MALE COUPLING FOR CONNECTING TO FEMALE THREADED COUPLING
Cross-Reference to Related Application
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/895,036 filed
on March 15, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
herein.
Background
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application relates to fluid couplings and, more particularly, to fluid
couplings that are configured to connect to a female threaded coupling.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Coupling assemblies for the transmission of gases or fluids that may be secured
together by axial movement of a male coupling into a female coupling are known in the art. In a
typical application, a male coupling and a female coupling function as an adapter between a
flexible conduit, such as a hose, and an apparatus, such as a pump. While several methods are
commonly used to connect the male coupling to the flexible conduit, such as a barbed hose
adapter, the female coupling is typically connected to a standard female threaded port in the
apparatus.
[0004] Manufacturers of coupling assemblies have attempted to reduce complexity and cost
by integrating the female coupling directly into their customer's apparatus (known as "direct
porting"), thereby eliminating the need for the standard female threaded port. However,
customers are oftentimes reluctant to integrate a particular coupling manufacturer's female
coupling directly into the apparatus because doing so would make it difficult to convert to a
standard female threaded port. Additionally, customers may be reluctant to integrate a particular
coupling manufacturer's female coupling directly into the apparatus because doing so would
require the customers to purchase all their hoses from the manufacturer of the coupling
assembly. There are continual efforts to improve upon the current designs of coupling
assemblies, particularly to reduce the complexity and cost of coupling assemblies as well as to

design couplings that are compatible with standard fittings (e.g., a standard female threaded
port).
Summary
[0005] In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female
coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving
portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has
internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway
extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move
between locking and releasing positions. The locking member includes a retaining formation
configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking member is in
its locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and
axially movable with respect to the body between first and second positions. After insertion of
the male coupling into the female coupling and upon movement of the locking sleeve to its first
position, the locking sleeve forces the locking member to move to its locking position causing
the retaining formation of the locking member to engage the internal threads of the female
coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the female coupling together.
[0006] In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female
coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving
portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has
internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway
extending therethrough and a plurality of locking member segments disposed about the body.
Each locking member segment is movable between locking and releasing positions and includes
a retaining formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when in its
locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and axially
moveable with respect to the body between first and second positions, where the locking sleeve
configured to move the locking member segments to their respective locking positions when the
locking sleeve is moved to its first position. Upon movement of the locking sleeve to its second
position, the locking member segments move to their respective releasing positions. After the
male coupling is inserted into the female coupling and upon movement of the locking sleeve to

its first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking member segments to move to their
respective locking positions causing the retaining formation of each locking member segment to
engage the internal threads of the female coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the
female coupling together.
[0007] In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female
coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a sealing
surface and a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the
receiving portion has internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body
having a passageway extending therethrough and a plurality of locking member segments
disposed about the body. Each locking member segment is movable between locking and
releasing positions and includes a partial threaded formation configured to engage the internal
threads of the female coupling when in its locking position. The male coupling further includes
a locking sleeve disposed about and axially moveable with respect to the body between first and
second positions. The locking sleeve is configured to move the locking member segments to
their respective locking positions when the locking sleeve is moved to its first position and is
biased to its first position to maintain the locking member in its locking position. An annular
seal is disposed about the locking sleeve. Upon movement of the locking sleeve to its second
position, the locking member segments move to their respective releasing positions. After the
male coupling is inserted into the female coupling and upon releasing the locking sleeve to its
first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking member segments to move to their respective
locking positions causing the partial threaded formation of each locking member segment to
engage the internal threads of the female threaded coupling, thereby locking the male coupling
and the female coupling together, and causing the annular seal to compress against the sealing
surface of the female coupling.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
[0008] It will be appreciated that the illustrated boundaries of components in the figures
represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that one
component may be designed as multiple components or that multiple components may be

