Fluid coupling with rotary actuation

A two-part coupling structure (22, 32) includes a male coupling part (32) and a female coupling part (22) which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between the coupling parts (22, 32). For example, the coupling parts (22, 32) may be used to establish fluid communication between a container (12) and a conduit (14). The coupling parts (22, 32) are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between them, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the container (12) and the conduit (14). The male coupling part (32) includes a mounting structure (44a-44e) for supporting on the female coupling part (32), and also includes a guide structure (44) effective to guide a male probe portion (36) of the male coupling part (32) into engagement with the female coupling part (22). A rotary actuator member (34), preferably in the form of a handnut is included in the male coupling part (32), and is effective upon rotation of cause axial relative movement of the male probe portion (36) into or out of engagement with the female coupling part (22). A considerably lowered manual engagement and disengagement force is provided, along with increased convenience and ease of use for the coupling structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of fluid-flow couplings which are generally characterized as being of the “dry break” type. More particularly, the present invention relates to fluid-flow couplings which include a first (or male) part, and a second (or female) part which when connected to one another effect fluid-flow communication therebetween. When the coupling parts are connected they may be used to effect fluid-flow communication between a vessel and a conduit, for example. When the coupling parts are disconnected they mutually reseal so that fluid is not lost either from the conduit or from the vessel. Further, the present invention relates to such couplings which additionally have a guide structure removably supporting on one of the coupling parts, and guiding the other coupling part reciprocally for engagement and disengagement with the one coupling part. Further the present invention relates to such couplings that utilize a rotary handnut in order to complete the coupling and uncoupling act, thus providing for a reduced level of manual force to be applied to the coupling.

2. Related Technology

A conventional coupling structure is known in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,146 (the '146 patent), issued 20 Dec. 1983 to Curtis J. Bond, et al. A coupling structure according to the '146 patent includes a tubular spout attached to and in fluid communication with a fluid filled vessel, such as a bag held within a cardboard box. This spout portion includes a plug member which is axially moveable between a first position closing fluid communication between the vessel and an outer portion of the spout member, and a second position opening this fluid communication. In the second position of the plug member a pair of lateral openings at an inner portion of the plug member are moved inwardly of the spout to permit fluid communication between the vessel and the outer portion of the spout.

A service member (i.e., the male coupling part) of the Bond '146 patent is carried in a guide structure which clamps to the spout and guides the service member for axial sliding engagement into sealing relation with the spout. The service member provides communication with a conduit, and includes a valve member closing communication between the conduit and ambient when the service member is disconnected from the spout. The service member as it engages the spout is also engageable with the plug member to move it between its two positions, and engagement between the service member and plug member opens the valve in the service member. Thus, when the service member is engaged into the spout, communication between the vessel and the conduit is established. Further, it is seen that the plug member of the Bond '146 patent carries an axial projection which contacts the valve member of the service member (the male coupling part), and opens this valve member.

The service member of the Bond '146 patent cannot be conveniently opened for cleaning, inspection, or replacement of the sealing member therein. It is true that the service member can be disassembled manually, but this service member contains many parts, and after the service member has been used to convey a food product, its disassembly is a messy job. Consequently, these conventional service members are sometimes discarded when a simple cleaning or replacement of an O-ring seal would allow their continued use. Again, however, because the service member according to the Bond '146 patent cannot be conveniently cleaned or fitted with a new O-ring, many users simply throw the fitting away and purchase a new one.

Another conventional coupling, which may be considered to be of hermaphrodite configuration, is known from European patent application No. 0 294 095 A1, published 7 Dec. 1988 (the '095 application). According to the '095 application, a “male” and “female” coupling parts are brought into alignment and juxtaposition by a yoke carried on a guide housing. The male coupling part is configured as a tubular member which is axially movable by a handle on the guide housing to engage with an annular valve member carried in the female coupling part. When the male and female coupling parts are coupled with one another (i.e., by extension of the male coupling part relative to the guide housing and into the female coupling part), an inner liquid extraction flow path is separated from an outer air-entrance (or pressurized gas delivery) flow path by the annular valve member of the female coupling. In the coupled condition of the male and female couplings, the annular valve member of the female coupling part also serves as a sealing member. A version of this coupling is also known in which the male coupling part carries a spring-loaded internal disk valve member which closes the liquid extraction flow path of the male coupling part when the male and female coupling parts are not coupled with one another.

