Breakaway connector for compressed natural gas hoses
US6161872A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L35/00
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A breakaway system for a compressed natural gas fueling hose. The system includes an upper ring that surrounds the fueling hose. A lower portion includes three concentric disks that are arranged as a gimbals. An outer disk is coupled to the upper ring with three rods. The lower portion surrounds a male connector. A female connector, generally of the type known a quick-release connector, is coupled to the fueling hose. When the female connector is connected to the male connector, an outer sleeve of the female connector engages the inner disk of the gimbals. When a lateral force is exerted by the hose against the upper ring, the rods cause at least the outer ring to tilt relative to the male connector. Because of the gimbals arrangement, the inner disk always remains substantially flat and thus exerts a force against the sleeve thereby disconnecting the female connector from the male connector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.