Abstract: A quick connect coupling for joining a pair of fluid-carrying, mutually sealed, tubes. One tube includes a cup-shaped cage secured to one end thereof of the tube next to the mount. The cage has a radial base portion with a circular aperture through which the first tube end portion projects and a wall portion extending generally perpendicularly from and connected to the base portion. The cage further includes a plurality of equally radially spaced locking tabs secured to the wall portion and extending at a angle from the wall portion toward the aperture in the base. The second tube is telescopically mountable on the first tube and has a return bend on the lead end. When the two tubes are connected, the return bend engages and cams under the locking tabs and is thereby held by the locking tabs to prevent disconnection of the first and second tube ends.

Abstract: A coupling (10) is disclosed for joining together a first tube (12) and a second tube (14) to form a continuous fluid passageway. The first tube (12) has a mount (20) a predetermined distance from its end (18) and the second tube (14) has a return bend on its end (36). Second tube (14) telescopically fits over first tube (12). A cage (22) having inclined locking tabs (30) is mounted by mount (20) externally of first tube (12). Locking tabs (30) cam to allow the return bend (36) of second tube (14) to pass the locking tabs (30). Tabs (30) return to their at rest inclination after the return bend (36) passes, to trap the return bend (36) between the locking tabs (30) and mount (18), thereby locking the first and second tubes (12,14) against disconnection and providing a visible connection to allow verification of the connection.