Leaf Spring Patents (Class 285/319)
  • Patent number: 7866711
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly comprising a conductive connector body, a tubular male member with an upset, and a primary retainer. The primary retainer releasably secures the male member within the connector body. The primary retainer body includes a pair of spaced legs connected by a cross member. The retainer body includes a conductive insert with contact surfaces exposed at the retainer legs to contact the male member and at the cross member to contact the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Richard M. Pepe
  • Patent number: 7866710
    Abstract: A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Sheppard, Dario Bettio
  • Patent number: 7850210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in coupling for fluid systems having two coupling parts connectable to one another, which each have coordinated catches for connecting them together, one of the coupling parts having an end union section, by means of which it can be plugged into the other coupling part, and one of the coupling parts having at least one end retaining section carrying its catches, by means of which section it grips over an outer peripheral contour of the other coupling part, on which the coordinated complementary catches are formed. In order to achieve a simplified means of detachment whilst ensuring ease of assembly and a highly stable connection of such a plug-in coupling, it is proposed to provide a separate release part, which in the assembled state is held on the first coupling part and/or the second coupling part and which serves for separating the locking connection between the catches of the first coupling part and the catches of the second coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Brandt, Volker Kaminski, Rozália Bilstein
  • Patent number: 7837234
    Abstract: A pipe joint unit includes a first pipe member with a male joint, a second pipe member with a female joint, and a pipe joint member coupling the first pipe member and the second pipe member. The male joint is received in the female joint such that an outer peripheral surface of the male joint is opposed to an inner peripheral surface of the female joint. The pipe joint member includes an engagement part that is elastically displaceable in the radial direction, and engages with the first and second pipe members. The male joint and the female joint have rotation restricting parts on the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface, respectively, for restricting relative rotation of the first and second pipe members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, DENSO Airs Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yoshino, Kinji Ochiai, Koji Tanaka, Manabu Suzuki, Takeshi Hishikawa
  • Patent number: 7837646
    Abstract: A shunt system quick connector assembly to quickly connect and disconnect a catheter to a hydrocephalus shunt system comprising a valve in a valve housing. The catheter is affixed to the quick connector assembly. The quick connector assembly snaps over an external barb on the valve housing of the shunt system with an audible sound, so that the surgeon knows that connection has been made. The connector assembly can be operated quickly, minimizing the time for the surgical procedure and the opportunity for infection. The connector assembly has smooth surfaces to minimize the growing of tissue into the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Bruce Eidinger, Kendra McGrath, Joshua Rigberg, Peter Callaway, Mark Macomber
  • Patent number: 7823930
    Abstract: A coupling comprising a receiving part (1), a securing part (9) and an insertion part (17) includes blocking elements (6, 13?) whose engagement preventing the securing part (9) from moving from an extended position into a retracted position is released by the axial displacement of latching arms (13) of the securing part (9) under the effect of a retaining ring (22) upon the insertion of said insertion part (17), such that when the insertion part (17) is properly arranged in a receiving space (16) of the receiving part (1), the securing part (9) can be shifted into the retracted position in which said insertion part (17) is secured. What is achieved in this way is relatively simple modification of the assembly force through design measures, high wear resistance, and simple and operationally reliable manipulation of the inventive coupling with regard to the release of the connection between the receiving part and the insertion part, especially under confined spatial conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: A. Raymond et Cie
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede, Albert Raymond
  • Publication number: 20100264644
    Abstract: A fitting for joining a corrugated conduit to a structure associated therewith is disclosed. The fitting comprises a hollow body having an inner chamber and at least two body resilient tabs extending from an end. The at least two body resilient tabs define at least two body gaps therebetween. Each of the at least two body resilient tabs defines an outwardly extending detent. The fitting also comprises a retaining ring including a flange and at least two ring resilient tabs extending from the flange and defining ring gaps therebetween. Each of the at least two ring resilient tabs defines an inwardly extending detent adapted to engage a corrugated conduit. Each of the at least two body resilient tabs is selectively inserted in a corresponding one of the at least two ring gaps, and the outwardly extending detents selectively engage an end of the flange of the retaining ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ROYAL GROUP INC.
