Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
252 words
A valve assembly for use in the coupling of two members, comprising, in combination: a first member having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface defining a coupling sleeve consisting of an annular wall having an open end and an opposed fluid passageway end and a valve sleeve, a fluid passageway positioned between said coupling sleeve and said valve sleeve, said annular wall defining a first annular shoulder, a second annular shoulder spaced from said first annular shoulder and a first annular groove positioned between said open end and said first shoulder, an annular ring positioned in said first annular groove, an annular lock assisting member positioned adjacent to said first annular shoulder, an annular chamfer member having a chamfer positioned between said annular ring and said lock assisting member and an annular pusher support ring positioned adjacent to said second shoulder; a valve positioned in said valve sleeve, said valve being biased toward said fluid passageway by resilient means; a valve pusher having a first end and a second end, said first end positioned in said coupling sleeve, said second end positioned in said fluid passageway; a second member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a terminal portion, whereby when said second member is inserted in said coupling sleeve, said terminal portion engages said first end of said pusher causing said second end of said pusher to engage said valve to unseat said valve, thereby allowing fluid flow between said first member and said second member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
252 words
A valve assembly for use in the coupling of two members, comprising, in combination: a first member having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface defining a coupling sleeve consisting of an annular wall having an open end and an opposed fluid passageway end and a valve sleeve, a fluid passageway positioned between said coupling sleeve and said valve sleeve, said annular wall defining a first annular shoulder, a second annular shoulder spaced from said first annular shoulder and a first annular groove positioned between said open end and said first shoulder, an annular ring positioned in said first annular groove, an annular lock assisting member positioned adjacent to said first annular shoulder, an annular chamfer member having a chamfer positioned between said annular ring and said lock assisting member and an annular pusher support ring positioned adjacent to said second shoulder; a valve positioned in said valve sleeve, said valve being biased toward said fluid passageway by resilient means; a valve pusher having a first end and a second end, said first end positioned in said coupling sleeve, said second end positioned in said fluid passageway; a second member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a terminal portion, whereby when said second member is inserted in said coupling sleeve, said terminal portion engages said first end of said pusher causing said second end of said pusher to engage said valve to unseat said valve, thereby allowing fluid flow between said first member and said second member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said first member defines a portion for receiving tubing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one O-ring seal is positioned between said lock assisting member and said support ring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein an annular lock ring is positioned adjacent to said chamfer member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
The valve assembly of claim 4, wherein said outer surface of said second member includes a ridge consisting of a ramp, an apex and a shoulder, whereby when said second member is inserted in said first member, said lock ring travels up said ramp, over said apex and against said shoulder to engage said ridge and said chamfer on said chamfer member to connect said first member to said second member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein said second member includes a release handle to cause said lock ring to travel over said apex to release said first member from said second member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve is a ball valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein an annular valve seal is positioned in said valve sleeve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein said valve seal has a square cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein said valve seal has a circular cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein said valve seal has a pyramidal cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said resilient means is a coiled spring.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein said coiled spring includes at least one tab.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein said valve pusher includes an opening for the passage of fluid.