Quick-connect tubular coupling
US4401326A · kind A · utility
60Cited by
5References
6Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1981 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/22
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A quick-connect coupling for connecting and hydraulically sealing two tubes that carry fluid has a cage fixed to the end of one tube and a garter spring retained in the cage. The second tube, which can be fitted over the first tube, has a flared end, which, when forced into contact with the spring, causes the spring to expand until it clears the flared end after which it contracts. During the contraction process a snap ring fitted on the outer surface of the cage is dislodged abruptly and produces a positive indication that the tubes have been properly connected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.