    Inventors: James SHEN, Lorne SMYTH, John KEHREN
  • Patent number: 7810848
    Abstract: A pipe joint for coupling a first pipe member and a second pipe member has a pipe mounting portion, an elastic displacing portion and an engagement portion. The pipe mounting portion is configured to be attached to one of the first and second pipe members. The elastic displacing portion connects the pipe mounting portion and the engagement portion and allows the engagement portion to displace in a radial direction. The engagement portion has a first contact portion for contacting a first engaged part of the first pipe member and a second contact portion for contacting a second engaged part of the second pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20100219629
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling for a fluid line includes a female connector body defining a through bore, a tubular male member with a raised annular upset, and a retainer demountably coupled to the connector body. A seal assembly provides a fluid tight seal between the tube and body bore. A separate outer spacer is secured to the body to receive axial load of the seal assembly. The body defines spaced arcuate locking ledges having axially inward facing radial locking surfaces. The outer spacer is a continuous annular element includes an integral radial ring defining an annular axially outward facing radial abutment surface in radial abutting relation to the locking surfaces of said body ledges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Stephen Gunderson, Richard M. Pepe
  • Patent number: 7731245
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body, a primary retainer, a secondary retainer and a male member having a radially enlarged upset. The connector body includes a stem and a separate cap permanently secured to the stem. The stem defines an axially extending through bore and includes an annular rib located radially outward of the bore. The cap defines an annular groove located radially outward of the bore. The annular rib of the stem is positioned in the annular groove of the cap. The cap is spin welded to the stem to permanently secure the cap to the stem. The connector body further defines two annular abutment surfaces. The primary retainer and the secondary retainer are located axially in between the two annular abutment surfaces of the connector body. The primary retainer has a ring and two primary retainer arm located axially forward of the ring. Each primary retainer arm is in abutting relationship with the upset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Richard M. Pepe
  • Patent number: 7722086
    Abstract: A falling-off preventing holder is provided to reliably connect a fuel pipe and a connector. First and second flanges project outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the fuel pipe. The connector includes a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion connected to the larger diameter portion via a step portion. A box-shaped falling-off preventing holder with an open surface is fitted to straddle the fuel pipe and the connector. First cutout of first end wall is fitted on the smaller diameter portion of the connector and abuts the step portion. Second end wall is fitted on the fuel pipe to abut the second flange. A pressure rib provided at the first end wall of the falling-off preventing holder is compressed by the step portion of the connector to be plastically deformed. A load in the connecting direction acting on the fuel pipe and the connector enables reliable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Ishiki, Yukihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7690694
    Abstract: A quick coupling device comprising a body (5) axially subdivided into a link section (6) for linking to a first duct (1), and a connection section (7) arranged to receive in leaktight manner one end of a second duct (2), the body being associated with a retaining member (22) possessing tabs (24) that are elastically deformable between a state of gripping an outer bead (4) on the end of the second duct, and a state of releasing the bead, the retaining member being mounted on the body to turn between a free deformation position in which the tabs can deform between their two states, and at least one holding position in which the tabs cooperate with a surface (20, 21) that is secured to the body and that holds the tabs in one of their two states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Legris SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Poder
  • Patent number: 7686349
    Abstract: A tube coupling includes a body having a cylindrical projection to engage in a tube to be secured to the body. A grab ring is mounted by arms having openings to snap onto abutments on the coupling body. The grab ring encircles with a clearance the projection and engages an outer surface of a tube pushed onto the projection to grip and resist withdrawal of the tube from the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: Timothy Stephen Guest
  • Patent number: 7686348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting lines, especially to a quick-connector, having at least two connections, with at least one connection thereof comprising two extensions to form a receiving portion for a line end, wherein one of said two extensions has a first section and a second section with a wall thickness larger than that of the first section. According to the invention a process optimization of the mounting processes is achieved by providing a transition with a wall on the side of the receiving portion between the two sections of the extension, which is curve-shaped in the longitudinal direction of the connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Veritas AG
    Inventors: Dirk Hatass, Volker Naumann
  • Patent number: 7677608
    Abstract: When a retainer is mounted on or in a retainer mounting portion and is positioned at an inserting position, a pipe is inserted into the retainer mounting portion. An annular engaging projection of the pipe advances in the connector housing while spreading leg portions of the retainer outwardly. When the annular engaging projection reaches a connecting position, the retainer is automatically moved to an engaging position and snap-engages with the annular engaging projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7677610
