Snap-fit Patents (Class 285/921)
  • Patent number: 5941577
    Abstract: A quick connector comprising a female part (1) having a bore (8, 11), a male part (2) having an outer collar (6) suitable for being inserted in the bore, and a locking ring (3) mounted to slide radially in a housing (10) of the female part, which housing subdivides the bore into an inlet section (8) and a main section (11), the ring (3) being movable between a first position in which it is eccentric relative to the bore and a second position in which it is substantially coaxial with said bore, said ring being integral with a resilient member in the form of at least one tongue (12, 13) co-operating with the housing (10) to urge the ring (3) into its first position, wherein the ring (3) includes a thrust platen (9) adjacent to the inlet section (8) of the bore and projecting beside the tongue (12, 13), at least the free end portion of the tongue being of a width (L) that is less than the thickness (E) of the ring (3) minus the thickness (e) of the platen (9) measured in the same axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Legris S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Noel Musellec
  • Patent number: 5934710
    Abstract: A sealing device for the sealed connection of two pipes placed end to end includes an upper component and a lower component. The upper component includes a frustoconical rib extending outward from a cylindrical end part and diverging upward into a first wall forming a return, an elastically deformable external skirt formed from a second wall connected to the frustoconical rib through the return, a circular groove defined between the rib and the skirt and formed by the first and second walls, and a retainer provided in a lower edge of the external skirt. The lower component is matable with the upper component and includes a third wall forming a frustoconical socket that flares upward, a fourth wall forming a frustoconical external skirt diverging downward, and a circular rib formed by merger of the third and fourth walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Tubest
    Inventor: Marcel Le Foll
  • Patent number: 5921591
    Abstract: A pipe connecting assembly and method for joining two lengths of steel pipe in the field without the need for welding the connection includes a pair of tubular members both having cylindrical exterior and interior surfaces that substantially conform to the exterior and interior surfaces of the two lengths of steel pipe. At one end of one of the tubular members a male connector is formed. The male connector has a plurality of annular flat and tapered ridges and flat annular surfaces formed thereon. At one end of the other tubular member a female connector is formed. The female connector has a plurality of flat annular ridges and tapered and flat surfaces formed thereon. In employing the tubular members in connecting the two lengths of steel pipe, the ends of the members opposite the male and female connectors are first welded to opposed ends of the steel pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Michael E. Argent
  • Patent number: 5897145
    Abstract: A connector includes a tube-shaped male member, a female member, an engagement member, and a checking member. The male member has a ring-shaped convexity. The female member has a substantially cylinder-shaped housing. The housing has a pair of widows having a peripheral end and a peripheral edge. The checking member has a letter C-shaped portion, and a pair of engagement convexities. The engagement convexities has a first engaging portion, a leading-end contacting portion, and an inclined second engaging portion. The first engaging portion engages with the peripheral end of the windows of the housing so as to inhibit the checking member from coming off from the housing in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction before the male member is connected with the female member. The leading-end contacting portion is pressed by the ring-shaped convexity to move outwardly in a radial direction so as to diametrically enlarge the letter C-shaped portion when the fitting of the male member is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Kondo, Kazuhiro Kato, Tomohide Ito, Koyo Fujimori
  • Patent number: 5897142
    Abstract: A quick connector formed of a housing having an internal bore receiving one end of a male connector with a radially enlarged annular flange. A retainer carried on the housing has a cylindrical sleeve disposed in the stepped bore in the housing. Pivotal tabs extend from the sleeve to fingers extending angularly inward into the bore to engage the annular flange and prevent axial disengagement of the male connector from the housing. Release members extend from each tab and are adapted for pivotal, radially outward movement causing like radially outward movement of the fingers to disengage the fingers from the annular flange and to allow separation of the male connector from the housing. Lock surfaces carried on the housing engage the release members during radially inward movement of the release members caused by an axial load on the male connector to resist axial separation of the housing and male connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan L. Kulevsky
  • Patent number: 5882047
    Abstract: A fluid conduit quick connector includes first and second releasably connectable bodies. A tapered bore in the first body receives one end of a first conduit. A tubular extension projecting from one end of the second body is coaxially received in the conduit when the first and second bodies are releasably joined together. The conduit is sealingly compressed between the tapered bore and one or more projections on the extension. A third body carries another conduit and is releasibly connected to the second body. The third body also includes mounting members to fixedly mount the third body to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Ostrander, Richard Pender, Gary O. Klinger
  • Patent number: 5882511