designed as one component. Additionally, an internal component may be implemented as an
external component and vice versa.
[0009] Further, in the accompanying drawings and description that follow, like parts are
indicated throughout the drawings and description with the same reference numerals,
respectively. The figures may not be drawn to scale and the proportions of certain parts have
been exaggerated for convenience of illustration.
[0010] Fig. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a male coupling 100
configured to connect to a female threaded coupling 102, where the male coupling 100 and the
female threaded coupling 102 are in the uncoupled position.
[0011] Fig. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 100 and the female
threaded coupling 102 in the coupled position.
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a locking member
segment 136 in its releasing position.
[0013] Figs. 3A-3D illustrate cross-sectional views of portions of the male coupling 100 and
the female threaded coupling 102 at various stages during the coupling operation.
[0014] Figs. 4A-4C illustrate cross-sectional views of portions of the male coupling 100 and
the female threaded coupling 102 at various stages during the uncoupling operation.
Detailed Description
[0015] Certain terminology will be used in the foregoing description for convenience in
reference only and will not be limiting. The terms "forward" and "rearward" with respect to
each component of the coupling assembly will refer to direction towards and away from,
respectively, the coupling direction. The terms "rightward" and "leftward" will refer to
directions in the drawings in connection with which the terminology is used. The terms
"inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the
geometric centerline of the coupling assembly. The terms "upward" and "downward" will refer

to directions as taken in the drawings in connection with which the terminology is used. All
foregoing terms mentioned above include the normal derivative and equivalents thereof.
[0016] Illustrated in Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a male coupling
100 configured to be coupled to and separable from a female coupling, such as, for example, a
female threaded coupling 102. Together, the male coupling 100 and the female threaded
coupling 102 operate as a push-to-connect type coupling assembly, which will be discussed in
further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the female threaded coupling 102 is a female
threaded port, such as a standard female threaded port. In one embodiment, the standard female
threaded port can be an SAE O-ring boss port. In alternative embodiments, the standard female
threaded port can be ISO, DIN or BSPP O-ring ports.
[0017] Illustrated in Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the male coupling 100 and the
female threaded coupling 102 in a coupled position. In the coupled position, the male coupling
100 and the female threaded coupling 102 function as a coupling assembly to transmit fluid
therethrough. Both the male coupling 100 and the female threaded coupling 102 share the same
central longitudinal axis A when they are in the coupled position as shown in Fig. 1B. In one
embodiment, the male coupling 100 and/or the female threaded coupling 102 can be formed of
stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the male coupling 100 and/or the female threaded
coupling 102 can be formed of other materials such as carbon steel, brass, aluminum, and plastic.
[0018] With reference to Figs. 1A and 1B, the female threaded coupling 102 includes a
receiving portion having a receiving end 104 and a remote portion (not shown) having a remote
end (not shown). Extending through the female threaded coupling 102 between the receiving
end 104 and the remote end (not shown) is a passageway 106. The remote portion (not shown)
of the female threaded coupling 102 can include external threads (not shown) for attachment to a
separate component (not shown) or can be integral with a pump, valve, manifold, or other
apparatus.
[0019] The female threaded coupling 102 also includes a chamfered surface 108 that extends
rearward and inward from the receiving end 104. A set of internal threads 110 extend rearward
from the chamfered surface 108. As shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the internal threads 110 are

triangular-shaped when viewed in cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the threads can
take the form of other shapes when viewed in cross-section (e.g., trapezoidal, square, or
rectangular).
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the male coupling 100 includes a body 112 having an
optional collar 114 that separates a leading portion having a leading end 116 and a trailing
portion (not shown) having a trailing end (not shown). Extending through the male coupling 100
from the leading end 116 to the trailing end (not shown) is a passageway 118. In one
embodiment (not shown), the trailing portion of the male coupling 100 includes a hose nipple for
receiving a hose. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the trailing portion may be
provided with external threads for attachment to a threaded coupling of another component. The
collar 114 may include flats (not shown) for engagement by a wrench when the trailing portion
(not shown) is provided with external threads. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the body
112 can comprise two or more separate parts that are assembled together (e.g., via threaded
joints) to facilitate assembly of the male coupling 100.
The leading portion of the male coupling 100 includes a first outer cylindrical surface
120 and a second outer cylindrical surface 122 that are separated from each other by an
outwardly facing annular groove 124 that extends radially inward from the first and second
cylindrical surfaces 120, 122. The groove 124 is at least partially defined by a third outer
cylindrical surface 126 that is separated from the second outer surface 122 by a shoulder 128. In
the illustrated embodiment, the first outer surface 120 has an outer diameter sized to be received
by the internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling 102. The first outer surface 120 has
an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the second outer surface 122, but greater
than the outer diameter of the third outer surface 126.
[0022] The second outer surface 122 of the body 112 includes an outwardly facing annular
groove 129 extending radially inward therefrom. Positioned within the groove 129 are a support
ring 130 constructed of rigid plastic, leather, or hard rubber and an annular seal 132 constructed
of neoprene or other suitable sealing material. The support ring 130 serves to protect the annular
seal 132 from damage when the coupling assembly is used in high-pressure applications. In

