may be required due to build up of clumped slurry or dried-in slurry that might tend to cause a blockage. The access to the inside of the coupling can be carried out by readily opening a fastening means provided on the clamp and this can be carried out by a user without needing a skilled operator to attend to this task.

The first coupling member preferably comprises an annular collar portion and a neck portion having a tapered shoulder.

Preferably, an inner wall of the first coupling member comprises a stepped profile with a plurality of channels. Ideally, at least one of the channels is adapted to receive the sealing member when the coupling is in use.

The coupling is ideally configured such that at least a portion of one of the first and second coupling members is inserteably engageable in one of the other of the first and second coupling members. Conveniently, the first coupling member is in the form of a female member which is sealingly engageable with the second coupling member which includes the male member.

The second coupling member is preferably provided with an indent at a wall portion of the inner wall.

Ideally, the dimensions of the outer wall of the portion of the second coupling member that is inserteably engageable in the first coupling member and the dimension of the inner wall of the corresponding portion of first coupling member are such that, in use, when at least a portion of the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the male member of the second coupling member abuts the sealing member and the sealing member presses against the male member. The coupling is adapted to provide an effective seal even under relatively high pressure ( eg more than 10 Bar) of fluid ( eg slurry) being pumped through the coupling, when in use, with the sealing member being urged even further into sealing engagement with the second coupling member when fluid under pressure is being pumped through the coupling.

Preferably, the sealing member comprises an outer collar having a wall defining an inner wall; and the sealing member also comprises a sealing lip.

The sealing lip ideally has a tapering wall and is provided at an angle of within the range of approx 25 to 50 degrees between the tapering wall and the inner wall of the outer collar. The angle is preferably within the range 33-45 degrees; and most preferably, an angle of about 37 degrees is provided between the tapering wall and the inner wall of the outer collar.

The sealing member is preferably formed from a polymeric material such as rubber or a Polyurethane material. The material from which the sealing member is formed thus has some degree of resilience such that it is capable of forming an effective seal when the sealing lip of the sealing member is urged against the coupling member when in use.

The coupling advantageously provides control means for controlling a direction of flow, the control means is provided by the rubber sealing member where the sealing lip is in behind the first coupling member and is not directly inhibited by high velocity liquid running past the seal i.e. the liquid flows into the male member first and then through and out from the female portion provided by the first coupling member. This configuring of the coupling to provide control over direction of flow is advantageous for use in operating an apparatus transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, comprising the coupling. Examples of such apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry are provided in the accompanying drawings and discussed herein below.

The releasably closeable clamp included in the coupling preferably comprises at least one channel profile having a side wall and a channel wall, the releasably closeable clamp being adapted to engage over at least a portion of each of the first and second coupling members such that in use, when the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the clamp is closed so as to securely but releasably lock the first and second coupling members together.

Advantageously, the first coupling member comprises a rim collar and the second coupling member comprises a respective collar whereby, in use, when the clamp is located over the rim collar of the first coupling member 1 and over the collar of the second coupling member and the clamp is closed and locked in the closed position so as to securely engage the first and second coupling members together.

In one preferred embodiment, the releasably closeable clamp is formed of two channel profiles and wherein the two channel profiles are releasably secured together such that when the locking means is opened, the two channel profiles of the clamp can be opened relative to each other to enable access to the first and/or the second coupling members.

The releasably closeable clamp advantageously comprises a hingedly closeable clamp having at least one hinge the two channel profiles can be opened relative to each other to enable access to the first and/or the second coupling members.

In one embodiment, the coupling also includes at least one flange connected to one of the first and second coupling members.

In another embodiment, the coupling comprises two flanges, one flange provided on the first coupling member and another flange provided on the second coupling member, each of the flanges being fixedly connected to the respective first coupling member or second coupling member whereby, in use, the flanges enable the respective first and second coupling members to be easily gripped by a user and turned relative to each other.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the apparatus comprising the coupling of the present invention.

In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a swivel and tail assembly comprising the coupling of the present invention, the swivel and tail assembly being adapted for spreading and/or distributing slurry; and in a further aspect, the present invention also provides an apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, including said swivel and tail assembly comprising the coupling of the present invention.

