Material transfer device and method

A material transfer device for transferring material from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system or tire is provided having an actuator, fluid conveying tube and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive connector. The quick connect fitting has a one piece plastic body and a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the body for attaching and detaching the quick connect fitting to the automotive connector. The plastic body has locking tabs integrally formed therewith for engaging the automotive connector. The locking tab is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking sleeve retains the locking tab in the locked position. The quick connect fitting also has cooperating prongs to allow assembly of its components, restrain disassembly, and provide frictional forces during relative movement of the sleeve and body. A method is also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to refrigerant material transfer devices for automotive air conditioning systems and more particularly to refrigerant material transfer devices having quick connect fittings with design features for manufacture of the fittings from plastic material.

The present invention also relates in general to tire sealant material transfer devices for automotive tires and more particularly to tire sealant material transfer devices having quick connect fittings with design features for manufacture of the fittings from plastic material.

Automotive air conditioners periodically require servicing to maintain the proper level of refrigerant for efficient operation of the air conditioner. Automotive air conditioners have valved connectors for recharging the air conditioner with additional refrigerant or other materials, such as lubricants. On occasion, a small amount of refrigerant should be added to the air conditioner to increase their cooling effect and efficiency.

Service stations have equipment for recharging automotive air conditioners but the inconvenience and costs for performing this service are substantial. It is desirable for a consumer to inexpensively recharge his own automotive air conditioner at his convenience. It is also desirable that the cost of such an automotive air conditioning recharger be minimized with improved operational features.

In many cases, it is difficult to position tools or the operators fingers to mechanically attached an air conditioning recharger, such as by a threaded connector, to the automotive air conditioner connector. Accordingly, it is desirable provide a quick connect connector that provides for attachment to the automotive air conditioner connector quickly and efficiently without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the connector components.

Do-it-yourself automotive air conditioner rechargers are known. One such recharger provides an aerosol can having refrigerant and oil therein with a valve in fluid communication with the aerosol can. A tube is attached to the valve and conveys the refrigerant to a quick connect fitting. The quick connect fitting is attachable to and detachable from the valved connector on the automotive air conditioner and allows refrigerant to flow into the automotive air conditioner when attached to the automotive connector.

The quick connect fitting has a series of balls positioned in pockets about its outer periphery to engage a depression in the air conditioner connector. The known quickconnect fitting has an outer sleeve biased with a spring toward the series of balls to urge the balls toward the depression in the air conditioner connector. A spring clip is provided to stop move of the outer sleeve which would allow disassembly of the numerous components of this known quick connect fitting. The assembly of this quick connect fitting requires the positioning of the balls in their respective pockets, assembling the outer sleeve with its biasing spring and assembling the spring clip to prevent disassembly of these components. The cost of the numerous components of such a quick connect fitting, along with the cost of their assembly result in a more costly product for the consumer to recharge his automotive air conditioner.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a quick connector that has a fewer parts that are more readily assembled and in which the parts are particularly designed to be formed in plastic. In order to provide a quick connector that is easy to assemble, it is desirable to allow for assembly of the sleeve and body of the quick connector by simply sliding them into an assembled relationship and when assembled, restrain the disassembly of the body and sleeve without additional separate components.

When operating a quick connector, it is desirable to maintain the body and sleeve in either a locked position, in which the quick connector is secured to the automotive connector, or an unlocked position, in which the quick connector can be freely removed from the automotive connector without requiring additional parts.

Gillen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,109, discloses an actuator and hose assembly for use with an aerosol container to recharge the automotive air conditioner. The Gillen reference provides an aerosol can having refrigerant therein with a valve in fluid communication with the aerosol can. A tube is attached to the valve and conveys the refrigerant to a threaded fitting which attaches to the automotive connector. The threaded fitting may be of any known design and is attachable to and detachable from the valved connector on the automotive air conditioner. The threaded fitting allows refrigerant to flow from the aerosol container into the automotive air conditioner when attached to its connector. The particular threaded fitting shown in Gillen does not allow for quick connection of the assembly to the automotive air conditioner connector.

The automotive connector is valved so that refrigerant cannot escape the automotive air conditioner unless the automotive connector valve is actuated. Once the automotive connector valve is actuated, it is desirable to allow flow of refrigerant into the automotive air conditioner but not allow refrigerant to flow or escape from the automotive air conditioner. One known automotive connector valve design is a known Schrader valve. Such a valve has a pin that when depressed opens the valve. Normally, the valve is in a closed position in which refrigerant is sealed in the air conditioning system.

White, U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,110, discloses a do-it-yourself kit for recharging an automobile air conditioning system by connecting the source of refrigerant to the automotive connector with a threaded fitting. Hatch, U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,92, discloses a refrigerant material transfer adapter which also threadedly engages the air conditioner fitting. Trachtenburg, U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,032, teaches a kit and method for retrofitting an automobile air conditioner.

Known connectors have devices to actuate the automotive connector valve and check valves to allow flow of refrigerant into the automotive air conditioner but not allow refrigerant to flow or escape from the automotive air conditioner.

In the design of a plastic quick connect fitting, it is desirable to provide a plastic check valve that snaps into engagement with another part of the fitting so that it is secured thereto without any separate fastening components. This allows for ready assembly of the valve. It is also desirable that such a plastic valve is sufficiently strong to open the automotive connector valve while providing for a snap fit when assembling the plastic quick connect fitting. It is also desirable that the plastic quick connect fitting valve allows refrigerant to flow through the valve when the valve ball is resting against its valve cage. It is also desirable to provide a plastic quick connect fitting valve that allows sufficient flow of refrigerant therethrough when transferring refrigerant from the refrigerant container to the automotive air conditioner.

Modern pneumatic tires are designed for extended use on vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, over many miles. Regardless of how well these tires are designed, they can still be punctured by sharp objects inadvertently left on the roadway and go flat. When the tire is punctured, the motorist must change the tire if he has a spare or have another tire put on the vehicle. In some instances, it is difficult to change the tire due to the location of the vehicle, such as when the puncture occurs on roadway which is not flat and the vehicle cannot be safely raised with a jack to change the tire. Other instances are dangerous to change the tire, such as for example, when the tire is punctured on a heavily traveled roadway and there is not sufficient space to change the tire safely.

Various tire inflator and sealant products have been developed for both sealing the puncture in a tire and also inflating the tire so that it can be used to resume travel where the tire puncture may be repaired. These tire inflator and sealant products generally include a container having an inflator and sealant composition contained therein under pressure. This composition is releasable through a valve in the discharge end of the container. These compositions in the container typically include a liquefied gas in a sufficient quantity to re-inflate the tire to a driveable condition and a sealant material for sealing the puncture when introduced into the tire.

An actuator is provided for attachment to the pressurized container to activate the upstanding valve so that the tire sealant material passes through the valve and then through the actuator to a discharge tube attached to the valve on the tire.

A connector is provided to connect the discharge tube to the tire valve. In operation, the motorist attaches the discharge tube to the valve on the punctured tire with the connector and then activates the actuator which in turn activates the valve in the pressurized container to release the tire sealant composition into the tire.

