초록 ▼

A quick connect coupling connects a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The quick connect coupling includes a first single or multi-layer tube which is either metal or plastic and has a wall expanded radially outwardly adjacent a longitudinal end to define an integrally formed female port

A quick connect coupling connects a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit. The quick connect coupling includes a first single or multi-layer tube which is either metal or plastic and has a wall expanded radially outwardly adjacent a longitudinal end to define an integrally formed female portion of the coupling. The expanded end has at least two apertures extending through the wall adjacent the longitudinal end of the tube. A second tube which is either metal or plastic and has a first end with a radially outwardly projecting annular flange spaced longitudinally from the first end. The first end and the annular flange are engageable within the expanded end of the first tube. The first end of the second tube defines the male portion of the coupling. An elongated housing member has an outer periphery engageable within the expanded end of the first tube and has an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough for fluid communication between the first and second tubes. The housing member has an enlarged inner diameter for receiving the first end of the second tube therein. Sealing members are carried by the housing member and are insertable within the expanded end of the first tube with the elongated housing member. A lock member holds the elongated housing member in place within the expanded end of the first tube and operably engages with the apertures formed through the wall of the expand end of the first tube and the outwardly protruding annular flange of the second tube. An optional internal check valve can be provided within the elongated housing member.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a quick connect coupling for connecting a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit, said second fluid conduit having a first end with a radially outwardly protruding annular flange spaced longitudinally from said first end defining an integral male portion of said

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] In a quick connect coupling for connecting a first fluid conduit to a second fluid conduit, said second fluid conduit having a first end with a radially outwardly protruding annular flange spaced longitudinally from said first end defining an integral male portion of said coupling, an elongate housing having an outer periphery and an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough for fluid communication between said first and second conduits, said housing having an enlarged inner diameter for receiving said first end of said second conduit therein, lock means engageable with said annular flange of said second conduit for holding said second conduit in place, the improvement comprising:said first fluid conduit made of an expandable material and having a wall made of at least one material layer initially defining a first diameter and having a first wall thickness adjacent a longitudinal end, said longitudinal end of said first conduit expanded radially creating a second diameter greater than said first diameter and a second wall thickness less than said first wall thickness, said expanded end of said first conduit defining an integral, non-separable, unitary female portion of said coupling formed directly from said first conduit and having at least one aperture extending through said wall adjacent said longitudinal end of said first conduit;said housing insertible within said expanded end of said first conduit;said lock means insertible within said expanded end of said first conduit and cooperatively engageable with said at least one aperture formed in said wall of said first conduit for holding said housing in place within said first conduit; andsaid annular flange and first end of said second conduit engageable within said housing in said expanded end of said first conduit while passing through said lock means, such that said lock means is engageable with said flange of said second conduit for holding said second conduit in place with respect to said first conduit after insertion within said housing.