Patent ID: 6786516
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A coupler having a female-end for connection to a male-end of an element, comprising:a main frame; a collet means mounted for translational slidable movement by said main frame, said collet means comprising flexible engaging means for engaging a cooperating portion of a male-portion of an element; an outer retaining member mounted for translational sliding by said main frame, said outer retaining member being at least partially telescopingly movable about said collet means for preventing said flexible engaging means from disengaging with the male-portion of an element, and comprising first engaging means; an inner retaining means mounted by said main frame for relative translational sliding motion with respect to said outer retaining member, and comprising second cooperating means, said inner retaining means capable of retaining said outer retaining member in a retained position via said first and second cooperating means; means for translating said flexible engaging means of said collet means; said means for translating comprising third cooperating means in operative association with said collet means and said outer retaining member for alternatively moving said collet means in a first direction and in a second direction.