As the motorist actuates or depresses the actuator, the inflator and sealant composition flows into the actuator from the canister valve and proceeds through the discharge tube and then through the valve on the punctured tire into the tire. If the inflator and sealant composition is allowed to escape at the junction between the connector and the tire valve, both the inflator and sealant are not introduced into the tire. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a connector that maintains the connection between the actuator and the tire valve so that the inflator and sealant does not escape at that junction.

The motorist often connects the connector to the tire valve under adverse conditions and it is desirable to connect and disconnect the connector to and from the tire valve as quickly as possible. In cold weather, it is desirable to connect and disconnect the connector to and from the tire valve while wearing gloves. It is also desirable to minimize leakage of tire sealant material when the connector is disconnected from the tire valve after discharging tire sealant material into the tire. It is also desirable to provide a connector that provides for maintaining alignment between the tire valve and the connector when they are attached.

Other tire valve connectors are known. Many such connectors have threads that engage the threads on the outer surface of the tire valve. Such connectors do not allow a quick connection or disconnection to or from a tire valve and are particularly difficult to manipulate while wearing gloves. In such designs, there is the potential problem of crossthreading the connector and tire valve, leakage of tire sealant material upon disconnection of the connector and tire valve.

A known tire valve connector is provided for attaching a container having tire puncture sealing material to the valve of a tire. As is known, the tire valve has a pin which when depressed, opens the tire valve. The tire valve connector has an inner member and an outer member further described in the information disclosure statement filed herewith. The outer member has an input end which is attachable to the container having tire puncture sealing material. The outer member also as an output end which is attachable to a tire valve so that tire puncture sealing material can flow through the tire valve connector and into the tire.

The inner member is slidably received in the outer member and has four fingers which are positioned adjacent the output end of the outer member. There are spaces between the fingers to allow movement of the fingers. The fingers have ribs thereon for gripping the outside of the tire valve.

When it is desirable to connect the tire sealing material container to the tire valve and convey the tire sealing material into the tire through the valve, the tire valve is positioned adjacent the output end of the tire valve connector. The tire valve is inserted between the fingers until the end of the valve contacts and seats on the sealing washer and the tire valve pin is depressed to open the tire valve. The inner member has a tire valve depressor that contacts the tire valve pin to open it when the tire valve is so moved. The inner member has a passageway to allow tire sealing material to flow therethrough and into the tire.

As the tire valve is continued to be moved towards the input end of the outer member, the outer surfaces of the fingers have a cam surface which are complimentary to cam surfaces on the inside of the outer member. Upon further movement of tire valve towards the input end of the outer member, the fingers are camed inwardly by the complimentary cam surfaces so that the fingers move radially inwardly with the ribs gripping the outside of the tire valve. The outer member has an opening and a series of ribs which contact the outer surface of the inner member and guide the inner member as it moves towards the input end of the outer member.

In this position, the tire valve is in an open position and in fluid communication with the container having tire puncture sealing material. To introduce tire puncture sealing material into the tire, an actuator between the valve connector and the container having tire puncture sealing material therein is activated to allow tire puncture sealing material to flow through the tire valve connector, through the tire valve and consequently into the tire.

After a sufficient amount of tire puncture sealing material is transferred to the tire, the actuator is deactivated to keep the rest of the tire puncture sealing material in its container. The tire valve is then removed from the tire valve connector by moving it away from the connector. A series of raised staked portions are formed in the output end of the outer member. These staked portions are formed after the inner member is assembled with the outer member and hold the inner member in an assembled position as the tire valve is disengaged from the tire valve connector.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a material transfer device for transferring materials, such as a refrigerant, tire sealant or other materials, from a pressurized container to the connector on an automotive air conditioning system or tire valve with the above described desirable features. For ease of description, the connector on an automotive air conditioning system and tire valve may be referred to as the automotive connector.

The material transfer device of the present invention provides an actuator for attachment to the pressurized container, such as an aerosol can, having pressurized refrigerant or tire sealant therein and a quick connect fitting for attachment to the automotive air conditioning connector or tire valve, as the case may be. The quick connect fitting has design features which provide for the manufacture of the quick connect fitting from plastic material. A connecting tube is also provided to interconnect the actuator and the quick connect fitting. When the actuator is attached to the pressurized container and quick connect fitting is attached to the automotive air conditioning connector or tire valve, the actuator may be actuated and moved from a normally closed position to a discharge position to release refrigerant into the automobile air conditioner or tire sealant material into the tire.

The design of the quick connect fitting of the present invention incorporates advantageous design features for manufacture of the quick connect fitting from plastic material. The quick connect fitting design of the present invention provides an automotive air conditioning recharger or tire sealant device that can be manufactured with cost savings without impairing the operational features thereof. One of the advantageous operational features provided by the quick connect fitting is the attachment of the quick connector to the automotive connector quickly and efficiently without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the connector components.

The quick connector of the present invention provides a one-piece plastic body that has one end attached to the connecting tube and its other end selectively attachable and detachable from the automotive connector. The plastic body has a fluid passageway extending from the connecting tube to the other end which is attachable to the automotive connector. The body has locking tabs formed integrally with the body which locking tabs are movable with respect to the body. The tabs have a connector engaging lip for selectively engaging and disengaging the automotive connector.

The quick connector of the present invention has a plastic locking sleeve mounted on the plastic body for selectively locking and detaching the quick connect fitting of the present invention to the automotive connector. The quick connector is secured to the automotive connector by simply aligning the connectors and urging them together. As the quick connector moves towards the automotive connector, the connector engaging lips come into engagement with a depression in the automotive connector and secures the quick connect body to the automotive connector.

In order to lock the locking tabs in this securing position, the plastic locking sleeve is urged towards the connector engaging lips of the locking tabs. The locking tabs have a raised portion adjacent the connector engaging lips. When the plastic locking sleeve is moved from a retracted position to a locking position, the sleeve contacts the raised portions of the locking tabs to urge the connector engaging lips towards the depression in the automotive connector. In this locked position, the locking sleeve frictionally engages the raised portions to maintain the locking sleeve in the locked position. If it is desired to detach the quick connector from the automotive connector, the locking sleeve is simply manually moved from the locked position to the retracted position. The locking tabs are then free to move and the quick connector can be moved away from the automotive connector.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides a quick connector that may be quickly and efficiently attached to and detached from the automotive connector without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the connector components.

The quick connector of the present invention also provides for assembly of the locking sleeve and body of the quick connector by simply sliding them into an assembled relationship and when assembled, restrains the disassembly of the body and sleeve without additional separate components or manufacturing steps. To accomplish this feature, the locking sleeve has assembly prongs formed integrally with the locking sleeve and movable with respect thereto. The body has a prong engaging surface.

To assemble the sleeve and body, the components are positioned adjacent each other and as they are moved together, the assembly prongs contact the prong engaging surface of the body. As movement of these components continue, the prongs slide along the prong engaging surface and are moved along the sleeve until they are in a stop depression having a stop surface. At this point, the prongs are positioned in the stop depression and engage the stop surface. If an attempt is made to disassemble the sleeve and body, the prongs engage the stop to restrain disassembly. The other end of the body has a stop portion which restrains the locking sleeve from being disassembled by movement past the other end of the body.

