Leaf Spring Patents (Class 285/319)
  • Patent number: 7354078
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pipe joint device, according to which two pipe members can be easily connected and disassembled without causing the abrupt discharge of the fluid from the pipe members. A ring shaped first retaining member is mounted on a second pipe member and comprises; a ring portion; multiple leg portions axially extending from the ring portion and circumferentially arranged at equal intervals; and multiple first retaining portions formed at each free end of the leg portions and projecting radially and inwardly, so that the first retaining portions are inserted into apertures of the second pipe member. The above first retaining portions return to the initial shape after a first pipe member has been completely inserted into the second pipe member, so that the first pipe member is axially retained by the first retaining portions at an outwardly expanded portion of the first pipe member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7344166
    Abstract: A fluid coupling for high pressure applications comprising a female connector body, a plastic retainer and a tubular male member with a radially enlarged upset. The female connector body defines a bore extending axially inwardly into the connector body from an entrance. The plastic retainer received within the female connector body includes a cylindrical ring at a first axial end and at least four approximately equally spaced locking members extending axially from the ring separated by slots and detached from each other at a second axial end. Each locking member includes two columns, a beam connecting the two columns at the second axial end and an arm extending axially from the beam between the columns. The arm includes a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Mark G. Ketcham, Stephen H. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7341286
    Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a carrier carrying a retention ring with inward and outward radially and angularly extending fingers for respectively engaging an outer surface of an endform inserted through a bore in the carrier and the inner surface of a bore in a housing in which the carrier is mounted to fix the endform to the carrier and to fix the carrier to the housing. Inner and outer seal elements are also carried on the carrier to seal the carrier to the endform and the housing to the carrier. Both of the seal elements are disposed axially closer to one end of the carrier than the inward and outward extending fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7341282
    Abstract: The detachable plug coupling operative to connect fluid lines, particularly fuel lines of motor vehicles. The plug coupling includes a tubular insertion part with an encircling retaining rib and a coupling housing having a cylindrical accommodating space for the insertion part. The plug coupling also has an enlarged head part with a separate retaining element, having elastically opening retaining edges. The retaining edges are radially directed into the accommodating space and engage behind the retaining rib after the insertion part has been pushed in. In order to ensure that the retaining rib is correctly snapped in behind the retaining edges after the insertion part has been inserted, an additional locking element is provided, which is guided in a transversally displaceable manner on the housing head between an opening position and a closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: A. Raymond & CIE
    Inventors: Erminio Moretti, Daniel Martin-Cocher
  • Patent number: 7338092
    Abstract: A plastic rift connector fitting comprises an annular housing, water line fitting, and sleeve components for pressurized water systems. The housing has a plurality of locking mechanisms to quickly lock and release the water line fitting. A flange and O-ring on the water line fitting stabilize the water line fitting connection to the housing for pressures up to 250 psi. The sleeve encloses the housing/fitting connection to prevent accidental release of water line fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: David Lee Cicconi, III
  • Patent number: 7338086
    Abstract: A connector with enhanced safety includes: a female component defining a stepped housing, a male component with a flange, whereof the outer diameters correspond to those of the stepped housing of the female component, a lock collar transversely mobile in a base of the female component, located at the intake thereof. There is an additional locking cage whereof one wall forms a front cap at the end of the female component, mounted sliding on the base of the lock collar between a connecting position allowing the flange to pass through the front cap of the cage, and a locking position preventing the flange from passing through the front cap, the cage including, parallel to the cap and at the rear thereof, a wire pin whereof the elastic branches define each of the two positions through matching shapes with the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventors: Philippe Poder, Philippe Blivet
  • Publication number: 20080036205
    Abstract: A piping joint includes: a joint body; a tube inserted into the joint body; a retaining member mounted inside the joint body and located at a distance from an opening of the joint body, the retaining member supporting the tube inserted into the joint body; a guiding member having a guiding portion inserted into the joint body and engagement portions, the guiding portion guiding the tube so as to prevent the tube from vibrating in a radial direction of the joint body, the engagement portions elastically deformable relative to the guiding portion; and a restraining member mounted to the guiding member and restraining an elastic deformation of the engagement portions relative to the guiding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumio Kojima, Morito Oshita
