Quick connect insertion indicator clip

Claim 2

In combination: a quick connector assembly including mating male and female elements and locking means operative to positively interconnect said elements in a fixed relative longitudinal orientation, said female element defining opposed radial openings forming tangentially extending slots axially coincident with axially extending abutment surfaces defined on said male element; and an indicator device including a solid planar flag portion positioned externally adjacent said female element and spaced elongate members extending therefrom, said members resiliently embracing said female element and including opposed radially inwardly directed engagement tabs extending through said openings for contact with said abutment surfaces whereby upon positive interconnection of said male and female elements, said abutment surfaces contact and urge said tabs and members radially outwardly thereby releasing said indicator device from said female element, said indicator device further including sensory perceptible identification indicia on said flag portion, wherein said engagement tabs form a system of radially inwardly converging leading and trailing tangential and longitudinal surfaces engaging said slots to effect an enlarged alignment window between said indicator device and slots.

Claim 3

The combination of claim 1, wherein said spaced elongate members and engagement tabs are disposed substantially entirely within said openings and slots.

Claim 4

The indicator device of claim 1, wherein said openings include axially spaced surfaces defining said slots dimensioned for slip fit receipt of said members to lend longitudinal and rotational stability to said device.

Claim 5

The indicator device of claim 3, wherein said openings include a plurality of slots effecting bi-directional access of said device to said female element.

Claim 6

An indicator device for use with quick connectors of the type including mating male and female elements and locking means operative to positively interconnect said elements in a fixed relative longitudinal orientation, said female element defining opposed radial openings forming tangentially extending slots axially coincident with axially extending abutment surfaces defined on said male element, said device comprising: a solid planar flag portion adapted for positioning externally adjacent said female element and spaced elongate members extending therefrom, said members adapted for resiliently embracing said female element and including opposed radially inwardly directed engagement tabs adapted for extending through said openings for contact with said abutment surfaces whereby upon positive interconnection of said male and female elements, said abutment surfaces contact and urge said tabs and members radially outwardly thereby releasing said indicator device from said female element, said indicator device further including sensory perceptible identification indicia on said flag portion, wherein said engagement tabs form a system of radially inwardly converging leading and trailing tangential and longitudinal surfaces adapted for engaging said slots to effect an enlarged alignment window between said indicator device and slots.

Claim 7

An indicator device for use with quick connectors of the type including mating male and female elements and locking means operative to positively interconnect said elements in a fixed relative longitudinal orientation, said female element defining opposed radial openings forming tangentially extending slots axially coincident with axially extending abutment surfaces defined on said male element, said device comprising: a solid planar flag portion adapted for positioning externally adjacent said female element and spaced elongate members extending therefrom, said members adapted for resiliently embracing said female element and including opposed radially inwardly directed engagement tabs adapted for extending through said openings for contact with said abutment surfaces whereby upon positive interconnection of said male and female elements, said abutment surfaces contact and urge said tabs and members radially outwardly thereby releasing said indicator device from said female element, said indicator device further including sensory perceptible identification indicia on said flag portion, wherein said engagement tabs form a system of radially inwardly converging leading and trailing tangential and longitudinal surfaces adapted for engaging said slots to effect an enlarged alignment window between said indicator device and slots.

Claim 8

The indicator device of claim 5, wherein said flag portion, elongate members and engagement tabs are integrally formed.

Claim 9

The indicator device of claim 6, wherein said indicator device is formed of homogeneous, substantially planar material.

Claim 10

The indicator device of claim 7, wherein said material is plastic.

Claim 11

The indicator device of claim 5, wherein said elongate members and engagement tabs are formed of resilient material.

Claim 12

The indicator device of claim 5, wherein said flag portion comprises visually sensible indicia.

Claim 13

The indicator device of claim 5, wherein said flag portion comprises tactially sensible indicia.