The coupling of the present invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings in which are shown, by way of example only, one embodiment of the coupling of the present invention and also in which are shown an embodiment of a swivel and tail assembly comprising the coupling of the present invention as well as a number of apparatuses comprising said coupling.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the coupling of the present invention, (shown in an embodiment without any flanges); Figure la is a perspective view of the assembly parts of the coupling of Figure 1 including the first and second members of the coupling and the seal; Figure lb is a cross sectional view of a section of the assembled coupling showing the location of a sealing member and first and second coupling members in the assembled coupling; Figure ic is a cross sectional view of the assembled coupling showing the location of a sealing member and first and second coupling members in the assembled coupling; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the coupling including the two flanges which are fixedly attached to the respective first and second members of the coupling; Figure 2a is a perspective view of the assembly parts of the coupling of Figure 2 including the first and second members of the coupling and the seal; Figure 2b is a cross sectional view of a section of the assembled coupling showing the location of a sealing member and first and second coupling members in the assembled coupling; Figure 3 shows the first coupling member (female member) of the coupling; Figure 3a is a perspective view of the first coupling member; Figure 3b is a plan view of the first coupling member; Figure 3c is a side view of the first coupling member; and Figure 3d is a cross sectional view of the first coupling member; Figure 4 shows the second member (male member) of the coupling; Figure 4a is a perspective view of the second coupling member; Figure 4b is a plan view from underneath the second coupling member; Figure 4c is a plan view from above the second coupling member; Figure 4d is a side view of the second coupling member; and Figure 4e is a cross sectional view of the second coupling member; Figure 5 shows the sealing member adapted for location between the first member and second member; Figure 5a is a perspective view of the sealing member; Figure 5b is a plan view of the sealing member; Figure Sc is a side view of the sealing member; and Figure Sd is a cross sectional view of the sealing member; Figure 6 shows a clamp channel segment that is included in a clamp adapted for securely connecting together the first and second members of the coupling; Figure 6a is a perspective view of the clamp channel segment; Figure Sb is a side view of the clamp channel segment; and Figure 6c is a view from the front of the clamp channel segment; Figure 7a is a perspective view of a clamp hinge; Figure 7b is a side view of a clamp hinge which is included in the clamp; Figure Sa is a perspective view of one of two flanges included in the coupling (the other flange may have the same features or alternatively may be in the form of the second flange show in Figure 12); Figure 8b is a plan view of the flange; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a hose swivel and tail of a dribble bar apparatus specifically adapted and configured for spreading slurry (the dribble bar apparatus is shown in Figure 16; and the swivel and tail assembly is also shown included in the apparatus in Figs 17 and 19) Figure 9a is a perspective view of the assembly parts of the coupling of Figure 9 including the first and second members of the coupling and the seal; Figure 9b is a cross sectional view of a section of the coupling included in the swivel and tail assembly, and shows the location of a sealing member and first and second coupling members in the assembled coupling; Figure ba is a perspective view of the second flange which is included in the coupling when incorporated in the swivel and tail assembly of the slurry spreading apparatus; Figure lOb is a perspective view of the second flange which is included in the coupling when incorporated in the swivel and tail assembly of the slurry spreading apparatus; Figure 11 shows a collar included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 1 la is a perspective view of the collar included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 11 b is a plan view of the collar; and Figure lic is a side view of the collar; Figure 12a is a perspective view of the bauer included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 12b is a side view of the bauer included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 13a is a perspective view of one of the plurality of rods included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 13b is a side view of one of the plurality of rods included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 13c is a plan view of one of the plurality of rods included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 14a is a perspective view of an end ring included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Fig 14b is a plan view of the elongate material that forms the ring shown in Fig 14a -(Fig 14b shows the elongate material before it has been formed into a hoop/ring); Fig 14c is a cross sectional view of the ring shown in Fig 14a; Figure 15a is a perspective view of a gusset included in the swivel and tail assembly shown in Figures 9 and 9a; Figure 15b is a plan view of the gusset of Figure iSa; Figure 16a shows a dribble bar slurry spreading apparatus incorporating the coupling of the present invention; Figure 1Gb is a perspective view of the swivel and tail assembly included in the encircled portion of Figure 16a and incorporating the coupling of the present invention; Figure 17a shows a dribble bar slurry spreading apparatus incorporating the coupling of the present invention; Figure 17b is a perspective view of the swivel and tail assembly included in the encircled portion of Figure 17a and incorporating the coupling of the present invention; Figure 18a is a perspective view of a slurry tanker for transporting and delivering and spreading slurry and incorporating the coupling of the present invention; Figure 18b is a perspective view of the portion of the slurry tanker shown encircled in Figure 18a; Figure 19a is a perspective view of a swivel and tail on the apparatus for spreading slurry shown in Fig 19a and incorporating the coupling of the present invention; Figure 19b is a perspective view of the portion of the slurry spreading apparatus shown encircled in Figure iGa.

