Pivotal quick disconnect fluid flow coupling

Claim 1

A quick disconnect coupling comprising in combination: a stationary coupling part mounted in flow communication with a vertically downwardly exhausting flow outlet of a flow source means; a generally L-shaped movable coupling part mounted in flow communication with one end of an elongated, generally horizontally extending flow receiver conduit means supported at a point remote from said coupling for at least pivotal movement within an essentially vertically disposed plane bisecting said coupling parts and said flow outlet, said coupling parts including ring members mounted on the mating ends thereof, said ring members each having sealing means; a locking ring member of generally U-shaped cross-section supported on one of said ring members for rotational movement between coupling unlocked and coupling locked positions, said locking ring member having first and second leg portions straddling said one ring member in a direction axially of its associated coupling part, said first leg portion having alternately spaced first cam members and axially through slot openings arranged circumferentially thereof, said first cam members being disposed in facing relation to said second leg portion, and the other of said ring members having second cam members spaced circumferentially thereof such that said second cam members may pass essentially axially inwardly of said locking ring member through said slot openings when disposed in circumferential alignment therewith, said second cam members facing in a direction away from the mating end of the coupling part with which said other ring member is associated, said locking ring member when said mating ends of said coupling parts are brought together to place said ring members in an axially aligned relationship and said second cam members inwardly of said locking ring member being adapted to be rotated with respect to said ring members between said coupling unlocked and coupling locked positions to force said first and second cam members into operative engagement whereby said sealing means are forced into sealing engagement to form an annularly arranged flow seal between the mating ends of said coupling parts; operating means for rotating said locking ring member between said positions thereof; ground affixed guide means for constraining the ring member of said movable coupling part for movement along an essentially vertical path of travel whereby to guidingly maintain said second cam members and said slot openings in circumferential alignment when said mating ends of said coupling parts are brought together and said locking ring is in said coupling unlocked position; and ground affixed control means for vertically moving said movable coupling part to bring together said mating ends of said coupling parts.