# US 5,700,040 A · Fluid quick connector

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- Number: US 5,700,040 A
- Document ID: US5700040A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/392,498
- Filed: 1995-02-23
- Granted: 1997-12-23
- Earliest claimed: 1995-02-23
- Assignees: Bundy Corporation
- Inventors: Rick A. Kujawski
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5700040A

## CPC

- F16L 37/1225: {using a retaining member the extremities of which, e.g. in the form of a U, engage behind a shoulder of both parts}
- F16L 37/0985: {the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part (F16L37/0982 takes precedence)}
- Y10S 285/921: Snap-fit
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

## Abstract

A quick connector coupling for forming a joint in a fluid line includes a hollow plastic connector body extending between a male member connection end and a hose connection end. A male member received in the connector body and has an enlarged annular upset. A retainer is associated with the connector body and secures the male member in the connector body. The retainer has one or two locking loops which extend beyond the male member connection end and encircle a portion of the upset to prevent withdrawl of the male member. The retainer may be attached to the interior or exterior of the connector body, and may be made of plastic or metal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A quick connector coupling comprising:
a hollow female connector body extending between a male member connection end and a hose connection end and including an annular groove formed in an exterior surface; a male member received in said connector body and having an enlarged annular upset; a retainer associated with said connector body and securing said male member in said connector body, said retainer including a semi-circular base disposed in said groove to secure said retainer to said connector body and at least one locking loop extending from said base and beyond said male member connection end and encircling a portion of said upset.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein there are two locking loops.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

A coupling as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking loops are disposed on opposite sides of a central axis passing through said connector body, said locking loops diverging at an angle from said axis.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A coupling as claimed in claim 3, wherein said locking loops extend from raised portions of said retainer base.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is one locking loop.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

A coupling as claimed in claim 5, wherein said locking loop is attached to said base on one side of a central axis passing through said connector body, said locking loop cutting across said axis to engage said upset on an opposite side of said central axis.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retainer is stamped from a strip of sheet metal.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A coupling as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking loop defines a locking wedge which engages said upset outside of said connector body.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

A coupling as claimed in claim 8, wherein a reinforcement strip is attached to said locking wedge.

### Claim 10

A coupling comprising:
a hollow connector body; a tubular member received in one end of said connector body and defining an upset portion; and a retainer attached to said connector body and comprising a locking member, said locking member comprising two spaced legs extending outside of said connector body and being connected at leg ends remote from said connector body by a wedge spaced from said connector body, said upset portion being locked between said wedge and said connector body to secure said tubular member in said connector body, said locking member being attached to said connector body on one side of a central axis passing through said connector body and cutting across said axis to engage said upset portion with said wedge on an opposite side of said axis.