another embodiment (not shown), the support ring 130 may be eliminated when the coupling
assembly is used in low-pressure applications.
[0023] The male coupling 100 further includes a locking member positioned within the
groove 124. The locking member is in the form of separate locking member segments 136 that,
together, form the locking member. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member includes
four locking member segments 136. In alternative embodiments, the locking member can
include a different number of locking member segments.
[0024] Each locking member segment 136 includes a forward end 138, a rearward end 140, a
first outer surface 142 extending rearward from the forward end 138, and a second outer surface
144 extending forward from the rearward end 140. Separating the first and second outer surfaces
142, 144 is a retaining formation that is configured to mesh with and engage the internal threads
110 of the female threaded coupling 102 when the male coupling 100 is inserted into the female
threaded coupling 102, which is discussed in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment,
the retaining formation includes an external partial threaded formation 146. The partial threaded
formation 146 projects outward from the groove 124 beyond the first exterior surface 120 of the
body 112. The threaded formation 146 is characterized as being "partial" due to the fact that the
ratcheting locking member is comprised of locking member segments 136. Hence, the partial
threaded formation 146 of each locking member segment 136 comprises only a portion of a
threaded formation. However, it will be appreciated that the locking member segments 136,
together, form a threaded formation, although the threads may not be continuous since adjacent
locking member segments 136 will have a small space in between them.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the partial threaded formation 146 includes three
triangular-shaped threads 146a-c when viewed in cross-section. However, in alternative
embodiments (not shown), the partial threaded formation 146 can include a different number of
threads and/or the threads can take the form of other shapes when viewed in cross-section (e.g..
square, rectangular, or trapezoidal), so long as they are capable of meshing with and engaging
the internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling 102. Additionally, in alternative
embodiments (not shown), the retaining formation can include a plurality of discrete radially
outward extending projections or protrusions that are capable of engaging the internal threads

110 of the female threaded coupling 102. In these embodiments, the plurality of discrete radially
outward extending projections or protrusions can take the form of any shape and can be arranged
in any pattern, so long as they are capable of engaging the internal threads 110 of the female
threaded coupling 102. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the retaining
formation can include a helically-shaped wire that is provided in a helically-shaped groove in the
locking member segments 136. In this embodiment, the helically-shaped wire would be
configured to mesh with and engage the internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling
102.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, each locking member segment 136 also includes a first
inner surface 148 extending rearward from the forward end 138, a second inner surface 150
extending from the rearward end 140, a third inner surface 152 extending rearward from the first
inner surface 148, and a fourth inner surface 154 joining the third inner surface 152 to the second
inner surface 150. As shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the first and third inner surfaces 148, 152 are
oriented at an angle B relative to each other, such that an edge 155 is formed between the first
inner surface 148 and the third inner surface 152. The edge 155 defines a pivot axis (extending
out of the drawing) about which each locking member segment 136 pivots. The pivot axis of
each locking member segment 136 is spaced from and oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis A. Additionally, the second and fourth inner surfaces 150, 154 are oriented at an angle C
relative to each other, such that an edge 156 is formed between the second inner surface 150 and
the fourth inner surface 154.
[0027] Due to the edge 155, each locking member segment 136 is capable of pivoting
between a first position (e.g., a locking position) and a second position (e.g., a releasing
position). In the locking position, the first inner surface 148 of each locking member segment
136 abuts against the third outer surface 126 of the body 112 as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B. In
the releasing position, each locking member segment 136 is pivoted about the edge 155 in the
clockwise direction, such that the edge 156 abuts against the third outer surface 126 of the body
112 as shown in Fig. 2. It will be appreciated, however, that the releasing position does not
require the edge 156 to abut against the third outer surface 126 of the body 112. Instead, each
locking member segment 136 need only pivot in the clockwise direction a sufficient amount to