    Abstract: The connection and joint piece (1) comprises a housing (3) and a sleeve (12), made from a multi-piece injection moulded plastic part. The sleeve (12) comprises an outer piece (14), forming an outer seal and an inner piece (15), forming an inner seal and a region with spring tongues (24, 25) and locking tabs (26, 27). The sleeve (12) is a multi-component injection moulded piece. In the assembled state the sleeve (12) is located in the central cavity (4) of the connector piece (1) and encloses one end (6) of a well tube (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: PMA AG
    Inventors: Ernst Schwarz, Sabine Fauland
  • Publication number: 20100045032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tube coupling device comprising a coupling sleeve (1) with a persistant axial bore (2) and having a longitudinal axis (3) therein a bushing (4) for losening a coupled tube and a tube locking element (5) to be placed around a tube. In order to provide a coupling device which has a simple structure, is therefore easy to produce and which improves the bonding performance between the tube, the tube locking element and the coupling sleeve, the invention suggests that the tube locking element (5) containes first retaining means (6) pointing towards the longitudinal axis (3) and second retaining means (7) pointing away from the longitudinal axis (3), whereby the tube locking element (5) is formed integrally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Kim Gee Rea
  • Publication number: 20100025079
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a fluid line assembly comprising a first fluid conveying conduit, a second fluid conveying conduit, and a slip joint. The slip joint includes a first fluid conveying conduit section, a second fluid conveying conduit section positioned radially outwardly from and at least partially surrounding the first conduit section, and an electrical bonding device positioned between and contacting the first and second fluid conveying conduit sections to form an electrical path therebetween. The electrical resistance between the first and second fluid conveying conduits is generally constant during relative movement therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: William T. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7651138
    Abstract: A coupling for a fluid conducting system comprises an elongated coupling part (1) and a locking part (20), which can be displaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and which can be mounted on the coupling part (1) in a manner that enables it to slide. The guiding of the locking part (20) ensues via detent elements (24, 25) that engage inside guide recesses (13) of the coupling part (1). The locking part (20) can be fixed in a releasing position or in a locking position by the engagement of detent projections (26, 27) inside releasing recesses (18, 19) or inside locking recesses (16, 17). This enables a relatively problem-free operating of the coupling during opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede, Daniel Utz, Matthias Kübel
  • Publication number: 20090308954
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for coupling a fuel injector to a fuel rail of a combustion engine, has a fuel injector cup having a central longitudinal axis and is coupled to the fuel rail at a first axial end area of the fuel injector cup, a housing of the fuel injector being arranged at the central longitudinal axis facing a second axial end area of the fuel injector cup, an O-ring seal being arranged between the housing and the fuel injector cup at an axially overlapping area of the fuel injector cup and the housing, a back-up ring being arranged at least partly circumferentially the housing such as to prevent the O-ring seal to be released from the housing, and a separating element being arranged at least partly circumferentially the housing between the O-ring seal and the back-up ring to prevent a contact of the O-ring seal with the back-up ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Edoardo Giorgetti, Mauro Grandi
  • Patent number: 7631904
    Abstract: A pipeline plug-in connection (10) has a receiving part (14), a plug-in part (16) which can be plugged into the receiving part (14), a sealing element (18) for sealing between the receiving part and the plug-in part, and an elastic securing element (20). The plug-in part has a pipe section (50) with an abutment (24) with an expanding diameter section (26) which expands in terms of its external diameter counter to the joining direction, over which expanding diameter section the securing element can be stretched, and an abutment face (28), behind which the securing element can latch. The expanding diameter section ends, with its largest external diameter substantially near or at the abutment face, wherein a flange (54) is formed on the pipe section, the flange forming a sealing face (56) at the end, against which sealing face the sealing element bears in a sealing manner when the plug-in connection is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: FTE automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Heim, Egid Macht, Karl Redai, Helmut Stubenrauch
  • Patent number: 7631906
    Abstract: A removable plug-in connection for high-pressure lines, in particular brake lines in the construction of motor vehicles. The connection includes a cylindrical receiving housing (1) with a central receiving chamber (2), in addition to a tubular plug-in part, which is equipped with a peripheral retaining rib. An insertion side of the receiving housing (1) has an enlarged receiving chamber (2) in which several radially guided locking elements (5) can be retained, the elements being clamped in a direction of the interior by a retaining ring (14). The locking elements (5) include two half-shells (8) that include retainer wedges (18) that point inwards, engaging behind the retaining rib (4) in a positive fit once the plug-in part (3) has been inserted. Each half-shell (8) has a projecting centering pin on one end face, the pin constituting an extension of the internal wall and engaging in a corresponding cavity on the opposing end face when the two half-shells (8) are assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher, Albert Raymond
