A quick connect hose fitting
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522276249.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-28
AI Technical Summary
[0003]现有技术中的水带与连接头通常采用扎带或扎丝紧固,但是扎带或扎丝需要缠绕在水带外侧与连接头固定,当水带与连接头的连接处出现破损,需要拿取工具来拆卸扎丝或扎带,实用工具对扎带或扎丝拆卸速度慢,便利性不足,影响浇地效率
1、该方案无需使用扎丝进行软管之间的连接,在装入和拆卸时,仅需通过锁紧和解锁快拆组件即可实现软管的紧固或者松解,相比于扎丝,拆装更快速,便利性更好;
Smart Images

Figure CN224836623U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hose connections, and more specifically, to a quick-connect hose connector. Background Technology
[0002] Agricultural irrigation hoses (also known as hoses, water hoses, drip irrigation hoses, sprinkler irrigation hoses, etc.) are an indispensable component of modern agricultural irrigation systems. Their main function is to efficiently, conveniently, and controllably deliver irrigation water to the roots or areas of crops that need irrigation.
[0003] In existing technologies, water hoses and connectors are usually secured with cable ties or wires. However, cable ties or wires need to be wrapped around the outside of the water hose and fixed to the connector. When the connection between the water hose and the connector is damaged, tools are needed to remove the cable ties or wires. Practical tools are slow to remove cable ties or wires, which is not convenient and affects irrigation efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the slow assembly and disassembly speed of existing hose and connector fixing methods, and to provide a quick-connect hose connector that is faster to assemble and disassemble and is more convenient.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A quick-connect hose connector is provided, comprising a connecting body, two hose fixing members, and two quick-release assemblies connected to the hose fixing members. The connecting body has a water flow channel inside, and connecting pipes for hoses to be fitted into and communicating with the water flow channel are provided on both sides of the connecting body. The hose fixing members include a first clamping cover and a second clamping cover that are slidably connected to the connecting body. The inner sides of the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover are provided with clamping surfaces. The clamping surfaces of the first clamping cover, the second clamping cover, and the outer wall of the connecting pipe form a clamping opening for clamping the hose. The quick-release assemblies are used to lock the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover.
[0006] This utility model discloses a quick-connect hose connector. When connecting hoses, first unlock the quick-release assembly to separate the first and second clamping covers. At this point, the clamp formed by the first and second clamping covers and the connecting tube loosens. Then, insert the hose onto the outer wall of the connecting tube. After the hose is installed, slide the first and second clamping covers back to clamp the hose, and then lock the quick-release assembly to successfully secure the hose. This solution eliminates the need for cable ties for hose connections. During installation and disassembly, the hose can be tightened or loosened simply by locking and unlocking the quick-release assembly. Compared to cable ties, this method is faster and more convenient.
[0007] Furthermore, the quick-release assembly includes a pull plate located inside the second clamping cover, a pull ring connected to the pull plate, and two pull rods connected to the pull plate. Several inserts are fixed to the outside of the pull rods. Several sockets are provided at the bottom of the first clamping cover. The inserts are slidably connected to the sockets, and the sliding direction is parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring. By pulling the pull ring, the operator can move the two pull rods connected to the pull plate, causing the inserts of the second clamping cover to separate from the sockets of the first clamping cover, thereby separating the first clamping cover from the second clamping cover.
[0008] Furthermore, the top of the second clamping cover has two limiting grooves, and the pull rod is slidably connected to the limiting grooves with the sliding direction parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring. The limiting grooves restrict the pull rod to only be able to move in the direction parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring, ensuring the stability of the pull rod. When the plug is separated from the socket, the pull rod is still located in the limiting groove. If you want to clamp the hose, push the pull ring back, and the plug can be inserted into the socket, which is more convenient.
[0009] Furthermore, two vertical grooves are formed on both sides of the connecting body. The first clamping cover is provided with two first sliders, and the second clamping cover is provided with two second sliders. The two first sliders are slidably connected to the two grooves located on the same side of the connecting body, and the two second sliders are slidably connected to the two grooves located on the same side of the connecting body. When the quick-release assembly is unlocked, the first and second sliders can slide along the grooves to separate the first and second clamping covers, making the clamping opening larger. The grooves restrict the sliding direction of the first and second clamping covers to the vertical direction, making the sliding more stable.
