Quick connector assembly

Claim 2

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carrier by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said indicator tab being radially displaceable with respect to said housing, and said housing having an aperture formed in the wall thereof through which said indicator tab is projectable.

Claim 3

A connector assembly according to claim 1 which includes resilient biasing means operatively coupled with said indicator tab for urging of said indicator tab in a radially inward direction.

Claim 4

A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said support means for said indicator tab includes an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof.

Claim 5

A connector assembly according to claim 1 wherein said support means includes a retainer ring positioned in said elongated tubular housing in fixedly retained relationship thereto, resilient fluid seal means disposed within said tubular housing in relatively inward relationship to said retainer ring and formed with an axially extending base for receiving in fluid sealing relationship the terminal end portion of said first conduit projected through the bore, said retainer ring contactingly engageable with said seal means for retaining said seal means in said housing.

Claim 6

A connector assembly according to claim 4 wherein said retainer ring is formed with an axially extending bore through which the terminal end portion of said first conduit is projected, said retainer ring bore being formed with support guide means cooperatively engageable with said first conduit.

Claim 7

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carried by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said support means for said indicator tab including an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab being carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof, and said tubular housing being formed with an aperture through which said indicator tab is adapted to be displaced.

Claim 8

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carried by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said support means for said indicator tab including an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab being carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof, and said tubular housing being formed with an aperture through which said indicator tab is adapted to be displaced.

Claim 9

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carried by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said support means for said indicator tab including an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab being carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof, and said elongated arm being disposed in axially extending relationship to said housing in a position to contactingly engage said annular ring which said first conduit is operatively inserted into said tubular housing, whereby said arm is flexed radially outwardly and projects at least a portion of said indicator tab exteriorally of said housing.

Claim 10

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carried by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said support means for said indicator tab including an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab being carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof, and said elongated arm being disposed in axially extending relationship to said housing in a position to contactingly engage said annular ring which said first conduit is operatively inserted into said tubular housing, whereby said arm is flexed radially outwardly and projects at least a portion of said indicator tab exteriorally of said housing.

Claim 11

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carried by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said support means for said indicator tab including an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab being carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof, and said elongated arm being resiliently biased in a radially inward direction.

Claim 12

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including an indicator tab carried by support means for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing, said support means for said indicator tab including an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship within said housing for swinging about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said indicator tab being carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof, and said elongated arm being resiliently biased in a radially inward direction.

Claim 13

A connector assembly according to claim 8 wherein said indicator tab support means includes a retainer ring positionable in said elongated tubular housing in fixedly retained relationship thereto, said elongated arm being pivotably secured at its said one end to said retainer ring.

Claim 14

A connector assembly according to claim 9 wherein said elongated arm is disposed in axially extending relationship to said housing and is pivoted on said retainer ring for swinging movement about an axis disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of said housing.

Claim 15

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said retainer cap resilient retaining means including a plurality of axially extending fingers secured at one end thereof in a circular configuration and projecting a distance inwardly of said housing, the inner end portions of said fingers defining a circular abutment having a diameter less than the diameter of said annular ring for mechanically engaging therewith to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit therethrough.

Claim 16

A connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted by resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing; and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said retainer cap resilient retaining means including a plurality of axially extending fingers secured at one end thereof in a circular configuration and projecting a distance inwardly of said housing, the inner end portions of said fingers defining a circular abutment having a diameter less than the diameter of said annular ring for mechanically engaging therewith to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit therethrough.

Claim 17

A connector assembly according to claim 11 wherein said axially extending fingers are adapted to be flexed in a radially outward direction to permit passage of said first conduit and annular ring therethrough.

Claim 18

A connector assembly according to claim 12 wherein said retainer cap includes an end wall on which said axially extending fingers are carried, said end wall having an aperture through which said first conduit and annular ring are projectable.

Claim 19

A connector assembly according to claim 13 wherein said axially extending fingers are of a length to maintain said annular ring at a position in contacting engagement with said interlock indicating means.

Claim 20

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) A first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outward from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit and open at one end for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein through said open end in axially extending relationship, said tubular housing having a plurality of projections formed on the exterior thereof in angularly disposed relationship closely adjacent said open end and extending a distance radially outward, (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit, and (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and having resilient retaining means projecting axially inward of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, said retainer cap having a recess formed therein for receiving a marginal end portion of said tubular housing and the projections formed thereon and to cooperatively mechanically couple with said projections for maintaining said cap and housing in interconnected relationship and to provide perceivable indication of such interconnected relationship.

