Drain fittings for irrigation systems

Abstract

A drain fitting for use in an irrigation system for draining water from the irrigation system, regardless of pipe size in the irrigation system, generally includes a grip portion and a neck coupled to the grip portion. The neck defines a first engagement portion having a first diameter, for coupling the drain fitting to a pipe of the irrigation system having a diameter corresponding to the first diameter of the first engagement portion, and a second engagement portion having a second diameter, different from the first diameter, for coupling the drain fitting to a pipe of the irrigation system having a diameter corresponding to the second diameter of the second engagement portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A drain fitting for use in an irrigation system for draining water from the irrigation system, the drain fitting comprising:
 first and second threaded engagement portions each configured to couple the drain fitting to the irrigation system, the first engagement portion extending from the second engagement portion, the first engagement portion having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the second engagement portion;   a channel extending longitudinally through the first and second engagement portions for draining water from the irrigation system when the drain fitting is coupled to the irrigation system, the channel defining an interior portion of each of the first and second engagement portions, an exterior portion of each of the first and second engagement portions comprising threads configured to couple the drain fitting to the irrigation system; and   a screen coupled to the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion, the screen configured to inhibit debris from entering the channel at the first engagement portion or the second engagement portion.   
     
     
         2 . The drain fitting of  claim 1 , wherein an outer thread diameter of the first threaded engagement portion is less than an inner thread diameter of the second engagement portion. 
     
     
         3 . The drain fitting of  claim 2 , wherein the screen is coupled to an end portion of the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         4 . The drain fitting of  claim 3 , further comprising a second screen, wherein the second screen is coupled to an end portion of the second engagement portion. 
     
     
         5 . The drain fitting of  claim 4 , wherein the second screen is raised generally above the end portion of the second engagement portion. 
     
     
         6 . The drain fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the first engagement portion is removable from the drain fitting. 
     
     
         7 . The drain fitting of  claim 1 , further comprising a valve assembly for selectively allowing and inhibiting drainage of water through the drain fitting. 
     
     
         8 . The drain fitting of  claim 1 , wherein the drain fitting includes an outlet for discharging water from the drain fitting, the drain fitting further comprising a filter disposed generally over the outlet for inhibiting unwanted debris from entering the drain fitting through the outlet. 
     
     
         9 . A drain fitting for use in an irrigation system for draining water from the irrigation system, regardless of pipe size in the irrigation system, the drain fitting comprising:
 a grip portion;   a neck coupled to the grip portion; and   a screen;   the neck defining a first engagement portion having a first diameter capable of coupling the drain fitting to a first pipe of the irrigation system having a diameter corresponding to the first diameter of the first engagement portion, the screen coupled to the first engagement portion; and   the neck defining a second engagement portion having a second diameter, different from the first diameter, capable of coupling the drain fitting to a second pipe of the irrigation system having a diameter corresponding to the second diameter of the second engagement portion;   the first engagement portion coupled to the second engagement portion, and the second engagement portion coupled to the grip portion such that the second engagement portion is disposed generally longitudinally between the grip portion and the first engagement portion.   
     
     
         10 . The drain fitting of  claim 9 , wherein the screen is coupled to an end portion of the first engagement portion of the neck and disposed at least partly within the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         11 . The drain fitting of  claim 10 , wherein the screen is raised generally above the end portion of the first engagement portion. 
     
     
         12 . The drain fitting of  claim 9 , further comprising a second screen, wherein the second screen is coupled to an end portion of the second engagement portion of the neck. 
     
     
         13 . The drain fitting of  claim 12 , wherein the second screen is raised generally above the end portion of the second engagement portion. 
     
     
         14 . The drain fitting of  claim 9 , wherein the first engagement portion is removable from the drain fitting. 
     
     
         15 . The drain fitting of  claim 14 , further comprising a valve assembly for selectively allowing and inhibiting drainage of water through the drain fitting. 
     
     
         16 . The drain fitting of  claim 9 , wherein the grip portion of the drain fitting includes an outlet for discharging water from the drain fitting, the drain fitting further comprising a filter disposed generally over the outlet for inhibiting unwanted debris from entering the drain fitting through the outlet. 
     
     
         17 . A drain fitting for use in an irrigation system for draining water from the irrigation system, the drain fitting comprising:
 at least two threaded engagement portions, each having a different diameter and a same number of threads, and each capable of coupling the drain fitting to a different pipe of the irrigation system, wherein each of the different pipes of the irrigation system has a different diameter;   a channel extending longitudinally through the at least two threaded engagement portions for draining water from the irrigation system when the drain fitting is coupled to one of the pipes of the irrigation system, the channel defining an interior portion of each of the at least two threaded engagement portions; and   a screen disposed in communication with the channel, the screen coupled to an end portion of one of the at least two threaded engagement portions.   
     
     
         18 . The drain fitting of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the at least two threaded engagement portions is removable from the drain fitting. 
     
     
         19 . The drain fitting of  claim 18 , wherein the screen is a first screen;
 further comprising a second screen disposed at least partly within at least one of the at least two threaded engagement portions.   
     
     
         20 . The drain fitting of  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the two screens is disposed generally within the at least one of the at least two threaded engagement portions that is removable from the drain fitting.