  • Patent number: 7316425
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a female portion with a staggered bore whereof one cross-section with large diameter can receive an outer flange of a male portion of the connector beyond a lock, the lock including a ring having an orifice for allowing through the flange and mounted in a housing provided in the female portion at the cross-section with large diameter of its bore to slide radially in the housing between a first inactive locking position wherein the passage orifice of the ring is eccentric relative to the axis of the bore and a second retracted position wherein the passage orifice is substantially coaxial with the bore. The lock further including a locking indicator mounted radially sliding in the ring between a first indicating position wherein the locking indicator does not obstruct the passage orifice and a second indicating position wherein the locking indicator obstructs the passage orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Philippe Poder
  • Patent number: 7316428
    Abstract: Connection verifying device for a pipe and a connector has a body portion, a stop and verification arm and an abutment finger. The body portion includes an abutment plate and a fit-on portion. The stop and verification arm extends from an outer periphery of the abutment plate in one axial direction, while the abutment finger protrudes from one axial end of the fit-on portion in one axial direction. The abutment finger is arranged so as to abut and urge an annular projection of a pipe into an engagement slit of a retainer when the pipe and the connector are in half-fitting relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Tomoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7302818
    Abstract: In an apparatus for locking and unlocking a vehicle door, an inner cable, with one end connected to a rotor to make a twisting operation in response to the rotation of the rotor of a cylinder lock and the other end connected to a key operation input shaft of a door lock mechanism, is inserted through an outer casing with opposite ends connected to the cylinder lock and the door lock mechanism. A locking part capable of elastically engaging with an engaging part provided at a casing included by the door lock mechanism is provided at an end portion of the outer casing at a side of the door lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Usuzaki, Nobuo Watarai, Kouichi Tabe, Hidetoshi Ijuin, Nobuyuki Kishikawa, Kozou Munezane, Naoki Katsumata, Kinji Hoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7284774
    Abstract: A plug-in coupling for connecting a fluid line with a pipe having a circumferential holding rib includes a pipe piece with a first end portion connectable to the fluid line and a second end portion which can be plugged together with the pipe, wherein the second end portion is connectable to a first coupling ring part of a coupling ring and is connected through elastic holding arms to a non-circular elastically expandable second coupling ring part. The second coupling ring part has locking sections which are distributed over a predetermined circumferential angle range of a circumference of the pipe piece. When the pipe and pipe piece are plugged together, the locking sections slide over the holding rib and expand the second coupling ring part and engage behind the holding rib, wherein the components located between the locking sections of the second coupling ring part are arched outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: NORMA Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Bauer, Oliver Strauss, Reiner Koch, Sigrid Becker
  • Patent number: 7284772
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female member having a bore and a male member capable of being received in the bore of the female member. A trigger assembly is disposed between the male and female members and includes an actuator, housing, and biasing member. The male member includes an engagement mechanism to engage the trigger assembly and facilitate axial movement of the actuator. Axial movement of the actuator induces expansion of the biasing member and the engagement of the actuator and the male member. Accordingly, the male member is urged or propelled into the bore of the female member upon expansion of the biasing member. To disconnect, the male and female members are utilized to return the trigger assembly to an inactivated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Randall F. Alder, Mark R. Vogel, Douglas J. Clemens, James A. Beyer, Kenneth R. Fowler, Frank J. Zawodny
  • Patent number: 7270349
    Abstract: A quick-action coupling for coupling pipes includes a tubular inner part having an outer surface for supporting a pipe to be coupled; an inner sleeve and a clamping ring, each surrounding at least a portion of the tubular inner part for clamping the pipe to be coupled between the outer surface of the tubular inner part and the clamping ring; a toothed ring between the inner sleeve and the clamping ring; and an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the inner sleeve, the toothed ring and the clamping ring, the outer sleeve comprises a cylindrical region having at least two inside diameters (d1, d2) and a conical region, wherein the clamping ring is received in the conical region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Haustechnik AG
