Patent ID: 6494494
Filing Date: 2002-12-17
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A release sleeve suitable for movable mounting on a first coupling member to release the first coupling member from one of an integral second coupling member and an independent second coupling member, said release sleeve comprising:a rigid release portion that includes a generally cylindrical wall portion extending from a leading edge to an outwardly extending wall portion, said outwardly extending wall portion terminating into a flat having a flange portion, said flange portion having a radially outer terminal edge; and a flexible sealing portion attached to said rigid release portion, said flexible sealing portion including a fin portion that sealingly engages a surface of the first coupling member and a bulbous portion capable of sealingly engaging both a surface of the integral second coupling member and a surface of the independent second coupling member to substantially inhibit the ingression of contaminants into an area between the first and second coupling members when connected.