  • Patent number: 7614664
    Abstract: A fast-connecting joint for corrugated pipes includes a main body and an engaging member. The main body has a through hole for liquid to flow through, and an inner recessed annular wall provided with an annular slope close to one end of the main body. The engaging member possesses an outer annular wall, and plural flexible curved petals extending outward around one end of the outer annular wall and respectively having a projection on their outer surface. In assembly, the engaging member is inserted in the through hole of the main body, with the projections of the engaging member correspondingly fitted against the inner recessed annular wall. In use, a corrugated pipe can be quickly fastened with the fast-connecting joint tightly when it is inserted into the engaging member to keep its annular groove blocked by the curved petals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Yea Der Lih Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzu-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7611171
    Abstract: A piping joint device for connecting a first piping member having a male joint and a second piping member having a female joint includes: a piping joint member provided with a plurality of diametrically deformable engagement portions; and a plurality of window portions provided in an extension cylinder portion of the second piping member to be engaged with the engagement portions. The male joint of the first piping member is inserted into the female joint of the second piping member in one touch by using deformation of the engagement portions, and a detent portion is provided at an engagement position where the engagement portions engage with the first piping member to prevent a rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20090256355
    Abstract: A connection assembly for creating a releasable fluid seal connection between two or more sections of tubing includes a male fitting and a female fitting. Connection assemblies generally include the male fitting having a pair of clasps that releasably interact with corresponding catch structures on the female fitting. Interactions between the female and male fittings can be rotatable with respect to the male and/or female fittings. Buckle structures are also disclosed having connection capabilities for a plurality of sections of tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Value Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clark Wicks, Bruce Alan Williams
  • Patent number: 7571939
    Abstract: A pipe joint includes a socket, a plug, a retaining unit for preventing the plug from being drawn out from the socket, a seal ring arranged at an inner periphery of the socket and a hold ring arranged at the inner periphery of the socket for preventing the seal ring from being moved. A projected portion is formed at a position of the inner periphery of the socket for attaching the hold ring, and the hold ring includes a notched portion or a recess portion for engaging with the projected portion, and a projected portion projected in a direction of an inserting port of the plug, and the plug includes a ring-like projected portion for engaging with the retaining unit, and a recess portion or a flat portion provided at the ring-like projected portion to engage with the projected portion of the hold ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshida, Yoshikazu Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7566079
    Abstract: A duct connection assembly suited to connect a thermoplastic fluid duct to a metal intake port. A connector housing is affixed to the end of the fluid duct and functions to releasable seal the fluid duct onto the intake port using an annular projection around the end of the port. When the port is inserted into the connector housing a snap lock connection is provided by a plurality of locking teeth that project inwardly through the housing from a collar to engage with the annular projection. Quick disconnect of the port from the fluid duct is effected by rotation of the collar with respect to the connector housing so that cam surfaces on the housing interact with the locking teeth to move the teeth radially outward to disengage from the annular projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas Callahan, Christopher Herbert Corbett
  • Patent number: 7552947
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for connecting two rigid tubular objects. The device includes a male part and a female part. The female part includes a sleeve which, at one of its ends, is provided with a recess. The male part includes a tube portion which, at one of its ends, is provided with a transverse edge formed by an indentation arranged in the outer wall of the male part. A sleeve-shaped element is arranged to be placed between the parts when inserting the male part into the female part. The element is provided with a resilient tongue with a first device/element which, during insertion of the element into the female part, resiliently engages the recess thereof and a second device/element, which during insertion of the male part into the element, resiliently snaps into place behind the transverse edge of the male part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Norma Sweden AB
    Inventor: Morgan Ryhman
  • Patent number: 7549677
    Abstract: A device for sealingly linking two end pieces (24) of a fluid line system, comprises a casing part (1) and an inner part (13). The inner part (13) is arranged in a prefabricated arrangement within the casing part (1) in an axially displaceable manner and serves to fixate a sealing unit (21) that is detachably linked with the inner part (13) until an end piece (25) is inserted into the casing part (1) via an introduction area (3) and comes into contact with the inner part (13). When the end piece (25) is inserted, the inner part (13) is axially expelled from the casing part (1), whereby the sealing unit (21) is inhibited in its axial movement by an abutment (12) and remains within the casing part (1). The two end pieces can be sealingly linked while indicating the relative position of the end piece (25) coming into contact with the inner part (13) without requiring a separate handling of the sealing unit (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: A. Raymond & Cie