    Abstract: A filter system providing an improved connection device providing quicker and easier removal and installation of filters and increased reliability of the filters due to the improved connection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Fil-Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 5878715
    Abstract: An air intake system for an internal combustion engine. The air intake system includes an intake manifold (24) with a throttle body (22) mounted thereto. The intake manifold (24) and throttle body housing (26) are both formed primarily from a plastic or composite material. A snap-fit joint secures the throttle body (22) to the intake manifold (24). The joint includes a pair of mounting flanges (46,48), with the throttle body flange (46) including a set of lugs (54), and the manifold flange (48) including cutouts (56) and ramps (58) for receiving the lugs (54). The throttle body flange (46) also includes a loop hook (76) and gasket (52), which mate, respectively, with retention surfaces (84) and a sealing surface (70) on the manifold flange (48). The throttle body (22) also includes a main bore extension (62) with pilots (66) that mate with an entrance region (68) in the manifold (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Charles Hernandez, Jill Lynn Redmon, Susan Eunwon Song
  • Patent number: 5863077
    Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking the male and female components of a quick connector. The retainer is releasably insertible into a transverse bore in the female component and is blocked from full insertion by a projection. An extension projects from the retainer and has an aperture sized to receive the tip end of the male component, but not a radial flange on the male component when the retainer is partially inserted into the female component. Forced insertion of the male component breaks off a ring portion of the extension thereby enabling the radial flange on the male component to fully move into the female component. The retainer can then be urged into the fully latched position locking the male and female components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Tim M. Dangel
  • Patent number: 5855398
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a fuel or fluid line between a male part and a female part in which a laminar block axially locks the male part and the female part in connection with one another by being displaced about the male part in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the connecting line. The assembly includes a unitary element made of a semi-rigid material and having a substantially semi-circular portion constituting an elastic clamp, projections extending from one side of the clamp, each including a portion facing inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis of the clamp and adapted to engage with the female part, a flap arranged at each end region of the clamp and having a small thickness, and an annular stop releasably coupled to the flaps and including radial blocking elements. The annular stop is adapted to be interposed between the male part and the female part and to be ruptured or separated from the flaps and thus the elastic clamp upon insertion of the male part fully into the female part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Tampas Click Para Veiculos Industria E Comercio Ltda.
    Inventor: Antonio Carlos Reinholz
  • Patent number: 5853200
    Abstract: The improved hose coupling boot is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design, will substantially eliminate snags, and accidental disconnects of hose coupling joints. It will also substantially reduce debris build up and associated malfunction in hose connection joints. It is principally intended for use on pneumatic hoses used to power industrial pneumatic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Gary A. Zieres
    Inventor: Gary A. Zieres
  • Patent number: 5829792
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement comprising male and female pipe coupling parts. The arrangement comprises a body which can be connected to the male part, with two elongate elements which are connected by a ring acting as a radial spring and which define between themselves a slit aperture, which is covered by a strip of non-transparent, flexible material which comprises a transparent window or a through hole. One end of the body is formed with a radially projecting flange, which is adapted to engage behind a radially inwardly directed flange on the female part, defining a locking position. There is an indicator member which is axially displaceable within the body and adapted such that it moved by the female part against the effect of a spring member. In the locking position, a symbol on the indicator member, which symbol indicates this locking position, is visible in the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hycop AB
    Inventor: Olle Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 5806898
    Abstract: A quick disconnect member (36, 136) is retained on a tube (12) for sliding movement therealong to react with the projection (18) and includes a pair of arms (42) each with a V-shaped abutment (38) biased radially outwardly into a locked position in overlapping engagement with a shoulder (28) to prevent removal of the tube (12) from the socket. A resilient safety plug (44) is disposed between the tube (12) and the abutment (38) for preventing abutment (38) from disengaging from the shoulder (28). The safety plug (44) retains hooks (43) radially outwardly against the lip (32). The safety plug (44) presents an annular ridge (46) extending into the V-shaped abutment (38) to retain the safety plug (44) in the socket member (14) and a radially extending flange (48) abutting the distal ends of the arms (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagle
  • Patent number: 5803512
