Pipe joints or couplings – Serial,relatively movable portions – Serial diverse single flow path or line
Reexamination Certificate
1996-07-01
2001-01-30
Arola, Dave W. (Department: 3629)
Pipe joints or couplings
Serial,relatively movable portions
Serial diverse single flow path or line
C285S319000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179341
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fluid line systems which include quick connector couplings, and more particularly to a retainer for a quick connector coupling having tolerance for a wide band of male tube dimensions.
In automotive and other fields, quick connector couplings, which generally include a male tube received and sealingly retained in a female connector body, are often utilized to provide a fluid connection between two components or conduits, thus establishing a fluid line between the two components. Use of quick connector couplings is advantageous in that a sealed and secured fluid line connection may be established quickly and easily.
A number of methods and mechanisms exist for securing the male tube and female connector body of a quick connector coupling together. One retention mechanism, which is the subject of the present invention, involves use of a plastic retainer disposed within the connector body.
The retainer has a base ring disposed inside of the connector body which is connected to outer portions aligned with, and positioned inside of, the connector body entrance. Compressive members extend from the outer portions to positions spaced from the base ring. The outer ends of the compressive members abut a radial shoulder formed within the connector body to secure the retainer inside of the connector body, and an enlarged upset formed on the inserted male tube is captured in the space between the compressive members and base ring to secure the tube in the connector body.
Conventional retainer designs can tolerate only a narrow band of male tube dimensions. Introduction of new materials, suppliers and manufacturing methods, however, have led to use of male tubes having a broad and varying band of dimensions. Conventional retainers are often not able to accommodate tubes of varying dimensions. Consequently, different sizes of retainers must often be utilized for tubes having just minor differences in dimension. Significant expense results, since a new mold must be constructed for each retainer variation. Management, tracking and identification of multiple retainer variations for multiple customers also adds to complexity and expense.
The present invention addresses this problem by providing an improved retainer design which can tolerate a wider band of male tube dimensions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A quick connector coupling according to the present invention comprises a hollow connector body and a male tube received and secured in the connector body. The male tube has a radially enlarged upset. A retainer is disposed in the connector body and has an inner base ring through which the male member extends. The retainer also has compressive members which abut a shoulder formed in the connector body to secure the retainer in the connector body. The compressive members extend towards the base ring and terminate before reaching the base ring to define a space between the compressive members and the base ring. The upset is captured in this space thereby securing the male tube in the connector body. The base ring is chamfered, and the inner diameter of the compressive members enlarged, to provide tolerance for a wider band of male tube dimensions.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4150847 (1979-04-01), De Cenzo
patent: 4749214 (1988-06-01), Hoskins
patent: 4834423 (1989-05-01), DeLand
patent: 5131691 (1992-07-01), Washizu
patent: 5542717 (1996-08-01), Rea et al.
Gunderson Stephen H.
Ketcham Mark G.
Arola Dave W.
Bundy Corporation
McEachran, Jambor, Keating, Bock & Kurtz
LandOfFree
Quick connect retainer having tolerance for wide band of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Quick connect retainer having tolerance for wide band of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quick connect retainer having tolerance for wide band of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2541999