To restrain inadvertent movement between the sleeve and the body, the prongs are in frictional engagement with the prong engaging surface of the body as they are moved between the locked and retracted positions.

It is important to recognize that the body, locking sleeve, and valve cage of the quick connector of the present invention are designed to be manufactured in plastic material that “remembers” the configuration in which it is formed. This material memory allows for elastic deformation of the components by exerting a force thereon and the return of the material to its molded configuration. The locking tabs and the prongs may be deformed and exert a force to return to their molded position. This feature allows for designing the quick connector of the present invention without requiring springs, and inexpensively molded and assembled.

The quick connector of the present invention also provides a check valve to allow the flow of refrigerant into the automotive air conditioner but not allow refrigerant to flow or escape from the automotive air conditioner. The quick connector of the present invention has a valve cage that snaps into engagement with the body so that it is secured thereto without any separate fastening components. This design allows ready assembly of the valve cage and its associated valve ball. The plastic valve cage is sufficiently strong to depress the valve of the automotive connector valve while providing for a snap fit when assembling the plastic quick connect fitting of the present invention. The valve cage design allows refrigerant to flow through the check valve even if the ball is resting against the valve cage and is designed to allow sufficient flow of refrigerant therethrough when transferring refrigerant from the refrigerant container to the automotive air conditioner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved refrigerant material transfer device10for transferring a refrigerant from a pressurized container12to the connector14on an automotive air conditioning system16of a vehicle, such as an automobile18, as shown inFIGS. 1–3. It should be understood that the refrigerant material transfer device10of the present invention may be used with any automotive air conditioning system on any type of vehicle. The automotive air conditioner16has a valved connector14for recharging the air conditioner.

On occasion, a small amount of refrigerant should be added to the air conditioner16to increase its cooling effect and efficiency. The refrigerant material transfer device10of the present invention provides for recharging the air conditioner16to replenish the amount of refrigerant in the air conditioner with additional refrigerant from the pressurized container12.

The refrigerant material transfer device10of the present invention provides an actuator22for attachment to the pressurized container, such as an aerosol can12, having pressurized refrigerant therein and a quick connect fitting24for attachment to the automotive air conditioning connector14. A fluid conveying tube26is also provided to fluidically interconnect the actuator22and the quick connect fitting24to allow the flow of refrigerant from the actuator to the quick connector24.

The actuator22may be of any design, such as the actuator described in applicants U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,469 entitled “Tire Inflation Actuator”, which describes the operation thereof and movement between a closed and discharge position. The actuator22is attachable to and detachable from the pressurized container12. The actuator22is in fluid communication with the refrigerant in the container12and has a valve28in a normally closed position in which the flow of refrigerant from the container is blocked. The actuator22has a finger tab30which when depressed, moves the valve28to a discharge position so refrigerant flows from the container12through the actuator to the connecting tube26. The tube26has an inlet end32in fluid communication with and attached to the actuator22by any known manner, such as the connector36. The outlet end38of the tube26is in fluid communication with and attached to the quickconnect fitting24as will hereinafter described.

The quick connect fitting24has advantageous design features with fewer parts that are more readily assembled with cost savings and provide improved operational features. Further, the parts are particularly designed to be formed in plastic. One of the advantageous operational features provided by the quick connect fitting24of the present invention is the attachment of the quick connector24to the automotive air conditioner connector14quickly and efficiently without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the connector components.

As seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, the quick connector24of the present invention provides a one-piece plastic body40that has an inlet end42attached to the outlet end38of the connecting tube26. The discharge or outlet end44of the quick connector24is selectively attachable to and detachable from the automobile air conditioning connector14. The body40has a fluid passageway46extending between its ends42,44. The body40has a barbed connector portion48on the inlet end42with a portion of the passageway46passing therethrough. The tube26has an inner wall50defining a fluid passage52through the tube.

To connect the tube26to the body40so that the passageways46and52are connected, the outlet end38of the tube is slid over the outside surface54of the barbed connector portion48with the outlet end portion55of the inner wall50defining a portion of the passageway52in contact therewith. The outside surface54of of the barbed connector portion48has barbs56thereon.

The outside surface54is larger than the passageway52and the barbs56are even larger. The tube26is flexible and is deformed when it is moved over the barbed connector portion48. In this assembled position, the tube26is frictionally attached by frictional force to the barbed connector portion48. A securing ring58is then positioned around the outside60of the tube26to secure the tube and body40together. Accordingly, the passageways46and52are connected. It is within the contemplation of this invention to attach the tube26and body40in any known manner in which the fluid passageways46and52are connected.

The quick connector24of the present invention may be quickly and efficiently attached to and detached from the automotive connector14without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the components of the quick connector. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the body40of the quick connector24has locking tabs62formed integrally with the body40. The locking tabs62are movable with respect to the body40to secure the quick connector24to the automotive connector14as will be hereinafter described.

The body40has an intermediate portion64and a connector end portion66extending from the intermediate portion toward the discharge or outlet end44of the body. The barbed connector portion48extends from the intermediate portion64towards and defines the inlet end42of the body40.

The intermediate portion64of the body40has a generally circular outer peripheral surface68having inlet, intermediate and discharge raised portions70,72, and74respectively, as will be hereinafter more fully described. The inlet, intermediate and discharge raised portions70,72,74of the intermediate portion64have generally circular outer peripheral surfaces76,78, and80respectively having substantially the same predetermined diameter “Do”.

The connector end portion66of the body40has a generally circular outer peripheral surface81coextensive with and extending away from the surface80of the discharge raised portion74of the intermediate portion64. The generally circular outer peripheral surface81has substantially the same predetermined diameter “Do” and terminates in a raised stop portion82extending radially outwardly from the circular outer peripheral surface81. The connector end portion66of the body40has a generally circular inner peripheral surface84extending from the inner end surface86of the intermediate portion64and having a predetermined diameter “Di” which is less than the diameter “Do”.

The inner peripheral surface84of the connector end portion66terminates in an automotive connector receiving end portion88. The connector receiving end portion88has an outer chamfer surface90extending at an angle radially outwardly from the inner peripheral surface84and terminates at a generally radial end surface91that extends radially outwardly from the outer chamfer surface90.

The locking tabs62are provided to secure the quick connector24to the automotive connector14. The locking tabs62have connector engaging lips92for selectively engaging and disengaging the automotive connector14. The locking tabs62are formed integrally with the body40as a one piece part and have a hinge portion94extending from the intermediate portion64. The locking tabs62also have an arm portion96extending from the hinge portion94to the connector engaging lips92. The locking tabs62have a generally arcuate outer surface98formed about the predetermined diameter “Do” and a generally arcuate inner surface100formed about the predetermined diameter “Di”. The side surfaces102,104, and end surface106of the locking tabs62extend between the inner and outer surfaces100,98respectively.

