Patent · US Expired

Pop off insertion indicator for metal quick connectors

US5779278A · kind A · utility

10Cited by
12References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 27, 1995
Grant dateJul 14, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 27, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16L2201/10
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An insertion indicator for a metal quick connector assembly includes an annular base adapted to be releasably received within the mouth of a female connector component's axial bore, such that the male end form of the connector assembly's male component, including an external flange thereon, is insertable through the indicator's base into the axial bore. The indicator further includes two legs projecting both axially and radially-inwardly from its base so as to extend deeper within the female component's axial bore than the "locking" abutment surfaces of a retainer, also disposed within the bore, when the indicator is releasably received therein. Each leg is resiliently radially yieldable so as to permit passage of an external flange or upset bead on the male component through the indicator, whereupon the free end of each leg rebounds to provide an axially-disposed surface with which the indicator may thereafter be operatively ejected through engagement with the male component's upset bead upon slight retraction of the male component from within the bore.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.