    Abstract: A quick connect member for coupling a tube 34 to a socket member 12 is characterized by arms extending axially from a support portion 44 through a flared length 54 slanting radially outwardly and axially rearwardly immediately from the radial plane at the forward extremity to an abutment 48 with a tip 50 at the radially outward extremity and a trough 52 at the radially inward extremity. Thereafter, each of the arms includes a lever length 56 extending from the trough 52 radially upwardly and outwardly and finger 58 extending axially from the lever length 56. In one instance, the lever length 56 of each of the arms is disposed in the space provided by a conical relief 20 in the entry end of the socket member 12 whereas the flared length 54 is disposed in the space provided by a conical surface 28. There is a first radius between the support portion 44 and the flared length 54 and a second radius defining the tip 50 and the first radius is larger than the second radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagel
  • Patent number: 5803510
    Abstract: A medical device is herein described for provision of a pressurized fluid through interchangeable probes. In the preferred embodiment of this medical device, the interchangeable probes are mounted to a handset having a quick disconnect/reconnect mount which not only permits rapid attachment and removal of such probes to the handset, but also the freedom of change in orientation of the probe relative to the handset to accommodate variable condition/requirements of an operative procedure and clinician preferences. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, quick disconnect/reconnect mount of this invention permits rotational movements of the probe tip while preserving sealing engagement thereof to the handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Dorsey, III
  • Patent number: 5797634
    Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling (20) includes an attachment clip (30) for securing a female connector member (22) and a tube member (26) to each other. The attachment clip (30) has a central portion (32) including an opening (34) that receives the tube member (26) and has flat attachment legs (36) that extend from the central portion (32) in a diverging relationship from each other. Each attachment leg (36) has a window (38) including an attachment edge (40) that engages an attachment surface (46) on the female connector member 22 between inner and outer portions (50) and (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: STMC-LLC
    Inventor: Harvey S. Bonser
  • Patent number: 5788214
    Abstract: A device for connecting a adhesive foam can to a gun for the application of adhesive foam includes fastening means for fastening the connecting device to the gun, and an external thread for fastening the connecting device to the foam can, and a closing device that makes possible, in the operating state, the escape of the adhesive foam fluid into the gun. The thread has at least two regions of different materials, a first region of a material with flexible anti-adhesion properties and a second region of a material that at least partially ensures precise mechanical guiding of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Volker Kopp
  • Patent number: 5782501
    Abstract: A connecting mechanism for connecting at least one plastic pipeline to a mating opening in a unit part. The connecting mechanism has a housing with a plug-in section selectively connectable to a mating opening on the unit part. The housing has a receiver opening for plugging in a pipeline, and a retainer is arranged in the receiver opening to lock onto a pipeline plugged therein. The plug-in section of the housing has at least one radially elastic arm having a locking catch to clamp behind a surface of the unit part, thereby interconnecting the housing with the unit part. When a pipeline is inserted into the receiver opening of the housing, the pipeline coacts with the locking arm or arms to exclude a radial detaching movement of the locking arm, that otherwise would disengage the locking catches from the unit part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Armaturenfabrik Hermann Voss GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Josef Brandt
  • Patent number: 5782508
    Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed as comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal disposed in the bore for providing a fluid-tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer detachably secured to the housing and cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore, the retainer having resilient deformable portions which are adapted to snap over the locking wall upon insertion of the conduit into the housing bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Proprietary Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5772643
    Abstract: The luer adapter of this invention includes a barbed portion having a generally cylindrical distal portion, a generally conical portion, a generally cylindrical portion and a generally outwardly tapered proximal portion. The shape of the barb is substantially the same as the shape of the lumen at the proximal end of a catheter but is slightly larger radially and slightly shorter axially than the proximal portion of the lumen. This ensures that when the barb is inserted into the proximal portion of the lumen the luer adapter is positively locked to the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Glade H. Howell, Timothy J. Erskine, Christopher N. Cindrich
  • Patent number: 5772263
    Abstract: A quick connector formed of a housing having a through bore receiving one end of a male connector with a radially enlarged flange. At least one and preferably a plurality of circumferentially spaced retainer fingers are integrally formed as a one piece extension from the first end of the housing and are deployable from a first axially extending position to an angular inwardly extending position in the bore in the housing to engage the flange on the male connector after the male connector has been inserted into the bore in the housing to lockingly couple the male connector in the housing. In a connector having a metal housing, a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers are formed to axially extend from a first open end. The fingers are bent into an angular, inwardly extending position to engage the flange on the male connector. In another embodiment for use with a metal quick connector housing, a molded annular band has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Gordon Lewis
