Vibration decoupling connector

Abstract

A vibration decoupling connector for limiting the flow of material from an upstream inlet conduit downstream to a downstream outlet conduit. The connector includes a wall of flexible plastic film having an inlet opening and an outlet opening with deformable contoured inlet regions to maintain a snap fit within complementary contoured openings of the respective inlet and outlet conduits. Intermediate between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is a bellows-shaped portion to reduce transmission of inlet duct vibrations to the outlet duct.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration decoupling connector, and particularly, though not exclusively, to a connector that can be used as a weighing bellows. Background Technology

[0002] Batch transport of materials, particularly in the food industry for the preparation of ingredients used in food production, can include equipment for weighing the dosage of a batch of materials to be transported as part of the food manufacturing process. The weighing equipment needs to accurately measure the dosage of the materials before they are conveyed to subsequent steps in the food manufacturing process. The dosage of the materials can be measured by, for example, a load from a cell weighing station. Materials are typically supplied from upstream equipment such as mixers, feeders, or hoppers, and in some cases, via rotary valves.

[0003] Hygiene and a high degree of cleanliness are required during the preparation of food ingredients to help avoid contamination. Therefore, systems used in food manufacturing are typically closed systems to help prevent the entry of external contaminants. To achieve this, they rely on conveyor pipes to create restricted channels for the passage and downstream transport of materials, ensuring high hygiene standards.

[0004] The equipment used in the system is frequently subjected to vibrational forces or loads, either inherent to the operation of the equipment or actively introduced to facilitate the transport of materials through the system. A vibrating hopper is an example of such equipment. The same applies to rotary valves.

[0005] Transporting a certain dose of material through pipes to a weighing station often places unwanted or unknown loads on the weighing station, resulting in inaccurate dosage measurements during the manufacturing process.

[0006] Weighing bellows have been developed to help reduce vibration, shock, or load transmitted from equipment to the load cells at the weighing station. A weighing bellows is an element introduced into the material flow path between rigid pipes or tubes and is made of a flexible material with a constructed corrugated shape, so that forces from the delivery pipe to the weighing station can be reduced or eliminated by the weighing bellows, which provide shock absorption. The weighing bellows will have upper and lower clamps, respectively connecting to the delivery pipe and the pipe connected to the weighing station. Pipe or hose clamps are used to attach the clamps to the rigid pipe on each side of the weighing bellows. Using pipe or hose clamps is time-consuming, especially when the weighing bellows needs to be replaced. Replacement can be relatively common due to bellows wear. Using pipe clamps on the clamps of the weighing bellows, if not installed precisely, can also result in bags of material at the weighing bellows that have not been transported through the food processing system. From a hygiene point of view, these bags of material are undesirable. Some food ingredients may decompose, rot, or transform into undesirable contaminants within a food processing system, which is undesirable when using weighing bellows, which are connected to the rigid piping of the food processing system using pipe clamps or hose clamps.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a vibration decoupling connector that overcomes or at least partially improves some of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or at least provides the public with a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention can be described as a vibration decoupling connector to create continuity of the flow path of material from a vibration inlet pipe through the connector to an outlet pipe, the connector comprising: A main channel defining member (hereinafter referred to as a "channel member") includes a wall of flexible membrane material extending between an inlet sleeve defining an inlet opening of the channel member and an outlet sleeve defining an outlet opening of the channel member, the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve being adapted and configured to be releasably connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, respectively, the wall having a corrugated shape located between the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve to vibratoryly decouple the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and wherein at least one of the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve includes an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​band located below a radially outwardly contoured ring, the elastically deformable snap-fit ​​band being releasably aligned in a complementary contoured sleeve of at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and when so aligned, creating an interface with the inlet / outlet pipe, the interface preventing the material from escaping from the channel and securely retaining the connector to the inlet / outlet pipe.

