Patent ID: 6746056
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A fluid coupling device comprising:a male member with an outer spherical surface and a fluid receiving bore passing through the member in communication with opposing first and second ends; a housing having a circular cylindrical chamber defining a longitudinal axis and of a first transverse dimension, the chamber being open at third and fourth opposite housing ends, the fourth end having a reduced transverse dimension opening, at least a portion of the male member spherical surface being received in said chamber, said reduced dimension fourth end for retaining the male member in the chamber in a first direction along the axis; a nipple member including a nipple at a first nipple member end and a coupling member at a second nipple member end, the nipple for receiving and coupling a fluid source to said male member fluid receiving bore in the chamber, the coupling member and housing being arranged for axially attaching the nipple member to the housing at the circular cylindrical chamber for retaining the male member in the chamber in a second direction opposite the first direction; first and second annular seat members having an outer peripheral surface and a radially inward surface, the seat members being located in the cylindrical chamber in spaced axial aligned relation along the axis and abutting the housing in the chamber on their outer peripheral surface, the seat members abutting the spherical surface on their radially inward surfaces and dimensioned for receiving equal and opposite axial forces from and to the spherical surface, the seat members exhibiting negligible friction on their surfaces abutting the spherical surface; and a seal in the chamber for fluid sealing the chamber between the housing and male member and between the housing and nipple member and for transferring an axial locking load to the first and second seat members, and to said male member from the nipple member.