[0010] Furthermore, both ends of the slide groove are connected to an insertion port. The first slider is connected to a first limiting block, and the second slider is connected to a second limiting block. When the first slider is located within the slide groove, the first limiting block abuts against the inner wall of the connecting body. When the second slider is located within the slide groove, the second limiting block abuts against the inner wall of the connecting body. The insertion port facilitates the insertion of the first or second limiting block into the slide groove during installation of the first or second clamping cover and the connecting body, preventing interference. The first and second limiting blocks abut against the inner wall of the connecting body, limiting their displacement in the direction perpendicular to the slide groove and preventing the first and second clamping covers from detaching from the connecting body, thus improving stability.
[0011] Furthermore, the connecting body is also provided with a cover, which is installed on the insertion port and covers the insertion port. The cover covers the insertion port to prevent the first slider or the second slider from sliding into the insertion port and disengaging from the insertion port.
[0012] Furthermore, it also includes two sets of support components. One set of support components is provided on each side of the connecting body. Each set of support components includes at least two elastic elements, a support block connected to the connecting body, and at least two stabilizing rods disposed at the upper and lower ends of the support block. Both the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover have vertically oriented sliding holes. The stabilizing rods are slidably connected to the sliding holes. One end of the elastic element is connected to one end of the stabilizing rod, and the other end of the elastic element is fixed to the first or second clamping cover. The elastic force of the elastic element is vertical. The support components can connect the first and second clamping covers, making them more stable. When the quick-release assembly is unlocked, the elastic element is in a compressed state, and the first and second clamping covers slide along the sliding groove under the elastic force of the elastic element, separating them without manual prying, thus improving convenience.
[0013] Furthermore, the support block is located on the vertical line of the slide groove. The first clamping cover and the second clamping cover are respectively provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, which are used to abut against the upper and lower ends of the support block, respectively. The support block can abut against the first limiting part and the second limiting part to limit the sliding distance of the first slider and the second slider.
[0014] Furthermore, the connecting body includes a first connector, a second connector, and a sealing gasket. A slot is provided on the top of one side of the first connector, and an insert plate is provided on one side of the second connector. The insert plate is inserted into the slot, and the sealing gasket is disposed between the first connector and the second connector. The connecting body is designed to be detachable. In actual use, many water supply pipelines are often arranged. When it is necessary to adjust the water supply path, the first and second connectors on the same pipeline can be disassembled and then connected to the first or second connector of another pipeline. This operation eliminates the need to disassemble the entire hose before connecting, saving time and improving convenience when adjusting the water supply path.
[0015] Furthermore, the outer wall of the connecting tube is provided with multiple first annular protrusions, and the clamping surfaces of both the first and second clamping covers are provided with multiple second annular protrusions. When the quick-release assembly is locked, the first annular protrusions are arranged adjacent to one or two second annular protrusions. The alternating arrangement of the first and second annular protrusions causes more deformation of the hose when it is located in the clamp, increasing the local pressure on the hose and improving the sealing performance.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. This solution eliminates the need for cable ties to connect hoses. During installation and disassembly, the hoses can be secured or released simply by tightening and unlocking the quick-release assembly. Compared to cable ties, this method is faster and more convenient. 2. The support assembly can connect the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover, making the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover more stable. The first clamping cover and the second clamping cover will slide along the slide groove under the elastic force of the elastic element, so that the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover can be separated without manual prying, which is more convenient. 3. The main body of the connection is designed to be detachable. When it is necessary to adjust the water supply path, the first and second connectors on the same pipeline can be disassembled and then connected to the first or second connector of other pipelines. This operation does not require disassembling the entire hose and then connecting it, which saves more time and is more convenient when adjusting the water supply path. 4. The first and second annular protrusions are alternately arranged, which causes more deformation when the hose is in the clamp, increases the local pressure on the hose, and improves the sealing performance. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a quick-connect hose connector; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the connecting main body; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the quick-release component structure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second clamping cover; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping cover; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure when the first clamping cover, the second clamping cover, and the connecting pipe are clamped together. Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the support component and the first clamping cover and the second clamping cover; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the supporting components and the main body; Figure 10 This is an exploded structural diagram of the first and second connectors.
