Q.  What is the TURNCOUPLE® System Approach and how can it be implemented effectively?

A. The System Approach permits the following scenarios:

• The patent holder manufactures a series of interconnecting parts with thread patterns all made to the same precise standard, which are designed to be connected by the TURNCOUPLE® coupler. Parts could include tanks, pumps, valves, other adapters, etc.
• A patent holder collaborates with other manufacturers who agree to produce their pipe, pumps, tanks, valves, etc. with a male-threaded end which meets the same precise thread standards as the TURNCOUPLE® coupler, and with flanges and thread-start marks, making them TURNCOUPLE®-compliant. The patent holder's TURNCOUPLE® coupler connects the left adapter to other manufacturers' TURNCOUPLE®-compliant right-threaded parts to build secure, lockable integrated systems. Each manufacturer selects its own profitable components to become TURNCOUPLE®-compliant, so that the entire range of interconnectable products is available to consumers while each manufacturer can limit its own product inventory to its own specialty.  Manufacturing costs are spread among multiple companies, while the patent holder increases its market through the collaboration.  All participating companies benefit because their products integrate easily with others, making them more attractive to customers.
• TURNCOUPLE® couplers are manufactured so they are compatible with the generic fitting market. The right "adapter" can be any other male right-threaded device.