US3887222A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupling with push-pull release
Assignee: Hansen Manufacturing Co Inc
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Filing: 1974-07-25
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Granted: 1975-06-03
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Expires: 1994-07-25
Abstract
Abstract An improved coupling assembly includes a plug on which a resiliently compressible lock ring is disposed. As the plug is inserted into a socket, a stop ring in a socket chamber deflects the lock ring radially inwardly from an expanded condition to a contracted condition to enable the lock ring to pass through a circular central opening in the stop ring. Once the lock ring has moved axially inwardly of the stop ring, the natural resilience of the lock ring causes it to expand radially outwardly to hold the plug in the socket chamber. When the coupling is to be disconnected, the plug is pushed further inwardly and the lock ring is radially compressed by a movable cam ring slightly smaller than the stop ring. The cam ring compresses the lock ring to the contracted condition. The lock ring and the cam ring are then free to move backwards and the cam ring can pass through the opening in the stop ring as the plug is pulled outwardly.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry H Hammond
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:12
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L37/00; F16L37/08; F16L37/084; F16L37/088; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S285/00; Y10S285/921; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/45; Y10T24/45225; Y10T24/45471; Y10T24/45524; Y10T24/45592; Y10T403/00; Y10T403/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
287 words
A coupling assembly for connecting a plurality of conduits in fluid communication, said coupling assembly comprising a socket connected with one of the conduits, said socket including socket wall means for at least partially defining a socket chamber and stop surface means for defining a stop surface disposed in said socket chamber and for at least partially defining an opening of a predetermined size, a plug connected with the other of the conduits and adapted to be received in said socket chamber, a resilient lock ring disposed on said plug, said lock ring having a generally circular retaining surface adapted to engage said stop surface when said plug is disposed in a first position in said socket chamber to thereby hold said plug in said socket chambEr, said lock ring being deflectable between a first condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is greater than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface and a second condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is less than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface to enable said lock ring to pass through the opening formed by said stop surface, and cam means disposed in said socket chamber inwardly of said stop surface for resiliently compressing said lock ring from said first condition to said second condition upon movement of said plug element axially inwardly from said first position to a second position and for retaining said lock ring in said second condition during axially outward movement of said plug as at least a portion of said lock ring passes through the opening formed by said stop surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
287 words
A coupling assembly for connecting a plurality of conduits in fluid communication, said coupling assembly comprising a socket connected with one of the conduits, said socket including socket wall means for at least partially defining a socket chamber and stop surface means for defining a stop surface disposed in said socket chamber and for at least partially defining an opening of a predetermined size, a plug connected with the other of the conduits and adapted to be received in said socket chamber, a resilient lock ring disposed on said plug, said lock ring having a generally circular retaining surface adapted to engage said stop surface when said plug is disposed in a first position in said socket chamber to thereby hold said plug in said socket chambEr, said lock ring being deflectable between a first condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is greater than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface and a second condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is less than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface to enable said lock ring to pass through the opening formed by said stop surface, and cam means disposed in said socket chamber inwardly of said stop surface for resiliently compressing said lock ring from said first condition to said second condition upon movement of said plug element axially inwardly from said first position to a second position and for retaining said lock ring in said second condition during axially outward movement of said plug as at least a portion of said lock ring passes through the opening formed by said stop surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
287 words
A coupling assembly for connecting a plurality of conduits in fluid communication, said coupling assembly comprising a socket connected with one of the conduits, said socket including socket wall means for at least partially defining a socket chamber and stop surface means for defining a stop surface disposed in said socket chamber and for at least partially defining an opening of a predetermined size, a plug connected with the other of the conduits and adapted to be received in said socket chamber, a resilient lock ring disposed on said plug, said lock ring having a generally circular retaining surface adapted to engage said stop surface when said plug is disposed in a first position in said socket chamber to thereby hold said plug in said socket chambEr, said lock ring being deflectable between a first condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is greater than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface and a second condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is less than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface to enable said lock ring to pass through the opening formed by said stop surface, and cam means disposed in said socket chamber inwardly of said stop surface for resiliently compressing said lock ring from said first condition to said second condition upon movement of said plug element axially inwardly from said first position to a second position and for retaining said lock ring in said second condition during axially outward movement of said plug as at least a portion of said lock ring passes through the opening formed by said stop surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
287 words
A coupling assembly for connecting a plurality of conduits in fluid communication, said coupling assembly comprising a socket connected with one of the conduits, said socket including socket wall means for at least partially defining a socket chamber and stop surface means for defining a stop surface disposed in said socket chamber and for at least partially defining an opening of a predetermined size, a plug connected with the other of the conduits and adapted to be received in said socket chamber, a resilient lock ring disposed on said plug, said lock ring having a generally circular retaining surface adapted to engage said stop surface when said plug is disposed in a first position in said socket chamber to thereby hold said plug in said socket chambEr, said lock ring being deflectable between a first condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is greater than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface and a second condition in which said retaining surface on said lock ring has an outside dimension which is less than the size of the opening formed by said stop surface to enable said lock ring to pass through the opening formed by said stop surface, and cam means disposed in said socket chamber inwardly of said stop surface for resiliently compressing said lock ring from said first condition to said second condition upon movement of said plug element axially inwardly from said first position to a second position and for retaining said lock ring in said second condition during axially outward movement of said plug as at least a portion of said lock ring passes through the opening formed by said stop surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
A coupling assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cam means includes a cam ring disposed in said socket chamber and movable axially by said plug and lock ring between a retracted position in which said cam ring is spaced apart from said surface means and an extended position in which said cam ring is disposed in abutting engagement with said stop surface means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A coupling assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said cam ring includes internal cam surface means for compressing said lock ring from said first condition to said second condition upon movement of said plug from said first position to said second position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
A coupling assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said cam ring includes external surface means disposed in abutting engagement with said socket wall means, said external surface means on said cam ring being slidable along said socket wall means as said cam ring moves between said extended and retracted positions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A coupling assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said stop surface means includes surface means disposed axially outwardly of said stop surface for engaging said plug to limit axially inward movement of said plug.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-02 | 1978-12-02 | 1979-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-02 | 1982-12-02 | 1983-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-02 | 1986-12-02 | 1987-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |