Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for connecting two rigid objects, wherein the two rigid objects include a male part and a female part, which are interconnectable. The female part includes an inner wall portion with at least one first holding section positioned at the inner periphery of the female part and the male part includes a sleeve with at least one second holding section positioned on the outer periphery of the male part. The device includes a ring-shaped element arranged to be placed between the parts when inserting the male part into the female part through an opening.

Abstract: A method for retaining a first conduit (210) to a second conduit (230) by attaching a clip (100) to the first conduit and the second conduit, the first conduit including a first connector (220) and the second conduit including a second connector (240). The first connector is releasably connected to the second connector. The clip (100) has a base portion (110) and a first clip portion (120) extending away from the base portion. The first clip portion (120) has a first opening (140) that is sized to frictionally retain the first connector (220). The clip further has a second clip portion (150) disposed on the base portion (110) away from the first clip portion (120). The second clip portion (150) includes a second opening (170) that is sized to frictionally retain the second connector (240).

Abstract: A coupling mechanism in a fluid delivery system is provided. In one example, an airless fluid delivery system is provided and includes a housing including a pumping unit. The system also includes a first conduit providing a first fluid path for supplying fluid from a fluid source to the pumping unit and a second conduit providing a second fluid path for fluid between the fluid source and the pumping unit. The system also includes a coupling mechanism configured to removably couple the first and second conduits to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for axially connecting an external pipe section to a coaxial peg or internal pipe section that engages in the external pipe section, in particular for connecting the drain connecting piece of an injector for injecting fuel into internal combustion engines to a fuel return connector. The external pipe section has two diametrically opposed retaining slots that penetrate the wall of the external pipe section and which correspond to grooves on the periphery of the peg or internal pipe section. Two opposing sprung retaining arms of a clamp-type retaining clip pass through the retaining slots of the external pipe section from the exterior and snap into the grooves of the peg or internal pipe section in a sprung manner. One essential feature of the invention is that the parallel retaining slots of the external pipe section are offset in height in relation to one another, while the whole of the retaining clip, when not fitted onto the pipe sections, lies on one plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose connection for a fuel dispensing unit. The hose connection comprises a pipe for transporting fuel from a fuel reservoir, a hose for transporting fuel to a motor vehicle, an intermediate member adapted to connect said hose with said pipe, and a locking device fixed to said fuel dispensing unit adapted to interlock said pipe and said intermediate member. The hose connection is secured in relation to said fuel dispensing unit. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit comprising such hose connection.

Abstract: In a state in which a fuel pipe (11) and a connector (13) are already joined, a swing fulcrum portion (14h) of a drop-off prevention holder (14) is engaged with the fuel pipe (11), and making the drop-off prevention holder (14) swing with this portion as a fulcrum allows a U-shaped first cutout (14d) formed in a first face (14b) to be fitted onto a small diameter portion (13c) of the connector (13), thus restricting the distance between a step (13b) and a second flange (11b) and thereby restraining the fuel pipe (11) and the connector (13) so that they do not separate. Since it is necessary to carry out a snap fitting operation only once in order for the small diameter portion (13c) of the connector (13) to pass through a narrow throat portion (b) formed partway along the first cutout (14d) of the drop-off prevention holder (14), the operation becomes easy compared with a case where snap-fitting operations are required a plurality of times, and the drop-off prevention holder (14) can be installed easily.

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.

