Patent Publication Number: US-2011057439-A1

Title: High pressure cam and groove connector

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/051,868, filed May 9, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Cam and groove connectors are popular in providing quick release connections. One limitation of such prior art connectors is they have typically been limited to 250 psi or so. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     The purpose of this invention is to allow for no-tools connection and removal of fittings in elevated fluid pressure applications such paint sprayers, texture pumps and other fluid transfer applications. The construction and operation are quite simple. The body is composed of an aluminum extrusion and the handles are powder metal. The handle is assembled to the extrusion with a pin though the handle and press-fit into the extrusion body. A rubber gasket inserted inside the female member and is used as a face seal between the male and female members. The connection is made by rotating the handles to the full open position, inserting the male member, and rotating the handles to the fully closed position securing the two components together. 
     The instant invention allows a user to utilize a cam and groove coupling in fluid transfer applications at elevated fluid pressures e.g. 1000 psi. This coupler also allows a user to connect and disconnect hoses and guns without the use of tools. The profile of the cam is such that it will not allow the male section to be disconnected or released from the female section unless both handles are in the full open position which, in the preferred embodiment, requires handle rotation of about 162 degrees. In addition, the cam profile is such that when subjected to pressure, it requires substantial force to release the levers making it difficult to manipulate handle under pressure. Compared to a standard prior art cam and groove fitting, this design provides an increased length of engagement between the male and female members, and an increased diameter of the cam surface on the lever and the mating male member. The pressure angle in the preferred embodiment of about 59.5 degrees between the male fitting and the cam lever is such that it resists opening when subjected to pressure. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view showing the fitting of the instant invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section of the fitting of the instant invention in the open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section of the fitting of the instant invention in the partially open but not removable position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-section of the fitting of the instant invention in the closed position. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     The body  10  (or female member) of the fitting  12  is constructed of an aluminum extrusion and the handles  14  are powder metal. The handles  14  are assembled to the extrusion body  10  with a pin  16  though the handle  14  and press-fit into the extrusion body  10 . A rubber gasket  18  is inserted inside the female member  10  and is used as a face seal between the male  20  and female  10  members. The connection is made by rotating the handles  14  to the full open position of  FIG. 2 , inserting the male member  20 , and rotating the handles  14  to the fully closed position of  FIG. 4  securing the two components together. In the preferred embodiment, both male  20  and female members are machined from aluminum extrusions. 
     The profile of the cam  22  on handle/lever  14  is such that it will not allow the male member  20  to be disconnected or released from the female section  10  unless both handles  14  are in the full open position which, in the preferred embodiment, requires handle rotation of about 162 degrees.  FIG. 3  shows that when rotated 130 degrees, handles  14  still secure the male  20  and female  10  members together. 
     In addition, the cam  22  profile is such that when subjected to pressure, it requires substantial force to release the levers making it difficult to manipulate handle under pressure. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , compared to a standard prior art cam and groove fitting, this design provides an increased length of engagement between the male  20  and female  10  members, and an increased diameter of the cam surface  22  on the lever  14  and the mating male member  20 . The pressure angle in the preferred embodiment of about 59.5 degrees between the male fitting and the cam lever is such that it resists opening when subjected to pressure as can be seen in  FIG. 4 . 
     It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be made to the fitting without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.