US 7,252,533 B1Granted

Quick-disconnect coupling system with emergency release feature

AssigneeInterlemo Holding S.A.

InventorWilliam H. Lee

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A quick-disconnect coupling device for use in plug and receptacle style electrical connectors, fiberoptic connectors, pneumatic and hydraulic couplings or any other application where a secure quick-disconnect connection is desired. Under normal operation, the coupling device incorporates a sliding outer sleeve to activate and release latching features within the retention system, which engages with an appropriate mating receptacle. An emergency release feature is included to allow the coupling to disconnect at a selectable, predetermined axial pull-force on the rear of the coupler. The secondary release feature prevents damage to the components and, in many applications, increases personal safety, by providing an emergency release feature, while still maintaining standard coupling and decoupling functionality.

Claims1

Dependent claims

A quick-disconnect coupling system having a proximal portion and distal portion, said coupling system, comprising:

a proximal shell having a neck portion with a plurality of holes;
a latch arm sleeve slidably inserted into said proximal shell, said latch arm sleeve extending proximally into a plurality of flexible latch arms, each of said latch arms having ramp portions releasably inserted into the holes in said neck portion when said coupling system is not in a disengagement event or not coupled to a receptacle, said latch arm sleeve terminating distally in a distal collar;
a medial coupler slidably inserted into a distal end of said proximal shell, said medial coupler having an internal ring;
a distal clamp member threadably connected to said medial coupler and having clamping means to capture and retain a cable member;
a resilient member disposed between said distal collar and said internal ring and compressible there between;
and
structure to limit lateral translation of said latch arm sleeve and said latch arms within said proximal shell.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/551,693Filed 20 Oct 2006 · us provisional application
Priority: 20 Oct 2005
Granted: 7 Aug 2007
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

H01R 13/6277
Snap or like fastening: comprising annular latching means, e.g. ring snapping in an annular groove
H01R 13/6273
Latching means integral with the housing: comprising two latching arms
H01R 13/635
For disengagement only: by mechanical pressure, e.g. spring force
H01R
Electrically-conductive connections