Figure 20a is a perspective view of an apparatus for delivering and spreading slurry, and which incorporates two of the couplings of the present invention; Figure 20b is a perspective view of the portion of the swivel and tail assembly shown in the apparatus at the portions encircled in circle indicated by the letter B in Figure 20a; Figure 20c is a perspective view of the portion of the swivel and tail assembly shown in the apparatus at the portion encircled in the circle indicated by the letter C in Figure 20a; Figure 21a is a perspective view of another apparatus for delivering and spreading slurry, known as a jet spreader; and which incorporates two of the couplings of the present invention; Figure 21b is a perspective view of the portion of the swivel and tail assembly shown in the apparatus at the portions encircled in circle indicated by the letter B in Figure 21a; Figure 21c is a perspective view of the portion of the swivel and tail assembly shown in the apparatus at the portion encircled in the circle indicated by the letter C in Figure 21a; Figure 22a is a perspective view of another apparatus for delivering and spreading slurry; and which incorporates two of the couplings of the present invention; Figure 22b is a perspective view of the portion of the swivel and tail assembly shown in the apparatus of Fig 22a at the portions encircled in circle indicated by the letter B in Figure 22a; Figure 22c is a perspective view of the portion of the swivel and tail assembly shown in the apparatus of Fig 22a at the portion encircled in the circle indicated by the letter C in Figure 22a; Figure 23a is a perspective view of another apparatus for and delivering and spreading slurry and incorporating the coupling of the present invention; and Figure 23b is a perspective view of the portion of the apparatus shown encircled in Figure 23a.

Referring to the drawings, the coupling of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

Referring initially to Figures 1, la, lb and ic, the coupling of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 50 and comprises a first coupling member 1 and a second coupling member 2. The coupling also comprises a sealing member 12 and a releasably closeable clamp such as a hingedly closeable clamp 3. The releasably closeable clamp is adapted to engage over at least a portion of each of the first and second coupling members such that in use, when the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the clamp is closed so as to securely but releasably lock the first and second coupling members together.

The first coupling member 1 is shown in detail in Fig 3 and comprises an annular collar portion 101, a neck portion 105 having a tapered shoulder 107 leading to a rim collar 108.

The inner wall 106 of the first coupling member 1 are profiled as shown especially in Fig 3a and 3d. The inner wall of the first coupling member 1 comprises a stepped profile with respective channels 102, 103 and a relatively deeper channel 104 compared with the channels 102, 103. The channel 104 is adapted to receive the sealing member 12 when the coupling is in use as shown in Fig ic and this will be described in more detail herein below.

The second coupling member 2 is shown in detail in Figure 4 and comprises a male member 201, a collar 202, neck 203 and a collar 204. The inner wall profile is shown in Fig 4e and there is an indent provided at wall portion 205 of the inner wall 206.

The first coupling member 1 is preferably in the form of a female member which is sealingly engageable with the second coupling member 2 which includes male member 201. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first coupling member 1 rotates relative to the fixed second coupling member 2 (which carries a male member adapted to be engaged in the first coupling member 1).

The sealing member indicated generally by reference numeral 12 is shown in detail in Fig 5. The sealing member 12 comprises an outer collar 121 having a wall 122; and also comprises a sealing lip 126. The sealing lip 126 has a tapering wall 125 and is provided at an angle relative to the inner wall of the outer collar 121 as indicated by the reference letter T in Fig Sd. The angle T between the tapering wall 125 and the inner wall of the outer collar 121 is of an angle size within the range of approx 25 to 50 degrees; preferably within the range 33-45 degrees; and, as shown in Fig Sd, most preferably, an angle of 37 degrees is provided between the tapering wall 125 and the inner wall of the outer collar 121. The sealing member 12 is preferably formed from a polymeric material such as rubber or a Polyurethane material.