[0009] In another respect, the present invention can be described as a vibration decoupling connector for restricting the flow of material from an upstream inlet pipe to a downstream outlet pipe. The connector includes a flexible plastic membrane wall having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. At the inlet opening, the connector is releasably connected to an inlet pipe, and at the outlet opening, the pipe is releasably connected to an outlet pipe. The wall continuously spans between the inlet and outlet openings to define a channel for material to travel from the inlet pipe through the connector to the outlet pipe. The wall includes a corrugated portion between the inlet and outlet openings to reduce the transmission of vibration from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe. The connector also has a deformable profile inlet region at at least one of the inlet and outlet openings to maintain a snap-fit ​​shape within the complementary profile openings of the respective inlet and outlet pipes.

[0010] On the other hand, the present invention can be described as a material transport system comprising an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and a connector as defined herein, which is releasably located between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

[0011] Preferably, the outlet pipe has a sleeve, and the outlet clamp can be releasably engaged with the sleeve.

[0012] Preferably, the inlet pipe has a sleeve, and the inlet clamp can be releasably engaged with the sleeve.

[0013] Preferably, the connector at at least one of the inlet and outlet openings includes a shape-retaining member.

[0014] Preferably, the shape-retaining member is circular or cylindrical.

[0015] Preferably, the shape-retaining component is made of metal or a metal alloy.

[0016] Preferably, the shape-retaining component is a snap-on strap.

[0017] Preferably, an inwardly deformable profile ring is provided at the inlet of the connector, which is nested within a profile sleeve that defines the opening of the inlet pipe.

[0018] Preferably, an inwardly deformable profile ring is provided at the outlet of the connector, which is nested within a profile sleeve that defines the opening of the outlet pipe.

[0019] Preferably, the inlet sleeve includes an annular profile ring located outside the buckle band.

[0020] Preferably, the export sleeve includes an annular profile ring located outside the buckle band.

[0021] Preferably, the annular contour ring or each annular contour ring has at least one outward-pointing annular rib.

[0022] Preferably, the clamp or each clamp is elastic so that it can deform in the elongated direction of the connector to facilitate insertion or removal of the clamp from the profile sleeve, but with sufficient return bias to achieve or move towards a more relaxed state, such that the clamp and sleeve hold the sleeve and connector together to prevent axial separation.

[0023] Preferably, the snap-on strap is elastic so as to deform in the elongated direction of the connector and has an adjacent profile ring to facilitate insertion or removal of the strap and profile ring from the profile sleeve, but has sufficient return bias to reach or move toward a more relaxed state, such that at least one annular rib engaging with the sleeve retains the sleeve and connector to prevent axial separation.

[0024] Preferably, these two ribs are part of the contour ring.

[0025] Preferably, the snap-on strap is located below the contour ring, which provides ribs.

[0026] Preferably, the rearward fold of the wall surrounds the contour ring and the buckle strap.

[0027] Preferably, the contour ring has two parallel annular ribs, and the corresponding sleeve has two parallel complementary grooves, each complementary groove corresponding to the annular ribs of the ring.

[0028] Preferably, the connector can be adapted to the inlet and outlet pipes.

[0029] Preferably, connectors are not secured to inlet and outlet pipes using pipe clamps.

[0030] Preferably, the wall extends in a cylindrical manner from each corresponding hoop to the middle of the bellows structure.

[0031] Preferably, the bellows structure is produced by thermoforming the cylindrical wall of the front body extending from the inlet sleeve to the outlet sleeve.

[0032] Preferably, the wall thickness of the flexible membrane material at the corrugated pipe structure is smaller than that of the cylindrical region of the wall.

[0033] Preferably, the wall extends in a tapered manner from each corresponding sleeve to the middle of the bellows structure.

[0034] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector's outlet opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​its inlet opening.

[0035] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector's inlet opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​its outlet opening.

[0036] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connector's inlet opening is the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​its outlet opening.

[0037] Preferably, the connector is a unit that can be fixed and removed from the inlet and outlet pipes without the use of tools.

[0038] Preferably, the connector is a unit that can be secured and removed from these inlet and outlet pipes via a snap-fit ​​arrangement described herein.

[0039] Preferably, the connector is a unit that can only be secured and removed from these inlet and outlet pipes via a snap-fit ​​arrangement as described herein.

[0040] Preferably, the connector is a consumable provided as a unit.

[0041] Preferably, the connector is a disposable unit.

[0042] Preferably, the connector is typically cylindrical and has at least one bellows structure between its inlet and outlet sleeves.