Claim 21

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) A first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outward from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit and open at one end for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein through said open end in axially extending relationship, said tubular housing having a plurality of projections formed on the exterior thereof in angularly disposed relationship closely adjacent said open end and extending a distance radially outward, (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit, and (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and having resilient retaining means projecting axially inward of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, said retainer cap having a recess formed therein for receiving a marginal end portion of said tubular housing and the projections formed thereon and to cooperatively mechanically couple with said projections for maintaining said cap and housing in interconnected relationship and to provide perceivable indication of such interconnected relationship.

Claim 22

A connector assembly according to claim 15 wherein said retainer cap includes a peripheral wall having sockets formed therein for receiving respective ones of said projections.

Claim 23

A connector assembly according to claim 16 wherein said peripheral wall is formed with a camming surface facing radially inward with respect to a longitudinal axis of the connector assembly, said camming surface cooperatively engageable with said projections to effect radially inward displacement of said projection upon rotation of said cap about the longitudinal axis for enabling said projections to be aligned with respective ones of said sockets and into which they will extend.

Claim 24

A connector assembly for a tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adaptor for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit and open at one end for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; and (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and having resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, said retainer cap and said tubular housing being provided with cooperative assembly indicator means operable upon interconnection of said cap and said housing for indicating interconnection therebetween, said retainer cap including a peripheral wall adapted to overlie a marginal end portion of said elongated tubular housing at the open end thereof, said cooperative assembly indicator means including at least one projection formed on said elongated tubular housing and extending radially outwardly with respect to the exterior thereof and an aperture formed in the peripheral wall of said retainer cap through which at least a portion of said projection is projectable to the exterior thereof for providing a perceivable indication of interconnection of said retainer cap and said tubular housing.

Claim 25

A connector assembly for a tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outwardly from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adaptor for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit, whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit and open at one end for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship; (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit; and (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and having resilient retaining means projecting axially inwardly of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, said retainer cap and said tubular housing being provided with cooperative assembly indicator means operable upon interconnection of said cap and said housing for indicating interconnection therebetween, said retainer cap including a peripheral wall adapted to overlie a marginal end portion of said elongated tubular housing at the open end thereof, said cooperative assembly indicator means including at least one projection formed on said elongated tubular housing and extending radially outwardly with respect to the exterior thereof and an aperture formed in the peripheral wall of said retainer cap through which at least a portion of said projection is projectable to the exterior thereof for providing a perceivable indication of interconnection of said retainer cap and said tubular housing.

Claim 26

A connector assembly according to claim 18 wherein said elongated tubular housing is formed with a resiliently biased latching element carrying said projection, said latching element adapted to be flexed radially inward to permit assembly or disassembly of said cap and housing, said latching element and projection mechanically locking said cap and housing in interconnected relationship.

Claim 27

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outward from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing, (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit, (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and resilient retaining means projecting axially inward of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including: (a) a retainer ring positionable in said elongated tubular housing in fixedly retained relationship thereto, (b) an elongated arm disposed in axially extending relationship to said housing and pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship on said retainer ring and within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said elongated arm being resiliently biased in a radially inward direction and including a camming surface facing radially inward of said housing for contacting engagement with said annular ring when said first conduit is operatively inserted into said housing, said elongated arm being normally radially disposed with respect to said housing with its camming surface projected into the path of movement of said annular ring whereby said annular ring will pivot said elongated arm in a radially outward direction, and (c) an indicator tab carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing when said elongated arm is cammed radially outward by said annular ring when said annular ring is in locked engagement with said retainer cap.

Claim 28

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outward from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing, (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit, (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and resilient retaining means projecting axially inward of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including: (a) a retainer ring positionable in said elongated tubular housing in fixedly retained relationship thereto, (b) an elongated arm disposed in axially extending relationship to said housing and pivotably secured at one end in supported relationship on said retainer ring and within said housing for swinging movement about said one end in a direction that is radially oriented with respect to said housing, said elongated arm being resiliently biased in a radially inward direction and including a camming surface facing radially inward of said housing for contacting engagement with said annular ring when said first conduit is operatively inserted into said housing, said elongated arm being normally radially disposed with respect to said housing with its camming surface projected into the path of movement of said annular ring whereby said annular ring will pivot said elongated arm in a radially outward direction, and (c) an indicator tab carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof for displacement between a position where it is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing when said elongated arm is cammed radially outward by said annular ring when said annular ring is in locked engagement with said retainer cap.