Abstract: A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance includes a water-conducting line having a line end which is connected in a connecting position to a connecting piece, and a securing element which attaches onto the line end and the connecting piece and holds the line end in the connecting position.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a female coupler selectively interconnected to a male coupler to provide sealing engagement. In one embodiment, the female coupler and the male coupler are secured together by a pressure activated locking assembly which prevents disengagement of the male and female coupling until the internal pressure in the coupling is reduced to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a connector body, a tubular male member with an upset, a primary retainer and a separate redundant latch/verifier. The connector body defines a through bore and the male member extends into the bore. The primary retainer releasably secures the male member within the connector body. The redundant latch/verifier is releasably coupled to the connector body and movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. It includes spaced apart fingers with verifying tabs that permit movement to the latched position only after full insertion of the male member. The fingers have release tabs to manually spread the extension beams. In another form, the connector body includes locking pads extending radially inward. The legs of the primary retainer are located inward of the locking pads preventing the legs from moving to a released position if said male member is pulled in a direction to remove it from the connector body.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid line coupling and comprises a receiving part (1) as well as a fixing assembly (15) for the fixation of an insertion part (10). The fixing assembly has a retaining part (17) which is, in a steady state, located in the receiving space (4) of the receiving part (1) and is equipped with pivotable support wings (22, 23) engaging behind the existing front coil (14) which is located on the insertion part (10). Said fixing assembly also features a locking element (16) which is movably connected to the retaining part (17) and has, along with the receiving part (1), elements of a blocking assembly which impede the movement of the locking element (16) from an extended to a retracted position, if the insertion part (10) is not positioned accordingly. Thus, an easily attainable and stable fixation of the insertion part (10) in the receiving part (1) is achieved.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling comprising a female connector body, a tubular male member, a primary retainer and a secondary latch/verifier. The female connector body has a through bore and transverse slots open to the bore. The male tubular member with an annular upset extends into the through bore. The primary retainer is disposed within the slots and releasably connects the male member to the connector body. The secondary latch/verifier is disposed in the slots and is releasably coupled to the connector body and moveable between latched position in which it precludes release of the primary retainer and an unlatched position. In one form, the secondary latch includes a retainer beam arranged to move the secondary latch to its unlatched position on insertion of the male member. In another form the secondary latch/verifier includes externally positioned verifier and additional latch to releasably retain the male member.

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.

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.

Abstract: A connector fitting for fixing a longitudinal body, for example, a cable, a hose, a pipe, a corrugated hose to a wall opening. The connector fitting includes a chuck, which penetrates the opening and includes slits that extend in an axial direction. The chuck is radially outwardly expandable, in an insertion direction behind the opening into a clamping region containing the slits, and can be tightened on an outer side or in front of the opening of the housing by the thread and a matching tensioning nut, such that the clamping region can be withdrawn into the opening and thus braced against the longitudinal body. The tensioning nut includes an abutment acting in the axial direction and the chuck comprises a counter-abutment adjacent to its thread section, and the counter-abutment exerts pressure on the abutment in a released position of the chuck.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical coupling main bodies which are concentrically and oppositely arranged to each other and which have the same structure as to each other, liners which are accommodated in the coupling main bodies respectively, and a release preventing structure which can selectively resist a rotational force applied to the coupling main bodies coupled with each other, so that a coupling of the coupling main bodies is maintained.

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.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling for forming a joint in a fluid line system. The quick connector coupling comprises a female connector body, a male member and a latch coupled to the connector body. The female connector body has slots formed therethrough and a bore extending from an end of the connector body. The male member extends through the end of the connector body and into the bore. The male member has a tubular surface and an annular upset. The upset has a diameter greater than the diameter of the tubular surface. The latch is in abutting relationship with the male member upset. The latch includes a passive transmitter.

Abstract: A pneumatic coupling is provided. The pneumatic coupling is configured to couple a plurality of pneumatic lines together. According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the pneumatic coupling includes first and second housings and a plurality of fittings sized to receive the pneumatic lines.