[0043] Preferably, the connector is typically made of plastic material, or of any material other than a snap-on strap.

[0044] Preferably, the connector is a weighing bellows.

[0045] Preferably, the outlet pipe is part of a weighing station for weighing the material that has passed through the connector.

[0046] Preferably, the connector is capable of releasably engaging and disengaging from the inlet and / or outlet pipes in a tool-free manner.

[0047] Preferably, the connector can be releasably engaged and disengaged from the inlet and / or outlet pipes without the need for any tools.

[0048] Preferably, the connector can be releasably engaged and disengaged by an adult manually with the inlet and / or outlet pipes without the need for any tools.

[0049] Preferably, the wall spans between the inlet and outlet as a continuous portion of the membrane material (e.g., such that there are no cracks or seams (except for optional seals extending parallel to the elongated direction between the inlet and outlet)) to help prevent the accumulation and trapping of material and / or weak points within the wall.

[0050] Preferably, the connector reduces vibration transmission from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe.

[0051] In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of manufacturing a connector as described herein, the method comprising: The material is thermoformed from a single channel component that defines the cylindrical shape of the precursor and the corrugated wall material between the inlet and outlet sleeves.

[0052] In another respect, the present invention can be described as a connector as described herein.

[0053] In another aspect, the invention can be described as a connector as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, have been referenced, generally to provide context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, references to such sources should not be construed as an admission, under any circumstances, that such sources are prior art or part of common general knowledge in the art.

[0055] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" should be interpreted as a general term referring to a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymeric products, and is generally composed of hydrocarbon-based polymers.

[0056] For the purposes of this specification, when method steps are described sequentially, unless there is no other logical way to explain the order, the order does not necessarily mean that the steps are ordered chronologically in that order.

[0057] As used in this article, the term “and / or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[0058] As used in this article, the “(s)” following a noun indicates the plural and / or singular form of that noun.

[0059] As used in this specification [and claims], the term "comprising" means "consisting of at least a portion of...". When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims] that include this term, the feature beginning with that term in each statement must be present, and other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" will be interpreted in the same manner.

[0060] All disclosures of all applications, patents, and publications (if any) cited above and below are incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] The invention can also be broadly described as including parts, elements, and features individually or collectively mentioned or indicated in the specification of this application, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements, or features, and wherein specific integers are referred to herein, having known equivalents in the field to which the invention relates, which are considered to be incorporated herein as if set forth separately. Attached Figure Description

[0062] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a side view of the connector of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 2 This is a side view of the connector of the present invention in a more compressed configuration; Figure 3 This is a view through the wall of the connector when it is in a more compressed state; Figure 4 This is a view through the connector wall when it is under less compression; Figure 5 An inlet fitting that can be connected to a hopper, etc., is shown; Figure 6 It shows crossing Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view; Figure 7 The inlet coupling and connector inlet sleeve, as well as a partial cross-section showing their engagement, are illustrated. Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the sleeve; Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the connector, showing the components at the sleeve; Figure 10 The process of engaging and disengaging the connector with the inlet or outlet engagement body is shown; Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the connector and the mating body at their interface is shown; Figure 12 It is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the interface between the connector and the mating body; Figure 13 This is a side view of a part of the connector; Figure 14 This is another view of the connector's sleeve; Figure 15 This is a close-up cross-sectional view of the connector's sleeve; Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the casing; Figure 17This is a side view of a portion of the connector in the alternative configuration; Figure 18 This is another view of the connector sleeve in the alternative configuration; Figure 19 This is a close-up cross-sectional view of the coupling of the connector in the alternative configuration; Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the sleeve in the alternative configuration; Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the casing and the inlet opening; Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A plan view of the sleeve; Figure 23 yes Figure 21 Side view of the inlet and casing; Figure 24 Is it through Figure 22 A view of the cross section AA; Figure 25 This is a perspective view of the coupler; Figure 26 This is an alternative perspective view of the coupler; and Figure 27 This is an alternative perspective view of the coupler. Detailed Implementation

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vibration decoupling connector 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "connector") is in Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, it defines a channel for transferring material from upstream to downstream of the connector. The downstream of the connector can be, for example, a weighing station where the dose of material received from upstream can be weighed before it is transferred to a more downstream location.