provide clearance between the outer extremities of the partial threaded formation 146 of the
locking member segments 136 and the inner extremities of the internal threads 110 of the female
threaded coupling 102.
[0028] Provided adjacent to the rearward end 140 of each locking member segment 136 is an
outwardly facing groove 158 extending radially inward from the second outer surface 144.
Together, the grooves 158 in the locking member segments 136 form an annular groove
configured to receive an annular resilient, biasing element 160. The biasing element 160, which
wraps around all of the locking member segments 136, is configured to bias each locking
member segment 136 to its releasing position as shown in Fig. 2. The biasing element 160 can
also assist in retaining the locking member segments 136 in the groove 124. In one embodiment,
the biasing element 160 is an O-ring. In alternative embodiments, the biasing element 160 can
be a garter spring, a split retaining ring, or an elastomeric or plastic ring. In another alternative
embodiment (not shown), a biasing element is not employed in the male coupling 100 to bias
each locking member segment 136 to its releasing position.
[0026] Provided adjacent to the forward end 138 of each locking member segment 136 is an
outwardly facing groove 162 extending radially inward from the first outer surface 142.
Together, the grooves 162 in all of the locking member segments 136 essentially form an annular
groove configured to receive an annular retaining element 164. The retaining element 164,
which wraps around all of the locking member segments 136, is also configured to assist in
retaining the locking member segments 136 in the groove 124. In one embodiment, the retaining
element 164 is an O-ring. In alternative embodiments, the retaining element 164 can be a garter
spring, a split retaining ring, or an elastomeric or plastic ring. It will be appreciated that the
retaining element 164 may not only retain the locking member segments 136 in the groove 124,
but it may also create a biasing force that attempts to urge each locking member segment 136 to
its locking position. In this case, the retaining element 164 is appropriately selected to ensure
that its biasing force on the locking member segments 136 is less than the biasing force created
by the biasing element 160, thereby ensuring that the locking member segments 136 are biased in
the releasing position as shown in Fig. 2.

The male coupling 100 also includes a locking sleeve 166 disposed about the body
112 in an axially movable arrangement relative thereto and positioned between the locking
member segments 136 and the collar 114. The locking sleeve 166 includes a locking portion
168, a sealing portion 170, and a shoulder portion 172 that joins the locking and sealing portions
168, 170 together. Although the figures represent only one embodiment of the locking sleeve
166, it will be appreciated that the locking sleeve 166 may be embodied differently depending on
the design.
[0031] The locking portion 168 includes an first inner cylindrical surface 174, a first
shoulder 176 that extends radially outward from the first inner surface 174, a first outer
cylindrical surface 178, and a tapered surface 180 that extends forward and inward from the first
outer surface 178. The first inner surface 174 of the locking sleeve 166 is sized to receive the
third outer surface 126 of the body 112.
[0032] The sealing portion 170 includes a second inner cylindrical surface 182 and a second
outer cylindrical surface 184. Optionally, the second outer surface 184 may be provided with a
textured surface (e.g., a diamond knurled surface) to assist a user in grasping the surface. The
second inner surface 182 of the locking sleeve 166 is sized to receive the second outer surface
122 of the body 112. Not only is the second inner surface 182 of the locking sleeve 166 sized to
receive the second outer surface 122 of the body 112, but it is also sized to receive and sealingly
engage the annular seal 132 in the groove 129, thereby preventing dust or other contaminants
from entering the area forward of the annular seal 132 and keeping the fluid pressure inside the
male coupling 100 and the female threaded coupling 102. The second inner surface 182 of the
locking sleeve 166 is also sized to receive the support ring 130 in the groove 129.
[0033] The shoulder portion 172 includes a third outer cylindrical surface 186, a second
shoulder 188 that extends radially outward from the third outer surface 186, a third inner
cylindrical surface 190, and a third shoulder 192 that extends radially outward from the third
inner surface 190. Disposed about the third outer surface 186 of the locking sleeve 166 is an
annular seal 194 that may be constructed of neoprene or other suitable sealing material and is
configured to sealingly engage the chamfered surface 108 of the female threaded coupling 102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the annular seal 194 has a smaller outer diameter than the annular
seal 132.
[0034] As described above, the locking sleeve 166 is disposed about the body 112 in an
axially movable arrangement relative thereto, such that the locking sleeve 166 is movable
between a first position (e.g., a forward position) and a second position (e.g., a rearward
position). Axial travel of the locking sleeve 166 is limited in the rearward direction by the
shoulder 128 of the body 112 and in the forward direction by the rearward end of each locking
member segment 136. The locking sleeve 166 is in its forward position as shown in Figs. 1A
and 1B.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, a gap 196 is provided between the shoulder 176 of the
locking sleeve 166 and the shoulder 128 of the body 112. Positioned within the gap 196 is a
biasing element 198 configured to bias the locking sleeve 166 to its forward position as shown in
Figs. 1A and 1B. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 198 is a coil spring. In
alternative embodiments, the biasing element 198 can include a wave washer, O-ring, or
elastomeric sleeve or gasket. To the extent that an O-ring or gasket would be employed as the
biasing element, it will be appreciated that this element would be configured to permit at least
some fluid to enter the gap 196 to create a pressure imbalance in the coupling assembly, which
will be described in more detail below. When the locking sleeve 166 is moved to its forward
position, the locking member segments 136 are moved to their locking positions. In this
position, the locking member segments 136 are prevented from being moved to their releasing
positions. Therefore, to permit the locking member segments 136 to move back to their
releasing positions, the locking sleeve 166 must be moved to its rearward position, which will be
described in more detail below.
[0036] To couple the male coupling 100 to the female threaded coupling 102, the locking
sleeve 166 is first moved to its rearward position (in the direction of arrow D) against the urging
of the biasing element 198. During movement of the locking sleeve 166 to its rearward position,
each locking member segment 136 begins to pivot clockwise (in the direction of arrow E) about
its edge 155 due to the resiliency of the biasing element 160, thereby causing each locking
member segment 136 to move toward its releasing position (Fig. 3A).

