Abstract:
A securing mechanism for a coupling device is provided for allowing one wearing a protective mask to drink fluids from a standard drinking fluid container. The device enables a secure connection of a gas mask to a chemical-biological warfare resistant water pouch to provide safe drinking water in contaminated environments. The securing mechanism is designed to interface with a variety of currently available coupling devices, particularly for mask drinkstraw systems, and is particularly well suited for an AVON™ type fitting.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims benefit of copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/253,109 entitled “Securing Mechanism for a Coupling Device”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 20, 2009 by the inventors herein, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention generally relates to the field of personal protective devices and, in particular, to a securing mechanism for a coupling device that can be used for connecting a drinking tube of a protective mask with a hose for a drinking fluid container. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Protective suits worn by individuals in hazardous or contaminated environments often include protective masks. Governments, militaries, and private industries have developed such protective masks and suits in an attempt to allow personnel to function in areas where there may be nuclear, biological, or chemical contamination. These protective masks and suits are hot to wear. As a result, major problems for the wearers of such protective masks and suits include rapid and potentially life-threatening dehydration and associated elevated core body temperature, which necessitate frequent fluid intake. 
         [0006]    Conventionally, a gas mask wearer, such as, for example only, a firefighter, rescue personnel, member of the military, and the like, desiring a drink while working in an environment containing harmful and possibly fatal air-born toxins must leave the environment so as not to contaminate the liquid source from which they intend to drink. Accordingly, the wearer of the gas mask is required to interrupt or stop performing their duties to leave the work environment. 
         [0007]    Many masks, such as the “M” series protective type, have drinking tubes that allow the mask wearer to access and drink from compatible “canteen” fluid sources that permit continuous connection to a liquid source without requiring a gas mask wearer to remove the gas mask or connect and disconnect the liquid source to the gas mask each time the wearer wishes to drink from the liquid source. Today&#39;s operating environment may require military forces, allies, first responders, and critical infrastructure managers to remain “in place” for extended periods of time, even days, to accomplish their assigned tasks. 
         [0008]    Alternatively, the wearer of the gas mask must connect the liquid source, such as, for example only, a canteen, to the gas mask while the wearer is in the harmful environment, which may require the wearer to put down any items in their hands, pick up the liquid source, and connect the liquid source to the gas mask so they may access the fluids in the liquid source. Such steps not only interrupt the work being performed by the gas mask wearer, but also introduce an undesirable risk of contaminating the liquid source or the wearer while being connected to and/or disconnected from the gas mask. 
         [0009]    Another alternative may require the gas mask wearer to remove the gas mask to take a drink while they are in the harmful environment. Such an activity may prove harmful or fatal, depending on the toxins present in the harmful environment. 
         [0010]    Once the gas mask is connected to the liquid source, it is important that the connection remain secure in order to both maintain the supply of liquid to the wearer and prevent risk of contamination of the connection fitting. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, there is a need for a securing mechanism for the coupling device that delivers liquid to a gas mask wearer with a low risk of contamination of the drinking liquid, without interrupting the duties of the wearer, and/or exposing the wearer to risk or physical danger. There is a need for a securing mechanism that effectively maintains the gas mask coupled to the source of drinking liquid. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a securing mechanism for a coupling device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a securing mechanism that interfaces with currently available mask drinkstraw systems. It is a related object of the present invention to provide a securing mechanism that is designed to secure the gas mask fitting to the drinkstraw system. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a securing mechanism that is simple to operate. A related object is to provide a securing mechanism that is easy to manufacture. A further related object is to provide a securing mechanism that can be operated and used many times. 