Further, in a conventional coupling known in accord with U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,298, issued 6 Oct. 1998, and assigned to the same assignee at the present application. In this coupling structure two hands were required to push the sleeve of the male part up into the female part in order to disengage the plug of the female fitting and allow fluid flow through the male sleeve. In the '298 patent the coupling utilizes a pair of opposite ears, which protrude from oppose sides of the guide portion of the male coupling member. The purpose of these ears is to allow a user of the coupling to manually push the sleeve of the male coupling part axially into the female coupling part in order open both coupling parts and allow fluid flow through the engaged coupling parts. This engagement of the coupling parts required a two step process as is described below.

The conventional coupling according to the '298 patent employs a two part axial forward movement and a two part axial rearward movement. The first movement part begins with the sleeve of the male coupling part in a fully retracted position and ends when the sleeve makes contact with the cap of the female coupling part. This movement is accomplished by the user pushing on the ears of the male coupling part so that the sleeve moves in a forward toward the female part. This movement should require a minimal amount of force. The second movement part requires more force because the user is required to push the ears of the male coupling part until the sleeve disengages the plug in the female part from it's sealed position, and engages this plug onto the distal end of the male coupling part, thus allowing fluid flow through the engaged coupling parts. At this time a spring of the male coupling part is compressed and a latch on the male coupling part engages onto a ledge or flange of the female coupling part. This engagement of the latch locks the two coupling parts together, thus providing a secure engagement of the two coupling parts during fluid flow.

Disengagement of the conventional coupling according to the '298 patent is accomplished by unlatching the latch, and squeezing with the fingers on a rear flange of the guide portion of the male coupling part and the pair of ears. This action sequentially disengages the latch from the ledge or flange of the female coupling part, and subsequently allows the combination of spring force and manually applied force to both withdraw the male coupling part from within the female coupling part, and to push the sleeve of the male coupling part back to a sealing position so as to shut off fluid flow from the male coupling part. Withdrawal of the male coupling part also positions and engages the plug of the female coupling part once again into a sealing position. Thus, fluid flow through the disengaged coupling parts is prevented. In order to disengage the male coupling part from the female coupling part, a considerable manually applied force is required. In order to apply this manual withdrawal force, once again two bands are required, and are used to apply a balanced squeeze between the ears of the male coupling part and a flange at the rear of this coupling part in order to effect a withdrawal force on the probe portion of the male coupling part. This withdrawal force withdraws the male probe from the female coupling part, and also restores the plug of the female coupling part to a sealed position within the female coupling part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the deficiencies of the related technology, a need exists for a coupling structure which provides ease of use, and a general reduction in the amount of manual force required of a user when effecting engagement and disengagement of the coupling parts. That is, not only must a minimum of force be required on the part of a user, but also only a minimal engagement force is allowed to be transferred to a container carrying the female coupling part.

Still further, a need exists for such a coupling structure which is of low retained volume when the components of the coupling are disconnected from one another.

Additionally, a need can be seen to exist in view of the deficiencies of the related technology for such a coupling structure which allows the male coupling part to be opened for inspection, cleaning, and service (such as replacement of an O-ring sealing member) without the male coupling part being attached to a female coupling part.

An additional object for this invention is to provide a coupling structure which will function properly with a fluid having pieces, chunks, or particles in the fluid.

Accordingly the present invention provides a fluid coupling structure having a male coupling part defining a fluid flow path, the male coupling part being removably engageable with a female coupling part to open a mutual fluid flow path therethrough. The male coupling part includes an individual valve element having a respective closed first position, and this valve element moves to an opened second position in response to axial advancement of a male probe portion of the male coupling part to a forward position of potential engagement with a female coupling part. The male coupling part comprising: a guide structure reciprocally carrying the male probe portion between the closed first position and the opened second position. The guide structure including support means for being supported removably on a female coupling part, and further including means effective when the male coupling part is supported on the female coupling part for aligning and guiding the male probe portion in reciprocation between the closed first position and the opened second position engaged with a female coupling part. The guide structure carrying a rotational actuator member, which rotational actuator member and the male probe portion include cooperating means for reciprocating the male probe portion axially between the first and the second positions in response to rotation of the rotational actuator member.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a male fluid coupling device for use in conjunction with a female fluid coupling device, said male fluid coupling device defining a fluid flow path, said male and female fluid coupling devices being removably engageable with one another to communicate the fluid flow path with another fluid flow path defined within said female coupling device, said male fluid coupling device including a male probe portion carried reciprocally within a guide structure supportable upon the female coupling device, said male coupling device also comprising a valve element on said male probe portion and having a closed first position and relatively moving to an open second position in response to reciprocation of said male probe portion relative to said guide structure, and a rotational actuator portion manually relatively rotational relative to said guide portion to move said male probe portion axially in reciprocation.

