Quick connect coupling with improved retainer
US5971445A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S285/921
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A quick connect coupling having a male part and a female part in which the female part includes a housing open at one end. The housing also forms a generally cylindrical internal chamber adjacent to and aligned with the open end of its housing. An annular and readily inwardly extending lip is also provided around the open end of the housing. A retainer constructed from an elongated band of a resilient material, such as spring steel is formed into a tubular cylindrical shape having a diameter at least as large as the diameter of the chamber. In addition, the band is dimensioned such that one end of the band overlies the other end of the band. A plurality of locking tabs is secured to and extend radially inwardly from the band. The retainer is radially inwardly compressible and insertable into the open end of the housing such that, after insertion, the retainer expands radially outwardly so that an outer end of the retainer is entrapped by the lip. The male part includes an elongated tube having an annular bead adjacent its one end. The end of the male part is insertable through the opening end of the female part and into the chamber such that the locking tabs engage an outwardly fac…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.