Pipe joints or couplings – Socket – Lugged pipe – rotary engagement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-08
2001-06-12
Dayoan, B. (Department: 3529)
Pipe joints or couplings
Socket
Lugged pipe, rotary engagement
C285S330000, C285S921000, C285S377000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244632
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connector for coupling objects together, and in particular relates to a connector for the coupling of a male and female component by means of an improved snap fit type action.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are many forms of connectors for the coupling of male and female components by means of a snap fit action. Such connectors comprise one or more connecting elements such as lugs or projections on one component which engage upon or with the other component. Such connectors sometimes rely upon deformation of the connecting elements during the coupling process, or alternatively upon the radial movement of the connecting elements during the coupling process. However, whilst such connectors can provide for the easy coupling of the male and female components, the connectors may also be prone to being inadvertently uncoupled.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector for coupling male and female components which enables the male and female components to be easily coupled by means of a snap fit action and which also safeguards against the components being inadvertently uncoupled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention therefor provides a connector for coupling a male component and a female component, said connector including:
guide means adapted to permit relative movement of the male and female components in an axial direction when said components are at least partially axially engaged;
locking means for locking the female component to the male component;
wherein during coupling of said components said locking means is adapted to rotate with respect to said guide means to a position permitting said axial relative movement and on completion of coupling to rotate a position in which said male and female components are locked together.
Preferably the connector for coupling a male and a female component, said connector including:
means for locating the female component with respect to the male component; which does not permit other than axial movement of the male and female components when the components are at least partially engaged;
means for locking the female component to the male component which is adapted to rotate with respect to the locating means during the coupling and uncoupling of the components.
Preferably the locking means are provided on the male component which cooperate with locking means on the female component.
Preferably the locking means includes one or more locking lugs on the male component which cooperate with one or more corresponding locking lugs on the female component.
Preferably the means for locating the female component with respect to the male component includes one or more projections or grooves on the female component which cooperate with one or more corresponding projections or grooves on the male component.
Preferably the said male and female components are connected along an axis and said locking means is adapted to rotate in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
Preferably the said locking means is adapted to rotate about said axis.
Advantageously, the present invention provides a connector which does not rely upon radial distortion or movement of the locking elements during either coupling or uncoupling of the male component and female component.
This form of connector can provide for the easy coupling of two objects whilst also safeguarding against the inadvertent separation of the objects when coupled together. Furthermore, one preferred form of the present invention provides for the permanent connection of the male and female components so as to prevent uncoupling of the components. An alternative preferred form of the present invention provides for the connection of the male component and female component which is lockable but which can be released to provide for the uncoupling of the components. A further preferred form of the invention provides for the connection of the male and female components such that they can be released by an axial pulling action in order to uncouple the male and female components when a pre-determined force is reached.
Preferably the male component and female component are connected along an axis and preferably said locking means adapted to allow the rotation of the locking means in a plane perpendicular to said axis. It is further preferable that said locking means is adapted to rotate about said axis.
Preferably locking means are provided on the male component which cooperate with locking means on the female component.
Preferably the locking means includes one or more locking lugs on the male component which cooperate with one or more corresponding locking lugs on the female component.
Preferably the means for locating the female component with respect to the male component does not permit other than axial movement of the male and female components when the components are at least partially engaged.
It is further preferable that the means for locating the female component with respect to the male component comprises one or more projections or grooves on the female component which cooperate with one or more corresponding projections or grooves on the male component.
In one preferred form of the invention the female member is provided with an annular skirt or ring upon the inner surface of which are provided said locking elements in the form of grooves and/or projections. The skirt or ring is adapted so as to prevent radial movement of the locking elements.
Preferably the male member is provided with a cylindrical outer surface over which the female member is to be located, the cylindrical outer surface of the male member being provided another locking means in the form of grooves and/or projections, said grooves and/or projections on the female member and the male member being adapted to cooperate such that the female member is fitted to the male member by a snap fit action.
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patent: 744788 (1903-11-01), Wigton et al.
patent: 939436 (1909-11-01), McVoy
patent: 1031587 (1912-07-01), Resik
patent: 1054812 (1913-03-01), Zierath
patent: 3588149 (1971-06-01), Dembler, Sr. et al.
patent: 4786085 (1988-11-01), Sauer et al.
patent: 4887849 (1989-12-01), Briet
patent: 2331670 (1972-06-01), None
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patent: 3442327 (1986-07-01), None
patent: 334717 (1989-09-01), None
patent: 2658899 (1991-08-01), None
patent: 2742518 (1997-06-01), None
patent: WO 96/04502 (1996-02-01), None
Dayoan B.
Jott Australia Pty. Ltd.
Malcolm Tomlyne A
LandOfFree
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