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Tube coupling

  • US 5,964,485 A
  • Filed: 07/10/1996
  • Issued: 10/12/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/10/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A tube coupling comprising:

  • a male tubular coupling member having an end portion, said end portion having a predetermined length and a consistent outer circumference, said end portion also including a free end and a radially outward extending peripheral rib proximate to said free end,a hollow female tubular coupling member having an open passageway for receiving a portion of said male tubular coupling member therein, said female member having a plastic outer shell, said shell having an inner surface with an annular recess therein, said female member having integral fastening hooks for detachably capturing said peripheral rib, each of said hooks having a corresponding radially outwardly extending tab portion, each of said hooks being resiliently expandable outwardly to permit said female member to receive said free end of said male member and resiliently contractible to capture said rib, said hooks being expandable outwardly to detach said captured rib upon application of pressure to said corresponding tab portions, said male and female members being coupled together when said rib is captured by said fastening hooks,a soft annular cushioning member within said recess, said cushioning member including an untapered tubular portion and an angled tapering portion extending therefrom, said untapered tubular portion being conformable to said outer circumference along the entire length of said end portion of said male member, said angled tapering portion tapering said open passageway inwardly, said angled tapering portion sealingly abutting said free end when said male and female parts are coupled together so as to reduce the possibility of leakage.

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