Quick-disconnect hose coupling device

A method of coupling a male coupling and connector element in quick-disconnect fashion, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a ball valve body having a receptacle formed therein and being pivotable in a housing to a first position;
• inserting the male coupling into said receptacle in said first position whereat the connector element is not in communication therewith;
• pivoting said ball valve body for movement into a second position within said housing whereat the male coupling is retained in said receptacle by interlocking means contained in said ball valve body for directly interfering with its freedom of movement therein;
• and
• providing communication between said connector element and said receptacle for enabling fluid flow therethrough, said interference being removable upon restoration of said ball valve body to said first position for allowing a quick-disconnect function of the male coupling.

A quick-disconnect hose coupling device comprising:

• a housing having an opening at an end thereof for retention of a hose connector element therein;
• a ball valve body disposed in said housing and being pivotable therein about an axis, said ball valve body having formed therein a receptacle for insertion of a male coupling half through an opening in an opposite end of said housing;
• latching means comprising a pair of beads which are seated in apertures formed in walls of said ball valve body, opposite a pair of notched fasteners on either side thereof, an outer edge of a spring-loaded movable locking sleeve disposed within said ball valve body blocking said latching beads from inward movement in said apertures and preventing ball valve body rotation;
• and
• positive interlocking means contained within said ball valve body proximate said pivot axis and cooperating with said housing to allow insertion of said male coupling half in said receptacle when said ball valve body is pivoted to a first position whereat it does not communicate with said connector element,
• said ball valve body being pivotable to a second position by depression of said male coupling half against said movable locking sleeve causing spring compression and removal of said blockage, allowing said valve body to be rotated against said notched fasteners when said latching beads are free to move inward within said valve body apertures, such that said positive interlocking means retentively engages said male coupling half in said receptacle prior to alignment with said connector element for communication therewith, said engagement being releasable when said first position is reestablished.