Patent ID: 6234544
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
A retainer assembly for a fluid-confining connector for retaining a male conduit to a female receptacle, the female receptacle having lead-in chamfer and a recessed inner wall, said assembly comprising:a retainer composed of a resilient material, said retainer including an engaging lug extending radially therefrom for engagement with the recessed inner wall of the female receptacle;said retainer being mounted on the male portion whereby the male conduit plugs into and locks within the female receptacle;said retainer including a central ring of at least 180 degrees about the axis of the male conduit to assure that said retainer enters the lead-in chamber of the female receptacle, said retainer further including an outer arm, said central ring serving to hold said retainer on the male conduit, said outer arm being distortable toward the male conduit;at least two tabs connected to said outer arm for the purpose of moving said outer arm toward the male conduit; said engaging lug being connected to said outer arm and being disengageable from the female receptacle by operation of said tabs,wherein said retainer operates at substantially right angles to the male conduit where said central ring is connected to said outer arm; andmeans for confirming connection of the male conduit within the female receptacle.