An advantage of the present invention is that the male coupling part can be opened for cleaning and inspection without the need to disassemble this male coupling part. Moreover, the male coupling part does not rely upon its being coupled with a female coupling part to effect this opening of the flow path through the male coupling part. Instead, relative axial movement of the guide structure and male coupling part precipitated by movement of the handnut, is effective to open the male coupling part.

Further, an advantage of the present invention resides in the ease of actuation of the male coupling part, which may be engaged with and disengaged from the female coupling part using only a minimal level of manual force. Thus, those having a relatively limited hand strength may nevertheless operate the present inventive coupling device without difficulty.

These and additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of an exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the appended drawing Figures, which are briefly described immediately below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EXEMPLARY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A fluid dispensing system10is schematically depicted in FIG.1. In general and according to the exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention, but without limitation, this fluid dispensing system10includes a liquid-filled vessel or container12, which may be connected to a dispensing pump (not shown) by a conduit14. The container12may be of any desired construction, but the illustrated container is of the bag-in-box configuration. Thus, the container12includes an outer shape-retaining box16, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed of corrugated paperboard, and an inner flexible bag18(only a portion of which is visible inFIG. 1) which preferably is fabricated of plastic sheet.

ViewingFIGS. 1-6in conjunction with one another, and viewing firstFIG. 2in particular, this Figure illustrates that a side wall16aof the box16defines a keyhole-shaped cutout20. This cutout20allows a female coupling part22, which is mounted to and communicates with the interior space of bag18, to be extended partially outwardly through this cutout20. Once the female coupling part is extended from within the box16partially outwardly through the cutout20, it is there retained in a lower extent of the cutout20by the cooperation of a pair of axially spaced apart flanges22aand22bon the coupling part22(best seen in FIG.5). These spaced apart flanges22aand22bcapture between them a portion of the wall16aof box16at each side and around the bottom of cutout20. The female coupling part22is itself trapped in the lower extent of the cutout20by a keyhole-shaped portion20aof the box wall16a(viewing FIGS.1and2). As is also best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2, the keyhole-shaped portion20ais hingably attached at its upper extent to the wall16aof the box16. Consequently, the keyhole-shaped portion20amay be manually hinged out of the way while the female coupling part22is introduced into and is slid downwardly along cutout20into the lower extent of this cutout. After the female coupling part22is in the lower extent of cutout20, manual return of the keyhole-shaped portion20ato the position seen inFIGS. 1 and 2retains the female coupling part22in the cutout20of the wall16a.

It is seen further inFIG. 5that the female coupling part22defines an axially extending fluid flow passage22′ and has an inner flange24to which the wall18aof bag18is sealingly secured (i.e., at an opening of this bag). Consequently, the female coupling part22provides access to the interior volume of the bag18and container12. That is, the liquid contents of the bag18communicate with the female coupling part22, and may flow outwardly via this coupling part. The container12and the female coupling part22are conventional. Thus, without further explanation than that provided herein, it will be understood by those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts that the female coupling part22includes a removable plug member26(seen in FIG.5). This plug member26is seen inFIG. 5removably closing a flow path or passage28through the female coupling part22. At its distal end (i.e., furthest from the box16) the female coupling part22includes a radially outwardly extending mounting flange30. This mounting flange30provides for mounting of a male coupling part32to the female coupling part22. This mode of mounting a male coupling part to the conventional female coupling part22will be familiar from the conventional teaching of the '298 patent referenced above. Thus, it will be understood that the illustrated and described mode of mounting of the male coupling part to the female coupling part is exemplary only, and is not limiting of the present invention.

FIGS. 3,4,5, and6in conjunction with one another illustrate one embodiment of a male coupling part32embodying the present invention, which is also seen inFIG. 1mounted to the female coupling part22in order to connect the conduit14in fluid flow communication with the liquid within the bag18of container12. InFIG. 3, the male coupling part32is seen from a perspective similar to that ofFIG. 1, which provides a good view of a rotational manual actuator or handnut portion34of this male coupling part. As is represented by the double-headed rotation arrow34aadjacent to the handnut34inFIG. 3, this handnut portion34is rotational relative to the remainder of the male coupling part32, and is effective (as will be explained) to insert and withdraw a male probe portion36(best seen inFIGS. 5 and 6) of the male coupling part32into and from the female coupling part22, dependent upon the direction of rotation of the handnut portion34relative to the remainder of the male coupling part32. It will be noted that the male probe portion36defines an axially extending passage36′, which is a part of the fluid flow path of the male coupling portion32, and which aligns axially with the passage22′ of the female coupling portion22.

