Fluid fitting coupling system
First Claim
1. A fluid fitting coupling system comprising:
- a. a first fluid fitting assembly having a first fluid fitting body, a central axis, and a first fluid passageway;
b. a first rotationally engagable axial retainer to which said first fluid fitting assembly is responsive;
c. a second fluid fitting assembly having a second fluid fitting body, a central axis, and a second fluid passageway;
d. a second rotationally engagable axial retainer to which said second fluid fitting assembly is responsive and which is capable of engaging said first rotationally engagable axial retainer;
e. a coupling seal established between said first and second fluid fitting assemblies;
f. at least one axially movable valve which is within one of said fluid fitting assemblies and which is responsive to rotation of said first and second fitting assemblies with respect to each other; and
g. a rotational guide which restrains said axially movable valve against rotation about said central axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid fitting coupling system which retains two assemblies axially through the use of a flange and lip arrangement and simultaneously retains those assemblies rotationally through either a radial detent or a snap spring are shown in variations. The designs are especially configured for molding so that each might utilize the material properties available and yet be economically manufactured. Further, user features including both visual and potentially audible indications of full assembly are incorporated into the designs and automatically achieved. Shut-off valve designs are shown which are automatically delayed in opening until some axial retention occurs to minimize any blow-off or other undesirable operational events. Swivel features may be incorporated when the application requires.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A fluid fitting coupling system comprising:
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a. a first fluid fitting assembly having a first fluid fitting body, a central axis, and a first fluid passageway; b. a first rotationally engagable axial retainer to which said first fluid fitting assembly is responsive; c. a second fluid fitting assembly having a second fluid fitting body, a central axis, and a second fluid passageway; d. a second rotationally engagable axial retainer to which said second fluid fitting assembly is responsive and which is capable of engaging said first rotationally engagable axial retainer; e. a coupling seal established between said first and second fluid fitting assemblies; f. at least one axially movable valve which is within one of said fluid fitting assemblies and which is responsive to rotation of said first and second fitting assemblies with respect to each other; and g. a rotational guide which restrains said axially movable valve against rotation about said central axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of coupling fluid fitting assemblies together comprising:
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a. establishing a first fluid fitting assembly having a first fluid fitting body, and a first fluid passageway so that said first fluid passageway has a fluid passageway seal; b. axially engaging said first fluid fitting assembly and a second fluid fitting assembly having a second fluid fitting body, and a second fluid passageway; c. creating a coupling seal between said first fluid fitting assembly and said second fluid fitting assembly; d. rotating said first fluid fitting body with respect to said second fluid fitting body; e. axially retaining said first fluid fitting assembly with respect to said second fluid fitting assembly; and
thenf. opening said fluid passageway seal as a result of said rotation; wherein said first fluid fitting assembly has a central axis and wherein opening said fluid passageway seal as a result of said rotation comprises; a. engaging an annular angled surface on said first fluid fitting assembly by a rotationally fixed slide on said second fluid fitting assembly; b. sliding said rotationally fixed slide along said annular angled surface; and c. axially moving said fluid passageway seal along said central axis. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification