Quick connect coupling with lock ring and indicator
AssigneeForm Rite
InventorChristopher J. Kargula
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved fluid quick connect coupling includes a retainer and a lock ring. The lock ring locks the retainer legs against radially outward flexing. The lock ring is initially contacted by a tube being moved into the coupling, and moves with the tube, until it no longer prevents radially outward flexing of the retainer legs. The retainer legs then flex radially outwardly, allowing the tube to move to its fully inserted position. The lock ring is biased back outwardly once the tube is connected, and has tabs that extend axially outwardly beyond the retainer to provide a visual indication to the installer of when the tube is fully connected.
Claims21
A quick connect fluid coupling comprising:
- a retainer having a central bore defining an axis, and having portions which move radially outwardly to allow passage of an enlarged portion of a tube:
- and
- a lock member separate from said retainer and received in a space defined by said retainer and biased to a lock position resisting radially outward movement of said retainer portions such that said lock member holds said retainer locked, movement of a fluid tube axially inwardly into the coupling abutting and moving said lock member axially inwardly to a release position where it no longer resists movement of said retainer portions radially outwardly, and such that said retainer portions may move radially outwardly to allow passage of the tube.
A fluid quick connect coupling comprising:
- a housing defining a central bore for receiving a fluid-carrying tube;
- a tube received within said bore;
- a retainer having a plurality of flexible legs securing said tube within said housing, said tube having a bead of a greater outer diameter than portions of said tube spaced axially outwardly of said bead, said legs on said retainer being positioned axially outwardly of said bead for securing said tube within said housing by preventing axially outward movement of said bead, said legs being flexible such that upon insertion of said tube into said housing, said retainer legs move radially outwardly to allow passage of said bead, said legs moving back radially inwardly after being passed axially by said bead, said retainer including a ledge positioned axially outwardly of said retainer legs;
- and
- a lock member slidable within said ledge, said lock member being biased towards a lock position where it prevents radial outward movement of said retainer legs, said lock member moving in a direction against said bias when said tube is inserted into said housing such that said lock member moves out of said ledge and allows said retainer legs to flex radially outwardly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.