Also seen inFIG. 3is a rearwardly extending hose barb portion38of the male probe portion36, and a fragmentary portion of a nut member40, having a plurality of resilient fingers40aengaging at a distal end portion of these fingers into a circumferential groove42of the male probe portion36. This nut member40is effective to move the male probe portion36axially (i.e., into and from the female coupling part22) in response to rotation of the handnut member34(recalling arrow34a), as will be explained below.

As is seen inFIGS. 4,5, and6, (and viewingFIG. 4in particular) both the manually rotational actuator portion34(i.e., the handnut34) and the male coupling portion36are movably carried on an elongate guide portion44of the male coupling part32. This elongate guide portion44both carries the actuator member34for relative rotation, and also carries the male probe portion36for relative axial movement. In order to provide for the male coupling portion to mount in axial alignment to the female coupling portion, the guide portion44at a forward end surface44adefines means (indicated with arrowed numeral44b) for removably mounting to the female coupling part22. This mounting means44bin the exemplary embodiment provides for coaxial alignment of the male and female coupling parts32and22, and also provides for immobilization of these coupling parts (i.e., with respect to relative axial movement). In other words, the mounting means44bboth prevents relative axial movement of the coupling parts22and32while the male probe portion36enters and withdraws from the female coupling part22, and reacts axial forces between these coupling parts.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the mounting means44bincludes a forward wall portion44cof the guide member44, which wall carries a crescent-shaped flange44ddefining a radially inwardly opening groove44e. The groove44ereceives the mounting flange30of the female coupling part22, and traps this flange against the surface44a. Thus, axial relative movements of the coupling parts are prevented.

The male coupling part32also includes mechanization for translating rotational relative motion of the actuator member34into relative axial motion of the male probe portion36. In order to provide for relative rotation of actuator member34on the guide portion44, this guide portion defines a pair of elongate, axially extending arcuate tangs46, defining between them both an axially extending passage46′, and a pair of elongate axially extending guide slots48. Each of the pair of tangs46includes a pair of side surfaces46aand46b, which bound the guide slots48, and a radially outwardly disposed arcuate surface46c. The nut member40includes an annular portion50, from which axially extends the plurality of fingers40a, and radially from which extends a diametrically opposed pair of protrusions52. At their radially outer surfaces52a, the protrusions52each define a respective circumferentially interrupted thread portion54. These thread portions54are at diametrically opposed locations, viewingFIGS. 5 and 6. The thread portions54are in effect axially and circumferentially extending helical rib portions defined on the radially outer surfaces52aof the protrusions52. Actuator member34includes an annular end wall portion34bagainst which the nut member40is engageable to define one extreme of axial relative movement for this nut member (and for the male probe portion36).

The actuator member34is rotationally carried on the surfaces46cof the tangs46, and defines a radially inwardly disposed helical groove (i.e., a female thread)56. As will be appreciated from consideration ofFIGS. 5 and 6, the female thread within the actuator34is provided in the form of a double-start thread, so that a pair of the grooves56are presented at diametrically opposite locations. The thread portions54of the nut member40are threadably received into the threads56of the actuator34. In order to provide axially location for the actuator member34on the guide portion44, this guide portion includes in the present embodiment, a radially outer reentrant collar portion58cooperating with the remainder of the guide portion to define an axially disposed groove60. The actuator member34has a cylindrical end portion34cwhich is rotationally received into the groove60. Within the groove60, the collar portion58defines a circumferentially continuous radially inwardly disposed groove62, and the portion34cof actuator34includes a radially outwardly disposed circumferential rib64. The rib64is movably received into groove62to axially locate the actuator34while allowing relative rotation of this actuator portion (i.e., in the nature of a hand nut). As is seen in the drawing figures, the actuator34is preferably provided with surface features (such as ribs, grooves, stippling, diamond pattern, knurling, etceteras) which provide for more effective manual grasping of the actuator portion34. Further, it will be noted that the collar portion58has similar surface treatment features on a radially outward surface portion58athereof. Thus, the collar portion58may be manually grasped if necessary in order to provide a torque balance on the male coupling part32allowing the actuator34to be manually relatively rotated without the male coupling part rotating relative to the female coupling part during insertion or withdrawal of the male probe portion36.

