Releasable coupling device

Abstract

An improved releasable coupling device for a tube of the type which includes a fitting having a bore communicable with a source of fluid and an opening into the bore through which the tube is to be inserted, a retaining ring in the opening having a plurality of axially extending inwardly biased fingers adapted to engage the tube when the tube is inserted into the fitting towards the bore, and an unlocking collar for forcing the plurality of fingers radially outward to cause disengagement of the fingers from the tube. An annular sealing member is positioned in the opening axially between the fingers and the end of the opening adjacent the bore for engaging the tube and the wall of the opening to seal the tube in the fitting when the tube is inserted therethrough, and which is in engagement with the fingers. The annular sealing member is adapted to exert an axially directed force towards the fingers when subjected to the pressure of the fluid communicating with the bore. The fingers include an inclined surface which is engagable by the annular sealing member for increasing the inward biasing force on the fingers, thereby minimizing the possibility of accidental release of the gripping force applied by the fingers. Preferably, each of the fingers has a gripping portion comprised of opposing substantially planar surfaces which minimize the possibility of scratching or marring the tube during insertion of the tube. Also, the unlocking collar is provided with a continuous bead around the inside circumference thereof for engaging the tube when the tube is inserted into the opening, the bead being axially located in close proximity to the annular sealing member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.