Patent ID: 7722089
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: F16B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A fluid coupling comprising: a spigot end having an outer surface with a first circumferential groove formed therein; a socket end having a forward end face and an inner surface with a second circumferential groove formed therein, the spigot end being receivable coaxially within the socket end wherein the first and second circumferential grooves are substantially in radial alignment, and the socket end having a peripheral sidewall adjoining the forward end face with an opening configured as a slot formed therein the sidewall rearward of the forward end face; a retaining member configured as a spring ring having a normal first diameter and being resiliently expandable or contractible to a second diameter, the spring ring being accessible through the opening for expanding or contracting the ring into its second diameter; and a removable cover for sealing the opening, the cover having a first portion disposed on the socket end forward end face and a second portion extending from the first portion over the sidewall and circumferentially surrounding the sidewall and covering the slot, the cover being formed of an elastomeric material, wherein with the spigot end being received coaxially within the socket end with the first and second circumferential grooves being in substantial radial alignment, the retaining member is moveable between a locked position in which the retaining member in its first diameter extends radially into both of the grooves to delimit the removal of the spigot end from the socket end, and a release position in which the retaining member in its second diameter is disposed substantially within one of the grooves and is substantially clear of the other one of the grooves to allow the removal of the spigot end from the socket end, and wherein the cover is flexibly displaceable during the assembly and disassembly of the coupling.