As is seen inFIG. 5, the male coupling part32may be mounted to the female coupling part22, and the actuator member34may then be manually rotated relative to the guide portion44so that the male probe portion36is axially moved from the first position seen inFIG. 5by action of the thread portions54of nut member40acting in thread56of the actuator member34. The nut member40is thus moved axially, while the protrusions52are guided along slots48, with the fingers40atransferring axial force to the male probe portion36. The result is that the male probe portion36moves axially relatively to the guide portion44(and relative to the female coupling part22) from the position seen inFIG. 5to that position seen in FIG.6. It is noted inFIG. 6, that a sealing sleeve66carried on the male probe portion36includes an outwardly extending flange portion66a, which engages the end wall44cof the guide portion44. Thus, as the male probe portion36is advanced through the annular wall44c, the sleeve66is relatively retracted to uncover fluid flow ports68. This opening of the male coupling part is not dependent upon the male coupling part being engaged with a female coupling part, and may be employed to clean the male coupling part, if desired.

However, as is seen inFIG. 6, when the male coupling part32is mounted to a female coupling part, and the actuator34is relatively rotated to advance the male probe portion36, then this male probe portion at a head feature70thereof engages into the plug member26of the female coupling part. This engagement of the head feature is effective with further forward movement of the male probe portion36(i.e., because of continued relative rotation of the actuator member34) to carry the plug member26inwardly of the bag18, thus opening the flow passage28. It will be understood that relative rotation of the actuator34in the opposite direction is effective to return the male and female coupling parts from their conditions seen inFIG. 6to the conditions of FIG.5. As the male probe portion36is withdrawn from the female coupling part22, a spring66bis effective to move sleeve66once again across ports68, closing these ports. As will be understood, in the conditions of the male and female coupling parts seen inFIG. 5, the male coupling part maybe dismounted from the female coupling part by lateral relative movement (i.e., removing the mounting flange30from within the crescent shaped flange44dand groove44eof the guide portion44—recalling the description above of FIG.4).

FIGS. 7 and 8depict a second embodiment of the invention. In order to provide reference numerals for use in describing this alternative embodiment of the invention, features which are the same as (or which are analogous in structure or function to) those features depicted and described above, are referenced inFIGS. 7 and 8with the same numeral used above, and increased by one-hundred (100). As can be seen itFIGS. 7 and 8the rotary actuator (i.e., handnut134) is not axially relatively immovable while being rotated, as was the actuator handnut34in the first embodiment. Rather, as this handnut134is rotated it also moves axially forward or backward along the guide portion144depending of the direction of relative rotation. As the handnut134is moved rotationally and axially it effects simultaneous axial movement of the nut member140and of the male probe portion136by cooperation of the nut member140between a pair of axially spaced apart and radially inwardly extending flanges72defined by an inner tubular portion74of the actuator member134. That is, although the so-called nut member140serves as a thrust collar, it has no real function in this embodiment as a “nut.”

An alternative embodiment of a fluid dispensing system of bag-in-box configuration is schematically depicted in FIG.9. In order to obtain reference numerals for us in describing this embodiment of the invention, features which are the same as or analogous in structure or function to features of the first-described embodiment are indicated using the same numeral used above, and increased by two-hundred (200). In general, this fluid dispensing system210includes a liquid-filled vessel or container212, which may be connected to a dispensing pump (not shown) by a conduit214. The container212may be of any desired construction, but the illustrated container is of the bag-in-box configuration with an outer shape-retaining box216, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed of corrugated cardboard, and an inner flexible bag218(only a portion of which is visible in FIG.1). Preferably, the bag218is fabricated of plastic sheet.