Abstract: A cooking assembly includes a first tube formed with two diametric openings, and a second gas tube extending into the first tube and having an annular groove aligned with the openings in the first tube. A retaining clip includes a U-shaped segment disposed at one side of the first tube, two clamping segments extending respectively from two opposite ends of the U-shaped segment through the openings in the first tube and the groove in the second tube in such a manner that the clamping segments engage releasably the groove in the second tube.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a vacuum line to a body such as an autoclave to be evacuated, the coupling having a first part adapted to be sealingly engaged by welding upon the wall of the autoclave about an aperture therein, and having an internal bore which thus communicates with the interior of the autoclave, and a second part also having an internal bore for communication with the bore of the first part. The second part thus serves as a removable cartridge which is slidably engaged within the first part with sealing rings radially and axially sealing the two-parts together to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. The cartridge includes a spring-loaded valve. A circlip enables separation of the cartridge from the first part, and a circlip enables removal of the valve parts from the cartridge.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic coupling includes a fitting and a nut that are threadably connectable together. The fitting includes a generally annular groove having a lateral frusto-conic engagement surface. The nut includes a plurality of elongated fingers that each include a projection having an outwardly-disposed edge. When the coupling is assembled, the edges are frictionally engaged with the engagement surface as a result of the elastic deflection of the fingers. The frusto-conic shape of the engagement surface provides progressively greater frictional resistance in a direction of unthreading of the coupling, whereby loosening of the coupling during operation of the fluid circuit is resisted.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement connects two elements with each other. The coupling arrangement includes a plug element and a bushing element which are configured in such a manner that they can be plugged together and locked in position by means of an expandable retaining ring. An axially movable release arrangement cooperates with the retaining ring in order to release the locking mechanism. The coupling arrangement is characterized in that the release arrangement (41) comprises a release sleeve (43), which can be closed with a cover (51) on its side facing away from the bushing element (5), and that a blocking device (55) is used to prevent an inadvertent release of the coupling.

Abstract: A coupling system for selectively connecting an associated fluid inlet (I) with an associated fluid outlet includes an essentially hollow plug (90) having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of plug types (90A, 90B, 90C) and that is in fluid communication with the associated fluid outlet. A coupler (1) is in fluid communication with the associated fluid inlet (I). The coupler (1) includes a receiving region (R) adapted for selective connection with a plug (P, 90) having a shape corresponding to one of the plurality of plug types (90A, 90B, 90C). The coupler also has a lock (L) that selectively locks the plug (90) into the receiving region (R). The coupler additionally has a valve (V) that is movable between an open position defining an operative connection between the fluid inlet (I) and the fluid outlet whereby fluid flow (F) can pass from the inlet to the outlet, and a closed position defining an operative disconnection of the fluid inlet (I) from the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting two components is described. The fitting may be explosion proof for use in hazardous environments. The fitting may swivel allowing fast and easy connection to fixed components, thus minimizing the time required for installation and periodic maintenance, while maintaining the integrity of the explosion proof fitting. In this way, components—such as electrical conduits containing conductors or wires—can be installed and maintained without the use of damming material. Also described is a method of installing an explosion proof fitting for use in hazardous environments.

Abstract: A QCD coupling in which a rotating subsidiary locking means is provided which is both positive in its locking action, locks all of the levers simultaneously, and does not involve any small or readily losable parts, as the subsidiary locking means is itself securely attached to the coupler part of the QCD coupling. As all of the levers are locked simultaneously, the subsidiary locking means cannot be locked unless all of the levers are in the fully “locked” position.

Abstract: An easy to use, and reuse, separation connector is disclosed that comprises a first component having a plurality of leaf elements with protrusions, and a second component having a recess for receiving the leaf element protrusions. The protrusions of the leaf elements are secured within the recess by a tensioned band, or in an alternative embodiment, by an expansion band; the protrusions and recess are formed so as to provide an efficient and effective load and torque bearing surface that requires minimal tension on the tensioned band, or minimal compression on the expansion band. A shearing structure is also presented that minimizes translation of the leaf elements with respect to the receiving surface. When the band is released, springs or other means urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items. Preferably, the leaves are hinged, allowing for ease of coupling and decoupling to the mating surface.

Abstract: A temperature resistant after incident clip is engageable with a retainer and mountable along with the retainer over a male component only when the male component is fully inserted into a bore in a female component. The clip is the form of a one-piece metal body having first and second spaced legs interconnected by an end wall and mountable about the male component. First and second arms project from the end wall and are engageable with a post on a retainer and lockingly mount the after incident clip on the retainer.