The outer surfaces76,78,80,81, and98have a diameter “Do” and are in axial alignment and formed about the central axis108. Likewise, the inner surfaces86and100having a diameter “Di” are in axial alignment and formed about the central axis108.

The locking tabs62are movable with respect to the connector end portion66so they can move between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking tabs62are received in tab apertures110formed in the connector end portion66. The tab apertures110have side surfaces112,114and end surface116extending between the outer and inner surfaces,76,86respectively. The side surfaces112,114and end surface116of the tab apertures110are spaced from the side surfaces102,104, and end surface106of the locking tabs62. When a force is exerted on the locking tabs62, they are moveable between an unlocked position118shown inFIG. 3and a locked position120as shown inFIG. 6.

To secure the quick connect fitting24to the automotive connector14, the fitting and connector24,14respectively, are aligned with each other with the inlet end119of the connector14adjacent the connector end portion66of the body40as shown inFIG. 3and are then moved toward each other. The inlet end119of the connector14has an end sealing surface121and an end chamfer surface122extending radially outwardly at an angle from the end sealing surface121to the outer circumferential surface124. The outer circumferential surface124has a diameter smaller than “Di” so that the surface124can slide into and adjacent to the inner peripheral surface84of the connector end portion66. As the automotive connector14is moved toward the quick connect fitting24, the chamfered surfaces90,122may contact each other to guide the quick connect fitting24and the automotive connector14in alignment with each other.

As the quick connect fitting24and the automotive connector14are further moved together, the front chamfer surface126of the connector engaging lips92contacts the leading edge128of the automotive connector locking rim130as shown inFIG. 4. The connector engaging lips92extend generally radially inwardly of the arcuate inner surface100of the locking tabs62and the leading edge surface128extends at an angle radially inwardly and away from the end surface106of the locking tab and toward the inlet end42of the body40. The leading edge surface128terminates at the bottom surface131of the connector engaging lips92.

In an undeformed condition, the bottom arcuate surface131is arcuately formed about the central axis108with a diameter “Dl” which is less than the diameter “Di”. The connector engaging lips92have a locking edge surface132extending radially from the bottom surface131at an angle thereto toward the inlet end42of the body40. The locking edge surface132terminates at the arcuate inner surface100of the locking tabs62.

As the quick connect fitting24and the automotive connector14are further moved together, the connector engaging lips92are moved radially outwardly by rotation about the hinge portion94of the locking tabs62. This rotational movement is created by the camming action of the front chamfer surface126of the connector engaging lips92and the leading edge128of the automotive connector locking rim130.

As the quick connect fitting24and the automotive connector14are further moved together, the bottom surface131of the connector engaging lips92slides along the top surface134of the automotive connector locking rim130. The top surface134of the automotive connector locking rim130extends axially from the leading edge128and is generally circular and has a diameter slightly less than the diameter “Di” so that it can slide inside the connector end portion66of the quickconnector24.

The automotive connector locking rim130has a retaining surface136extending from the top surface134at an angle radially inwardly away from the end sealing surface121and terminates at the bottom locking surface138. The bottom locking surface138of the automotive connector14is generally circular and is formed about a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter “Dl”. The retaining surface136and bottom locking surface138form a depression139in the automotive connector14for receiving the connector engaging lips92therein.

As the quick connect fitting24and the automotive connector14are further moved together, the locking edge surface132of the connector engaging lips92slides along the retaining surface136of the automotive connector14so the locking tabs62move radially inwardly by rotation about the hinge portion94of the locking tabs62, as shown inFIG. 5. This rotational movement is created by the camming action of the locking edge surface132and retaining surface136and the force of the locking tabs to return to their undeformed position.

FIG. 5shows the locking tabs62securing the quick connect fitting24to the automotive connector14. In this securing position140, the bottom surface131of the connector engaging lips92is adjacent the bottom locking surface138of the automotive connector14and the arcuate inner surface100and locking edge surface132of the quick connector24are in contact with the top surface134and retaining surface136of the automotive connector14respectively. The automotive connector14is fluidically connected to the quick connector24.

To maintain axial alignment of the quick connect fitting24and automotive connector14, the connector has a stabilizing sleeve surface142, spaced from the depression139, which surface142is circular and has a diameter slightly smaller than diameter “Di”. The stabilizing sleeve surface142is positioned so that when in the securing position140, the sleeve surface142is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface84of the connector receiving end portion88. According, radial movement of the quick connector24and the automotive connector14is restrained.

In order to selectively lock or unlock the quick connect fitting24of the present invention to the automotive connector14, the quick connector24of the present invention provides a plastic locking sleeve144mountable on the plastic body40as shown inFIGS. 2,5and7. The plastic locking sleeve144is generally cylindrical and has an assembly end146and an outer end148with an inner surface150and an outer surface152extending between the ends146,148. The inner surface150is generally circular and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter “Do” of the outer peripheral surfaces76,78,80of the inlet, intermediate and discharge raised portions70,72,74, respectively of the intermediate portion64. The inner surface150is slidable along the outer peripheral surfaces76,78,80and forms the central aperture153of the locking sleeve. The outer surface152is concave to allow better gripping of the sleeve for manual movement thereof.

The quick connector24of the present invention provides for assembly of the sleeve144and body40of the quick connector by simply sliding them into an assembled relationship and when assembled, restrains the disassembly of the body and sleeve without additional separate components. To accomplish this feature, the locking sleeve144has a body154and assembly prongs156formed integrally with the locking sleeve body and movable with respect thereto.

The prongs156are positioned in apertures158in the locking sleeve body154and have a hinge portion160formed with the locking sleeve body154. The hinge portion160is positioned toward the assembly end146and the prong legs162of the prongs156extend from the hinge portion at an angle away from the assembly end and generally radially inwardly of the inner surface150of the locking sleeve144. The prong legs162have a body bearing surface164which in an undeformed state are radially inward of the inner surface150and axially spaced from the hinge portion160toward the outer end148.

To assemble the sleeve144and body40, the central aperture153of the sleeve144is positioned around the tube26before the tube and body40are assembled with the assembly end146positioned adjacent the inlet end42of the body. After the tube26and body40are assembled as described above, the sleeve144is moved toward the body40and assembled therewith. The body40has a prong engaging surface166including the outer peripheral surfaces76,78,80of the inlet, intermediate and discharge raised portions70,72,74, respectively of the intermediate portion64, and the outer peripheral surface81of the connector end portion66and outer surface98of the locking tabs62of the body40.

During assembly, the body bearing surface164of the prong legs162contact and slide over the outer peripheral surface76of the inlet raised portion70, and then contact and slide over the outer peripheral surface76of the intermediate raised portion72. When the body bearing surface164of the prong legs162passes the outer peripheral surface76, it moves into the depression167formed by the stop surface170extending radially inwardly from the surface78. If any attempt is made to disassemble the locking sleeve144from the body40, the body bearing surface164of the prong legs162contacts the stop surface170and resists disassembly of the locking sleeve and the body. Since the prong legs162are at an angle radially inward of the inner surface150and axially spaced from the hinge portion160toward the outer end148any attempt to disassemble the locking sleeve and the body meets with increased resistance.