ViewingFIGS. 9-14in conjunction with one another, and viewing firstFIG. 10in particular, this Figure illustrates that a side wall216aof the box16defines a keyhole-shaped cutout220. This cutout220allows a female connector part222, which is mounted to and communicates with the interior space of bag218, to be extended partially outwardly through this cutout220. Once the female connector part222is extended from within the box216partially outwardly through the cutout220, it is there retained in a lower extent of the cutout220by the cooperation of a pair of axially spaced apart flanges222aand222bon the connector part222(best seen in FIG.13). These spaced apart flanges222aand222bcapture between them a portion of the wall216aof box216at each side and around the bottom of cutout220. The female connector part222is itself trapped in the lower extent of the cutout220by a keyhole-shaped portion220aof the box wall216a(viewing FIGS.9and10). As is also best seen inFIGS. 9 and 10, the keyhole-shaped portion220ais hingably attached at its upper extent to the wall216aof the box216. Consequently, the keyhole-shaped portion220amay be manually hinged out of the way while the female connector part222is introduced into and is slid downwardly along cutout220into the lower extent of this cutout. After the female connector part222is in the lower extent of cutout220, manual return of the keyhole-shaped portion220ato the position seen inFIGS. 9 and 10retains the female connector part222in the cutout220of the wall216a.

It is seen further inFIG. 13that the female connector part222has an inner flange224to which the wall218aof bag218is sealingly secured (i.e., at an opening of this bag). Consequently, the female connector part222provides access to the interior volume of the bag218and container212. That is, the liquid contents of the bag218communicate with the female connector part222, and may flow outwardly via this connector part. It will be understood that the female connector part222includes a movable plug member226(seen in FIG.13). This plug member226is seen inFIG. 13removably closing a flow path or passage228through the female connector part222. At its distal end (i.e., furthest from the box216) the female connector part222includes a radially outwardly extending mounting flange230. This mounting flange230provides for mounting of a male connector part232to the female connector part222. That is, as will be seen, the male connector part232is moved laterally relative to the female connector part222so that a grooved stirrup232aof the male connector part catches and traps the flange230. Thus, the male and female connector parts mutually hold one another in axial alignment, and relative axial motion of these connector parts is prevented.

FIGS. 11,12,13, and14in conjunction with one another illustrate one embodiment of a male connector part232embodying the present invention, which is also seen inFIG. 9mounted to the female connector part222in order to connect the conduit214in fluid flow communication with the liquid within the bag218of container212. InFIG. 11, the male connector part232is seen from a perspective similar to that ofFIG. 9, which provides a good view of a rotational manual actuator or handnut portion234of this male connector part. As is represented by the double-headed rotation arrow234aadjacent to the handnut234inFIG. 1this handnut portion234is manually rotational relative to the remainder of the male connector part232, and is effective (as will be explained) to insert and withdraw the forward end portion of a male probe part236(best seen inFIGS. 13 and 146) into and from the female connector part222, dependent upon the direction of manual rotation of the handnut portion234.

As is seen inFIGS. 13 and 14, the male probe part236defines a flow passage indicated with numeral236′. Also seen inFIG. 11is an elbow and hose barb member238of the male probe portion236, and a fragmentary portion of a nut member240, having a plurality of resilient fingers240aengaging at a distal end portion of these fingers into a circumferential groove242of the male probe portion236(as is best seen in FIG.12). This nut member240is effective to move the male probe portion236axially (i.e., into and from the female connector part222) in response to rotation of the handnut member234(recalling arrow234a), as will be explained below. The elbow and hose barb member238provides for connection of conduit214to the male probe portion236, and also provides for the conduit to resist turning of this male probe portion as the actuator234is rotated to effect connecting or disconnecting of the connector parts222and232, as will be seen.

As is seen inFIGS. 12,13, and14, (and viewingFIG. 12in particular) both the manually rotational actuator portion234(i.e., the handnut234) and the male connector portion236are movably carried on a guide portion244of the male connector part232. This guide portion244rotationally carries the actuator member234for relative rotation, and carries the male probe portion236for relative axial movement. At its forward surface244a, the guide portion244defines the stirrup232afor mounting to the female connector part222. As was pointed out above, this stirrup232aprovides for coaxial alignment of the male and female connector parts232and222, and for relative axial immobilization of these connector parts. In other words, the stirrup232acaptures the flange230, holds the connector parts222and322in axial alignment, and restricts relative axial movement of the connector parts222and232while the male probe portion enters and withdraws from the female connector part.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide portion244includes a forward wall portion244b, which defines the surface244aand carries the crescent-shaped stirrup232a. This stirrup232adefines a radially inwardly opening groove244cfor laterally receiving the mounting flange230of the female connector part222. It will be noted that the guide portion244defines a forward, centrally located opening244d, through which the forward portion236aof the male probe portion236extends in order to engage with the female connector part222, viewing FIG.12.