Abstract: An easy to use, and reuse, separation connector is disclosed that comprises a first component having a plurality of leaf elements with protrusions, and a second component having a recess for receiving the leaf element protrusions. The protrusions of the leaf elements are secured within the recess by a tensioned band; the protrusions and recess are formed so as to provide an efficient and effective load and torque bearing surface that requires minimal tension on the tensioned band. In a preferred embodiment, the tensioned band is detensioned by a thermal device that melts the band. When the band is melted, springs or other devices urge the leaves away from the mating surface, thereby allowing for the separation of the connected items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick release mount for a suction cup and a locking member for releasably locking the suction cup within a housing. The suction cup mount includes a bayonet coupling which is attached to the suction cup. The bayonet coupling is received within a space located within the housing. The housing further includes a pair of semi-circular flanges for securing the bayonet coupling within the space. The locking member selectively engages the bayonet coupling when the bayonet coupling is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. The housing also includes a button coupled to the locking member that can release the locking member from engagement with the bayonet coupling and permit unlocking of the bayonet coupling from the housing.

Abstract: A coupling is disclosed for connecting conduits that carry combustion air to an internal combustion engine. Two conduits are provide, a first one having an associated locking collar with slots and flexible locking fingers, and a second one having several outwardly facing pins and catches located on an outer surface. The pins are received in the slots and the two conduits are rotated with respect to each other. The catches and locking fingers engage to prevent the two conduits from being pulled apart. Both conduits and locking collar are preferably made of plastic, with the second one and its associated locking collar being simltaneously and integrally molded. A resilient seal may be located between the two components to reduce or eliminate air leakage.

Abstract: A composite body 20 for a faucet assembly 21 that is mountable on a deck 62 and having a faucet body 22. The composite body 20 has a shank 66 affixed to the deck 62 and cold and hot water supply lines 38 that are connected in the shank 66 by a support plate 102 disposed therein. The faucet body 22 is connected to the shank 66 above the deck 62. The faucet body 22 has cold and hot water openings 32 and 34 therein to be sealingly engaged by the cold and hot water supply lines 38 upon the connection of the faucet body 22 and the shank 66 for the water in the lines 38 to be mixed in the faucet 21 and discharged therefrom. Lastly, a retention ring 90 is mounted over and covers the connection of the faucet body 22 and the shank 66 to prevent accidental disengagement and to limit relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A new capture device comprising a plurality of axially extending tangs (42) on one (10) of a pair of complementary fittings (10, 14) in a fluid coupling and a polygonal circumferential groove (20) on the other fitting (14) adapted to engage the tangs. Upon rotational engagement of the fittings the tangs (42) engage the polygonal groove (20) and "ratchet" about the junctures between the flats (22) until the coupling is tight. Although not limited to particular materials, the new capture device is particularly suited to very tough, strong and hard materials such as titanium, stainless steel and Inconel alloy because the effectiveness of the capture device is dependent upon the stiffness of the tangs (42). The new device prevents vibrational disassembly of the complementary fittings without preventing disassembly solely with wrenches. Moreover, the complementary fittings and capture device can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without any damage to the threads (12) or capture device.

Abstract: A coupling member for detachably connecting together two sections of air brake hose between railroad cars. Each coupling member has a hollow tubular body with one end attached to a section of hose and with an opposite end having an arcuate body portion extending circumferentially about and outwardly of the tubular body, and has an arcuate locking lug extending generally axially from the body concentric with the arcuate body portion. An L-shaped arcuate flange projects outwardly and forwardly from a rear portion of the tubular body and is provided with a lip which engages a similar lip formed on the arcuate locking lug of the other of two coupling members to secure the members in coupled position. An elastomeric gasket is mounted within the bore of the tubular body and forms an airtight seal with a similar gasket mounted on the other coupling member. A finger is pivotally mounted within a radially extending slot formed in an arcuate end body portion of the tubular body.

