Abstract A quick-connect safety coupling is provided which is intended to be used as a means of connecting hose assemblies and tubing in fluid (liquid and/or gas) systems without the use of screw threads or other complex components, said coupling being characterized by a safety feature which permits the coupling components to be partially disengaged with gradual release of pressure and without flying apart due to internal pressure. The coupling consists of a male member and a female member with one or more O-ring seals between them, an upset portion on the male member providing a shoulder or abutment, a plurality of transverse slots spaced longitudinally in the female member, and resilient retaining clips in the slots one of which clips abuts against said shoulder and another of said clips being spaced longitudinally and preferably shielded so that it cannot be removed readily, whereby when the first named clip is removed the two members can be partially separated or uncoupled with respect to one another so as to permit gradual relief of the internal pressure in the system, after which the other retaining clip or clips can be removed and the two members entirely separated or uncoupled.
A safety coupling unit for use in hose assemblies and tubing, said coupling unit comprising a tubular male member having an outwardly extending shoulder providing an abutment having a substantially vertical surface, a tubular female member having a plurality of transverse slots spaced longitudinally therein one of which is adjacent said surface of said abutment of said male member when said male and female members are fully coupled, a first retaining clip disposed in said one of said slots of said female member which abuts against said surface of said shoulder of said male member when said male and female members are fully coupled, a second retaining clip disposed in another of said slots of said female member which does not abut against said surface of said shoulder of said male member when said male and female members are fully coupled, a shield fixed on said male member against relative motion thereto and covering said second retaining clip preventing the removal of said second retaining clip but not said first retaining clip when said male and female members are fully coupled, and sealing means disposed between said male and female members, said sealing means being adapted to permit coupling and uncoupling of said male and female members and positioned to permit venting when said first retaining clip is removed and said members are partially uncoupled to a point where said second retaining clip abuts against said surface of said shoulder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
A safety coupling unit for use in hose assemblies and tubing, said coupling unit comprising a tubular male member having an outwardly extending shoulder providing an abutment having a substantially vertical surface, a tubular female member having a plurality of transverse slots spaced longitudinally therein one of which is adjacent said surface of said abutment of said male member when said male and female members are fully coupled, a first retaining clip disposed in said one of said slots of said female member which abuts against said surface of said shoulder of said male member when said male and female members are fully coupled, a second retaining clip disposed in another of said slots of said female member which does not abut against said surface of said shoulder of said male member when said male and female members are fully coupled, a shield fixed on said male member against relative motion thereto and covering said second retaining clip preventing the removal of said second retaining clip but not said first retaining clip when said male and female members are fully coupled, and sealing means disposed between said male and female members, said sealing means being adapted to permit coupling and uncoupling of said male and female members and positioned to permit venting when said first retaining clip is removed and said members are partially uncoupled to a point where said second retaining clip abuts against said surface of said shoulder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A coupling as claimed in claim 1 in which said sealing means comprise O-rings seated in spaced grooves in the coupling portion of said male member.