    Inventors: Michael Bamberger, Peter Heer, Renato Pinardi, Erasmo Porfido
  • Patent number: 7249788
    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 simultaneously 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: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Anis Muhammad, Jeff Sheppard
  • Patent number: 7207604
    Abstract: A snap-fit connection assembly for use in a pool filtration system. The connection assembly includes a first connection receptacle, a second connection receptacle for insertion into the first connection receptacle, one or mores fingers extending circumferentially from the second connection receptacle, and one or more openings in the first connection receptacle for engaging the finger(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7195285
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first flexible tank and a second flexible tank in an aircraft includes a latching device, a first tubular connecting element attached to the first tank, and a second tubular connecting element attached to the second tank. The first and the second connecting elements are detachably connected to each other using the latching device. In a connected state of the connecting elements, fluid exchange can take place between the first and the second tanks via the first and the second connecting elements, the latching device is disposed inside one of the first and second flexible tanks and is actuatable from outside the respective flexible tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Eleftherios Rodousakis, Harald Kiowsky
  • Patent number: 7185923
    Abstract: A connection device for fitting to a member, particularly to a corrugated flexible pipe (146, 246, 446) formed with a series of spaced annular grooves, the device comprising first and second tubular bodies (10, 11) coupled together, in use, with the pipe received in an open end of the first body (10). The first body has a plurality of resilient lugs (14) with respective inwardly directed projections (17) at the ends thereof to be received in one of the said grooves to grip the pipe. The two bodies can be relatively angularly moved between a neutral position of the device, where the pipe is retained by the resilience alone of the lugs, an unlocked position, where the lugs are released from the pipe, and a locked position, where the lugs are forced into locking engagement with the pipe, movement of the lugs being controlled by cam formations (29) extending from the end surface of the second body (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Alexander McKechran Hardie McNeil, Adrian Roger Poulton
  • Patent number: 7185922
    Abstract: Anti-rotation device for a pipe and a connector has a pipe connecting portion and a connector connecting portion constructed integrally on the pipe connecting portion. The anti-rotation device is mounted on the pipe and the connector while the pipe connecting portion clips a straight tubular inserting side portion of the pipe in anti-rotating relation and the connector connecting portion is connected to the connector in anti-rotating relation. Thereby the pipe is connected to the connector in anti-rotating relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Tomoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7178837
    Abstract: A piping joint structure includes a first piping member, a second piping member having at least a window portion, and a joint member provided with a body unit and multiple engagement units, which protrude to the central axis side of the body unit and are capable of being diameter-enlarged and diameter-shortened. The body unit of the joint member has a semi-crack shape. The joint member hoops the second piping member from a periphery side of the second piping member, while the engagement units are inserted through the window portion. The first piping member is connected to the second piping member by a one-touch operation of diameter-enlarging and diameter-shortening of the engagement units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yoshino
  • Patent number: 7156424
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female fitting assembly comprising a tube body having a nut that is axially and rotatably movable relative to the tube body, and a generally U-shape spring fixedly connected to the nut. The spring has a pair of laterally spaced arms that straddle the tube body when the nut is inserted over the tube body and spring arm end portions that are engageable with serrations on opposite sides of the tube body. The spring arm end portions are shaped to provide more resistance to turning of the nut in the loosening/back-off direction when the nut is fully torqued on a male fitting assembly than during tightening of the nut on the male fitting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: James D. McCord
  • Patent number: 7147253
    Abstract: A quick-connect coupling which includes a locking ring (20) disposed in an coupling body to co-operate with a catch surface on a tube fitted into the coupling. The ring is elastically deformable to go between an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration, in which at least one locking zone (30, 32) co-operates with the catch surface. To this end, the ring is provided with at least one unlocking bridge (22, 24) that protrudes through a slot in the body of the coupling. The ring is constituted by a strip that is plastically deformed to have at least the locking zone and the bridge. The ring forms a closed loop and has two ends (20A, 20B) which overlap, and which are suitable for sliding one over the other while the ring is being elastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Pascal Detable, Fabrice Prevot, Nicola Rigollet