[0018] In the attached diagram: 100, connecting body; 110, first connector; 111, slot; 120, second connector; 121, insert plate; 130, connecting tube; 131, first annular protrusion; 140, slide groove; 150, insertion port; 200, hose fixing component; 210, first clamping cover; 211, first slider; 212, first limiting block; 213, first limiting part; 214, socket; 220, second clamping cover; 221, second slider; 222, second limiting block; 223, second limiting part; 224, limiting groove; 230, second annular protrusion; 240, sliding hole; 300, quick-release assembly; 310, pull ring; 320, pull plate; 330, pull rod; 331, insert block; 400, support assembly; 410, support block; 420, stabilizing rod; 430, elastic element. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.
[0020] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0021] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," and "fitting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0022] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "embodiment" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0023] Example 1 This embodiment is a first embodiment of a quick-connect hose connector, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a connecting body 100, two hose fasteners 200, and two quick-release assemblies 300 connected to the hose fasteners 200. The connecting body 100 has a water flow channel inside, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the connecting body 100 has connecting pipes 130 on both sides for the flexible hose to be inserted into and connected to the water flow channel, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the hose fixing component 200 includes a first clamping cover 210 and a second clamping cover 220 that are slidably connected to the connecting body 100. Both the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 have arc-shaped clamping surfaces on their inner sides. The clamping surfaces of the first clamping cover 210, the second clamping cover 220, and the outer wall of the connecting pipe 130 form a clamping opening for clamping the hose. Figure 4 As shown, the quick-release assembly 300 includes a pull plate 320 located inside the second clamping cover 220, a pull ring 310 connected to the pull plate 320, and two pull rods 330 connected to the pull plate 320, as shown. Figure 5 As shown, the top of the second clamping cover 220 has two limiting grooves 224. The pull rod 330 is slidably connected to the limiting grooves 224, and the sliding direction is parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring 310. Three inserts 331 are fixed to the outside of the pull rod 330, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the bottom of the first clamping cover 210 is provided with three sockets 214. The plug block 331 is slidably connected to the sockets 214 and the sliding direction is parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring 310, as shown. Figure 2 As shown, the outer wall of the connecting pipe 130 is provided with a plurality of first annular protrusions 131, such as Figure 3 As shown, both the clamping surfaces of the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 are provided with multiple second annular protrusions 230, such as... Figure 7 As shown, when the quick-release assembly 300 is locked, the first annular protrusion 131 is arranged adjacent to one or two second annular protrusions 230.
[0024] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: This utility model discloses a quick-connect hose connector. When connecting hoses, first pull the pull ring 310 to separate the insert 331 from the socket 214, thus separating the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220. At this time, the clamp formed by the first clamping cover 210, the second clamping cover 220 and the connecting tube 130 will loosen. Then, insert the hose onto the outer wall of the connecting tube 130. After the hose is installed, slide the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 to clamp it. Then push the pull ring 310 back to insert the insert 331 into the socket 214 and lock the quick-release assembly 300, thereby fixing the hose.
[0025] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This solution eliminates the need for cable ties to connect hoses. During installation and disassembly, the hoses can be secured or released simply by tightening and unlocking the quick-release assembly 300. Compared to cable ties, this method offers faster installation and disassembly with greater convenience. The limiting groove 224 restricts the pull rod 330 to move only in the direction parallel to the pull ring 310, ensuring the stability of the pull rod 330. The alternating arrangement of the first annular protrusion 131 and the second annular protrusion 230 causes more deformation when the hose is in the clamp, increasing the local pressure on the hose and improving the sealing performance.