Thus, the sealing member 12 is adapted to be sealingly engaged in the channel 104 of the first coupling member 1, which functions as a seat for the sealing member 12, as shown in Fig ic, when the coupling is in use.

The dimensions of the outer wall of the male member 201 of the second coupling member 2 and the dimensions of the inner wall 106 of the corresponding portion of first coupling member 1 are such that the male member 201 can be inserted into the female first coupling member 1, in abutment with the seal member 12 which is located in the seat (channel 104) of the first coupling member. Combined with a degree of resilience in the material in the sealing member 12 that is located between the first and second members, this provides for a small amount of lateral movement or "slack" between the first and second members 1,2 when clamped together and, in use, this "slack" facilitates ease of turning of the first and second members relative to each other. The tolerance on the dimensions of each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member is + or - 0.5mm. There can only be such a small tolerance because there needs to be a tight seal provided when the first and second coupling members and the sealing member and the clamp are assembled so as to ensure that when the pressure at which the slurry is being pumped through the coupling 50 reaches more than 10 bar, that the coupling 50 is sealed effectively so as to avoid any leakage of the slurry being pumped under pressure, out from the coupling 50. If the male member of the second coupling member 2 is made any smaller than 0.5 mm tolerance of its predetermined size relative to the sizing of the first coupling member 1, then there is a risk of leakage of the slurry out from the closed clamp 3 of the coupling 50. However, if the male member is sized such that the distance between the inner wall of the second coupling member and the outer wall of the first coupling member is greater than 0.5 mm, then it is impossible to assemble the coupling even when using lubricant on the seal and with some force applied to push the first and second coupling members together. Trying to assemble the coupling 50 in this way, with the male member sized greater than 0.5mm of its predetermined dimensions, results in the seal member being damaged due to the force required to try to urge the first coupling member into the second coupling member and the sealing member 12 would not adequately provide a seal under pressures greater than 10 bar. Accordingly, the tolerance of the dimensions of both the first and second coupling members cannot be vary by more than 0.5mm or the above defects are experienced.

Referring now to Figs 6 and 7, the hingedly closeable clamp 3 with hinges 4 is shown in more detail. The hinged clamp 3 comprises two channel profiles having side walls 301, and front wall portions 303, 304 and a channel wall 305. The hingedly closeable clamp 3 is formed of two channel profiles and hinges 4. Each hinge 4 comprises a wall 401 and an aperture 402.

In use, when the clamp 3 is located over the rim collar 108 of the first coupling member 1 and over the collar 202 of the second coupling member 2 and the clamp is closed and locked in the closed position so as to securely engage the first and second coupling members 1,2 together. The channel wall 305 engages with the rim collar 108 of the first coupling member 1 and over the collar 202 of the second coupling member 2 urging the respective rim collar 108 and collar 202 together and holding them securely together. The hingedly closeable clamp 3 can be locked, as shown in Fig 1, by a releasable fastening means such as a bolt and screw as shown in the assembly components in Fig la.

Referring now to Figure 8, a flange 5 is shown. In one embodiment as shown in Fig 2, the coupling 50 also includes two flanges 5 and the coupling in that embodiment is indicated generally by reference numeral 51. The assembly of the flanged coupling 51 is shown in Figures 2a and 2b and the flanged coupling 51 comprises the first coupling member 1, second coupling member 2, sealing member 12 and hinged clamp 3 (with hinges 4) as already described above in relation to coupling 50).

The use of the coupling 50, 51 will now be described and in particular, the use of the sealing member 12 will also be described in use to seal the coupling 50, 51.

In use, the clamp 3 is located over the rim collar 108 of the first coupling member 1 and over the collar 202 of the second coupling member 2 and the clamp is closed and locked in the closed position so as to securely engage the first and second coupling members 1,2 together. The channel wall 305 engages with the rim collar 108 of the first coupling member 1 and over the collar 202 of the second coupling member 2 urging the respective rim collar 108 and collar 202 together and holding them securely together. The hingedly closeable clamp 3 is locked, as shown in Fig 1 and Fig ic, by a releasable fastening means such as a bolt and screw. As shown especially in Fig 3a and 3d, the inner wall 106 of the first coupling member 1 comprises a stepped profile with respective channels 102, 103 and a relatively deeper channel 104 compared with the channels 102, 103. The relatively deeper channel 104 is adapted to sealingly engage the wall 122 of the outer collar 121 of the sealing member 12 when the coupling is in use, as shown in Fig ic. The sealing lip 126 provided on the tapering wall 125 sealingly and engagingly, contacts and presses against the male member 201 of the second coupling member 2. In use, when fluid under relatively high pressure, up to 17 bar, is pumped through the coupling 50, 51, the sealing lip 126 and tapering wall 125 are urged even more against the surface of the male member 201 so that the sealing lip 126 and tapering wall 125 are pressed even more against the male member 201 such that, in use, the sealing effect that is provided by the arrangement of the sealing member 12 seated in the channel 104 of the first coupling member 1 and with the sealing lip 126 and tapering wall 125 urged against the male member 201 of the second coupling member 2, is increased in use, so that an effective seal is provided between the first and second coupling members 1,2.

