Patent ID: 6877778
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A quick connect coupling for joining two pipes, the coupling including a first element of a size to be received within a second element along a principal longitudinal axis of the coupling, each of said first and second elements including a generally cylindrical body, one of said first and second elements including at least one radially extending locking projection which is selectively received and moveable relative within a tortuous ramp formed in the other of said first and second elements, said tortuous ramp receiving and guiding said at least one locking projection and including a first locking seat in which said at least one locking projection is seated to lock said first and second elements together in a fluid-tight coupling when a first force is applied to initially fully insert said first element longitudinally and axially into said second element and said first force subsequently released and a second locking seat spaced axially from said first locking seat in which said at least one locking projection is seated to lock said first and second elements together, but permit decompression of fluid within the coupling, when a second force is applied longitudinally and axially to fully insert said first element within said second element and said second force thereafter released, and said tortuous ramp thereafter extending to an exit opening spaced axially from said first and second locking seats through which said locking projection passes after a third force is applied longitudinally and axially to fully insert said first element into said second element and said third force thereafter released thereby allowing separation of said first and second locking elements, and one of said at least one locking projection and said tortuous ramp being carried by a ring member that is rotatable relative to said cylindrical bodies to thereby permit said at least one locking projection to be sequentially moved relative to said tortuous ramp to said first and second locking seats and said exit by application of longitudinal forces relative to said first and second elements.