  • Patent number: 5762382
    Abstract: A connection, preferably for use in a medical environment, for joining a rigid circular port from a medical machine to an elastomeric hose cuff having a medical hose extending therefrom. The rigid cuff has an external annular bead formed at its outward end while the elastomeric hose cuff has an internal annular bead formed at its distal end. When the components are coupled together by sliding the hose cuff over the rigid port, a double seal is formed between the various annular beads and the surfaces of the component to provide a substantially leakproof seal between the elastomeric hose cuff and the rigid port to prevent gasses from escaping to the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Denise L. Pernetti, Richard T. Hutter
  • Patent number: 5755345
    Abstract: A closure which comprises a body portion having an open end, a closed end, an inner wall and an outer circumferential wall and an insert. The insert is for engaging a container, wherein the insert is formed separately from the body portion and includes a manner for attachment to the body portion. The insert is attached to the body portion adjacent the inner wall via the manner for attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 5755463
    Abstract: A duct for extending through an aperture in a wall or partition and comprising a sleeve and outwardly extending flanges to overlie the opposed outer surfaces of the wall or partition at the opposite ends of the sleeve and at least one of the flanges being constructed to be pushed onto an end of the sleeve to lockingly engage the sleeve end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Artform International Limited
    Inventor: Paul Davidson
  • Patent number: 5738388
    Abstract: A device for permanent joining of plastic tubes intended for use as covering or lining tubes when drilling holes in the ground including a female portion on a first tube and a male portion interacting therewith on a second tube. The male portion being provided with annular projections and recesses round its outer circumference and the female portion being provided with annular projections and recesses round its inner circumference with the recesses and projections on one tube interengaging with the projections and recesses on the other tube in such a fashion that at least one of the tubes is radially deformed and the joint can withstand axial and torsional forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Craelius AB
    Inventor: Johan Christian Sundelin
  • Patent number: 5735555
    Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a fuel rail and an inlet tube having an inlet tube end and a raised annular flange a predetermined distance from its end includes a connector body and an annular clip. The connector body is attached to the fuel rail and includes an outwardly extending shoulder. The annular clip has a periphery with a generally U-shaped cross section including an inner leg and outer leg. The inner leg is inclined inwardly for engaging the inlet tube annular flange and the outer leg includes a resilient locking portion biased inwardly for withdrawal restraining engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder. The annular clip is mountable on the inlet tube beyond the raised annular flange. The inlet tube is telescopingly received in the connector body and axially engaged as the locking portion of the annular clip is urged into engagement with the connector body outwardly extending shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Matthew Answine, Anthony Louis Franchitto, Gary Douglas Vattelana
  • Patent number: 5732984
    Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits is disclosed comprising a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, an elastomeric ring-like seal disposed in the bore for providing a fluid tight seal between confronting portions of the conduit and the housing, an annular bushing is disposed in the bore for positioning the seal and for guiding the one end of the conduit into nesting relationship with the bore, and a retainer detachably secured to the housing and cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore. The retainer is a one piece metal retainer element which includes at least two circumferentially spaced leg members which extend from an integral collar member at one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5730481
    Abstract: A retainer for releasably locking the male and female component of a quick connector together. The retainer is releasably insertable into a transverse bore formed in the female component and includes an edge slidable over a radial flange on the male component only when the male component is fully coupled in an axial bore in the female component. The engagement of the edges and the radial flange on the male component permits full insertion of the retainer into the transverse bore in the female component around the male component to lock the male component and female component together. Lock projections on the retainer engage grooves in the housing to releasably lock the retainer in a partially inserted, shipping position in the transverse bore in the female component and engage exterior lock surfaces on the housing on full insertion of the retainer to lock the retainer and the fully inserted male component to the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: George Szabo, Thomas E. Grooters, Tim M. Dangel
  • Patent number: 5725257