  • Patent number: 7108297
    Abstract: An inner peripheral surface of a tube connecting portion of a tubular connector housing is divided into a first receiving portion on one axial side and a second receiving portion on an opposite axial side by an inwardly directed annular parting projection. A first O-ring of one axial side and a second O-ring of an opposite axial side are disposed with intervening a collar therebetween on an opposite axial side in the first receiving portion. The first O-ring is made of FKM and the second O-ring is made of FVMQ. A third O-ring is disposed on one axial side in the second receiving portion. The third O-ring is also made of FVMQ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Takayanagi, Yoshimitsu Ishida
  • Patent number: 7108296
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector is mountable onto the threads of a threaded fluid component in a sealed fluid connection. A retainer element carried by the fluid quick connector is engagable with the threads on the second fluid component. In one aspect, the retainer element is at least one tab projecting inward into a bore in the quick connector body for engagement with the threads on the fluid component. In another aspect, the retainer is a resilient member carried within an expanded chamber in the quick connector body which has resilient legs positioning a tip end into engagement with the threads on the fluid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7104571
    Abstract: The connector clip for verifying complete connection integrally includes a clip body of U-shape in cross-section to receive a tubular holding portion and a connection verifying portion of U-shape in cross-section to receive an opposite axial side of an annular verification projection with respect to the pipe. The connection verifying portion has a verifying body and a snap-fit portion. The clip body and the verifying body are connected via a connection part, while the verifying body and the snap-fit portion are connected via a joint part. Reinforcement ribs are formed along an entire circumference of outer surface of the verifying body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Inoue, Kazuhito Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7100950
    Abstract: The connecting element for transporting gaseous, liquid or solid substances include a tubular coupling which has on the inside a cylindrically running first recess, in which a corrugated tube is arranged, and which has a cylindrically running second recess which adjoins the first recess and In which an annular seal is arranged adjacent to the first recess and an expanding ring is arranged adjacent to the annular seal. The expanding ring has, on the outside, a first projection which points toward the coupling and engages in an encircling groove arranged in the second recess. With its projection which points toward the corrugated tube, both the expanding ring and the annular seal are in each case in engagement with the corrugated tube from outside. The subject matter of the invention is also the use of the connecting element as a subassembly in windshield washer units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventor: Uwe Martin
  • Patent number: 7063359
    Abstract: The invention concerns a quick coupling device comprising a tubular insert (4) provided with external anchoring means (5), a prong washer (12) which delimits a passage and housed in the tubular insert, and at least a gasket (10), the device comprising a tubular bushing (9) connected by linking means (8, 12) to the tubular insert (4) to extend into the passage opening of the washer coaxially thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Christophe Vallee
  • Patent number: 7055869
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes a housing which sealingly receives a tubular endform latched in the housing by a movable retainer. An axially slidable top hat is mounted in the bore in the housing and has axially extending posts with ends disposed in the path of movement of the retainer when the top hat is in a biased first position. Biasing members are formed on the retainer to normally bias the retainer to the first position. The biasing members are cantileveredly movable by contact with the inner surfaces of the bore in the housing under forced insertion of the endform into the housing through contact between the annular flange on the endform and the posts on the top hat enabling the endform to be fully sealingly inserted into the bore in the housing before of the retainer can be moved to the latched position to latch the endform in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Malone
  • Patent number: 7044505
    Abstract: A quick connector is configured as such that one axial end of an engagement window is co-planar with an annular end surface inside of a retainer holding portion. A checker jut toward an axial direction is provided integrally on a base portion of an inwardly directed engagement portion of a checker. The checker is mounted on the connector housing so that the checker jut toward one axial direction abuts the one axial end of the engagement window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 7044506
    Abstract: A connector assembly (10) for releasably connecting a pair of conduits (12, 14) is disclosed. The assembly (10) comprises a first member (20) and a second member (40). The first member (20) has a nozzle (22) and the first member (20) is adapted to be connected to one of the conduits (12). The first member (20) includes an anchor (60) rotatably mounted on the first member (20). The anchor (60) has at least one resilient tab (62) extending therefrom. The second member (40) has an opening (45) that receives the nozzle (22). The second member (40) has at least one aperture (46). The second member (40) is also adapted to be connected to the other of the conduits (14). The tab (62) engages the aperture (46) to releasably connect the first and second members (20, 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Xiamen Lota International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhao Wei Dong