Abstract: An electrical coupling (10) adapted for connection to a complementary connector includes an elastomeric insert (16) having a plurality of inner cylindrical conductive contacts forming a socket and disposed within a cylindrical molded body (14) from which a multi-conductor cord (12) extends. The electrical coupling (10) further includes a coupling nut (22) disposed about the insert (16) and having inner threads (22a) for engaging and drawing the complementary connector into secure engagement with a first surface (26a) of an annular flange (26) disposed about the periphery of the insert. In one embodiment, the coupling nut (22) includes an annular, inner flange having a plurality of spaced, symmetrical detents (36). A washer (24) disposed intermediate a second, opposed surface (26b) of the insert's peripheral flange (26) and the coupling nut's inner flange (34) includes first projections on a first surface thereof which engage the annular flange's second surface when the coupling nut (22) is tightened.

Abstract: The present invention is a quick connector preferably for use in connecting a fuel filler neck to a fuel tank. The connector includes a housing having a first end which receives a tube or nipple having an upset portion which is preferably mounted to the fuel tank. The connector includes a sliding collar with expandable fingers, a compression ring mounted about the collar and retaining forks for retaining the collar and ring within the housing. The upset can be inserted past the expandable fingers with little force. When the tube is attempted to be withdrawn, the compression ring compresses the fingers about the tube restricting release requiring exceedingly larger forces to remove the tube. The opposite end of the connector of the disclosed embodiment includes a quick connect for connecting a hose to the housing. This connector includes a compression sleeve which is mounted about the hose and compressed by a locking ring which locks to the housing.

Abstract: A secondary securing member is provided (19,28,29,30) for securing a first component (11) to a second component (13) when primary securing member (17) is inadvertently removed. The first component (11) includes an outwardly extending spigot (12) slidably engaging the secondary securing member (19, 28,29,30). The second component (13) is assembled and secured by a primary securing member means (17). Thus if in use, the primary securing member (17) is inadvertently removed, the secondary securing member (19, 28, 29, 30) insures limited axial displacement but no separation of the second component (13) from the first component (11).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for locking and unlocking a connector pair having a threaded clamping nut or ring that is rotatably coaxially supported on a first shell body for holding connector contacts in axial engagement. A multiplicity of first detent members angularly fixed relative to the clamping ring engage a corresponding multiplicity of second detent members fixed to the first shell body, and a cone-shaped spring washer axially holds the members in facing engagement, whereby a total surface contacting area of engagement between the detent members is at least 0.1 times the product of an average engagement pitch diameter and the width of engagement. The first and second detent members can engage at shallow contact angles of not more than about 40 degrees. The spring washer contacts the first detent ring, which can axially slidably engage an engagement surface fixed to the clamping ring, along a continuous annular contact path for uniform axial biasing of the detent members.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plug connector having a plug shell formed with a flange and a receptacle connector having a receptacle shell provided on its outer circumference with a fitting device. The electrical connector further includes a coupling ring surrounding the plug shell and rotatable and holding the flange of the plug shell. The coupling ring has on its inner circumference a fitting device fitted with the first mentioned fitting device and a flange urging portion for urging the flange, and a key provided between the receptacle shell and the plug shell for preventing relative rotation therebetween. The electrical connector includes at least one wave-shaped annular spring interposed between the flange and the flange urging portion and rotatable together with the coupling ring.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a small diameter pipe is disclosed, the arrangement being such that: a joint body formed with an insertion bore for a pipe has large, intermediate and small diameter portions; a seal ring is attached to the intermediate diameter portion; and a holder including a pair of elastic stoppers is set in an opening formed in the large diameter portion, the stoppers engaging with a swelling wall shaped on the pipe circumference, thus positioning the pipe and preventing its removal. The connector further includes a confirmative member which is stopped in the opening when the pipe is in the proper connecting position to the joint body. The confirmative member comprises a securing wall provided at the tips with stopping pawls and having a pair of arms. The confirmative member is disengaged from the opening on the basis of a positional correlation between the swelling wall or elastic stoppers and the securing wall when the pipe is properly installed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a garden tool quick handle connector and relates more particularly to a connection structure for quick connection of a handle to a garden tool wherein inner convex threads of the handle are conveniently arranged to engage with outer convex threads of the handle connector. A special retaining plate is movably provided to serve as a stop to maintain the handle in its engaged position with the garden tool and to protect the connection against torsional force.

