Coupling

Details Coupling Coupling

2000-06-13

2001-12-04

Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)

Fluid handling

Systems

Flow path with serial valves and/or closures

C222S321900, C251S149600

Reexamination Certificate

active

06325100

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a coupling for interconnecting two hollow bodies, such as a container and a tube.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Such a coupling is known from, e.g., European patent application 0 270 302, which describes a coupling for a liquid product packaging and dispensing assembly in which liquid is pumped from a container via the coupling through a tube to the point of use. The coupling has a first interconnectable member with a hollow post and a biased sleeve closing openings in the hollow post and a second interconnectable member with a hollow sheath and a biased piston closing an opening at the end of the sheath. The parts are configured so that, upon connection, the post unseats the piston while the sheath displaces the sleeve, thereby allowing liquid flow. In one form, the container may be collapsible and is preferably situated inside a box for convenience during storage and transport. EP 0 270 302 mentions that a problem arising with such containers resides in that upon uncoupling the container from the tube, residues of the liquid which has been flowing through the coupling between them are apt to be spilled. This can be hazardous if the liquid is noxious, for example if the liquid is a very alkaline product such as industrial mechanical dishwashing liquid. The coupling according to EP 270 302 indeed has the advantage that when it is disconnected both hollow bodies are sealed, and that it reduces or even obviates spillage. Obviously, a close fit of the sheath around the post is valuable for avoiding spillage upon disconnection. However, it appeared that the tight seal provided by the couplings in hand deteriorates during prolonged use. As a result, the couplings start to leak and must be replaced or overhauled prematurely, i.e. while, apart from the parts responsible for the close fit, all the other parts are still in perfect working order. The invention aims to provide a coupling of the above-mentioned type which allows leak-tight connection and disconnection over a period of several years of normal use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the coupling of the invention is characterised in that, upon connection of the members, an annular seal is present between the sheath and the sleeve, which seal is activated by the sleeve so as to establish a close fit around the post. The seal preferably is an elastic ring which is compressed in the axial direction and expanded in the radial direction towards the post.
As a result of the elastic properties of the ring and the pressure that is constantly exerted on the ring (in the axial direction of the ring), the shape of the inner surface of the ring is adapted to the shape of the outer surface of the post, even if the shape or diameter of the latter has changed or is irregular due to wear, damage, or manufacturing faults.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
It will generally be desirable for the various parts to be co-axial, that is to say for the sheath and piston to be co-axial and for the sleeve and post to be co-axial and, moreover, for all four of them to lie on a common axis when coupled.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2509444 (1950-05-01), Mitchell
patent: 3568736 (1971-03-01), Linch et al.
patent: 3972387 (1976-08-01), Braun
patent: 4119111 (1978-10-01), Allread
patent: 4221235 (1980-09-01), Maldavs
patent: 4582295 (1986-04-01), Kugler et al.
patent: 4609004 (1986-09-01), Greene et al.
patent: 4949745 (1990-08-01), McKeon
patent: 4951710 (1990-08-01), Kotake
patent: 5211197 (1993-05-01), Marrison et al.
patent: 5346177 (1994-09-01), Paulsen et al.
patent: 5425404 (1995-06-01), Dyer
patent: 5450875 (1995-09-01), Chichester et al.
patent: 5544858 (1996-08-01), Rogers et al.
patent: 6095190 (2000-08-01), Wilcox et al.
patent: 0 270 302 (1988-06-01), None
patent: 0 448 922 (1991-10-01), None
patent: 0 675 072 (1995-10-01), None
European Search Report dated Nov. 5, 1999.

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