Patent ID: 6557824
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A releasable coupling assembly for connecting two members, comprising:a first member having an exterior surface, said exterior surface including a receiving formation; a second member having a portion for receiving a portion of the first member, the second member including an adapter and a sleeve valve positioned within the adapter, wherein the sleeve valve is in slidable communication with the adapter, the sleeve valve includes at least one socket aperture that includes a mating ball, and wherein the adapter includes at least one longitudinal groove having at least a first and expanded radial portion, the depth of the expanded radial portion of the groove being greater than the depth of the first radial portion of the groove; whereby, when the first member and second member are secured together, the ball of the sleeve valve is retained in the receiving formation of the first member by the first radial portion of the longitudinal groove of the adapter; and whereby, when the members are pulled apart for disconnection, the sleeve valve initially remains engaged with the first member until the ball comes into communication with the expanded radial portion of the longitudinal groove of the adapter and the ball sufficiently departs the receiving formation of the first member, such that the valve is at least almost completely closed prior to disconnection of the members to minimize the transmission of gases or fluids.