Claim 29

A connector assembly according to claim 20 wherein said elongated arm is pivoted on said retainer ring for swinging movement about an axis disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of said housing.

Claim 30

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outward from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing, said housing having an aperture formed in the wall thereof, (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit, (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and resilient retaining means projecting axially inward of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including: (a) a retainer ring positionable in said elongated tubular housing in fixedly retained relationship thereto, (b) an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end to said retainer ring by an integral hinge for swinging movement in a radially disposed plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing with the free end of said arm extending toward the open end of said housing, said elongated arm adapted to be contactingly engaged by said annular ring and to be thereby swung radially outward, (c) an indicator tab carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof pivotably secured to said retainer ring and at a position where said tab can be radially displaced with respect to said housing projected into said housing aperture, said elongated arm being displaceable between a position where said tab is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing when said annular ring is in locked engagement with said retainer cap retaining means, and (d) resilient biasing means operatively coupled with said indicator tab for urging of said indicator tab in a radially inward direction.

Claim 31

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means comprising: (A) a first tubular conduit having a terminal connector end portion and an annular ring disposed on said end portion in fixed relationship at a predetermined distance from the end thereof, said annular ring projecting a distance radially outward from the conduit, and (B) a connector fitting adapted for interconnection with a second conduit and with said first conduit whereby fluid may flow through said conduits when interconnected, said connector fitting including: (1) an elongated tubular housing connectable in fluid flow relationship with said second conduit for receiving the connector end portion of said first tubular conduit therein in axially extending relationship through an open end of said housing, said housing having an aperture formed in the wall thereof, (2) fluid seal means positioned in said tubular housing in retained relationship for providing a seal between said connector fitting and said first conduit, (3) a retainer cap adapted to be mechanically interconnected with said tubular housing at an end thereof through which said first conduit is inserted and resilient retaining means projecting axially inward of said housing for locking engagement with said annular ring to prevent withdrawal of said first conduit when operatively inserted into said tubular housing, and (4) interlock indicating means responsive to positioning of said first conduit in said housing in locked engagement with said retainer cap through mechanical interengagement of said interlock indicating means with the annular ring on said first conduit for providing a perceivable indication of such locked engagement, said interlock indicating means including: (a) a retainer ring positionable in said elongated tubular housing in fixedly retained relationship thereto, (b) an elongated arm pivotably secured at one end to said retainer ring by an integral hinge for swinging movement in a radially disposed plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said housing with the free end of said arm extending toward the open end of said housing, said elongated arm adapted to be contactingly engaged by said annular ring and to be thereby swung radially outward, (c) an indicator tab carried on said elongated arm in remote relationship to said one end thereof pivotably secured to said retainer ring and at a position where said tab can be radially displaced with respect to said housing projected into said housing aperture, said elongated arm being displaceable between a position where said tab is fully contained within said housing and a position where at least a portion of said tab is disposed exteriorly of said housing when said annular ring is in locked engagement with said retainer cap retaining means, and (d) resilient biasing means operatively coupled with said indicator tab for urging of said indicator tab in a radially inward direction.

Claim 32

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means, said assembly comprising: (a) a first fluid conduit (10) having: (i) a first bore for the passage of fluid, said first bore having an open extreme end (18) at the distal end of said first fluid conduit (10); (ii) an annular ring (14) on the external periphery of said first conduit (10); and (iii) a terminal end portion (13) projecting beyond said annular ring (14) and ending in said open extreme end (18); (b) a second fluid conduit (11) having: (i) a second bore for the passage of fluid, said second bore having an open extreme end at the distal end of said second fluid conduit (11), said second bore comprising, starting from the open extreme end, an outer cylindrical chamber (29), a frusto conical section (30) of decreasing diameter, an inner cylindrical chamber (28), and a cylindrical chamber (39) the diameter of which is less than the diameter said inner cylindrical chamber (28); (ii) a plurality of sockets (49) extending radially outwardly from said inner cylindrical chamber (28); and (iii) a plurality of coupling projections (80) extending radially outwardly from the exterior periphery of said second fluid conduit (11) near its distal end; (c) a fluid seal means (22) having: (i) an outer surface sized and shaped to be received in said inner cylindrical chamber (28) in fluid tight engagement with said second fluid conduit (11) and (ii) an inner surface sized and shaped to receive said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) in fluid tight engagement; (d) a seal retainer (23) having: (i) a cylindrical ring (40) sized and shaped to be received in said inner cylinderical chamber (28), to bear against said fluid seal means (22), and to cause said fluid seal means (22) to bear against an inwardly projecting lip (34) defining the proximal end of said inner chamber (28); (ii) a plurality of locking lugs (48), each one of said plurality of locking lugs (48) being sized, shaped, and positioned to be received in a corresponding one of said plurality of sockets (49); and (iii) a plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42), each one of said plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42) extending the length of said cylindrical ring (40) and having a concave, inwardly facing surface (43) sized and shaped to receive said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10); and (e) a retainer cap (21) comprising: (i) a radial end wall (75) having a circular aperture (86) therethrough sized and shaped to pass said first fluid conduit (10); (ii) a peripheral wall (76) projecting axially from said radial end wall (75); (iii) a plurality of radial apertures (79) formed in said peripheral wall (76), each one of said plurality of radial apertures (79) being sized, shaped, and positioned to receive a corresponding one of said plurality of coupling projections (80); and (iv) a plurality of inwardly projecting resilient retaining fingers (85) projecting axially from said radial end wall (75) radially inwardly of said peripheral wall (76), each one of said plurality of inwardly projecting resilient retaining fingers (85) being sized, shaped, and positioned to bear against said first fluid conduit (10) proximally of said annular ring (14).