The locking sleeve144is provided to lock the locking tabs62in the tab locking position or tab locked position168shown inFIG. 6. When the locking tabs62are in the secured position140shown inFIG. 5, the locking sleeve144is moved to the locked position168shown inFIG. 6and locks the quick connector24to the automotive connector14.

To position the sleeve144in the locked position120, the sleeve144is moved from its tab unlocking position or tab unlocked position170shown inFIG. 5to the locked position168shown inFIG. 6. As the sleeve moves toward the end portion88of the body40, the inside surfaces174of the prong legs162contact the outer peripheral surface80of the discharge raised portion74and frictionally engages the outer peripheral surface. This frictional engagement holds the sleeve in any position on the body40if no force is exerted on the sleeve to allow manual attachment of the quick connector to the air conditioner connector with one hand.

The arm portion96of the locking tabs62has a raised portion176adjacent the connector engaging lips and extending radially outwardly of the outer surface98of the locking tabs. As the sleeve moves toward the end portion88of the body40, the inside surface150of the locking sleeve contacts the raised portions176of the of the locking tabs62and forces the bottom surface131of the connector engaging lips92towards the bottom locking surface138of the automotive connector14. In this position, the locking edge surface132of the quick connector24is in contact with the retaining surface136of the automotive connector14and resists radially inward movement of the connector engaging lips92.

The assembly end146of the locking sleeve144contacts the stop surface178of the raised stop portion82extending radially outwardly from the circular outer peripheral surface81to resist further axial movement of the locking sleeve. In this position, movement of the sleeve144with respect to the body40is resisted by frictional forces and the quick connector24and automotive connector14are in the locked position172. It should be understood that when the locking sleeve144is moved between the unlocked position170and the locked position168no twisting of the sleeve is required and the sleeve is moved between these positions by pushing or pulling on the sleeve.

When the quick connector24is so connected to the automotive connector14and the actuator22is connected to the pressurized container, the actuator may be actuated, allowing refrigerant to flow from the pressurized container12, through the actuator22, tube26and quick connector24and automotive fitting14into the automotive air conditioning system16.

In order to control the flow of refrigerant to and from the automotive air conditioning system, the quick connector24of the present invention provides a check valve180to allow flow of refrigerant into the automotive air conditioner but not allow refrigerant to flow or escape from the automotive air conditioner, as shown inFIGS. 4,6, and8. The check valve180of the present invention has a check valve ball182and a valve cage184having an inlet end186fluidically connected to the fluid passageway46of the plastic body40. The fluid passageway46is defined by a wall188and extends through the inlet end42and into the intermediate portion64of the body40.

The fluid passageway46has a chamber190for housing the check valve ball182of the check valve180. The check valve ball182is spherical and has a predetermined outer diameter “Db”. The chamber190includes a conical sealing surface194extending radially outwardly away from the wall188and terminates in an axial wall196. The axial wall196is cylindrical in shape, having a diameter greater than the diameter “Db” and allows the ball to move therein. The wall188of the fluid passageway46is circular and has a diameter less than the outer diameter Db of the check valve ball182. Accordingly, when fluid urges the ball182towards the conical sealing surface194, such as when refrigerant attempts to escape the automotive air conditioning system16and the quick connector is attached thereto, the ball seals against the conical sealing surface and prevents the flow of refrigerant from the automotive air conditioner.

The check valve180of the present invention has a valve cage184that snaps into engagement with the body40so that it is secured thereto without any separate fastening components. This design allows ready assembly of a valve cage184and its associated valve ball182. The valve cage184has an inlet end198, and an outlet end200with a valve cage fluid passageway202passing therethrough. The inlet end198has an enlarged body connecting portion204which is received by and secured in an integral pocket206formed integrally in the intermediate portion64of the quick connector. The body connecting portion204of the valve cage184has a back, side, and front surfaces208,210,212respectively. The pocket206in the body40is defined by a back, side and retaining surfaces,214,216and218respectively, as shown inFIGS. 3a,4and8.

To assemble the valve180, the valve ball182is positioned in the chamber190and the body connecting portion204of the valve cage184is then positioned with its back side surface208adjacent the retaining portion220of the pocket206. By exerting a force urging the body connecting portion204of the valve cage184into the pocket206, the back surface208of the valve cage contacts the back surface214of the pocket, the side surface210of the valve cage contacts the side surface216of the pocket, and the front surface212of the valve cage contacts the retaining surface218of the pocket. The retaining surface218of the pocket206holds the valve cage184in the pocket206so that it is secured thereto without any separate fastening components.

The fluid passageway202of the valve cage184receives pressurized fluid from the passageway46of the body40. When fluid is flowing towards the passageway202, the ball182is urged towards the passageway202.

The valve cage184of the present invention allows refrigerant to flow through the check valve even if the ball is resting against the valve cage and is designed to allow sufficient flow of refrigerant therethrough when transferring refrigerant from the refrigerant container to the automotive air conditioner. As shown inFIG. 8, the passageway202has ball valve holding portions224to hold the ball182so that fluid may flow into the passageway202. Inlet depressions or non sealing passageways226are provided adjacent the ball valve holding portions224to allow fluid to flow around the ball and into the passageway202of the valve cage through the depressions226. The passageway terminates in openings228in the sides230of the valve cage.

As shown inFIG. 3, the inlet end119of the automotive connector14has a fluid passageway231extending from its inlet end119to an automotive connector valve, indicated at232, which is connected to the air conditioning system. The present invention provides a seal233positioned around the shank portion234of the valve cage and in contact with the inner end surface86of the intermediate portion64. When the quick connector24is connected to the automotive air conditioning fitting14as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the end sealing surface121of the fitting14contacts and compresses the seal233to create a fluid seal between the quick connector24and the automotive fitting14.

The valve cage184is also designed to activate the automotive connector valve232of the automotive air conditioning fitting14when the quick connector24is connected to the automotive air conditioning fitting. When the quick connector is not connected to the automotive air conditioning fitting, the automotive connector valve232stops the flow of refrigerant from the automotive air conditioning system. The valve cage has a valve actuation surface236that contacts and depresses the valve stem238of the automotive connector valve232when the quick connector24is connected to the automotive air conditioning fitting14.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the valve stem is not depressed as the quick connector and automotive air conditioning fitting are not connected. In either the secured position140shown inFIG. 5or the locked position168shown inFIG. 6, the valve stem238is depressed, connecting the fluid passageway231of the automotive fitting and the air conditioning system to the passageway46of the body40through the fluid passageway202of the valve cage184.

If it is desired to detach the quick connector24from the automotive connector14, the locking sleeve144is simply manually moved from the locked position168to the retracted or unlocked position170by overcoming the frictional force. The locking tabs62are then free to move and the quick connector24can be moved away from the automotive connector14. During movement of the quick connector from the securing position140shown inFIG. 5to the unlocked position118shown inFIG. 3, the locking tabs move in the reverse sequence as when they were moved from the unlocked position to the securing position140described above.