    Abstract: A pipe joint comprises a pipe having a spigot formed with an annular projection on an outer periphery of an end portion of the pipe, a member having a socket including a tubular portion for receiving the spigot therein and formed with an aperture in a peripheral wall of the tubular portion, the socket being internally formed with a bearing portion for receiving and bearing on the annular projection when the spigot is inserted into the socket, a resilient stopper mountable on the tubular portion of the socket and having a fitting portion fittable in the aperture, and a tubular stopper holder capable of covering the stopper. The stopper holder is so fixed as to cover the stopper by a recess formed in an outer surface of the stopper and an inward protrusion formed on the stopper holder and fittable in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Hideto Sakane, Hisayuki Yagi, Nobuyuki Okuda, Koichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 5725258
    Abstract: A quick connector coupling for forming a joint in a fluid line includes a hollow plastic connector body extending between a male member connection end and a hose connection end. A male member received in the connector body and has an enlarged annular upset. A retainer is associated with the connector body and secures the male member in the connector body. The retainer has one or two locking loops which extend beyond the male member connection end and encircle a portion of the upset to prevent withdrawl of the male member. The retainer may be attached to the interior or exterior of the connector body, and may be made of plastic or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Bundy Corporation
    Inventor: Rick A. Kujawski
  • Patent number: 5722698
    Abstract: The extension coupling for fluid distribution equipment has a first external tubular body, a second internal tubular body for the passage of said fluids, and a coupling for its connection, in series, to other similar elements and/or handle connected to the distribution equipment and/or accessories. The first body and the second body are monolithic, and are obtained from one single molding process of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: T.P.A. Impex S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Amoretti
  • Patent number: 5718463
    Abstract: A quick connect member (36, 136, 236) for connecting a tube (12) in a female socket having a radially extending shoulder in a groove (28). The quick disconnect member (36, 136, 236) comprises an annular support portion (40, 140, 240) for retained on the tube (12) to slide therealong and a pair of cantilevered spring arms (42, 142, 242) extending axially from the support portion (40, 140, 240). An abutment (38, 138, 238) is disposed at the distal end of each arm (42, 142, 242) and is biased radially outwardly and into a locked position in overlapping engagement with the shoulder of the groove (28) to mechanically prevent removal of a projection (18) on the tube (12) from the socket (14). In the first embodiment, the quick connect member (36) is defined by a coil of wire coiled about the tube (12) to define the support portion (40) with the wire extending axially from the coil to define the arms (42) and then extends transversely into the arms (42) to define circular abutments (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Harold E. Hollnagel
  • Patent number: 5716072
    Abstract: An airbag gas generator has a housing within which a solid gas generating composition is located. The housing has an opening through which a gas formed during fuel combustion exits the housing. A gas distribution cap is fitted to an outlet end of the housing, the cap having a projecting lip at a forward end thereof. The housing has a corresponding recess in the outlet end for accepting the lip therein. The cap further has a plurality of longitudinal slots through which the gas is distributed, the slots defining flexible wall segments which deform during insertion of the cap into the outlet end prior to engagement of the lip with the recess for locking the cap to the housing. Utilizing the present invention, threaded or welded joints are avoided and a light weight, low cost assembly is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Peter O'Driscoll
  • Patent number: 5711553
    Abstract: A quick connect fluid coupling (20) includes an attachment clip (30) for securing a female connector member (22) and a tube member (26) to each other. The attachment clip (30) has a central portion (32) including an opening (34) that receives one of the members and engages an attachment surface (48) thereof and also has flat attachment legs (36) that extend from the central portion (32). Each attachment leg (36) has a window (38) including an attachment edge (40) that engages an attachment surface (46) on the other member between inner and outer portions (50) and (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: STMC-LLC
    Inventor: Harvey S. Bonser
  • Patent number: 5683117
    Abstract: A clip for retaining a conduit trapped in an end of a connector has a pair of resilient legs extending from an arcuate-shaped end member which occupies a relatively small amount of space around the periphery of the connector when the clip is connected thereto. Each of the legs includes an end finger which forms an acute angle with an outside edge of the leg and which locks around the outside of the connector housing when the clip is inserted in one of a pair of opposed slots or apertures formed in the housing. A guide tab extends from the end member and slides into a channel formed in the connector housing to insure that the clip faces the correct direction when inserted into the connector. The legs have chamfered inner front surfaces which slidably engage a front end of the conduit to allow the conduit to deflect the legs apart and slidably move between the legs. A flat back surface of the clip legs cooperates with an enlarged annular collar of the conduit to retain the conduit within the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Flex Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Corbett, Thomas L. Welsh
  • Patent number: 5667257