    Inventors: Axel Feger, Michael Trede
  • Patent number: 7527303
    Abstract: An approximately cylindrical housing is coupled to one pipe, and the other pipe having an annular protruding portion on an outer periphery at an end portion is inserted into the housing to be coupled. Inside the housing, are installed a stopper that is held at an initial position in close proximity to an opening portion of the housing and moves to a push-in position away from the opening portion of the housing when the other pipe is fully introduced inside, and a retainer having a locking piece that is inserted through an opening portion, formed in a top wall of the housing, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing and engages with the annular protruding portion of the other pipe while the end portion of the other pipe is fully inserted. The retainer cannot be inserted unless the stopper moves to the push-in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Furuya
  • Patent number: 7509956
    Abstract: Provided is a device for attachment to tubular connections that serves to ensure the securing of the connection and the avoidance of inadvertent disconnections. Also provided is an endotracheal tube having a releasable locking device component that serves to ensure security of the connection of the endotracheal tube to a breathing system. Also provided is a breathing system having a releasable locking device component that when employed ensures the security of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: John F. Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 7497477
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a hollow female connector body, a male member having an enlarged annular upset received in the connector body, and a retainer releasably securing the male member in the connector body. A two piece insertion verifier assembly has a clip and a pull member connected together. The clip is attached to the connector body. The clip further includes a flexible cross member joining the two legs. The cross member includes an asymmetric tab, offset from its center toward one of the legs. The body has a protrusion on an outer surface. The tab and the protrusion insure proper orientation of the clip relative to the connector body and tube. With the upset secured by the retainer, it contacts the two legs of the clip to deform the legs apart to permit the clip to disengage from the connector body. However, the pull member and clip separate if a pulling force is exerted on the pull member with the male member not fully inserted into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Pepe
  • Patent number: 7494156
    Abstract: An easily usable quick connector includes a connector body 12, a retainer 16, and a complete connection indicating member 28 capable of being repeatedly used for indicating if a tube 14 has been inserted in the connector body 12 with an end part thereof provided with an annular ridge 15 locked in place by the retainer 16 at a position for complete connection. The complete connection indicating member 28 is combined with the connector body 12 so as to be movable into the connector body 12. The complete connection indicating member 28 can be completely pressed into the connector body 12 only when the end part of the tube 14 is inserted in the connector body 12 so that the locking tongues 24a and 24b of the retainer 16 are engaged completely with the annular ridge 15 of the tube 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 7488005
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A retainer releasably retains the tube within a bore in the body. A resilient seal member surrounds the tube and creates a fluid tight seal against the tube and the body defining the bore. A seal member retainer interposed between the seal member and the body transfers axial load on the seal due to pressure to the body. In one embodiment a polyfluoroethelene spacer is interposed between the seal member and the seal member retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7481465
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A retainer releasably retains the tube within a bore in the body. A resilient seal member surrounds the tube and creates a fluid tight seal against the tube and the body defining the bore. A sleeve extends between the seal member and the retainer and transfers axial load on the seal due to pressure to the retainer. In one embodiment a Teflon spacer is interposed between the seal member and the sleeve. A stuffer pin preassembles the sealing and retention elements for insertion into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7478840
    Abstract: A coupling for a corrugated conduit has a housing of a rigid plastics material with two resilient spring catches on opposite sides to engage between corrugations on the conduit. A layer of a softer, elastomeric material is continuously joined on both the interior and exterior of the housing. On the interior, the softer material extends on a tapering surface to diametrically seal with a range of conduits. On the exterior, the layer of softer material forms both a flange on an annular ledge to seal with a cooperating coupling and manual gripping regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Cable Management Products Limited
    Inventor: Fatollah Youssefifar
  • Patent number: 7472931
    Abstract: A fitting or coupling to connect a rigid tube to a flexible hose. It has a through bore and includes a quick connector port at one end and a crimp collar at the other. In one form the coupling includes multiple quick connector ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7469937
    Abstract: It allows quick and effective coupling of a first duct end (female member) and a second duct end (male member). The male member includes an outer circumferential groove and the female member has two outer protrusions defining respective inner recesses adapted for receiving sealing and locking gaskets. When assembled, the female member extends to the male member without covering the circumferential groove thereof. A fastening clip is provided fitted into the groove of the male member and also into the groove defined between the protrusions of the female member, holding them axially in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Manufactura Moderna De Metales, S.A.