It is important to recognize that the body40, locking sleeve144, and valve cage184of the quick connector are designed to be manufactured in plastic material that “remembers” the configuration in which it is formed. This material memory allows for elastic deformation of the components by exerting a force thereon and the return of the material to its molded configuration. The locking tabs62and the prongs156may be deformed and exert a force to return to their molded position. This feature allows for designing the quick connector24of the present invention without requiring springs.

It is within the contemplation of this invention that the components of the quick connector be of a wide variety of constructions and designs. For example, where appropriate, the circular surfaces may have other configurations that match each other to coact as described herein. It should also be understood that it is within the contemplation of this invention that the quick connector of the present invention may be used to transfer other material, such as tire sealing material, and could be connected to various connectors.

Another embodiment of the material transfer device10′ of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 9–15and is provided to transfer tire sealing material. The material transfer device10′ of the present invention is similar in construction with the material transfer device10described above. For ease of description, the material transfer device10′ is numbered with numerals the same as are used in connection with the material transfer device10to denote common or similar parts where appropriate and followed by a prime mark “′” to denote the material transfer device10′.

The present invention provides an improved tire sealant material transfer device10′ for transferring tire sealant material from a pressurized container12′ to the tire valve connector240(shown inFIGS. 9–14) on a tire, such as the tire242shown on the automobile18inFIG. 1. It should be understood that the tire sealant material transfer device10′ of the present invention may be used with any tire. The tire has a valved connector240for inflating and/or introducing tire sealant material into the tire.

The tire sealant material transfer device10′ of the present invention provides for introducing tire sealant material into the tire. It should be understood that tire sealant material adheres to many things it comes in contact and it is desireable to minimize leakage of the tire sealant during its transfer into the tire and also when disconnecting the tire sealant material transfer device10′ from the tire valve240.

The tire sealant material transfer device10′ of the present invention, shown inFIG. 1, provides an actuator22′ for attachment to the pressurized container, such as an aerosol can12′, having pressurized tire sealant material therein and a quick connect fitting24′ for attachment to the tire valve240. A fluid conveying tube26′ is also provided to fluidically interconnect the actuator22′ and the quick connect fitting24′ to allow the flow of tire sealant material from the actuator to the quick connector24′.

The actuator22′ is in fluid communication with the tire sealant material in the container12′ and has a valve28′ in a normally closed position in which the flow of tire sealant material from the container is blocked. The actuator22′ has a finger tab30′ which when depressed, moves the valve28′ to a discharge position so tire sealant material flows from the container12′ through the actuator to the connecting tube26′. The tube26′ has an inlet end32′ in fluid communication with and attached to the actuator22′ by any known manner, such as the connector36′. The outlet end38′ of the tube26′ is in fluid communication with and attached to the quick connect fitting24′ as will hereinafter described.

The quick connect fitting24′ has advantageous design features with fewer parts that are more readily assembled with cost savings and provide improved operational features. Further, the parts are particularly designed to be formed in plastic. One of the advantageous operational features provided by the quick connect fitting24′ of the present invention is the attachment of the quick connector24′ to the tire valve connector240quickly and efficiently without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the connector components.

As seen inFIGS. 10–13, the quick connector24′ of the present invention provides a one-piece plastic body40′ that has an inlet end42′ attached to the outlet end38′ of the connecting tube26′. The discharge or outlet end44′ of the quick connector24′ is selectively attachable to and detachable from the tire valve connector240. The body40′ has a fluid passageway46′ extending between its ends42′,44′. The body40′ has a barbed connector portion48′ on the inlet end42′ with a portion of the passageway46′ passing therethrough. The tube26′ has an inner wall50′ defining a fluid passage52′ through the tube.

To connect the tube26′ to the body40′ so that the passageways46′ and52′ are connected, the outlet end38′ of the tube is slid over the outside surface54′ of the barbed connector portion48′ with the outlet end portion55′ of the inner wall50′ defining a portion of the passageway52′ in contact therewith. The outside surface54′ of of the barbed connector portion48′ has barbs56′ thereon.

The outside surface54′ is larger than the passageway52′ and the barbs56′ are even larger. The tube26′ is flexible and is deformed when it is moved over the barbed connector portion48′. In this assembled position, the tube26′ is frictionally attached by frictional force to the barbed connector portion48′. A securing ring58′ is then positioned around the outside60′ of the tube26′ to secure the tube and body40′ together. Accordingly, the passageways46′ and52′ are connected. It is within the contemplation of this invention to attach the tube26′ and body40′ in any known manner in which the fluid passageways46′ and52′ are connected.

The quick connector24′ of the present invention may be quickly and efficiently attached to and detached from the tire valve connector240without the need for additional tools or manual twisting of the components of the quick connector. The body40′ of the quick connector24′ has locking tabs62′ formed integrally with the body40′. The locking tabs62′ are movable with respect to the body40′ to secure the quick connector24′ to the tire valve connector240as will be hereinafter described.

The body40′ has an intermediate portion64′ and a connector end portion66′ extending from the intermediate portion toward the discharge or outlet end44′ of the body. The barbed connector portion48′ is part of the connector end portion66′ which extends from the intermediate portion64′ towards and defines the inlet end42′ of the body40′.

The intermediate portion64′ of the body40′ has a generally circular outer peripheral surface68′ having a predetermined diameter Do′. The connector end portion66′ of the body40′ has a generally circular outer peripheral surface81′ having a diameter greater than Do′ and extending away from the surface68′ of the intermediate portion64′. The generally circular outer peripheral surface81′ has predetermined diameter that is greater than the diameter Do′ and terminates in an end ring portion244which has a raised stop portion82′ extending radially outwardly from the circular outer peripheral surface81′. The raised stop portion82′ is provided to contact the end146′ of the locking sleeve144′ to limit relative movement of the body and the locking sleeve in one direction.

The connector end portion66′ of the body40′ has a generally circular inner peripheral surface84′ extending from the inner end surface86′ of the intermediate portion64′.

The inner peripheral surface84′ of the connector end portion66′ terminates in a tire connector receiving end portion88′. The tire connector receiving end portion88′ has an outer chamfer surface90′ extending at an angle radially outwardly from the inner peripheral surface84′ and terminates at a generally radial end surface91′ that extends radially outwardly from the outer chamfer surface90′.

The locking tabs62′ are provided to secure the quick connector24′ to the tire valve connector240. As seen inFIG. 10, the locking tabs62′ have connector engaging lips92′ for selectively engaging and disengaging the tire valve connector240. The locking tabs62′ are formed integrally with the body40′ as a one piece part and have a hinge portion94′ and an arm portion96′ extending from the hinge portion94′ to the connector engaging lips92′. The locking tabs62′ have a generally arcuate outer surface98′ and a generally arcuate inner surface100′. The side surfaces102′,104′, and end surface106′ of the locking tabs62′ extend between the inner and outer surfaces100′,98′ of the lips respectively. While the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9–15disclose two locking tabs62′, it is also within the contemplation of this invention to use one or more than two locking tabs62′.