[0065] The connector 200 can be placed in the middle of the material channel, the upstream inlet pipe 1000 and the downstream pipe 2000, and provides a continuation of the material channel, the upstream inlet pipe 1000 and the downstream pipe 2000.

[0066] The connector includes an inlet opening 150, at which an inlet sleeve 100 is disposed. The connector also includes an outlet opening 151 at which an outlet sleeve 300 is disposed. At the midpoint of the connector end where the sleeves 100 / 300 are disposed is a main channel defining member (e.g., channel member 600), which defines a channel 700 through the connector. The channel member 600 is preferably a thin, flexible membrane material that defines a wall at the midpoint of the end to define and close the channel through the connector. Except for the bellows region 400, the wall is preferably cylindrical as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the wall may be frustoconical, with the inlet and outlet sleeves having different dimensions.

[0067] Preferably, at least one end and preferably both ends of the connector 200 are adapted to be releasably connected at the outlet openings of the respective upstream and downstream pipes. For example, in use and in a vertical orientation, the top of the connector has an inlet sleeve 100 adapted to conform outwardly and engage with the complementary profile region of the sleeve 8 of the outlet pipe 3, such as the complementary profile region of a rotary valve, metering valve, hopper, or other plant equipment 1000. Details of the inlet sleeve 100 will be described below. These details may, in principle, be mirror images, and preferably also include the dimensions, shape, and configuration at the other end of the connector as the outlet sleeve 300 at its interface with the downstream pipe 2000.

[0068] According to the deformable profile inlet of the inlet sleeve 100 located at one end of the connector, the connector 200 can be releasably engaged with the profile outlet 2 of the plant equipment. The deformable profile inlet forms part of the connector and is the inlet through the connector's channel. It is deformable to allow it to snap into the outlet pipe 3 of the plant equipment or a complementary profile outlet 2 (preferably tubular) connected to the outlet pipe 3 of the plant equipment, which may move and / or vibrate and shake during operation.

[0069] The connector also includes an outlet sleeve 300, which is similarly configured to allow the connector thereto connect to the downstream pipe 2000.

[0070] The connector wall 186, for example, can be... Figure 3 and 4 As seen in the diagram, this includes a bellows structure. The bellows structure creates a series of hinged wall sections that can be hinged relative to each other, such that when compressive forces are applied to the connector, the force is not transmitted, or only slightly, from one sleeve to another. This helps reduce the transmission of vibrations through the connector between the inlet and outlet pipes.

[0071] The channel member can have a single corrugated or double corrugated tube. This can be formed inward from the side tubular portions 81 and 82 of the channel member 600, but preferably outward.

[0072] The material of wall 186 is preferably at least substantially (if not completely) airtight, because its function is to convey particulate material, rather than to separate the particulate material from any air or gas that may move with it, whether or not as an entrainment flow. The wall is preferably TPU.

[0073] like Figure 7 , 9As shown in Figure 12, there is a clamp at one or both of the inlet and outlet ends of the connector. At this clamp, or each clamp, the connector can releasably engage with the corresponding upstream and downstream pipes. The clamp will act externally in its interlocking manner using an elastic ring or elastic band (e.g., snap-fit ​​band 14). This snap-fit ​​acts radially outward to help maintain the shape of the radially outward profile of the clamp. The radially outward profile of the clamp is preferably defined by a radially outward profile ring region or ring 15, which covers the snap-fit ​​band 14. The component of the profile ring 15 surrounding the snap-fit ​​band 14 is preferably captured by a rearward fold 1A of the wall 186, which is then adhesively attached, for example, by thermal and / or ultrasonic welding at 16.

[0074] Wall 186 extends to the rearward fold 1A, and wall 186 can deform inward from the rearward fold 1A, such as Figure 7 The intermediate engagement configuration is shown. Wall 186 is preferably continuous along the length of the connector between the inlet and outlet openings. The continuation of wall 186 to the rearward fold 1A creates a channel through the connector that is continuous between the inlet and outlet openings. This means that, if not eliminated, the retention of material through the connector is minimized.

[0075] The contour ring 15 and the buckle strap 14 do not need to be glued to each other, but they can be glued together if necessary.

