Patent ID: 6499772
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A conduit coupling, comprising:an elongate, tubular first connector for installation upon a first conduit, the first connector having first and second ends, and an interior surface configured to receive the first conduit; a threaded portion disposed upon the interior surface adjacent the first end of the first connector and operable to releasably couple the first connector and the first conduit; the threaded portion being tapered with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the first connector; a protrusion extending from the interior surface and forming first and second barriers, the first barrier operable to prevent lateral movement of the first conduit, with respect to the first connector, beyond the first barrier; the second end adapted to receive a component of a conduit system; the second barrier operable to prevent lateral movement of the component, with respect to the first connector, in a direction toward the first conduit; wherein the component of the conduit system comprises an elongate, tubular second connector; a plurality of tab locks extending from the second end of the first connector and having corresponding slots separating adjacent tab locks; at least one of the plurality of tab locks including a locking lug disposed upon and extending from the interior surface of the first connector; the locking lug configured to cooperate with at least one shaped cavity disposed upon an exterior surface of the second connector, and operable to form a releasable coupling between the first and second connectors; a cylindrical, tubular unlocking mechanism having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of radial braces coupling the inner ring and the outer ring; the outer ring having an interior diameter larger than an exterior diameter of the first connector; the slots associated with the first connector configured to receive the radial braces such that the inner ring may be installed between the exterior surface of the second connector and the interior surface of the first connector; and the inner ring operable to dislodge the locking lug from the shaped cavity as the outer ring is forced laterally along the exterior surface of the first connector toward the locking lug and the inner ring engages the locking lug forcing the locking lug radially outwardly.