         [0015]    In accordance with the above objects, a securing mechanism for a coupling device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the coupling device comprises a fail-safe AVON™ type fitting with a compression securing mechanism. The securing mechanism enables secure connection of a gas mask to a chemical-biological warfare resistant water pouch to provide safe drinking water in contaminated environments. The securing mechanism is designed to interface with a variety of currently available coupling devices, particularly for mask drinkstraw systems. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of a securing mechanism for a coupling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a side elevational view of the coupling device according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-section view of the coupling device taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a top plan view of a cover piece for the securing mechanism according to the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of the cover piece of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows a bottom plan view of the cover piece of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  shows a side elevational view of the cover piece for the coupling device according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  shows a cross-section view of the cover piece taken along line B-B of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a cam lock appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  shows a top plan view of the cam lock appliance of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  shows a side view of the cam lock appliance of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  shows a side elevational view of an insert piece for the coupling device according to the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  shows a top plan view of the insert piece of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  shows a cross-section view of the insert piece taken along line C-C of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of a coupling device having a securing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  shows a cross section of the coupling device having a securing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated claims may be better understood by referring to the following description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers are used for like parts. This description of an embodiment, set out below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention, is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
         [0034]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-3  show exploded, side, and cross-sectional views of a coupling device, indicated generally as  10 , of the present invention. The coupling device  10  includes a body  13 , an insert piece  16 , a cam lock appliance  19 , and a cover piece  22 . The coupling device  10  may include a piston  25  and base  28  that serves to stop or permit the flow of fluid through the coupling device  10 . In some embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be engaged between the piston  25  and base  28 . In a preferred embodiment, the top portion  26  of the piston  25  is formed as a truncated cone to form a valve seal with a seating surface  30  of the insert piece  16  (see  FIG. 14 ). A pair of O-rings  31 ,  32  may be included. The particular style and construction of the coupling device  10  is not critical in the practice of this invention. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , the cover piece  22  includes an opening  35  providing an inlet port for insertion of a drink tube or connector, such as from a gas mask. On an inner wall  53  of the cover piece  22  are a plurality of raised ledges  38  that interact with the cam lock appliance  19 , as described further below. The raised ledges  38  begin from a starting position  39  substantially flush with the inner wall  53  of the cover piece  22  and taper toward the middle of the cover piece  22 , ending at a stop piece  40 . 
         [0036]    The cover piece  22  may include one or more tabs  48  that engage an abutment  55  on the body  13  when the cover piece  22  is rotated in operation. The interaction of the tab  48  and abutment  55  limits the amount and direction of rotation of the cover piece  22 . 
         [0037]      FIGS. 9-11  show the cam lock appliance  19  according to the present invention. The cam lock appliance  19  includes a plurality of wedges  41  and a plurality of legs  44 . When the coupling device  10  is assembled, the legs  44  are engaged with the body  13 , such as in a plurality of slots  47  ( FIG. 1 ), to prevent the cam lock appliance  19  from rotating during operation. The wedges  41  have a raised back  51  and a concave curved face  52 . Each wedge  41  is mounted on a flexible arm  58  that extends from each leg  44  substantially perpendicular. The arm  58  is attached to the leg  44  on only one end, as best seen in  FIG. 9 . In use, the cover piece  22  is at least partially rotatable around the body  13 . When the cover piece is rotated approximately 90° in a first direction, the raised ledges  38  push against the back  51  of the wedges  41  causing the arm  58  to be partly displaced toward the middle of the cam lock appliance  19 . The cover piece  22  can be rotated until a side  56  of the raised back  51  contacts the stop piece  40 . The curved face  52  of the wedge  41  is caused to press against a drink tube or other cylindrical device placed in the opening  35 . Upon rotating the cover piece  22  in a second, opposite direction, the wedges  41  release the drink tube and return to their original position. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 12-14  show the insert piece  16  of the present invention. The insert piece  16  houses a piston  25  and base  28  that serve to stop or permit the flow of fluid through the coupling device  10 . In some embodiments, a spring (not shown) may be engaged between the piston  25  and base  28 . In a preferred embodiment, the top portion  26  of the piston  25  is formed as a truncated cone to form a valve seal with a seating surface  30  of the insert piece  16 . When a drink tube is inserted in the opening  35  of the cover piece  22 , the drink tube presses against the top surface  60  of the piston  25  causing the piston  25  to displace inwardly, thereby opening an unobstructed path through the coupling device. The top ledge  63  of the insert piece is sized and configured to hold an O-ring  31 . The O-ring  31  cooperates with the design of the drink tube to prevent leakage. Once the drink tube has been inserted sufficiently, the cover piece  22  can be rotated to lock the drink tube in place in order to prevent inadvertent removal. 
         [0039]    It should be understood that this invention is not limited to a drink tube connection as described above. The securing mechanism may be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on a given end use. While the coupling device  10  is particularly well suited for an AVON™ type fitting, it is contemplated that the features taught herein may be applied to other coupling devices, as well. 
         [0040]    The invention has been described with references to preferred embodiments. While specific values, relationships, materials and steps have been set forth for purposes of describing concepts of the invention, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications can be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the basic concepts and operating principles of the invention as broadly described. It should be recognized that, in the light of the above teachings, those skilled in the art can modify those specifics without departing from the invention taught herein. Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the underlying concept. It is intended to include all such modifications, alternatives, and other embodiments insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or equivalents thereof. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention might be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. Consequently, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.