Abstract A quick-connect coupler including axially interfitting male and female cylindrical members with the male member having a J-shaped slot formed in its outer face. The long leg of the slot extends longitudinally of the male member and the short leg thereof extends generally perpendicularly to the long leg at the end thereof opposite the free end of the male member. The female member is provided with a lug on its inner face which engages in the J-shaped slot and upon rotation of the female member with respect to the male member secures the members together. A spring-pressed key is provided in the lug to engage in an offset portion of the short leg of the slot. In one form of the invention the key is permanently held in the offset portion permanently locking the members together. In another form the key and offset portion are shaped so that reverse torque applied to the members will cause the key to retract from locking position. In still another form the key is provided with an externally actuated cam for retracting the key.
A quick-connect coupler comprising generally cylindrical axially interfitting male and female members, said male member having a J-shaped slot formed in its outer face with said slot having a long leg extending from the free end of said male member longitudinally thereof and a short leg connecting with inner end of said long leg and extending generally perpendicularly thereto, said short leg of said slot having a longitudinal offset portion formed therein, said female member including a lug on its inner face extending radially inwardly thereon, said lug engaging in the long leg of said slot as said members are engaged axially and in the short leg of said slot as said members are rotated relative to each other about their axis, a key mounted in said lug for sliding movement longitudinally of said members, and a spring in said lug normally urging said key outwardly of said lug for engagement of said key with said offset portion of said short leg to lock said lug in said short leg and maintain said members in coupled relation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
A quick-connect coupler comprising generally cylindrical axially interfitting male and female members, said male member having a J-shaped slot formed in its outer face with said slot having a long leg extending from the free end of said male member longitudinally thereof and a short leg connecting with inner end of said long leg and extending generally perpendicularly thereto, said short leg of said slot having a longitudinal offset portion formed therein, said female member including a lug on its inner face extending radially inwardly thereon, said lug engaging in the long leg of said slot as said members are engaged axially and in the short leg of said slot as said members are rotated relative to each other about their axis, a key mounted in said lug for sliding movement longitudinally of said members, and a spring in said lug normally urging said key outwardly of said lug for engagement of said key with said offset portion of said short leg to lock said lug in said short leg and maintain said members in coupled relation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said key is generally rectangular and said offset portion is generally rectangular to permanently lock said lug in said slot to permanently lock said members together.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said key and said offset portion are so constructed and arranged so that on reverse rotation of said members said key is forced from said offset portion to release said key from said offset portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said key has an aperture formed therein, a cam mounted for rotation in said aperture to engage one wall of said aperture to retract said key upon rotation of said cam in one direction and release said key for spring urging outwardly on opposite rotation of said cam and means extending through said female member for rotating said cam by hand.