    Inventors: Lucio Alfredo Iturgoyen Sabando, Sergio Esteve Gari, Isaac Tejero Salinero
  • Patent number: 7467813
    Abstract: A fluid coupling assembly comprising a connector body defining a bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening, a tubular male member with an upset, a seal member, and a retainer. The retainer is received within the bore and includes locking members to releaseably retain the tube. The retainer includes a forward extension to support the seal against fluid pressure. The retainer and seal are configured to be applied to the male member before insertion of the male member into the bore of the connector body. Two of the locking members include ramps extending radially outwardly to contact the body portion defining the entrance opening sequentially prior to contact by the locking arms of the other locking members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7464970
    Abstract: A pipe joint for connecting a rigid pipe with a retaining flange to a tube includes a pipe joint body formed with a through bore and a window in communication with the bore. A tube connector portion may be connected at an angle to a rigid pipe connector portion. A pipe retainer provided with locking pieces can be located in two positions relative to the pipe joint body. The first position allows the retaining flange to pass through the locking pieces. The second position retains the rear of the retaining flange and prevents inadvertent removal of the rigid pipe. The retaining pieces engage the rear of the flange through the window communicating with the bore. The locking direction of the retainer can be altered relative to the tube connector portion to suit different applications and ease assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Togo Seisakusyo Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Yamada, Shigeo Oi, Naohito Nonoyama
  • Patent number: 7455330
    Abstract: A quick coupling (1) comprising a sleeve-shaped coupling body (3) with a receiving opening (4) to receive one end (5) of a pipe (2), a retaining element (7) to hold the end (5) of the pipe in the coupling body (3), a sealing element (8) to seal the pipe (2) against the coupling body (3) and a securing element (9) to secure the connection between the pipe (2) and the coupling body (3), in conjunction with first and second locking ribs (23,24) adjacent to the receiving opening (4) on an external surface (21) of the coupling body (3), which ribs extend outwards in a radial direction and interact with the securing element (9) for the purpose of securing a connection between the pipe (2) and the coupling body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kulm Holding AG
    Inventor: Hans Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7455327
    Abstract: A coupling device with a housing (12) and a locking element (11, 11?) for receiving a cylindrical connecting element (18, 18a), whereby an operating element (30) for the releasing of the locking element is accessible by way of an opening in the housing (12, 12?) and whereby the locking element (11, 11?) includes at least one holding portion (26), whereby the locking element (11, 11?) includes a first spring arm (20) with a holding portion (26) which arm extends from the operating element (30) all the way to a wall of the housing (12, 12?) opposite the operating element, whereby the spring arm (20) is constructed at the opposite wall with a joint portion (24). Alternatively, there are two spring arms with joint ends that engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Frankische Rohrwerke Gebr. Kirchner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Sven Lorenz
  • Patent number: 7448654
    Abstract: A fluid transport circuit element comprising a body having a bore with one end fitted with a pipe end coupling device, the coupling device having a portion fitted with an anchor washer for anchoring the device in the bore, the washer being deformable between an anchor state and a free passage state, and wherein the portion fitted with an anchor washer is drivable from outside the body in the insertion direction into the bore from an anchor position in which the washer is in its anchor state and a release position in which the washer co-operates with an abutment that is stationary relative to the bore in the insertion direction, thereby bringing the washer into its free passage state in which it is retained by a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Philippe Le Quere
  • Publication number: 20080252071
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in connector (1) for medium conduits comprising a plug-in part (4) sealingly introducible by means of a plug shank (6) into the receiving opening (16) of a connector counterpart (2) which is sealingly closable by means of latching means (18) for preventing the pull out thereof. For this purpose, a locking element (34) is movably connected to the plug-in part (4) in such a way that it locks the latching means (18) in a safety unscrewing-preventing position and releases in the unscrewing position for carrying out an unscrewing movement for freeing from locking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Lechner, Frank Zenses, Marco Isenburg