  • Patent number: 7029036
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector includes first and second rotatably, non-axially movably engaged housings. A retainer is mountable in the second housing for lockingly coupling a fluid operative element to the second housing. The first housing has an annular recess at one end which receives a collar extending axially from the second housing. Projections extend radially from the collar and engage the recess in the first housing to rotatably interconnect the first and second housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 7021669
    Abstract: A coupling part for a fluid coupling device, especially a hose coupling, which has a looking device switchable between two positions. The locking device has locking elements mounted on a base body, and a socket-shaped actuating element that interacts with the locking elements. The coupling part is switchable between a retaining and releasing positions by an axial releasing movement of the actuating element. In the retaining position, the locking elements hold the counterpart of the coupling, e.g. a hose stem, to prevents it from being pulled out and, in the releasing position, the locking elements release the same in order to disengage the coupling. The actuating element can be moved from the retaining position into a locking position, prohibiting a releasing movement, by rotating the actuating element in a limited manner around the longitudinal axis of the coupling. As a result, the coupling is prevented from being unintentionally disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Gardena Manufacturing GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Lindermeir, Ulrich Schaub, Reiner Haeufele
  • Patent number: 7021672
    Abstract: In a fluid system such as irrigation system, fluid conduit attachment is facilitated through the use of a coupling. The coupling may have a body with a first end attached to a component such as an irrigation component, and a second end designed to receive an end of a conduit. The first end may be integrally formed with the component or separately attached thereto. The second end has a bore into which the end of the conduit is inserted. A gripping mechanism is seated in the bore to grip the end of the conduit. A release mechanism slides to release the conduit. The coupling may have a bend and/or branches extending to extra ends. A second coupling may be added to form a rotatable swing joint. An indicator such as a blue color may be used to indicate compatibility of the coupling with the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Alan John Smith, Michael Ray Ericksen
  • Patent number: 7014224
    Abstract: A fluid line connector for connecting first and second fluid lines, having: a male portion (12) having a generally frusto-conical nozzle (22); a female portion (14) having a complementary generally frusto-conical recess (46) for receiving the nozzle (22); and a coupling (16) for coupling the male portion (12) and the female portion (14) when the nozzle (22) is received by the recess (46); whereby the fluid lines (72, 74) can be connected by attaching the male portion (12) to the first fluid line and the female portion (14) to the second fluid line, and locating the nozzle (22) within the recess (46) to form only circumferential sealing engagement between the nozzle (22) and the recess (46), and coupling the male and female portions (12, 14) by means of the coupling (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Optimum Innovations Australia
    Inventor: Peter John Sward
  • Patent number: 7014221
    Abstract: A joint for piping includes a pipe with an annular swelling wall and a connector body with a socket that includes locking pieces. The locking pieces hold the annular swelling wall when the pipe is inserted through the connector body to connector the pipe to the connector body. A projected member on the pipe fits in a recess on the connector body to prevent rotation between the pipe and the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaishi Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Iwasaki, Takamitsu Kobayashi, Yusushi Tsuchiya, Yoshinori Ishii, Kazuya Suzuki, Nagahisa Amano
  • Patent number: 6983959
    Abstract: A coupling for connecting hydraulic ducts has a female coupling (1) with a receptacle and a first locking face arranged around a longitudinal axis. A male coupling (2) forms a second locking face, arranged around the longitudinal axis. The male coupling (2) can be inserted in the direction of the longitudinal axis (4) through an opening into the receptacle (3). A holding element (9) has a ring (10) with several spring elements projecting from the ring (10). The spring elements (11) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (4). Locking elements (12) are formed on the free ends of the spring elements (11). The spring elements (11) are, respectively, elastically deformable against a spring force radially out of a locking position into a releasing position. In the inserted condition of the male coupling (2), the first locking face (15) and the second locking (16) face one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignees: Walterscheid Rohrverbindungstechnik GmbH, Still GmbH
    Inventors: Diethard Wolf, Jörg Altenrath, Recep Macit