    Abstract: Past connector assemblies have failed to provide adequate amounts of the air/cooling liquid mixture from the heat exchanger to the surge tank for proper air venting. The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing a connector assembly 48 which is easily installed within a tank portion 14 of the heat exchanger 12. The connector assembly 48 includes a tubular member 50 which has a cylindrical portion 54 and a bifurcated end portion 56. The bifurcated end portion 56 has a rectangular outer shape 66 which is designed so that it can be squeezed into a rectangular shaped opening 44 in the tank portion 14. A nut 92 which has an inner threaded portion 104 is threaded onto an outer threaded portion 64 of the cylindrical portion 54 until a pair of tabs 76,78 on the bifurcated end portion 56 are securely seated against an inner surface 16 of the tank portion 14. A washer 110 is seated against an annular beaded seat 36 to form a first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Butler, Leslie E. Fehr, William J. McCasky
  • Patent number: 5662360
    Abstract: An interlocking restraint plastic pipe joining system is shown which features female and male end connections for adjacent lengths of pipe. The female end connection has at least one radially extending indention or protrusion within the mouth opening thereof. The male end connection has at least one radially extending protrusion or indention formed on an exterior surface thereof. The indention and protrusion matingly engage in snap fit fashion as the joint is formed by forcing the male connection axially into the female connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: S&B Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Guzowski
  • Patent number: 5658020
    Abstract: A quick connector for fast connection of fluid carrying assemblies such as a mating tube and a fluid unit includes a connector body that houses the connector components and accepts a redundant clip, which is adapted to engage an upset bead of the male tube. The redundant clip is generally L-shaped and includes a retaining head that is inserted into the connector body and is adapted to engage the upset bead. A body portion, which extends along the side of the connector body and in the preferred embodiment is contoured to mate with the connector body, extends between the retaining head and a base member. The base includes a camming edge for facilitating the insertion of the retainer head into the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony K. Carman, Duane J. Pontbriand, Gary Klinger
  • Patent number: 5642908
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sleeve (1) for the fixing of a pump (2) to a bottle with a neck (3) enlarged at the mouthpiece (4). The upper part (1a) of the sleeve (1) has tubular elements: one external tubular element (10) for receiving a metallic covering (5) and an internal tubular element (11) for receiving and restraining the pump (2), and a base transversal element (12) resting on the mouthpiece (4). An annular gasket is interposed between the base transversal element (12) and mouthpiece (4). The lower tubular part (1b) of the sleeve is to be inserted onto the mouthpiece (4) and is held in place in an undercut (4a) by means of rounded projecting parts (16) shown internally by the part (1b). The lower tubular part (1b) is provided with a plurality of external facings (15). The part (1b) also has externally a plurality of step projections (20) between the facings (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: SAR S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Mascitelli
  • Patent number: 5636877
    Abstract: This swivel connection (10) of metallic material includes a female block (12), a center spool (14) and a male spool (16) which provide substantially universal movement between a hose line connection (18) and pneumatic tool (1). A protective cover (80) is provided for the female block (12) and a protective cover (82) is provided for the exposed portion of the center spool (14). Both covers are of non-mar plastic material to protect finished surfaces with which the swivel connection (10) comes into contact during use. Both covers include access openings (92, 112) having snap-fitted removable caps (100, 120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Dyna Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Purvis, Leonard J. Hartmann, Gerald L. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5634673
    Abstract: The pipe 1 includes in one end portion thereof a metal cap portion 2 on which an O-ring 5 can be mounted, and a connecting portion 6 in the other end portion. A delivery pipe 9 includes a communication hole having an undercut shape and an engaging recessed portion 21. A fixing clip 21 including a mounting portion 16 and a securing portion 17 having rigidity is mounted on the portion of the pipe 1 located just above the metal cap portion 2. The securing portion 17 includes a plurality of securing claws 18 so arranged as to surround the metal cap portion 2, and a rotation preventive projection 19. When the metal cap portion 2 is fitted into the communication hole 12, the securing claws 18 are secured to the upper hole portion 14 of the communication hole 12, and the rotation preventive projection 19 is engaged with the engaging recessed portion 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Miyazaki, Tamio Asano, Takeshi Miyazaki, Terumitu Oshima
  • Patent number: 5626371
    Abstract: A conduit assembly having a retainer with a ring and two pairs of arms. Both pairs of arms include shoulder-like portions which help to retain a seal within the housing, help to retain the conduit within the housing, and help to retain the retaining member within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5620210