  • Patent number: 7434846
    Abstract: A quick coupling (1) comprising a sleeve-shaped coupling body (3) with a receiving opening (4) to receive one end (5) of a pipe (2), a retaining element (7) to hold the end (5) of the pipe in the coupling body (3), a sealing element (8) to seal the pipe (2) against the coupling body (3) and a securing element (9) to secure the connection between the pipe (2) and the coupling body (3), in conjunction with which reinforcing ribs and locking ribs (23,24) are executed adjacent to the receiving opening (4) on an external surface (21) and an internal surface (22) of the coupling body (3), which ribs extend inwards and outwards in a radial direction and interact with the securing element (9) for the purpose of securing the connection between the pipe (2) and the coupling body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Kulm Holding AG
    Inventor: Hans Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7434845
    Abstract: A quick connector includes: a connector body having a retainer holding portion, a tube connecting portion to be press fitted into a tube, and a housing between the retainer holding portion and the tube connecting portion, the tube connecting portion being formed with a plurality of annular projections being axially spaced apart from each other; and a retainer which is held in an axially fixed state by the retainer holding portion. A portion of an outer surface of the tube connecting portion extending from the annular projection, which is closest to the housing, toward the housing is formed into a tapered surface whose diameter is gradually enlarged toward the housing, and a diameter of an annular projection side of the tapered surface is set to be larger than a diameter of the outer surface of the tube connecting portion between the annular projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries
    Inventors: Jun Ogiso, Kazuhiro Kato
  • Publication number: 20080217914
    Abstract: An improved design and a method of assembly of end fittings to sucker rods which may be of conventional length or continuous sucker rods is described herein. The end fittings and rods are assembled so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod. The assembly method provides for integrity in the rod to end fitting assembly to promote longer connection life and fewer shop rejections and field failures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Russell P. Rutledge, Russell P. Rutledge, Richard D. Burchett, Floyd L. Brownfield
  • Patent number: 7401818
    Abstract: An engagement protrusion is formed in square in cross-section integrally on an outer surface of a main body of a retainer, and is provided on a position opposed to a space for deformation so as to extend from an opposite axial end to short of an axial center of the main body of the retainer. An engagement recess is formed generally identical in cross-section to the engagement protrusion on an inner peripheral surface of a retainer holding portion so as to extend from an opposite axial end of the retainer holding portion to one axial end of a raised portion. The retainer is fitted in the retainer holding portion so that the engagement protrusion is inserted in the engagement recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7377553
    Abstract: A quick connector has a connector housing, a tube connection component, a pipe body and a retainer. The quick connector further has a checking operation portion provided with a holding component. The holding component has a fitting hole and a gate component which is continuous with an opening end of the fitting hole. The holding component is adapted to cause the pipe body connected to the housing to fit in the fitting hole through the gate component in a snap-on manner and to connect with an outer circumference of the pipe body by rotary motion of the checking operation portion. The holding component is also adapted to be prevented from connecting with the outer circumference of the pipe body if the pipe body is not fully inserted into the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Publication number: 20080084064
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body, a primary retainer, a secondary retainer and a male member having a radially enlarged upset. The connector body includes a stem and a separate cap permanently secured to the stem. The stem defines an axially extending through bore and includes an annular rib located radially outward of the bore. The cap defines an annular groove located radially outward of the bore. The annular rib of the stem is positioned in the annular groove of the cap. The cap is spin welded to the stem to permanently secure the cap to the stem. The connector body further defines two annular abutment surfaces. The primary retainer and the secondary retainer are located axially in between the two annular abutment surfaces of the connector body. The primary retainer has a ring and two primary retainer arm located axially forward of the ring. Each primary retainer arm is in abutting relationship with the upset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Kerin, Richard M. Pepe