  • Patent number: 6979026
    Abstract: The connector clip for verifying complete connection includes a connection verifying portion, more specifically, a pair of restraining portions having an assistance structure to certainly detect incomplete connection between the connector and the pipe. The assistance structure may be constructed so as to remove a sealing property between the connector and the pipe in incomplete connection relation with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Kasahara, Tomoki Inoue
  • Patent number: 6971684
    Abstract: The invention relates to fast couplings for connecting hoses, particularly for domestic irrigation. A fast coupling is formed by a first body and a second body reciprocally connected by inserting first lugs projecting from the second body in first slots made on the first body. A male connector is locked inside the fast coupling by radially pressing an end of the male connector with a torus-shaped elastic element. Unlocking the second body from the first body causes the automatic ejection of the mail connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ferrari Group Srl
    Inventor: Ruggero Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6971679
    Abstract: Device for connecting one end of a pipe to a bore provided in a fluid transport circuit element, includes a tubular body defining an inner channel for receiving the pipe end, elements for retaining the pipe end in a predetermined axial position in the inner channel and elements for fixing the tubular body in the hole in a predetermined axial position, members for stopping the pipe end mounted on the tubular body designed to be mobile between a projecting position to counter the drive-up of the pipe end to its axial position and a retracted position to clear the passage for the pipe end towards its predetermined axial position, the stop members being designed to co-operate with the element such that they shift from their projecting position to their retracted position when the tubular body is driven in the hole up to its predetermined axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Olivier Legeay
  • Patent number: 6964436
    Abstract: A coupler having a tubular body (6) which is arranged to receive a tubular element for transporting fluid and including a pipe end, and which is provided with elements (11) for snap-fastening the tubular element, the coupler including a bushing (15) provided on the inside with elements (23, 25) for retaining the pipe end, which elements are selectively activatable and deactivatable, wherein the bushing is mounted in the tubular body to be movable axially between a position for activating the retaining elements and a position for deactivating the retaining elements, and wherein the bushing is provided with snap-fastening elements complementary to those of the body for co-operating therewith in the activation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Legris SA
    Inventor: Philippe Le Quere
  • Patent number: 6964434
    Abstract: A coupling part joins at least one tubular or bar-shaped part to a further part. The coupling part contains at least one sleeve part that accommodates the tubular or bar-shaped part, whereby at least one first detent element is provided on the inside of the sleeve part and interacts with a first counter detent element provided on the tubular or bar-shaped part. The detent connection of the first detent and counter detent element can be disengaged by displacing the sleeve part. A coupling part of the aforementioned type is characterized by its ability to be easily disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Beck, Silvio Hamm, Manfred Prell
  • Patent number: 6938651
    Abstract: A material transfer device for transferring material from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system or tire is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Thermoplastic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall E. Carter, Leslie F. Kohli, Brian D. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6916050
    Abstract: A female snap-on connection is provided for cooperating with a male catching end piece with central barrel and flange ring. The snap-on connection includes a body made of rigid plastic material and a tubular portion with raised parts for connection to a pipe and a portion forming a stepped cylindrical cavity to receive at least the barrel end, and at the front of the body, a lock made of rigid plastic material to be urged to lock the flange ring once the latter is set in plane, the lock and the body are secured together by at least a flexible part so as to form a single piece, at least an annular joint ensuring tightness; the lock tilts on a hinge pin formed by the flexible part(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nobel Plastiques
    Inventor: Pierre Milhas
  • Patent number: 6905143
    Abstract: A fluid quick connector adapted to be releasably mounted in a bore in a fluid use component. The quick connector includes a housing having a through bore releasably receiving a tubular endform. A retainer is mountable in the housing to latch the endform in the housing. A latch member carried on the housing is releasably engagable with a complementary latch receiver in the fluid use component. In one aspect, a latch member is carried on the end of at least one arm extending from the housing. Seal members are mountable in the bore in the fluid use component and retained in place by a top hat mountable in the quick connector housing. The top hat maintains the latch member in engagement with the latch receiver an the fluid use component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary O. Klinger, Michael J. Andre