The coupling 50, 51 is configured to provide control over direction of flow, this is related to the rubber sealing member 12 where the lip is in behind the female part and is not directly inhibited by high velocity liquid running past the seal -e.g. the liquid flows into the male member 201 first and then through and out from the female end.

Referring now to Figure 9, a swivel and tail assembly is shown generally indicated by reference numeral 900 in which the flanged coupling 51 is included. As indicated hereinabove, the flanged coupling 51 is the same as the coupling 50 except that flanges 5 are included in the flanged coupling 51. The same reference numerals are used to refer to each component of the coupling 50 and the flanged coupling 51 since all the components are the same except for the inclusion of the flanges 5 in the coupling 51. Each of the flanges 5 is fixedly connected to the respective first coupling member or second coupling member and the flanges 5 enable the respective first and second coupling members to be easily gripped by a user and turned relative to each other.

Referring in particular to Figs 9a and 9b, and to Figs 10 to 15 inclusive, in one embodiment, the specific details of one embodiment of the swivel coupling and tail assembly 900 incorporating the coupling 51 are as follows:

Part QUANTITY DESCRIPTION Preferred

ref dimensions no. 1 1 First coupling member provided, in this embodiment, in the form of a 4 l37DiaX6O

___ _________ INCH_HOSE_MILD STEELSWIVEL BOSS __________

2 1 Second coupling member in this embodiment in the form of a mild steel 107X138 male coupling member 3 2 Clamp provided as a 3OX15X4MM CHANNEL CLAMP 209 4 6 Clamp hinge provided as a 5MM CLAMP HINGE 42X19 1 Flange provided as an 8mm SWIVEL FLANGE WITH 14MM BORE X6 2SODia 6 1 Second flange provided as 8MM SWIVEL FLANGE 2SODia 7 1 A collar provided in the form of a 114.3X6OX6MM STEEL CHS 114.3DiaX6O 8 1 Bauer provided as a 4 INCH WELD ON FEMALE BAUER COUPLING 164X50 9 3 A plurality of rods provided as three 25MM BAR 400 1 End ring formed from a 16MM BAR 896 11 3 Gusset adjacent the collar; gusset provided in the form of a 5MM 55X35

___ _________ GUSSET __________

12 1 Sealing member provided as a 5 INCH HOSE SWIVEL RUBBER SEAL 120 Dia x17 The swivel coupling and tail assembly 900 comprises the first and second coupling members 1, 2, the sealing member 12, and also including the flange indicated by reference numeral 6 in Fig 10; the collar indicated generally by reference numeral 7 in Fig 11; collar gusset indicated generally by reference numeral 11 in Fig 15; bauer indicated generally by reference numeral 8 in Fig 12; plurality of rods indicated generally by reference numeral 9 in Fig 13; and end ring indicated generally by reference numeral 10 in Fig 14.

The flange indicated by reference numeral 6 in Fig 10 comprises flange body 601 and an aperture 602.

The collar indicated generally by reference numeral 7 in Fig 11 comprises a wall 700 and rim 701.

The female bauer indicated generally by reference numeral 8 in Fig 12 comprises a mouth 801, arcuate wall portion 802, sloped wall portion 803 and rim 804 with lip 805.

The collar gusset indicated generally by reference numeral 11 in Fig 15 comprises a wall 111 and an arcuate side wall 112 adapted to fit onto the collar 7.

The swivel and tail assembly 900 of the present invention has the advantage that the because of the coupling member 50 included in the swivel and tail assembly 900, the respective coupling members 1, 2 of the swivel and tail assembly 900 can be turned through an arc or rotated relative to each other thereby enabling flexibility of use of the coupling and enabling alternative directing of outlet piping from the coupling that was heretofore, not possible.