The locking tabs62′ are movable with respect to the connector end portion66′ so they can move between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking tabs62′ are received in tab apertures110′ formed in the connector end portion66′. The tab apertures110′ have side surfaces112′,114′ and end surface116′ extending between the outer and inner surfaces,98′,100′ respectively. The side surfaces112′,114′ and end surface116′ of the tab apertures110′ are spaced from the side surfaces102′,104′, and end surface106′ of the locking tabs62′. When a force is exerted on the locking tabs62′, they are moveable between an unlocked position118′ shown inFIG. 14and a locked position120′ as shown inFIG. 15, as will be more fully described.

To secure the quick connect fitting24′ to the tire valve connector240, the quick connect fitting and tire valve connector24′,240respectively, are aligned with each other with the inlet end119′ of the connector240adjacent the connector end portion66′ of the body40′ and are then moved toward each other. As shown inFIGS. 9,14and15, the inlet end119′ of the connector240has an end sealing surface121′ and an end chamfer surface122′ extending radially outwardly at an angle from the end sealing surface121′ to the outer circumferential surface124′ of the tire connector. The outer circumferential surface124′ has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner peripheral surface84′ of the connector end portion66′ so that the surface124′ can slide therein. The outer circumferential surface124′ of the tire valve240has threads246forming the surface124′.

As the automotive connector240is moved toward the quick connect fitting24′, the chamfered surfaces90′,122′ may contact each other to guide the quick connect fitting24′ and the automotive connector240into alignment with each other.

As the quick connect fitting24′ and the tire valve connector240are further moved together, the threads246are positioned adjacent the bottom surface131′ of the connector engaging lips92′. The bottom surface131′ has an arcuate shape about the same axis and having the same diameter as the circular inner peripheral surface84′ of the connector end portion66′. The bottom surface131′ of the lips92′ have protrusions248thereon for engaging the threads246when the quickconnect fitting24′ is in the locked position120′. The protrusions248are formed in the lips92′ in a direction about the circumference thereof so they generally align with the threads246when positioned in the locked position120′.

As the quick connect fitting24′ and the automotive connector240are further moved together, the bottom surface131′ of the connector engaging lips92′ slides along the threads246of the automotive connector240.

FIG. 14shows the locking tabs62′ securing the quick connect fitting24to the automotive connector240. In this securing position140′, the bottom surface131′ of the connector engaging lips92′ is adjacent and in contact with the threads246of the automotive connector240and the inner peripheral surface84′ of the connector end portion66′ is adjacent and in contact with the threads246.

The inner peripheral surface84′ is an integral part of the sleeve and improves the stability of the connection between the connector24′ and the tire valve when in the locked position. While the locking tabs62′ are moveable with respect to the inner surface84′ of the sleeve, the inner peripheral surface84′ between the tabs62′ and the inner peripheral surface84′ of the ring portion244are not moveable with respect thereto. The inner peripheral surface84′ between the tabs62′ is the defined by the inner surface249of the stabilizing portion247as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13.

The stabilizing portion247of the body40′ extends between the side surfaces112′,114′ of the tab apertures110′ formed in the connector end portion66′. The stabilizing portion247of the body40′ has side portions251,253forming the side surfaces112′,114′, respectively, of the tab apertures110′. The side portions251and253are adjacent to and spaced from the locking tabs62′. The stabilizing portions247and consequently their side portions251are formed integrally with the end ring portion244. The end ring portion244has the end surface116′ which defines a portion of the apertures110′ for receiving the locking tabs therein.

Accordingly, when in the locked position120′, the inner surface249of the stabilizing portion247and the inner peripheral surface84′ of the ring portion244provide an improved connection between the tire valve and the connector24′ of the present invention. For example, if external forces are exerted to misalign the tire valve and the connector24′, the inner surface249and the inner peripheral surface84′ of the ring portion244in contact with the tire valve would resist that force and tend to maintain alignment thereof. In the locked position, the automotive connector240is fluidically connected to the quick connector24′ as will be further described.

To maintain axial alignment of the quick connect fitting24′ and automotive connector240, the end ring portion244has a circular inner surface250, of substantially the same diameter as the threads246, which defines a portion of the inner peripheral surface84′ and is in contact with the threads246. When in the locked position, the inner surface250of the end ring contacts the threads and assists in maintaining alignment of the fitting24′ and the tire valve240. This assists in maintaining a connection therebetween to minimize leakage of the tire sealant material as it flows into the tire and also assists in providing a quick and aligned disconnection of the fitting and tire valve to minimize leakage of the tire sealant during disconnection thereof.

In order to selectively lock or unlock the quick connect fitting24′ of the present invention to the automotive connector240, the quick connector24′ of the present invention provides a plastic locking sleeve144′ mountable on the plastic body40′ as shown inFIGS. 13–15. The plastic locking sleeve144′ is generally cylindrical and has an assembly end146′ and an outer end148′ with an inner surface150′ and an outer surface152′ extending between the ends146′,148′. The inner surface150′ is generally circular and is slidable along the plastic body40′.

The locking sleeve144′ has assembly prongs or flexible portions252extending radially inwardly of the inner surface150′. The assembly prongs or flexible portions252have inner bearing surfaces254for contacting the outer surface81′ of the body40′ and supporting the locking sleeve144′ on the body40′. The inner bearing surfaces254of the prongs252are formed to slide along the outer peripheral surface68′ of the intermediate portion64′ body40′. The inner surface150′ and the inner bearing surfaces254form the central aperture153′ of the locking sleeve. The outer surface152′ has a concave portion to allow better gripping of the sleeve for manual movement thereof.

The quick connector24′ of the present invention provides for assembly of the sleeve144′ and body40′ of the quick connector by simply sliding them into an assembled relationship and when assembled, restrains the disassembly of the body and sleeve without additional separate components. To accomplish this feature, the locking sleeve144′ has a locking sleeve body154′ and assembly prongs252formed as part of and integrally with the locking sleeve body and movable along the body40′.

To assemble the sleeve144′ and body40′, the central aperture153′ of the sleeve144′ is positioned around the body40′ before the tube26′ and body40′ are assembled. To start the assembly of the sleeve and the body, the assembly end146′ of the sleeve is positioned adjacent the inlet end42′ of the body. The sleeve144′ is then moved toward the body40′ and the bearing surface254of the assembly prongs252contact and slide over the barbs56′.

The inner enlarged barb256has an outer surface258that has a circumference greater than the circumference of the body bearing surface254. The prong legs252contact the inner barb256and flex to slide over the inner barb256. After the prong legs are past the barb256, if any attempt is made to disassemble the locking sleeve144′ from the body40′, the body bearing surface254of the prong legs252contacts the barb256and resists disassembly of the locking sleeve and the body. In this position, the barb256restrains disassembly of the body40′ and the sleeve144′ since the generally radial inner stop surface259of the inner barb256contacts the side surface261of the legs252when disassembly is attempted. The inner surface150′ of the sleeve slidably receives the outer surface68′ of the connector end portion66′ of the body.

