Quick disconnect coupling device

Claim 1

A quick disconnect coupling device for coupling the discharge outlet of a sump pump with the outlet pipe through which waste water is discharged, the sump pump being positioned in a sump and having an intake through which waste water from the sump inlet is directed, said device comprising: a pair of vertically disposed coupling members formed of a chemically inert metallic material and each including a vertically disposed body and a cylindrical internally threaded coupling element integral with said body and extending horizontally therefrom, the cylindrical coupling element on one coupling member being connected in communicating relation with the discharge outlet of the sump pump and the cylindrical coupling element of the other coupling member being connected in communication relation with the outlet pipe, one of said coupling members including means integral with said body and defining a pair of vertical guide ways adjacent the marginal portions of said body of said one coupling member, the other of said coupling members having vertical guide elements integral with the body thereof adjacent the marginal portions of the latter and engaging said guide ways to couple the coupling members together so that the coupling elements thereof are in registering relation with each other, the body of said other coupling member having a horizontal flange on the upper portion thereof engaging the upper portion of the body of said one coupling member when said coupling member is in coupled relation to position said coupling in registering relation with each other, a pair of laterally spaced apart, substantially parallel vertical guide rails in the sump and extending upwardly therefrom, one coupling member having a pair of cylindrical rail engaging elements integral therewith adjacent opposite sides of the body thereof, the other coupling member having a pair of rail engaging elements integral with the horizontal flange thereof, said rail engaging elements of each coupling member engaging the guide rails to guide the associated coupling member during vertical movement of the latter.