Referring to Figs 16 to 23, apparatuses 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220 and 230 all include the coupling 50 or 51 or the swivel and tail assembly 900 which in turn includes the coupling 50 and provide significant advantages as already indicated above.

The coupling is configured to provide control over direction of flow; this is related to the rubber seal where the lip is in behind the female part and is not directly inhibited by hi velocity liquid running past the seal -eg the fluid (eg slurry) flows into the male member first then through and out from the first coupling member (ie the female coupling).

It will of course be understood that aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that additions and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended Claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A coupling comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member being insertable into the second coupling member and being rotatably moveable relative to the second coupling member; the coupling also comprising a seal member adapted to be engaged between the first coupling member and the second coupling member whereby in use, the seal member is adapted to be pressed against one of the coupling members so as to securely provide a seal between the first and second coupling members.
2. A coupling as claimed in Claim 1 wherein one of the first and second coupling members comprises a recess which defines a seat for the seal member such that in use, as fluid is pumped under pressure through the coupling, the seal member is urged into sealing engagement with one of the coupling members so as to provide the secure seal between the first and second coupling members.
3. A coupling as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the coupling also comprises a releasable clamp.
4. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the first coupling member comprises an annular collar portion and a neck portion having a tapered shoulder.
5. A coupling as claimed in Claim 4 wherein an inner wall of the first coupling member comprises a stepped profile with a plurality of channels.
6. A coupling as claimed in Claim 5 wherein at least one of the channels is adapted to receive the sealing member when the coupling is in use.
7. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein at least a portion of one of the first and second coupling members is inserteably engageable in one of the other of the first and second coupling members.
8. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the second coupling member is provided with an indent at a wall portion of the inner wall.
9. A coupling as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the first coupling member is in the form of a female member which is sealingly engageable with the second coupling member which includes the male member.
10. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the second coupling member comprises a male member for insertion in the first coupling member.
11. A coupling as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the dimensions of the outer wall of the portion of the second coupling member that is inserteably engageable in the first coupling member and the dimension of the inner wall of the corresponding portion of first coupling member are such that, in use, when at least a portion of the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the male member of the second coupling member abuts the sealing member and the sealing member presses against the male member.
12. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the sealing member comprises an outer collar having a wall defining an inner wall; and also comprises a sealing lip.
13. A coupling as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the sealing lip has a tapering wall and is provided at an angle of within the range of approx 25 to 50 degrees between the tapering wall and the inner wall of the outer collar.
14. A coupling as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the angle is preferably within the range 33-45 degrees; and most preferably, an angle of about 37 degrees is provided between the tapering wall and the inner wall of the outer collar.
15. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the sealing member is formed from a polymeric material such as rubber or a Polyurethane material.
16. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the releasably closeable clamp comprises at least one channel profile having a side wall and a channel wall, the releasably closeable clamp being adapted to engage over at least a portion of each of the first and second coupling members such that in use, when the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the clamp is closed so as to securely but releasably lock the first and second coupling members together.
17. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the first coupling member comprises a rim collar and the second coupling member comprises a respective collar whereby, in use, when the clamp is located over the rim collar of the first coupling member 1 and over the collar of the second coupling member and the clamp is closed and locked in the closed position so as to securely engage the first and second coupling members together.
18. A coupling as claimed in Claims 15 or 17 wherein the releasably closeable clamp is formed of two channel profiles and wherein the two channel profiles are releasably secured together such that when the locking means is opened, the two channel profiles of the clamp can be opened relative to each other to enable access to the first and/or the second coupling members.
19. A coupling as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the releasably closeable clamp comprises a hingedly closeable clamp having at least one hinge the two channel profiles can be opened relative to each other to enable access to the first and/or the second coupling members.
20. A coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the coupling also includes at least one flange connected to one of the first and second coupling members.
21. A coupling as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the coupling comprises two flanges, one flange provided on the first coupling member and another flange provided on the second coupling member, each of the flanges being fixedly connected to the respective first coupling member or second coupling member whereby, in use, the flanges enable the respective first and second coupling members to be easily gripped by a user and turned relative to each other.
22. A swivel and tail assembly for use on an apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the swivel and tail assembly comprising the coupling as claimed in any one of claims ito 21.
