Quick connector for faucet
AssigneeKohler Co.
InventorsAndrew J. Stokes, Ryan F. Leichty, Gregory R. Schmidt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A quick connector assembly for a faucet is provided. The quick connector assembly includes a hose fitting having a longitudinal axis, a lock tab coupled to the hose fitting and having at least one projection extending radially therefrom, and a connector body having at least one slot extending from an opening to a locked position, the at least one slot configured to receive the at least one projection of the lock tab. Moving the projection of the lock tab from the opening of the slot to the locked position connects the lock tab to the connector body.
Claims19
A quick connector assembly for a faucet, comprising:
- a hose fitting having a longitudinal axis;
- a lock tab removably coupled to the hose fitting when the hose fitting is not coupled to a connector body, the lock tab having at least one projection extending radially therefrom;
- and
- the connector body having at least one slot extending from an opening to a locked position, the at least one slot configured to receive the at least one projection of the lock tab;
- wherein when the lock tab is coupled to the hose fitting, moving the at least one projection of the lock tab from the opening of the at least one slot to the locked position connects the lock tab and the hose fitting to the connector body;
- wherein the lock tab at least partially circumscribes the hose fitting and defines a longitudinal gap for the passage of the hose fitting therethrough.
A quick connector assembly for a faucet, comprising:
- a lock tab coupled to a hose fitting, the lock tab having:
- a longitudinal axis;
- and
- at least one projection extending radially from the lock tab;
- and
- a connector body having at least one slot extending from an opening to a locked position, the at least one slot having a gate portion which resists the passage of the at least one projection therethrough configured to receive the at least one projection of the lock tab;
- wherein the lock tab is rotatable about the longitudinal axis, relative to the hose fitting, when the lock tab is coupled thereto;
- wherein moving the at least one projection of the lock tab from the opening of the at least one slot to the locked position connects the lock tab to the connector body;
- wherein the connector body at least partially defines a first cavity configured to receive the locking tab;
- wherein the connector body at least partially defines a second cavity configured to receive a second locking tab, the second locking tab coupled to a second hose fitting.
A faucet, comprising:
- a quick connector assembly, including:
- a hose fitting having a longitudinal axis;
- a lock tab including a substantially cylindrical body, the body having a longitudinal wall opening configured to receive the hose fitting therein and at least one projection extending radially therefrom;
- and
- a connector body having at least one slot extending from an opening to a locked position, the at least one slot configured to receive the at least one projection of the lock tab;
- wherein moving the at least one projection of the lock tab from the opening of the at least one slot to the locked position connects the lock tab to the connector body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.