초록 ▼

In the first embodiment, a coupling assembly is provided wherein the inner peripheral diameter of an annular spring is sized to be threadably received over the threads of a coupler and is held in a recess formed by the ends of threads and the edge of a shoulder. This structure minimizes the diameter

In the first embodiment, a coupling assembly is provided wherein the inner peripheral diameter of an annular spring is sized to be threadably received over the threads of a coupler and is held in a recess formed by the ends of threads and the edge of a shoulder. This structure minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly. Additionally, it provides a quick connect, quick disconnect coupling and has a peripheral stripe to provide a visual indication of its connected or disconnected status. In the second embodiment, a wavy spring is split which allows its diameter to be temporarily enlarged so that it can be received over the threads of the coupler and then spring back to its original smaller diameter so that it is held in a recess formed by the ends of the threads and a coupler flange. This structure also minimizes the diameter of the annular spring and lock ring to minimize both the size and weight of coupling assembly. This structure also provides a quick connect, quick disconnect coupling and has an indicator stripe to identify whether or not the coupler is in locked position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A threaded coupling apparatus for interconnected ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in a fixed releasable locking relationship, said apparatus comprising:first and second coupling members, each having a peripheral surface, circumferentially engageable

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A threaded coupling apparatus for interconnected ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in a fixed releasable locking relationship, said apparatus comprising:first and second coupling members, each having a peripheral surface, circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit members to hold them in fluid communication, said coupling members being rotatable with respect to each other in a locking direction to a locked position and in an opposite unlocking direction to an unlocked position to unfasten said coupling apparatus;a first complementary locking element located on said first coupling member;a second complimentary locking element located on said second coupling member;external threads on said first coupling member, said external threads forming alternating ridges and valleys, said ridges having a first larger diameter and said valleys having a second smaller diameter;internal threads on said second coupling member for cooperative engagement with said external threads, said threads being angularly oriented with said complementary locking elements so that said complimentary locking elements become aligned only when said coupling members are rotated with respect to each other to said locked position; andan annular resilient member having an internal peripheral edge having a diameter which is lesser than said first larger diameter and positioned on said first coupling member for urging said complimentary locking elements toward each other so that they make contact with each other and subsequently interlock during rotation in the locking direction when said complimentary locking elements become aligned to hold said first and second coupling members in a fixed rotational and locked position.