[0026] Example 2 This embodiment is a second embodiment of a quick-connect hose connector. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that, as shown in the following... Figure 2 As shown, two vertical grooves 140 are formed on both sides of the connecting body 100, and both ends of the grooves 140 are connected to an inlet 150. The connecting body 100 is also provided with four covers, which are installed in the inlets 150 and cover the inlets 150. Figure 3 As shown, the first clamping cover 210 is provided with two first sliders 211, and the second clamping cover 220 is provided with two second sliders 221. The first sliders 211 are connected to a first limiting block 212, and the second sliders 221 are connected to a second limiting block 222. The two first sliders 211 are slidably connected to two slide grooves 140 located on the same side of the connecting body 100, and the two second sliders 221 are slidably connected to two slide grooves 140 located on the same side of the connecting body 100, respectively. The first limiting block 212 and the second limiting block 222 both abut against the inner wall of the connecting body 100.
[0027] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the quick-release assembly 300 is unlocked, the first slider 211 and the second slider 221 can slide along the slide groove 140 to separate the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220, making the clamping opening larger. The setting of the slide groove 140 restricts the sliding direction of the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 to the vertical direction, making the sliding more stable.
[0028] The remaining working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1.
[0029] Example 3 This embodiment is a third embodiment of a quick-connect hose connector. This embodiment is similar to embodiment two, except that, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, it also includes two sets of support assemblies 400. One set of support assemblies 400 is provided on each side of the main body 100. Each set of support assemblies 400 includes eight elastic elements 430, two support blocks 410, and eight stabilizing rods 420. Two stabilizing rods 420 are connected to the top and bottom of each support block 410. One end of the elastic element 430 is connected to one end of the stabilizing rod 420, and the other end of the elastic element 430 is fixed to the first clamping cover 210 or the second clamping cover 220. The elastic force of the elastic element 430 is in the vertical direction. In the example, the elastic element 430 is a spring, the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 are respectively provided with four vertical sliding holes 240, the stabilizing rod 420 is slidably connected to the sliding holes 240, the support block 410 is fixed to the connecting body 100, the support block 410 is located on the vertical line of the sliding groove 140, the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 are respectively provided with a first limiting part 213 and a second limiting part 223, the first limiting part 213 and the second limiting part 223 are respectively used to abut against the upper and lower ends of the support block 410.
[0030] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: The support component 400 can connect the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220, making the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 more stable. When the quick release component 300 is unlocked, the elastic element 430 is in a compressed state. The first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 will slide along the slide groove 140 under the elastic force of the elastic element 430, so that the first clamping cover 210 and the second clamping cover 220 are separated without manual prying, which is more convenient. The support block 410 can abut against the first limiting part 213 and the second limiting part 223 to limit the sliding distance of the first slider 211 and the second slider 221.
[0031] Alternatively, the first limiting part 213 and the second limiting part 223 may not be provided. A limiting block is fixed in the middle of the slide groove 140, and the limiting is achieved directly by the contact between the limiting block and the first slider 211 or the second slider 221.
[0032] The remaining working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 2.
[0033] Example 4 This embodiment is a fourth embodiment of a quick-connect hose connector. This embodiment is similar to embodiment three, except that, as... Figure 10 As shown, the connecting body 100 includes a first connector 110, a second connector 120, and a sealing gasket. A connecting tube 130 is fixed to one side of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120. A slot 111 is provided on the top of one side of the first connector 110. An insert plate 121 is provided on one side of the second connector 120. The insert plate 121 is inserted into the slot 111. The sealing gasket is disposed between the first connector 110 and the second connector 120.
[0034] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: The main body 100 is designed to be detachable. In actual use, many water supply pipelines are often laid out. When it is necessary to adjust the water supply path, the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 on the same pipeline can be disassembled and then connected to the first connector 110 or the second connector 120 of other pipelines. This operation does not require disassembling the entire hose and then connecting it, which saves more time and is more convenient when adjusting the water supply path.
[0035] The remaining working principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 3.