The male connector part232also includes mechanization for translating rotational relative motion of the handnut234into relative axial motion of the male probe portion236. In order to provide for relative rotation of the handnut234on the guide portion244, this guide portion defines a collar part246defining a radially inwardly disposed circumferential groove248. A forward portion234bof the actuator234defines a radially outwardly disposed circumferential rib250. The rib250is rotationally captured in the groove248, so that the actuator234is rotationally carried on the guide portion244. The nut member240includes an annular portion240b, from which axially extends the plurality of fingers240a, and radially outwardly from which extends a diametrically opposed pair of angulated thread sections252.

The actuator member234is rotationally carried by the guide member244, and defines a radially inwardly disposed double-start female thread)254. The thread sections252of the nut member240are threadably received into the thread254of the actuator234. As is seen in the drawing figures, the actuator234is preferably provided with surface features (such as ribs, grooves, stippling, a raised diamond pattern, knurling, etcetera) which provide for more effective manual grasping of the actuator234.

As is seen inFIG. 13, the male connector part232may be mounted to the female connector part222, and the actuator member234may then be manually rotated relative to the guide portion244so that the male probe portion236is axially moved (i.e., by action of thread sections252in double-start female thread254) from the first position seen inFIG. 13toward and then to the second position seen in FIG.14. The nut member240is thus moved axially of the male connector part, with the fingers240atransferring axial force to the male probe portion236. The result is that the male probe portion236moves axially relatively to the guide portion244(and relative to the female connector part222) from the position seen inFIG. 13to that position seen in FIG.14.

It is noted inFIG. 14, that a sealing sleeve258carried on the male probe portion236includes an outwardly extending flange part258a. This flange part258aencounters the wall portion244bof the guide portion244and is thus prevented from further forward axial motion as the male probe portion36advances into the female connector part222. The result is that fluid flow ports260of the male probe portion236are uncovered. As the male probe portion236continues forwardly into the female connector part (considering the change in relative positions of component parts fromFIG. 13to FIG.14), a head portion262of the male probe portion236encounters and is received into a recess264defined in plug member226. The head portion262is a “snap” fit into the recess264, so that the plug member226is retainingly but removably attached to the head portion262.

Further, it is to be noted that the opening of the male connector part232is not dependent upon the male connector part being engaged with a female connector part222. Thus, the actuator234may be manually rotated in the appropriate direction even though the male connector part232is not connected to a female connector part, with the result that the male probe portion236is extended forwardly of the guide member244. In this position of the male probe portion236, the ports260are uncovered by sliding of the sealing sleeve258rearwardly to uncover these ports.

However, as is seen inFIG. 14, when the male connector part232is mounted to a female connector part, and the handnut234is relatively rotated to advance the male probe portion236, then this male probe portion at a head feature270thereof engages into the plug member226of the female connector part. This engagement of the head feature is effective with further forward movement of the male probe portion236(i.e., because of continued relative rotation of the handnut234) to carry the plug member226inwardly of the bag218, thus opening the flow passage228.

It will be understood that relative rotation of the actuator234in the opposite direction is effective to return the male and female connector parts from their positions seen inFIG. 14to the relative positions of FIG.13. As the male probe portion236is withdrawn from the female connector part222, a spring258bis effective to move sleeve258once again across the ports260, closing the flow path236′ in male probe portion236. Once the male probe portion236is withdrawn from within the female connector part222, the male connector part232can be moved laterally to dismount from the female connector part at flange230(i.e., removing the mounting flange230from within the crescent stirrup232a-recalling the description above of FIG.12).

FIGS. 15,16,17, and18depict another embodiment of the invention. In order to provide reference numerals for use in describing this alternative embodiment of the invention, features which are the same as (or which are analogous in structure or function to) those features depicted and described above, are referenced in these Figures with the same numeral used above, and increased by three-hundred (300). As can be seen itFIGS. 15-18, in this embodiment, the rotary handnut334is not axially relatively immovable on a guide member of the male connector part while being manually rotated, as was the handnut34in the first embodiment. Rather, as this handnut334is rotated it also moves axially forward or backward along the guide portion344(i.e., depending of the direction of relative rotation). As the handnut334is moved rotationally and axially it effects simultaneous axial movement of a cup member340and of the male probe portion336by cooperation of the cup member340which defines a pair of radially outwardly disposed keys366. The handnut334includes an inner tubular portion368which at its inner distal end defines an axially disposed thrust surface368a. This thrust surface368aengages the cup member340to move this member axially rightwardly, viewingFIGS. 15 and 16, in response to rightward axial movement of the handnut334. This relationship of the cup member340and the inner tubular portion368of actuator334allows the cup member to not rotate as actuator134is manually rotated, and to transfer axial forces to the male probe portion336. On the other hand, when the handnut334is manually rotated in the opposite direction, and moves in the opposite axial direction along the guide member344, the handnut applies an opposite axial force to the male probe portion via an axially disposed thrust surface334c. This thrust surface334cbears against the elbow and hose barb member338to move the male probe member336in the opposite axial direction relative to the guide member344.