[0076] Then, Figure 7 The arrangement shown allows for engagement with the interior of the complementary profile outlet 2 of the outlet pipe 3 in a manner that maintains the connection.

[0077] A preferred method of mutual engagement is as follows: Figure 10-11 As shown, there is an outlet pipe 3, which includes a sleeve 8 of the equipment to receive the connector's clamp according to the deformability and elasticity of the snap-on strap 14.

[0078] When from such Figure 10 When the state shown is released, the following will occur: Figure 7 The solid intermediate joint is shown. To remove the flexible ring from the intermediate joint, a similar deformation is required to facilitate its removal.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contour ring 15 may be made of a suitable plastic material. It is shape-retaining but can be elastic, allowing it to conform to the required deformation of the snap fastener 14, which is preferably made of a suitable material, such as suitable steel (preferably stainless steel), or may be some suitable composite material or plastic material. When presented in the form of a ring, the snap fastener 14 will be elastically deformable and will move to its shape-retaining position when no pressure is applied to deform it.

[0080] Depending on the application, connectors can be made of one or more food-grade materials.

[0081] Alternative materials to any of the described materials can be used. The material of the connector does not need to be uniform; that is, it can have localized areas with different properties (e.g., material, rigidity, etc.) if desired in a particular application.

[0082] Various shapes of contour rings 15 can be used. Figure 9 The diagram shows a double-ribbed profile ring 15. Other profile end forms of the connector are also within the scope of the invention to provide proper retention. These may include one or more annular ribs. They may include one or more channels. Preferably, the profile is annular, rather than spiral or other shapes. Figure 15 The outline ring 16 is shown in a single rib form.

[0083] The sleeve 8 may include one or more channels, and the ribs are alignable with the one or more channels.

[0084] Figure 8 The image shows a sleeve 8 with an annular channel extending from the pipe track, which is shown as an inwardly oriented channel 11 and an annular rib 12 extending less than the channel 11, and an annular protrusion slot (but which may be a channel) 13 extending from the annular rib 12.

[0085] It is believed that the present invention provides a useful alternative to existing devices and methods for industry.

[0086] The description Figures 13 to 16 A single annular rib suitable for reception by complementary contours is shown. Each rib is fabricated similarly to the double-rib form already described.

[0087] For the single-ring ribs to join together, there is an extension 17 similar to that of the aforementioned double-ring ribs to join together.

[0088] Figures 17 to 20 With Figures 13 to 16 A similar approach is used to illustrate the double-ring rib series in the accompanying drawings.

[0089] Regardless of whether the ring connector has a single rib, a double rib, or a combination of both at one end, those skilled in the art will understand how the system works.

[0090] Figures 21 to 24 A preferred form of the sleeve is shown. It can be metal (steel or SS), plastic, or a combination of materials. This form has an inwardly turned region 23, thus meaning that the inwardly pointing ridge 24 separates the two complete annular retaining grooves 25 and 26.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that there are few ways to provide sufficient flatness for collection areas of granular materials such as food powder. These should be easily removed by regular cleaning without requiring disassembly in conjunction with the possible vibration characteristics of the structure. Regular removal of the connectors is easy because there are no circumferential hose clamps that can be removed and replaced. Removal and replacement are simple.

[0092] The described arrangement provides excellent hygiene because the design ensures a tight fit with few or no gaps, little or no product buildup, and prevents material leakage from the bag during filling. Furthermore, since no hose clamps are needed to secure it to the equipment and no tools are required, the device is not easily damaged, thus preventing damage as a result.

[0093] This connector allows for quick interchangeability with other devices. This means that if a new connector is needed due to damage or wear on a previous connector, it can be done easily, quickly, and without tools. The old connector can be snapped out, and the replacement can be snapped in.

[0094] If the preceding description has referenced elements or wholes having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were described separately.

[0095] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0096] Furthermore, when features or aspects of the invention are described using the Markush group, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is therefore also described using any single member or subgroup member of the Markush group.

[0097] If the preceding description has referenced elements or wholes having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were described separately.

[0098] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0099] Furthermore, when features or aspects of the invention are described using the Markush group, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is therefore also described using any single member or subgroup member of the Markush group.

