Patent ID: 6799605
Filing Date: 2004-10-05
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A multi-port fluid coupling for simultaneously connecting a plurality of first fluid lines to corresponding second fluid lines, comprising:a socket member having a tubular socket body defining a cavity therein, the socket body having a forward end and a rear end, the socket member further comprising a plurality of valved, push-to-connect first coupling devices mounted within the cavity and arranged in a non-linear array, each first coupling device having a front end face proximate the forward end of the socket body, the socket body having a substantially cylindrical inner surface; a plug member having a tubular plug body defining a cavity therein, the plug body having a forward end and a rear end, the plug member further comprising a plurality of valved, push-to-connect second coupling devices mounted within the cavity of the plug body and arranged in a non-linear array matching that of the first coupling devices, each second coupling device having a front end face and being configured to connect with a corresponding one of the first coupling devices when said coupling devices are axially pushed together such that valves of the coupling devices are opened to establish a flow path therebetween, the plug body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface of smaller diameter than the inner surface of the socket body such that the forward end of the plug body is axially receivable into the forward end of the socket body to cause the front end faces of the second coupling devices to abut the front end faces of the first coupling devices, further axial movement of the plug body into the socket body causing the first and second coupling devices to be connected; and cooperative first and second cam members respectively mounted on the socket member and plug member and engageable with each other upon initial engagement of the plug member with the socket member, one of the first and second cam members being rotatable relative to the other about an axis of the multi-port fluid coupling so as to axially advance the plug body into the socket body to connect the first and second coupling devices.