[0036] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0037] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make various variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A quick-connect hose connector, comprising a connecting body (100), characterized in that, It also includes two hose fixing parts (200) and two quick-release components (300) connected to the hose fixing parts (200). The connecting body (100) has a water flow channel inside. The two sides of the connecting body (100) are provided with connecting pipes (130) for the hose to be fitted and connected to the water flow channel. The hose fixing part (200) includes a first clamping cover (210) and a second clamping cover (220) that are slidably connected to the connecting body (100). The inner sides of the first clamping cover (210) and the second clamping cover (220) are provided with clamping surfaces. The clamping surfaces of the first clamping cover (210), the second clamping cover (220) and the outer wall of the connecting pipe (130) form a clamping opening for clamping the hose. The quick-release components (300) are used to lock the first clamping cover (210) and the second clamping cover (220).
2. The quick-connect hose connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-release assembly (300) includes a pull plate (320) located inside the second clamping cover (220), a pull ring (310) connected to the pull plate (320), and two pull rods (330) connected to the pull plate (320). Several inserts (331) are fixed to the outside of the pull rods (330). Several sockets (214) are provided at the bottom of the first clamping cover (210). The inserts (331) are slidably connected to the sockets (214) and the sliding direction is parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring (310).
3. The quick-connect hose connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second clamping cover (220) has two limiting grooves (224) on its top. The pull rod (330) is slidably connected to the limiting grooves (224) and the sliding direction is parallel to the pulling direction of the pull ring (310).
4. The quick-connect hose connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting body (100) has two vertical grooves (140) on both sides. The first clamping cover (210) is provided with two first sliders (211), and the second clamping cover (220) is provided with two second sliders (221). The two first sliders (211) are slidably connected to the two grooves (140) on the same side of the connecting body (100), and the two second sliders (221) are slidably connected to the two grooves (140) on the same side of the connecting body (100).
5. A quick-connect hose connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both ends of the slide groove (140) are connected to an inlet (150). The first slider (211) is connected to a first limiting block (212), and the second slider (221) is connected to a second limiting block (222). When the first slider (211) is located in the slide groove (140), the first limiting block (212) abuts against the inner wall of the connecting body (100). When the second slider (221) is located in the slide groove (140), the second limiting block (222) abuts against the inner wall of the connecting body (100).
6. A quick-connect hose connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting body (100) is also provided with a cover, which is installed on the inlet (150) and covers the inlet (150).
7. A quick-connect hose connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes two sets of support components (400). Each side of the connecting body (100) is provided with a set of support components (400). Each set of support components (400) includes at least two elastic elements (430), a support block (410) connected to the connecting body (100), and at least two stabilizing rods (420) disposed at the upper and lower ends of the support block (410). The first clamping cover (210) and the second clamping cover (220) are both provided with sliding holes (240) in the vertical direction. The stabilizing rods (420) are slidably connected to the sliding holes (240). One end of the elastic element (430) is connected to one end of the stabilizing rod (420), and the other end of the elastic element (430) is fixed to the first clamping cover (210) or the second clamping cover (220). The elastic force of the elastic element (430) is in the vertical direction.
8. A quick-connect hose connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support block (410) is located on the vertical line of the slide groove (140). The first clamping cover (210) and the second clamping cover (220) are respectively provided with a first limiting part (213) and a second limiting part (223). The first limiting part (213) and the second limiting part (223) are respectively used to abut against the upper and lower ends of the support block (410).
9. A quick-connect hose connector according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The connecting body (100) includes a first connector (110), a second connector (120) and a sealing gasket. A slot (111) is provided on the top of one side of the first connector (110), and an insert plate (121) is provided on one side of the second connector (120). The insert plate (121) is inserted into the slot (111), and the sealing gasket is disposed between the first connector (110) and the second connector (120).
10. A quick-connect hose connector according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The outer wall of the connecting tube (130) is provided with a plurality of first annular protrusions (131), and the clamping surfaces of the first clamping cover (210) and the second clamping cover (220) are provided with a plurality of second annular protrusions (230). When the quick-release assembly (300) is locked, the first annular protrusion (131) is arranged adjacent to one or two second annular protrusions (230).