Patent ID: 6412826
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A quick connector for use with a tube comprising:a first connector having a housing with a bore extending therethrough and an annular inward facing channel spaced from one end of the housing and opening to the bore; a second connector including a spool having a bore extending therethrough adapted for carrying a tube; a retainer having an aperture in an end portion for receiving the tube therethrough and a plurality of legs movably extending from the end portion, the legs having radially outward extending end portions mountable in latching engagement in the channel in the housing to lockingly couple the spool in sealing engagement with the first connector; and means, mounted on the retainer during insertion of the retainer into the housing, for maintaining the retainer legs in a radially inward position allowing free passage of the end portions of the legs into the bore in the first connector housing, the maintaining means moving, relative to the retainer, upon engagement with the housing for allowing the retainer legs to move to a radially outward expanded position wherein the end portions of the retainer legs engage the channel in the housing to lock the second connector in the first connector.