Abstract: A system for mating fluid transfer couplings is constructed having a male connector 32 which is provided with a pair of opposed rollers 54 mounted to an exterior region thereof. A male half 30 of a fluid transfer coupling is rotatably supported in an opening 36 in an end 38 of connector 32 and is equipped with an outwardly extending forward portion 20. Forward portion 20 locks into an engagement and locking region 16 of a female half 60 of the fluid transfer coupling, with female half 60 being rotatably supported in a receptacle 62. Receptacle 62 has an opening 70 aligned with locking region 16, with this opening having a pair of concentric, annularly disposed ramps 74 extending around an interior portion of opening 70. These ramps are inclined toward interior 78 of receptacle 62 and are provided with slots 76 through which rollers 54 of connector 32 pass.

Abstract: A clip (60) is provided for holding a union (50) joining two tubes (34, 36) together. Clip (60) has a pair of spaced-apart plate members (4,6) integrally joined at one end (10) for receiving union (50) therebetween with plate members (4,6) having respective slots (14,12) for receiving the tubes thereto. Plate members (4,6) have at least one resilient arm (16) operative to hold the tubes in the slots and at least one latch member (18) is provided for bridging across slots (14,12) and holding plates (4,6) against union (50).

Abstract: A connector comprises a first coupling assembly comprising a first coupling member associated with an annular body from which extend a plurality of radially flexible fingers provided at their ends with engagement ribs engageable in grooves in a second coupling member to be abutted against the first coupling member. The fingers are held in their radially inner engaged position by a locking ring axially movable relative to the annular body between a locking position and an inoperative position. The locking ring may be associated a disengagement portion which, as the locking ring moves to its inoperative position, engages the ends of the fingers to move them radially outwardly to disengage the ribs from the grooves. The annular body may be axially movable relative to the first coupling member or fixed relative thereto.

Abstract: A remote dispenser is provided for use in a pressurized fluid-dispensing assembly including a base unit, which may be an aerosol container having a fluid release device to which the remote dispenser is connected by a supply tube inserted into a discharge outlet of the base unit. A resilient, wire clip is secured to the supply tube, resiliently engages a retainer seat on the base unit and holds the release device in its open, fluid discharging position. Inadvertent disengagement of the supply tube from the base unit also disengages the wire clip, to allow the release device to automatically return to its normal, closed position. The clip exerts positive gripping strength and has a stop to hold it against pivoting. These factors serve to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent disengagement of the clip by pulls on the supply tube.

Abstract: A tube connecting unit for connecting a tube to an apparatus, comprising a cylindrical adapter having a pair of slits formed on the periphery, a cylindrical connector inserted in a inner bore of the adapter and having an annular groove formed on the periphery so as to accord to the slits of the adapter, a tube inserted in the inner bore of the connector and having a flange portion for preventing the tube from slipping out of the connection, and a clip-like spring fitted in the slits of the adapter and the annular groove of the connector for preventing the connector from slipping out of the adapter.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for assembled threaded coponents, including a circumferential tongue on one of the components and a corresponding notch on the other component. As a locking position is approached, the tongue is biased out of its normal position by a camming surface adjacent to the notch, and is then released into the notch as the locking position is reached. Unlocking only requires the tongue to be moved out of the notch momentarily during rotation from the locking position.

Abstract: An IV lock for preventing IV connectors from separating. The IV lock has two split-fork locks at each end for releasably securing a male IV fitting or connector to the IV lock and for releasably securing a catheter to the IV lock. The IV lock may also include a snap-fit clamp intermediate the two split-fork locks for securing an intermediate connector coupled between the male IV fitting and the catheter fitting from moving laterally and axially relative to its length. The male IV fitting and catheter are prevented from moving axially and transversely of their length when secured in the IV lock.