Couplings for joining fluid conduits

A coupling for joining fluid conduits, comprising:

• an adapter having a first end connectable to a first fluid conduit, a second end, an adapter housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway, and a clamping surface spaced axially inwardly of the second end;
• a coupler having a first end connectable to a second fluid conduit, a second end, a coupler housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway, a pivoted jaw projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, said pivoted jaw being selectively engageable with the clamping surface of the adapter, and a fixed jaw projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, said fixed jaw being engageable with the clamping surface of the adapter;
• and
• a locking mechanism for selectively securing the pivoted jaw against the clamping surface of the adapter.

A coupling coupler mounted on a coupling adapter, said adapter having a first end connectable to a first fluid conduit, a second end, an adapter housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway, and a clamping surface spaced axially inwardly of the second end, said coupler comprising:

• a first end connectable to a second fluid conduit;
• a second end;
• a coupler housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway;
• a pivoted jaw projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, said pivoted jaw being selectively engageable with the clamping surface of the adapter;
• and
• a fixed jaw projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, said fixed jaw being engageable with the clamping surface of the adapter.

An adapter employed in combination with a coupler, said coupler having a first end connectable to a first fluid conduit, a second end, a coupler housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passage, a pivoted jaw projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, and a fixed jaw projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, said adapter comprising:

• a first end connectable to a first fluid conduit;
• a second end;
• an adapter housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway;
• and
• a clamping surface spaced axially inwardly of the second end, said clamping surface being engageable with said pivoted jaw.

A coupling for joining fluid conduits, comprising:

• an adapter having a first end connectable to a first fluid conduit, a second end, an adapter housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway, and a clamping surface spaced axially inwardly of the second end;
• a coupler having a first end connectable to a second fluid conduit, a second end, a coupler housing extending between the first and second ends and defining a central passageway, and a plurality of jaws projecting longitudinally beyond the second end, said jaws being selectively engageable with the clamping surface of the adapter, at least one of said jaws being pivotally mounted with respect to the coupler housing;
• and
• a locking mechanism for selectively securing the plurality of jaws against the clamping surface of the adapter, said locking mechanism comprising:
• a shaft at least partially spanning the coupler passageway, said shaft being pivotally mounted on the exterior surface of the coupler and having a portion projecting therefrom,
• a lever pivotally mounted on said projecting portion for movement successively from a rest position to a ready position to a full flow position, and
• a cam member secured for rotation with said shaft, said cam member having:
• a ramp surface adapted to engage at least one pivoted jaw and swing the jaw toward the clamping surface upon the lever being swung from its rest position, and
• a positioning surface to maintain the pivoted jaw clamped to the clamping surface as the lever is swung to the full flow position.