Patent ID: 6890004
Filing Date: 2005-05-10
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A coupler comprising: a first joint member; a holder connected to said first joint member; a second joint member detachably attached to said holder; and an indicating mechanism provided on said holder to indicate whether said second joint member is attached to said holder or said second joint member is detached from said holder, wherein said indicating mechanism comprises a sleeve covering an outer circumferential surface of said holder and a first spring member interposed between said sleeve and said holder, such that said outer circumferential surface of said holder is substantially completely covered by said sleeve and not exposed when said second joint member is detached from said holder, and said sleeve is displaced in an axial direction so that a part of said outer circumferential surface of said holder is exposed and visually recognizable when said second joint member is attached to said holder, and wherein said first spring member is covered by said sleeve such that said first spring member is not exposed when said joint member is either attached to or detached from said holder.