23. An apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the apparatus comprising the coupling as claimed in any one of Claims ito 21.
24. An apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the apparatus comprising a swivel and tail assembly as claimed in Claim 22.
25. A coupling substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
26. An apparatus comprising the coupling as claimed herein, substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows CLAIMS: 1. A coupling comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member, the first coupling member being insertable into the second coupling member and being rotatably moveable relative to the second coupling member; the coupling also comprising a seal member adapted to be engaged between the first coupling member and the second coupling member whereby in use, the seal member is adapted to be pressed against one of the coupling members so as to securely provide a seal between the first and second coupling members, wherein the first coupling member comprises an annular collar portion and a neck portion having a tapered shoulder, wherein an inner wall of the first coupling member comprises a stepped profile with a plurality of channels, at least one of the channels being adapted to receive the seal member when the coupling is in use and wherein the seal member is adapted to be sealingly engaged in the channel of the first coupling member when the coupling is in use, wherein the seal member comprises an outer collar having a wall defining an inner wall C1⁄41 15 and also comprises a sealing lip, wherein the sealing lip has a tapering wall and an angle of within the range of approx 25 to 50 degrees is provided between the tapering wall and the inner wall of the outer collar.0. . . . . 2. A coupling as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the coupling also comprises a releasable clamp.3. A coupling as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein at least a portion of one of the first and second coupling members is inserteably engageable in one of the other of the first and second coupling members.4. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the second coupling member is provided with an indent at a wall portion of the inner wall.5. A coupling as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the first coupling member is in the form of a female member which is sealingly engageable with the second coupling member which includes a male member.6. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the second coupling member comprises a male member for insertion in the first coupling member.7. A coupling as claimed in ClaimS wherein at least a portion the second coupling member is inserteably engageable in the first coupling member and wherein the dimensions of the outer wall of the portion of the second coupling member that is inserteably engageable in the first coupling member and the dimension of the inner wall of the corresponding portion of first coupling member are such that, in use, when at least a portion of the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the male member of the second coupling member abuts the seal member and the seal member presses against the male member.8. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the angle is preferably within the range 33-45 degrees; and most preferably, an angle of about 37 degrees is provided between the tapering wall and the inner wall of the outer collar. 15. .9. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the seal member is formed from a polymeric material such as rubber or a Polyurethane material.10. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the coupling also comprises a releasably closeable clamp and wherein the releasably closeable clamp comprises at least one channel profile having a side wall and a channel wall, the releasably closeable clamp being adapted to engage over at least a portion of each of the first and second coupling members such that in use, when the second coupling member is inserted in the first coupling member, the clamp is closed so as to securely but releasably lock the first and second coupling members together.11. A coupling as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the coupling also comprises a releasably closeable clamp and wherein the first coupling member comprises a rim collar and the second coupling member comprises a respective collar whereby, in use, when the clamp is located over the rim collar of the first coupling member and over the collar of the second coupling member and the clamp is closed and locked in the closed position so as to securely engage the first and second coupling members together.12. A coupling as claimed in Claims 10 or 11 wherein the releasably closeable clamp is formed of two channel profiles and wherein the two channel profiles are releasably secured together such that when the locking means is opened, the two channel profiles of the clamp can be opened relative to each other to enable access to the first and/or the second coupling members.13. A coupling as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the releasably closeable clamp comprises a hingedly closeable clamp having at least one hinge the two channel profiles can be opened relative to each other to enable access to the first and/or the second coupling members.14. A coupling as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the coupling also includes at least one flange connected to one of the first and second coupling members.15. A coupling as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the coupling comprises two flanges, one flange provided on the first coupling member and another flange provided on the second coupling member, each of the flanges being fixedly connected to the respective first coupling member or second coupling member whereby, in use, the flanges enable the respective first and second coupling members to be gripped by a user and turned relative to each other.16. A swivel and tail assembly for use on an apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the swivel and tail assembly comprising the coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.17. An apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the apparatus comprising the coupling as claimed in any one of Claims ito 15.18. An apparatus for transporting, and/or pumping and/or delivering and/or spreading slurry, the apparatus comprising a swivel and tail assembly as claimed in Claim 16.19. A coupling substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.20. An apparatus comprising the coupling as claimed herein, substantially in accordance with any of the embodiments herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. (4 r