The body40′ has a necked down portion260between the barb256and the intermediate portion72′ of the body40′. The necked down portion260has a prong engaging surface253has a circumference less than the circumference of the bearing surface254of the prong legs252and accordingly allows the sleeve to be easily moved towards the outlet end44′. The outlet end38′ of the tube26′ is then assembled with the body40′ by sliding the tube over the barbs56′ and up to the inner enlarged barb256. The securing ring58′ is then positioned around the outlet end38′ of the tube to keep the barbs in engagement with the tube.

The outside surface81′ has locking protrusions266thereon extending outwardly towards the inner surface150′ of the sleeve as seen inFIGS. 10 and 13. As the sleeve is moved towards the locking protrusion, the leading edge268of the raised portions262of the sleeve contacts the locking protrusions266and the bearing surface of the raised portions slide over the locking protrusions until they are past the trailing edge270of the raised portions. In this position, the locking protrusions restrain movement of the locking sleeve away from the connector end portion66′ of the body when the protrusions266contact the trailing edge270of the sleeve.

In this position, the quick connector24′ of the present invention is assembled and ready to be connected to the tire valve240. To start this assembly process, the inlet end119′ of the tire valve is positioned in alignment with the connector end portion66′ and its inner peripheral surface84′. The inlet end119′ is then moved toward the body40′ so that the threads246are received in the connector end portion and the end sealing surface121′ of the inlet end119′ of the tire valve is sealed against the body and the tire valve is opened as will hereinafter be more fully described.

The locking sleeve144′ is provided to lock the locking tabs62′ in the tab locking position or tab locked position168′ shown inFIG. 15. When the locking tabs62′ are in the secured position140′ shown inFIG. 14, the locking sleeve144′ is moved to the locked position168′ and locks the quick connector24′ to the automotive connector240′.

To position the sleeve144′ in the locked position168′, the sleeve144′ is moved from its tab unlocking position or tab unlocked position170′, shown inFIG. 14, to the locked position168′ shown inFIG. 15. As the sleeve moves toward the connector receiving end portion66′ of the body40′, the bearing surface254of the prong legs252slides along the outer surface68′ of the intermediate portion64′ of the body40′. During this movement of the sleeve, the inner surface150′ of the sleeve has raised portions262extending radially inwardly toward the outer surface81′ of the connector end portion66′ of the body and terminate in an inner bearing surface264which contacts the outside surface81′ of the connector receiving end portion66′.

As seen inFIGS. 10,12and14, the arm portion96′ of the locking tabs62′ has a raised portion176′ adjacent the connector engaging lips and extending radially outwardly of the outer surface98′ of the locking tabs to an outer arcuate surface271. As the sleeve moves toward the end portion88′ of the body40′, the leading edge268of the raised portions262contacts the leading edge272of the raised portion176′. The diameter of the inner bearing surface264of the sleeve is less than the diameter of the outer arcuate surface271of the raised portions on the locking tabs. As movement of the sleeve towards the end portion88′, the inner bearing surface264of the sleeve exerts a force on the outer arcuate surface271of the locking tabs and consequently forces the protrusions248on the inner surface100′ of the locking tabs toward the threads246of the tire valve240. This force is sufficient to deform the protrusions248against the threads246and securely attach the quick connect fitting24′ to the tire valve240.

As seen inFIG. 15, when the sleeve is in the locking position168′, the assembly end146′ of the locking sleeve144′ contacts the stop surface178′ of the raised stop portion82′ of the ring portion244to resist further axial movement of the locking sleeve. In this position, further movement of the sleeve144′ with respect to the body40′ is resisted by contact between the stop surface178′ and the leading edge268and the quick connector24′ and automotive connector240are in the locked position172′. It should be understood that when the locking sleeve144′ is moved between the unlocked position170′ and the locked position168′ no twisting of the sleeve is required and the sleeve is moved between these positions by pushing or pulling on the sleeve.

The quick connector24′ can be connected to the tire valve240with one hand. By simply holding the connector with one hand, sliding it into the secured position and then sliding the locking sleeve into the locking position, the locked connection of the connector and the tire valve is achieved. Likewise, disconnection of the quick connector and the tire valve is accomplished by the reverse steps taken to make the connection. In addition, in cold weather when a motorist is wearing gloves, the motorists gloves need not be removed to make the desired connection or disconnection.

When the quick connector24′ is so connected to the automotive connector240and the actuator22′ is connected to the pressurized container, the actuator may be actuated, allowing tire sealant to flow from the pressurized container12′, through the actuator22′, tube26′ and quick connector24′ and automotive fitting240into the tire.

While it is within the contemplation of this invention to provide a check valve180, as described above in connection with the connector24, for use with the connector24′, preferably a check valve is not provided. The container12′ contains inflator and sealant composition under pressure and usually the tire has little or no pressurized material. Accordingly, in this embodiment while a check valve is not preferred, the connector24′ could function with a check valve.

In order to open the tire valve, the body40′ has a cage portion184′ similar in construction to a portion of the valve cage184yet formed integrally with the body40′ and without a check valve ball in place, as seen inFIGS. 13 and 15. By forming the cage portion integrally with the body, the assembly of the body, cage and the check valve ball is avoided resulting in cost savings. The fluid passageway46′ extends through the intermediate portion of the body to the cage portion184′. The passageway46′ extends through openings228′ in the sides230′ of the cage portion.

The cage portion is provided to open the automotive connector valve232′ of the tire valve240when the quick connector24′ is connected to the tire valve. When the quick connector is not connected to the tire valve, the tire valve is in the closed position and stops pressure from being released therethrough. The cage portion184′ has a valve actuation surface236′ that contacts and depresses the valve stem238′ of the tire valve240when the quick connector24′ is connected to the tire valve.

The valve stem is238′ is not depressed when the quick connector and tire valve fitting are not connected. In either the secured position140′ shown inFIG. 14or the locked position168′ shown inFIG. 15, the valve stem238′ is depressed, connecting the fluid passageway of the tire valve to the passageway46′ of the body40″.

If it is desired to detach the quick connector24′ from the automotive connector240, the locking sleeve144′ is simply manually moved from the locked position168′ to the retracted or unlocked position170′ by overcoming the frictional force. The locking tabs62′ are then free to move and the quick connector24′ can be moved away from the tire valve. During movement of the quick connector from the locked position168′ to release the tire valve, the locking tabs move in the reverse sequence as when they were moved from the unlocked position to the locked position described above.

The present invention provides a seal233′ positioned around the shank portion234′ of the cage portion184′ and in contact with the inner end surface86′ of the intermediate portion64′. When the quick connector24′ is connected to the tire valve connector fitting240as shown inFIG. 15, the end sealing surface121′ of the fitting240contacts and compresses the seal233′ to create a fluid seal between the quick connector24′ and the automotive fitting240.

It is important to recognize that the body40′, and locking sleeve144′ of the quick connector are designed to be manufactured in plastic material that “remembers” the configuration in which it is formed. This material memory allows for elastic deformation of the components by exerting a force thereon and the return of the material to its molded configuration. The locking tabs62′ and the prongs256may be deformed and exert a force to return to their molded position. This feature allows for designing the quick connector24′ of the present invention without requiring springs.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. It is our intention to include all modifications and alterations in so far as they are within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.