Fluid quick connector

• US 5,725,258 A
• Filed: 01/13/1997
• Issued: 03/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems LLC
• Original Assignee: Bundy Corporation
• Inventors: Kujawski, Rick A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Melius, Terry Lee
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHACKELFORD, HEATHER CHUN
• Application Number:
  US08/782,618
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 285/319, 285/320, 285/305, 285/315, 285/308, 285/921
• US Class Current: 285/308
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/0985 the flexible hook extending radially inwardly from an outer part and engaging a bead, recess or the like on an inner part F16L37/0982 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 37/1225 using a retaining member the extremities of which, e.g. in the form of a U, engage behind a shoulder of both parts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 285/921 Snap-fit

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.

Claims

1. A coupling comprising:

a hollow connector body defining a fluid chamber and at least one locking slot open to said fluid chamber;

a male member having a tubular portion received in one end of said connector body and an upset portion disposed outside of said connector body; and

a retainer having a sleeve portion extending into said fluid chamber, said sleeve portion having at least one locking tab engaging said at least one slot defined by said connector body to secure said retainer to said connector body, wherein said engagement between said tab and said slot occurs inside of said connector body, said retainer further having a locking portion which engages said upset portion to secure said male member to said connector body, wherein said engagement between said upset portion and said locking portion occurs outside of said connector body.

2. A coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locking portion comprises two spaced legs extending from said sleeve outside of said connector body which are connected at leg ends remote from said connector body by a wedge disposed outside of said connector body, said upset portion being locked between said wedge and said connector body to secure said male member to said connector body.

3. A coupling as claimed in claim 2 wherein there are two locking portions.

4. A coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein said retainer is plastic.

5. A coupling as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluid chamber further defines an entrance, said entrance defining a pocket, said retainer having a base portion between said sleeve portion and said locking portion, wherein said base portion is nested in said pocket.