In this embodiment, the guide portion344includes a tubular extension344awith a radially outwardly disposed thread370. The actuator portion334defines a matching female thread372, which threadably engages onto the thread370. Also in this embodiment, the tubular extension344adefines a stepped bore374, having a slightly larger diameter bore portion (indicated by arrowed numeral374a. The sealing sleeve358is provided with a radially outwardly extending, somewhat flexible web part358c(i.e., an outer portion of flange358a), which web part is flexible enough to pass through the smaller diameter portion of bore374, and into the bore portion374a. There in the larger diameter bore portion374a, the somewhat flexible web part358cmoves freely axially, but resists axial withdrawal from this bore portion. Thus, when the actuator334is manually turned from the position seen in FIG.13and toward the position seen inFIG. 14, the user experiences a “stop” in the free movement of the actuator when the web part358cengages an axially disposed step374bpresented at the end of bore portion374a.

Of course, should the user wish to disassemble the connector part332, then continued forceful turning of the actuator334in the same direction (i.e., in the direction necessary to move the handnut member334from the position ofFIG. 13toward that ofFIG. 14) will force the flexible web358cpast this step374b, and allow the actuator334to be unthreaded completely from the guide portion344. Once the actuator334is unthreaded from the guide portion344, the male probe portion336can be manually withdrawn from within the guide portion for inspection and cleaning.

FIGS. 17 and 18also illustrate another feature of this embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 17, it is seen that the handnut member334defines a pair of diametrically opposite and radially outwardly extending protrusions376(only one of which is visible inFIG. 17) on the forward portion334bof this member. The guide member344defines a radially inwardly extending yieldable catch protrusion378. AsFIG. 18shows, when the handnut334is fully rotated in the direction to move the handnut334and male probe portion336forwardly, one of the protrusions376passes under the catch protrusion378. The catch protrusion378yields radially momentarily to allow the particular protrusion376to pass circumferentially to the position seen inFIG. 18, where this protrusion376is trapped by catch protrusion378. Thus, the connector part322will not close of its own accord, nor will it close inadvertently due to such influences as vibration. Manual force can release the protrusion376from catch protrusion378, but the connector part322will not inadvertently close.

Each of the alternative embodiments of the present invention offer the advantage of making the coupling parts of such low cost that the female coupling part may be thrown away with the disposable bag-in-box container, or with another type of non-recyclable container. Alternately when used with a recyclable container, such as are those made of glass or durable plastic, then when the container is cleaned the female coupling part may be disposed of and a new one inserted in its place. The male coupling part may be taken apart for cleaning and is thus reusable over a period of time with several different female coupling parts on successive containers.

While the present invention has been depicted, described, and is defined by reference to two exemplary and particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, such reference does not imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent arts. For example, the present coupling parts can be used with fluids other than food products. These present inventive coupling parts could be used with various liquids, such as chemicals. Photographic chemicals are an example of a liquid other than a food product with which the present coupling parts could be used. Also, the present coupling invention can be used with other types of vessels and containers in addition to those depicted, described, or referred to specifically herein. For example, bag type vessels can be used with the present coupling parts even if the bag is not disposed in a box. The present coupling parts have a special advantage is such a use because the male and female coupling portions can be engaged with one another in response to a lateral relative movement and with little applied force. Thereafter, coupling of the male and female coupling structures requires the application of manual rotating forces of rather a low level. In other words, even those individuals of rather low hand strength will be able to apply sufficient relative twisting force to the male coupling member of the present invention so that engagement and disengagement of this male coupling part is easily accomplished. Consequently, an ease of use of a male and female coupling system of the present type which was not heretofore achievable is provided by the present invention. The present coupling portions can also be used to effect fluid communication between a pair of conduits or a pair of vessels, for example, instead of just between a vessel and a conduit as depicted. Thus, it is appreciated that the depicted and described preferred embodiment of the invention is exemplary only, and is not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects.