Spring retainer clip for a quick-connect coupling
US6447024B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/098
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A spring retainer clip used with a quick-connect coupling for coupling a male connector having an outwardly extending protrusion in a bore of a female connector having an inwardly extending protrusion wherein the outwardly and inwardly extending protrusions are separated by an annular gap. The spring retainer clip comprises a ring having an axially extending collar for fitting around the male connector and a radially extending base unitary with the collar. A plurality of spring arms, unitary with and extending axially from the radially extending base, have transverse T-bars at free ends thereof adapted to extend through the gap between the protrusions and block movement of the protrusions past one another. Consequently, the male and female connectors cannot be separated if the width of the gap is substantially reduced. Tabs on the base between the spring arms extend axially to engage the bore in the female connector so as to stabilize the spring retainer clip within the bore when the T-bars are disposed in the gap and when the base and collar are disposed outside of the bore. In order to have an more robust configuration with a relatively thick collar and thick base, the spring ret…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.