Patents by Inventor Christopher Kee

Christopher Kee has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6988747
    Abstract: A multi-diameter tube coupling is provided for interconnecting flexible plastic tubing of the type used in drip irrigation systems and the like, wherein the tube coupling is adapted for use with a range of different tubing sizes. The tube coupling includes a central body defining an internal flow path, with a retainer collet mounted thereon at each open end of the flow path to capture a seal member having a compliant, pressure-activated seal lip. The retainer collet includes an annular array of lock fingers for unidirectional slide-fit locked reception of one end of a length of tubing within a range of different sizes, with the seal lip engaging the tubing to provide a substantially leak-proof connection. Alternatively, the collet lock fingers accommodate slide-fit locked reception of a barbed swivel adapter, with the seal lip engaging the adapter to provide a substantially leak-proof connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk Allen, Lino De Los Santos, Bradley Helzer, Christopher Kee, John E. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040183302
    Abstract: A multi-diameter tube coupling is provided for interconnecting flexible plastic tubing of the type used in drip irrigation systems and the like, wherein the tube coupling is adapted for use with a range of different tubing sizes. The tube coupling includes a central body defining an internal flow path, with a retainer collet mounted thereon at each open end of the flow path to capture a seal member having a compliant, pressure-activated seal lip. The retainer collet includes an annular array of lock fingers for unidirectional slide-fit locked reception of one end of a length of tubing within a range of different sizes, with the seal lip engaging the tubing to provide a substantially leak-proof connection. Alternatively, the collet lock fingers accommodate slide-fit locked reception of a barbed swivel adapter, with the seal lip engaging the adapter to provide a substantially leak-proof connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Kirk Allen, Lino De Los Santos, Bradley Helzer, Christopher Kee, John E. Thompson