[0037] Once the locking sleeve 166 is in its rearward position and each locking member
segment 136 is in its releasing position (Fig. 3B), the leading portion of the male coupling 100
can be inserted into the receiving portion of the female threaded coupling 102 until the partial
threaded formation 146 is located within the internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling
102 (Fig. 3C). Once in this position, the locking sleeve 166 is released, permitting it to "spring
back" toward its forward position due to the resiliency of the biasing element 198. While the
locking sleeve 166 is moving forward from its rearward position to its forward position, the
tapered surface 180 of the locking portion 168 of the locking sleeve 166 engages the second
inner surface 150 of each locking member segment 136. This engagement forces each locking
member segment 136 to pivot counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow F) about its edge 155
against the urging of the biasing element 160, thereby causing each locking member segment
136 to move toward its locking position.
[0038] Upon continued forward movement of the locking sleeve 166 toward its forward
position, the locking portion 168 of the locking sleeve 166 continues to force the locking
member segments 136 towards their locking positions. Once in their locking positions, the
partial thread formation 146 of the locking member segments 136 mesh with and engage the
internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling 102 (Fig. 3D), thereby preventing the
withdrawal of the male coupling 100 from the female threaded coupling 102. In this position,
the engagement of the partial threaded formation 146 of the locking member segments 136 to the
internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling 102 prevents the withdrawal of the male
coupling 100 from the female threaded coupling 102. Additionally, once in this position, the
locking portion 168 of the locking sleeve 166 is wedged between the fourth inner surface 154 of
each locking member segment 136 and the third outer surface 126 of the body 112, thereby
preventing the locking member segments 136 from moving to their releasing positions.
[0039] When the male coupling 100 and the female threaded coupling 102 are in the coupled
position (Fig. 3D), the annular seal 194 on the third outer surface 186 of the locking sleeve 166
is sealingly engaged to the chamfered surface 108 of the female threaded coupling 102 due, at
least in part, to the biasing force of the biasing element 198 urging the locking sleeve 166 to its
forward position. Additionally, upon pressurization of the male coupling 100 and the female

