Lower effort quick-connect coupler
US10240702B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2016 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/42
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sealing member, whose unique manner of movement provides an improvement to a quick-connect valve assembly, for fluid control. A coupling force, required to couple the quick-connect valve assembly containing the improvements, is substantially reduced, resulting in an improvement to a typical quick-connect valve assembly (prior-art). The quick-connect valve assembly is comprised of at least a male coupler, a female coupler and a sealing member. During the resultant coupling of the quick-connect assembly, the sealing member, is firstly moved, in a rotational manner and then secondly, if desired, in a more typical translational manner. Multiple options for implementation of these improvements are available utilizing typical quick-connect valve components. The implementation options include; individual component replacement, upgrading of prior-art components or introduction of new components. All implementation options provide the improvement of a substantially reduced coupling force.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.