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Rapid-connect coupler

  • US 9,115,838 B2
  • Filed: 08/10/2011
  • Issued: 08/25/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A rapid-connect coupling apparatus for coupling with a connector, comprising:

  • a housing defining a probe cavity, the housing having a first housing end and a second housing end;

    a probe having a first probe end and a second probe end, the probe configured to slidably reside within the probe cavity, wherein the first probe end extends out from the first housing end;

    a fluid passageway defined by the probe and the housing, the fluid passageway configured to communicate fluid between the first probe end and the second housing end;

    at least one latch segment pivotally coupled to the first housing end and having a first latch end disposed in contact with the first probe end when the rapid-connect coupling apparatus and the connector are in a non-coupled state;

    a sleeve configured to slidably reside about the housing, wherein the sleeve is further configured to cause the first latch end of the at least one latch segment to lift up off and away from the probe when the sleeve is slid about the housing; and

    wherein the at least one latch segment is configured to grip an outer portion of the connector when the first latch end is lifted off the probe while the rapid-connect coupling apparatus and the connector are in a coupled state.

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