Patent ID: 6460899
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A disconnect coupling connectable to high pressure fluidic lines comprising:a female portion connectable to a fluidic line and having a longitudinal axis and a housing, a fluid flow channel extending through said housing and positioned along said axis; a male portion connectable to a fluidic line, said male portion having a longitudinal axis and being receivable within said channel of said female portion for releasable connection to said female portion, said male portion having a fluid flow passage extending through said male portion and along said male portion axis, said passage positioned to communicate with said channel of said female portion when said male portion is received within said female portion; and a retaining mechanism for quickly connecting and disconnecting said male and female portions, said retaining mechanism comprising: a plurality of retaining lugs moveably mounted within said housing of said female portion, said lugs movable between a locking position, wherein said lugs extend within said channel to engage said male portion, and a release position, wherein said lugs are substantially retracted within said housing of said female portion said retaining lugs including a body whose cross section is a radial section of a right cylindrical ring; a retaining groove formed in said male portion and positioned to receive said retaining lugs when said male portion is connected to said female portion and said lugs are in said locking position, said retaining groove including a first bearing surface; each said retaining lug having a bearing surface substantially congruent to said bearing surface of said retaining groove; and a collar slidably mounted on said female portion for movement between a first position, wherein said retaining lugs are lockably retained in said locking position, and a second position wherein said retaining lugs may move between said locking position and said release position.