Claim 33

A quick connection connector assembly for tubular conduit means, said assembly comprising: (a) a first fluid conduit (10) having: (i) a first bore for the passage of fluid, said first bore having an open extreme end (18) at the distal end of said first fluid conduit (10); (ii) an annular ring (14) on the external periphery of said first conduit (10); and (iii) a terminal end portion (13) projecting beyond said annular ring (14) and ending in said open extreme end (18); (b) a second fluid conduit (11) having: (i) a second bore for the passage of fluid, said second bore having an open extreme end at the distal end of said second fluid conduit (11), said second bore comprising, starting from the open extreme end, an outer cylindrical chamber (29), a frusto conical section (30) of decreasing diameter, an inner cylindrical chamber (28), and a cylindrical chamber (39) the diameter of which is less than the diameter said inner cylindrical chamber (28); (ii) a plurality of sockets (49) extending radially outwardly from said inner cylindrical chamber (28); and (iii) a plurality of coupling projections (80) extending radially outwardly from the exterior periphery of said second fluid conduit (11) near its distal end; (c) a fluid seal means (22) having: (i) an outer surface sized and shaped to be received in said inner cylindrical chamber (28) in fluid tight engagement with said second fluid conduit (11) and (ii) an inner surface sized and shaped to receive said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) in fluid tight engagement; (d) a seal retainer (23) having: (i) a cylindrical ring (40) sized and shaped to be received in said inner cylinderical chamber (28), to bear against said fluid seal means (22), and to cause said fluid seal means (22) to bear against an inwardly projecting lip (34) defining the proximal end of said inner chamber (28); (ii) a plurality of locking lugs (48), each one of said plurality of locking lugs (48) being sized, shaped, and positioned to be received in a corresponding one of said plurality of sockets (49); and (iii) a plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42), each one of said plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42) extending the length of said cylindrical ring (40) and having a concave, inwardly facing surface (43) sized and shaped to receive said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10); and (e) a retainer cap (21) comprising: (i) a radial end wall (75) having a circular aperture (86) therethrough sized and shaped to pass said first fluid conduit (10); (ii) a peripheral wall (76) projecting axially from said radial end wall (75); (iii) a plurality of radial apertures (79) formed in said peripheral wall (76), each one of said plurality of radial apertures (79) being sized, shaped, and positioned to receive a corresponding one of said plurality of coupling projections (80); and (iv) a plurality of inwardly projecting resilient retaining fingers (85) projecting axially from said radial end wall (75) radially inwardly of said peripheral wall (76), each one of said plurality of inwardly projecting resilient retaining fingers (85) being sized, shaped, and positioned to bear against said first fluid conduit (10) proximally of said annular ring (14).

Claim 34

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein the outer surface of said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) is smooth.

Claim 35

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said open extreme end (18) is radiused to facilitate the insertion of said first fluid conduit (10) into said fluid seal means (22).

Claim 36

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said inner surface of said fluid seal means (22) comprises two axially spaced inwardly projecting annular rings (31) separated by an annular recess (33).

Claim 37

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein a beveled surface (35) is formed at the end of said fluid seal means (22) that receives said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) to facilitate insertion of said terminal end portion (13) into said fluid seal means (22).