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for connecting adjacent ends of conduits, primarily used for aircraft fuel, water and oxygen lines having redundant locking features is provided. This coupling can be manipulated with one hand and includes laterally spaced locking tines which engage a mating channel for locking the coupling in secured relationship. The coupling assembly can be manipulated with one hand and has viewing ports to ensure that all parts are in place. A pivotal locking member is provided to supply additional redundancy. The locking member has at least one fin which is received between the locking tines and snaps into locking position when the coupling is securely fastened. If the coupling is not securely fastened, the fin will not fit between the tines, thereby preventing the locking member from snapping into locked position. Thus, the mechanic will know that the coupling is not securely fastened and will take steps to remedy the problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Stanley Aviation Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Eyster, Albert B. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5611576
    Abstract: A female coupling element of the Luer-Lock type for haemodialysis medical equipment comprises an outer tubular body made of a relatively rigid moulded thermoplastic material, and an inner sleeve made of a relatively softer moulded thermoplastic material and axially fitted within the outer body. The outer body and the inner sleeve are freely rotatable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Industrie Borla SpA
    Inventor: Ernesto Guala
  • Patent number: 5611923
    Abstract: A filter assembly has a housing for supporting a filter element, a first quick connect sealing valve operatively connected to an inlet passageway in the housing, and a second quick connect sealing valve operatively connected to an outlet passageway in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Vickers, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanwar Suri, Z. Paul Akian, Steven H. Parker, Robert F. Udell, Michael M. Leitzell, David K. Nees, S. Glenn McLean
  • Patent number: 5609370
    Abstract: A quick connector includes a retainer for detachably engaging male and female components of the quick connector together. The retainer includes an annular base with a recess mountable over a radially enlarged flange on the male component and circumferentially spaced legs extending axially from the base. An aperture in each leg engages a projection on the female component to interconnect the male and female components together. First and second seal members, each having the same inner diameter, but different outer diameters are pre-mounted on the male component and simultaneously engage different diameter portions of a stepped bore in the female component upon insertion of the male component into the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventors: George Szabo, Tom E. Grooters, Craig Cheney
  • Patent number: 5607192
    Abstract: A tubing connection construction includes a fitting member having one end portion received in a passage defined in an apparatus. A flange portion is formed on a periphery of the end portion of the fitting member and protrudes radially and outwardly therefrom. An annular recess is defined in the periphery of the end portion of the fitting member and communicates with a slot defined in the apparatus, which communicates with the passage. A positioning member is received in the slot and includes a substantially C-shaped leg portion fitted in the annular recess of the fitting member such that the flange portion is stopped by the C-shaped leg portion, thereby fixing the fitting member to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Shih-ping Lee
  • Patent number: 5595406
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a first fluid-bearing conduit to a second fluid-bearing conduit, thereby providing a substantially leak-free fluid communication between the first and second fluid-bearing conduits. The second fluid-bearing conduit is located in a receiver and communicates with a receiving port. A frustoconical surface on the receiver defines the receiving port. The connector includes a support, a biferrule, and a biferrule compression assembly. The biferrule is provided with a forward end having a spherical head portion, an aft end having a frustoconical tapered portion, and a bore therebetween for receiving the first fluid-bearing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Co.
    Inventor: Andrew M. E. Warchol
  • Patent number: 5593187
    Abstract: A pipe joint for joining two pipes end to end comprises a hollow cylindrical spigot portion having an annular projection on the outer periphery of a base end thereof, a hollow cylindrical socket portion having an inside diameter approximately equal to the outside diameter of the spigot portion and formed with two opposed apertures in its peripheral wall close to a forward end thereof and with a stepped part on the inner surface of the peripheral wall for the projection to come into contact with, the stepped part being closer to a base end of the socket portion than the apertures, and a stopper having a pair of circular-arc resilient legs fittable into the respective apertures from outside to project inward and each having a slanting inner surface, the legs being opposed to each other for the inwardly curved surfaces thereof to face each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Showa Aluminum Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Okuda, Koichi Inoue, Toshinori Tokutake, Shinji Ito
  • Patent number: 5588685
    Abstract: A technique for joining a larger and a smaller pipe wherein the smaller pipe has an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the larger pipe. An inner and an outer gasket are used to form the joint. The inner gasket has an inclined outer surface forming a wedge shaped profile and is stretch fitted over the smaller pipe. The outer gasket has a portion of its inner surface matched to the inner gasket outer surface and is compression fitted into the inner surface of the larger pipe whereby the portion of the smaller pipe having the inner gasket is encased by the larger pipe. The smaller pipe is then pulled away from the larger pipe until the inner gasket wedges against the outer gasket forming a locked sealed joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Ameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Joie L. Folkers