Device for capping and sealing refrigeration service valve fittings of quick disconnect type

• US 8,313,123 B1
• Filed: 11/18/2009
• Issued: 11/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Derek H. Hinkle
• Original Assignee: Derek H. Hinkle
• Inventors: Hinkle, Derek H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bochna, David
• Application Number:
  US12/590,982
• Time in Patent Office: 1,098 Days
• Field of Search: 285/901, 285/45, 138/89, 138/96.R, 138/89.4, 138/89.1
• US Class Current: 285/45
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/1157 using hooks, pawls, or other movable or insertable locking members

Abstract

A device for capping and sealing a refrigeration service valve fitting of quick disconnect type for minimizing unwanted seepage of refrigerant from the fitting. The device includes a cap defining a base and an open-ended sealing portion extending longitudinally from the base. The sealing portion defines first and second internal cylindrical surfaces wherein the first surface defines a first internal diameter and the second surface defines a second internal diameter greater than the first diameter and wherein a shoulder defines a boundary between the surfaces. The first surface defines a groove containing an annular flexible member for sealingly engaging the fitting when the device is positioned on the fitting. Features are provided in relationship with the sealing portions for removably retaining the device on the fitting by engaging a conventional lock groove in the fitting.

Claims

1. A device for capping and sealing a refrigeration service valve fitting of quick disconnect type for minimizing unwanted seepage of refrigerant from the fitting, said device comprising:

a cap defining a base and an open-ended sealing portion extending longitudinally from said base, said sealing portion defining first and second internal cylindrical surfaces;

said first internal cylindrical surface defining a first internal diameter and said second internal cylindrical surface defining a second internal diameter greater than said first diameter;

a first shoulder defining a boundary between said first and said second internal cylindrical surfaces;

said first internal cylindrical surface defining at least a first annular groove therein spaced apart from said first shoulder;

an annular, flexible sealing member positioned and held within said groove and extending inwardly from said first internal cylindrical surface for sealingly engaging said fitting when said device is positioned on said service valve fitting; and

means in operative relationship with said sealing portion for removably retaining said device on said service valve fitting.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein said first internal cylindrical surface extends directly from said base and wherein said second internal cylindrical surface is contiguous with an open end of said sealing portion.

3. A device as in claim 2 wherein said retaining means include:

first and second aligned openings defined through said sealing portion and defining a straight passageway and through said second internal cylindrical surface; and

a retaining pin shaped to be removably positioned through said openings and through said passageway and to be removably retained through said openings and said passageway and held on said cap whereby said pin removably engages said fitting to retain said device on said fitting.

4. A device as in claim 3 further including a lanyard attached to said cap.

5. A device as in claim 2 wherein said retaining means includes:

said sealing portion defining a first external cylindrical surface having a first external diameter;

said sealing portion defining a second external cylindrical surface having a second external diameter less than said first external diameter;

a second shoulder defining a boundary between said first and said second external cylindrical surfaces;

said first external cylindrical surface extending directly from said base and wherein said second external cylindrical surface is contiguous with said open end of said sealing portion;

a plurality of openings extending through said sealing portion, through said second internal cylindrical surface and through said second external cylindrical surface;

an annular projection extending outwardly from said second external cylindrical surface between said plurality of openings and said open end of said sealing portion;

a plurality of detent balls positioned, one each, within each of said plurality of openings;

a collar configured and dimensioned to slidably fit over and around said first and said second external cylindrical surfaces;

said collar defining a third internal cylindrical surface having a third internal diameter and a fourth internal cylindrical surface having a fourth internal diameter, said third internal diameter being greater than said fourth internal diameter;

a third shoulder defining a boundary between said third and said fourth internal cylindrical surfaces;

said collar further defining a lower end and an upper end and a beveled surface extending inwardly from said lower end of said collar to said fourth internal cylindrical surface; and

a spring positioned between said second and said third shoulders and between said second external cylindrical surface and said third internal cylindrical surface for normally biasing said collar toward said open end of said sealing portion with said beveled surface contacting said annular projection.

6. A device as in claim 5 wherein each of said plurality of openings is substantially cylindrical but is tapered to define an interior open end within said second internal cylindrical surface smaller in diameter than an exterior opening end within said second external cylindrical surface and smaller than the diameter of said plurality of detent balls to prevent said detent balls from inwardly exiting said plurality of openings.

7. A device as in claim 6 wherein said device is dimensioned for enabling said detent balls to be retracted into said plurality of openings and away from said second internal cylindrical surface to positions contacting said beveled surface when said collar is moved to compress said spring and as said device is positioned onto said fitting.

8. A device as in claim 7 wherein said annular projection is comprised of a second annular groove defined within said second external cylindrical surface and an annular retaining member positioned and held within said second annular groove, said annular retaining member extending outwardly from said second external cylindrical surface between said plurality of openings and said open end of said sealing portion.

9. A device as in claim 8 further including a lanyard attached to said cap.