Claim 38

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein the axial length of said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) is such that said open extreme end (18) projects into said cylindrical chamber (39) the diameter of which is less than the diameter of said inner cylindrical chamber (28).

Claim 39

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 and further comprising a plurality of projections (44) projecting inwardly from the inner surface of said cylindrical ring (40), each one of said plurality of projections (44): (a) being disposed between two adjacent ones of said plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42); (b) being of shorter axial length than said plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42); and (c) having a concave, inwardly facing surface (45) sized and shaped to receive said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10).

Claim 40

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein the entrance end of each one of said plurality of projections is radiused to facilitate entry into said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10).

Claim 41

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein a plurality of axially extending slots (46) are formed in said cylindrical ring (40), each one of said plurality of axially extending slots (46) being open at the end of said cylindrical ring (40) into which said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) is inserted, one of said plurality of axially extending slots (46) being formed on each side of and adjacent to a corresponding one of said plurality of projections (44).

Claim 42

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein a plurality of axially extending slots (46) are formed in said cylindrical ring (40), each one of said plurality of axially extending slots being open at the end of said cylindrical ring (40) into which said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) is inserted.

Claim 43

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein the extreme end of each one of said plurality of inwardly projecting, axially extending lands (42) is radiused to facilitate entry of said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10).

Claim 44

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein each one of said plurality of locking lugs (48) has a rectangular cross section and is dimensioned to be closely received in a corresponding one of said plurality of sockets (49).

Claim 45

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein each one of said plurality of locking lugs (48) is radially dimensioned so that is does not extend outwardly of the outer surface of said second fluid conduit (11).

Claim 46

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein the extreme end of each one of said plurality of locking lugs (48) is beveled to facilitate insertion of said seal retainer (23) into said inner chamber (28).

Claim 47

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein the end of said cylindrical ring (40) into which said terminal end portion (13) of said first fluid conduit (10) is inserted is in at least substantial alignment with an axial end of each one of said plurality of locking lugs (48).

Claim 48

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said plurality of locking lugs (48) are sized, shaped, and positioned to be cammed inwardly by said frusto conical section (30) during insertion of said first fluid conduit (10) into said second fluid conduit (11).

Claim 49

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein a plurality of axially extending grooves (54) are formed in the inner surface of said frusto conical section (30), each one of said plurality of axially extending grooves (54) being in alignment with a corresponding one of said plurality of sockets (49), each one of said plurality of axially extending grooves (54) being sized, shaped, and positioned to guide a corresponding one of said plurality of locking lugs (48) into a corresponding one of said plurality of sockets (49).

Claim 50

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said second fluid conduit (11) has a plurality of axially extending slots (65) beginning at said open extreme end and defining therebetween a plurality of latching elements (67).

Claim 51

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 40 wherein each one of said plurality of coupling projections (80) is formed on a corresponding one of said plurality of latching elements (67).

Claim 52

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein the radially outer surface of said peripheral wall (76) is polygonal.

Claim 53

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 41 wherein: (a) said radially outer surface of said peripheral wall (76) has an even number of sides; (b) the circumferential length of every other one (77) of said sides is substantially greater than the circumferential length of the intervening one (78) of said sides; and (c) each one of said plurality of radial apertures is centrally located in a corresponding one of said every other one (77) of said sides.

Claim 54

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein each one of said plurality of radial aperture (79) has a rectangular cross section and is dimensioned to closely receive a corresponding one of said plurality of coupling projections (80).

Claim 55

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said peripheral wall (76) has a convoluted inner surface (83) including a plurality of inwardly facing arcuately curved sockets (84) sized, shaped, and positioned to receive said plurality of coupling projections (80) when said retainer cap (21) is pushed axially onto the distal end of said second fluid conduit (11).

Claim 56

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 45 wherein: (a) said plurality of inwardly facing arcuately curved sockets (84) are formed with their centers on a common diameter and (b) said plurality of inwardly facing arcuately curved sockets (84) are arranged in pairs between adjacent ones of said plurality of radial apertures (79).

Claim 57

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 45 wherein said plurality of inwardly facing arcuately curved sockets (84) are sized, shaped, and positioned to cam said plurality of coupling projections (80) inwardly as said retainer cap (21) is rotated around said fluid conduit (11).

Claim 58

A quick connection connector assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said plurality of coupling projections are radially sized so that each one of said plurality of coupling projections (80) projects radially outwardly beyond said peripheral wall (76).