Claims

1. A vibration decoupling connector for creating continuity of a material flow path from a vibration inlet pipe through the connector to an outlet pipe, the connector comprising: A main channel defining member (hereinafter referred to as the "channel member") includes a wall of flexible membrane material extending between an inlet sleeve defining an inlet opening of the channel member and an outlet sleeve defining an outlet opening of the channel member, the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve being adapted and configured to be releasably connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, respectively, the wall having a corrugated shape located between the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve to vibratoryly decouple the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and wherein at least one of the inlet sleeve and the outlet sleeve includes an elastically deformable shape retaining member located below a radially outward profile of the sleeve, the elastically deformable shape retaining member being releasably aligned in a complementary profile sleeve of at least one of the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and when so aligned, creating an interface with the inlet pipe or the outlet pipe, the interface being aligned to prevent the material from escaping from the channel at the interface and to securely retain the connector to the inlet pipe / outlet pipe.

2. The connector of claim 1, comprising a shape-retaining member located at at least one of the inlet and outlet openings.

3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the shape-retaining member is circular or cylindrical.

4. The connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the shape-retaining member is made of metal or a metal alloy.

5. The connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the shape-retaining member is an elastically deformable snap-on strap.

6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at the inlet of the connector, the radially outward profile is defined by an inwardly deformable profile ring of the inlet sleeve, the profile ring being nested within a profile sleeve defining an opening of the inlet conduit.

7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at the outlet of the connector, the radially outward profile is defined by an inwardly deformable profile ring of the outlet sleeve, the profile ring being nested within a profile sleeve defining an opening of the outlet conduit.

8. The connector of claim 5, wherein the inlet sleeve includes an annular profile ring located outside the snap band at the inlet sleeve.

9. The connector of claim 5, wherein the outlet sleeve includes an annular profile ring located outside the snap band at the outlet sleeve.

10. The connector according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the annular profile ring or each annular profile ring has at least one annular and outwardly pointing rib.

11. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connector is generally cylindrical and has at least one bellows structure between its inlet sleeve and outlet sleeve.

12. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wall extends in a cylindrical manner from each respective sleeve to the middle of the bellows structure.

13. The connector according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the bellows structure is produced by thermoforming the front cylindrical wall extending from the inlet sleeve to the outlet sleeve.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the wall thickness of the flexible membrane material at the bellows structure is smaller than that of the cylindrical region of the wall.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wall extends in a tapered manner from each respective sleeve to the middle of the bellows structure.

16. A method of manufacturing a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising thermoforming a single-piece channel member defining a precursor cylindrical or truncated conical, corrugated wall material between the inlet and outlet sleeves.

17. In another aspect, the present invention can be described as a vibration decoupling connector for restricting the flow of material from an upstream inlet pipe to a downstream outlet pipe, the connector comprising a flexible plastic membrane wall having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein at the inlet opening the connector is releasably connected to an inlet pipe, and at the outlet opening the pipe is releasably connected to an outlet pipe, and the wall continuously spans between the inlet and outlet openings to define a channel for material to travel from the inlet pipe through the connector to the outlet pipe, wherein the wall includes a corrugated portion between the inlet and outlet openings to reduce the transmission of vibration from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe, and wherein at least one of the inlet and outlet openings of the connector has a deformable profile inlet region to maintain a snap-fit ​​shape within the complementary profile openings of the respective inlet and outlet pipes.

18. A material transport system comprising an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the connector being releasably located between and connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the outlet conduit has a sleeve, and the outlet clamp is releasably engageable with the sleeve.

20. The system of claim 18 or 19, wherein the inlet conduit has a sleeve, and the inlet clamp is releasably engageable with the sleeve.

21. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the connector is adaptable to the inlet and outlet pipes.

22. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the connector is not secured to the inlet and outlet pipes using pipe clamps.

23. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the connector is a unit capable of being secured and removed from the inlet and outlet pipes without the use of tools.

24. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the connector is a unit capable of being secured to and removed from the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe by means of a snap-fit ​​engagement.

25. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the inlet conduit has a sleeve, and the inlet clamp is releasably engageable with the sleeve.

26. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the outlet pipe is part of a weighing station for weighing the material already loaded through the connector.

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