  • Patent number: 6893050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in vacuum cleaner hose arrangement (10), comprising a socket (15), formed from a collar piece (12), in which a hose push-fit end (13) is detachably held, by axially plugging in to a clip-lock. An operating slide (17), comprising a retaining surface (26) runs axially on the collar piece (12) and may be axially displaced in both opposing axial directions (e, a) about a neutral axial position for the retaining surface (26) thereof, against a spring force (by 18). In said neutral axial position the retaining surface (26) locks the clip body (S) and releases the same when displaced from the neutral position thereof by any movement. The connection is produced by a first directing surface (41) on the front end of the hose push-fit end (13) and opening the connection is performed by a second directing surface (43) formed by the locking recess (T) of the hose push-fit end (14). Said arrangement (10) permits a convenient operation, both on attaching and detaching the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Froh House Tech GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schiemann, Hartmut Kiel
  • Patent number: 6893055
    Abstract: The snap connection for sealed and releasable connection of a first tube end with a second tube end, with spring arms, with a first outer stop projection on the first tube end, with a first elastically deformable ring connected with the spring arms, and with two first inner stop cams on the first ring cooperating with the first outer stop projection, is characterized by a second outer stop projection on the second tube end, a second elastically deformable ring connected with the spring arms with distance from the first ring, and by two, second inner stop cams on the second ring cooperating with the second outer stop projection. Both rings with their stop cams, connected to one another via the spring arms, form a double-connection element separable by and on both tube ends, which can be made from a plastic injection molding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: EMS-Chemie AG
    Inventors: Jeltsch Thomas, Ralph Kettl, Willi Mario
  • Patent number: 6883779
    Abstract: A receiving part of a fluid plug-in coupling is provided, including a socket housing having a plug-in opening for a plug part and having a retaining device for releasably fixing the plugged-in plug part in place. The retaining device has a retaining element mounted in the socket housing and radially elastically deformable retaining sections for latching engagement behind a radial retaining step of the plug part. A release element is secured in an axially displaceable manner relative to the socket housing via latching means. The release element engages by means of an inner release section the plug-in opening and acts against the retaining sections of the retaining element. A securing element is provided such that the release element is blocked in a secured position agains a release movement and is unblocked in an unblocked position for a release movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Olav Borgmeier, Frank Zenses, Jannis Serdaris, Norbert Terlau, Reiner Mitterer
  • Patent number: 6880587
    Abstract: A refrigerant material transfer device for transferring refrigerant from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Precision Thermoplastic Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall E. Carter, Leslie F. Kohli, Brian D. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 6869110
    Abstract: A pipe connector having excellent pressure tightness and including a female connector (52), a male connector (54) and a retainer (56) is constructed so that the incomplete connection of the female connector (52) and the male connector (54) can be clearly perceived when the retainer is falsely locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sanoh Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Okada, Masaki Akagi
  • Patent number: 6866304
    Abstract: A receiving part of a fluid plug-in coupling is provided. The receiving part comprises a socket housing having a plug-in opening for a plug part and a sealing arrangement, which is arranged in the socket housing, for the plugged-in plug part. In this case, the sealing arrangement is fixed axially in the removal direction of the plug part by a closing bushing, and the closing bushing is secured directly in the socket housing via a locking portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Kaminski, Jannis Serdaris, Norbert Terlau, Frank Zenses
  • Patent number: RE38786
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tube coupling comprising a coupling body having a throughway open at one end of the body to receive a tube. A collet is located in the throughway having an annular element and at least one radially resilient finger extending axially from the element toward said open end of the throughway. The coupling body has a stop face directed along the throughway axis away from said open end and the distal end of the finger has on its inner side a projection to engage a feature on the tube and on its outer side a first, axially facing abutment directed towards the open end of the throughway to engage with the stop face and a further, radially facing abutment engageable with the coupling body when the axially facing abutment engages the stop face to constrain the distal end of the finger against radial outward movement and thereby to prevent release of the projection on the finger from the feature on the tube and release of the tube from the coupling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John D. Guest