초록 ▼

A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel, water and oxygen lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes laterally spaced locking tines which engage a mating channel for locking t

A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel, water and oxygen lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes laterally spaced locking tines which engage a mating channel for locking the coupling in secured relationship. The coupling assembly can be manipulated with one hand and has viewing ports to ensure that all parts are in place. A pivotal locking member is provided to supply additional redundancy. The locking member has at least one fin which is received between the locking tines and snaps into locking position when the coupling is securely fastened. If the coupling is not securely fastened, the fin will not fit between the tines, thereby preventing the locking member from snapping into locked position. Thus, the mechanic will know that the coupling is not securely fastened and will take steps to remedy the problem. When snapped into locked position, the pivotal locking member also serves to prevent the locking tines from accidental disengagement. The pivotal locking member provides full redundancy so that if the locking tines are damaged or broken, the pivotal locking member provides full strength in locking the coupling halves together.

대표청구항 ▼

In a coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting first and second annular flanges on respective confronting ends of first and second fluid carrying conduit members, wherein said coupling assembly includes a pair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined together at first adjacent ends for cir

In a coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting first and second annular flanges on respective confronting ends of first and second fluid carrying conduit members, wherein said coupling assembly includes a pair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined together at first adjacent ends for circumferentially surrounding said confronting ends and including an arcuate circumferential wall having a thickness and a pair of spaced ribs extending inwardly from opposite circumferential edges thereof, at least one longitudinal locking channel on the outer surface of the opposite end of one of said coupling halves, and a pair of resilient locking tines extending longitudinally from the outer surface of the opposite end of the other of coupling halves, said locking tines being bendable toward each other for reception within said locking channel and each having an outer edge with a radius so that each inner side of said locking channel makes contact with each of said outer edges of said respective locking tines during closure and release and each further including a locking surface which snaps into engagement with the locking surfaces of said locking channel to releasably hold said coupling halves in closed position around said sleeve, the improvement comprising: said locking tines having a locking edge adjacent said opposite end of said other of said coupling halves; an elongated latch having a first end and a second end, said first end being pivotally connected to said opposite end of said one of said coupling halves and extendable across said locking tines for engagement with said locking edge when said coupling halves are in closed position; at least one fin extending from said elongated latch and positioned between said tines when said coupling halves are in said closed position to prevent movement of said locking tines toward each other; and a locking catch at said second end of said elongated latch for locking engagement with said locking edge when said coupling halves are in closed position to hold said at least one fin between said locking tines.