Patent ID: 7993071
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61M,B01D,B65D,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An assembly for coupling together two elements, the assembly comprising: a first coupling member located on a first element and having spaced apart first and second walls defining an opening, a hollow space therebetween and a closed end wall opposing the opening and extending from the first wall to the second wall, the first wall includes an inward step region away from the opening and extending away from the second wall at an angle relative to a region of the first wall closer to the opening, and a distal region extending from, and further away from the opening than, the inward step region; and a second coupling member located on a second element and having a body fitted into the hollow space, the body includes a first surface having an outward step portion positioned at another angle relative to a portion of the first surface of the body closer to the opening, the angle being different in size relative to the other angle, and a second surface substantially opposing the first surface, wherein (a) the second wall includes only one outward step region, the outward step region located entirely further away from the opening than the inward step region and extending toward the first wall relative to a region of the second wall closer to the opening, or (b) the second surface includes only one outwardly projecting portion, the outwardly projecting portion positioned entirely further distally on the body relative to the outward step portion and extending away from the first surface relative to a more proximal region of the second surface, the second surface being in contact with the second wall at the outward step region or the outwardly projecting portion at a region of contact defined entirely by substantially a single contact line to deflect the body toward the first wall so that the outward step portion of the body moves into proximity to or into contact with the inward step region of the first wall and forms a seal between the first and second elements at the region of contact, and the body is not in contact with the first wall distal of the inward step region and is not in contact with the closed end wall.