threaded coupling 102, a pressure imbalance is created due to the annular seal 132 having a
greater outer diameter than the annular seal 194, thereby forcing the locking sleeve 166 to move
forward imparting an additional sealing force of the annular seal 194. This sealing engagement
between the male coupling 100 and the female threaded coupling 102 prevents fluid leakage
therebetween. Moreover, when the male coupling 100 and the female threaded coupling 102 are
in the coupled position, the annular seal 132 on the body 112 is sealingly engaged to the second
inner surface 182 of the locking sleeve 166, thereby preventing dust or other contaminants from
entering the area around the biasing element 198.
[0040] When it is desired to uncouple the male coupling 100 from the female threaded
coupling 102, the locking sleeve 166 is first moved to its rearward position (in the direction of
arrow G) against the urging of the biasing element 198. During movement of the locking sleeve
166 to its rearward position, each locking member segment 136 begins to pivot clockwise (in the
direction of arrow H) about its edge 155 due to the resiliency of the biasing element 160, thereby
causing each locking member segment 136 to move toward its releasing position (Fig. 4A). To
facilitate the movement of the locking sleeve 166 from its forward position to its rearward
position, a tool may be inserted between the shoulder 188 of the locking sleeve 166 and the
receiving end 104 of the female threaded coupling 102 to assist in urging the locking sleeve
rearwardly.
[0041] Once the locking sleeve 166 is in its rearward position and each locking member
segment 136 is in its releasing position (Fig. 4B), each locking member segment 136 is collapsed
providing the necessary clearance to permit the male coupling 100 to axially slide past the
internal threads 110 of the female threaded coupling 102. Accordingly, the male coupling 100
can be disconnected from the female threaded coupling 102 resulting in the two components
being in the uncoupled position (Fig. 4C).
[0042] There are several potential advantages to the male coupling 100 discussed above.
First, since it is capable of connecting to a standard female threaded coupling, a female adapter
can be eliminated reducing cost as well as a leak path. Additionally, customers would no longer
be required to purchase all of their hoses from the manufacturer of the coupling assembly.

For the embodiments discussed above, it will be appreciated that one or more of the
cylindrical surfaces discussed above may be replaced with a surface having a linear profile that is
angled relative to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling assembly (e.g., tapered surfaces) or a
curved surface (e.g., convex or concave surfaces). Additionally, it will be appreciated that one or
more of the tapered or chamfered surfaces discussed above may be replaced with a cylindrical
surface relative to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling assembly (e.g., tapered surfaces) or a
curved surface (e.g., convex or concave surfaces).
[0044] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the locking members discussed above
(ratcheting or non-ratcheting) can be modified to be used on a female coupling for connection to
a male threaded coupling. For example, the locking member segments 136 used in the male
coupling 100 described above can be rotated 180 degrees, so that the partial threaded formation
146 of each locking member segment 136 can engage the external threads of a male threaded
coupling.
[0045] It will be appreciated that the male couplings described above have applicability in
areas other than fluid connectors. For example, a device that includes one of the male couplings
described above, particularly the ratcheting locking member and the release sleeve, can be used
as a push-to-connect type fastening device that connects to a female thread in a separate device.
In this example, the components need not transport fluid.
[0046] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the
claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is
interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the
term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants
intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be
employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See,
Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent
that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to
additionally mean "on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term "connect" is used in the
specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to," but also
"indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or multiple components.

[0047] While the present application illustrates various embodiments, and while these
embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict
or in any way limit the scope of the claimed invention to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its
broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the
spirit or scope of the applicant's claimed invention. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are
illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be
claimed in this or a later application.

We Claim :

1. A male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling including a
receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, the receiving
portion having internal threads provided therein, the male coupling comprising:
a body having a passageway extending therethrough;
a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move between
locking and releasing positions, the locking member having a retaining formation
configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking
member is in its locking position; and
a locking sleeve disposed about and axially movable with respect to the body
between first and second positions;
wherein, after insertion of the male coupling into the female coupling and upon
movement of the locking sleeve to its first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking
member to move to its locking position causing the retaining formation of the locking
member to engage the internal threads of the female coupling, thereby locking the male
coupling and the female coupling together.
2. The male coupling of claim 1, wherein the female coupling is a female threaded port.
3. The male coupling of claim 1, further comprising a resilient biasing element configured
to bias the locking member toward its releasing position.
4. The male coupling of claim 3, wherein the biasing element is an O-ring, garter spring, or
split retaining ring.

5. The male coupling of claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a number of locking
member segments.
6. The male coupling of claim 1, wherein the retaining formation includes a partial threaded
formation.
7. The male coupling of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element disposed between the
locking sleeve and the body to bias the locking sleeve to its first position.
8. The male coupling of claim 7, wherein the biasing element is a coil spring or a wave
washer.
9. The male coupling of claim 1, further comprising an annular seal between the male
coupling and a sealing portion of the locking sleeve.
10. The male coupling of claim 1, further comprising an annular seal provided on the locking
sleeve and configured to sealingly engage at least one surface of the female coupling
when the male coupling is connected to the female coupling.
11. The male coupling of claim 1, wherein, upon movement of the locking sleeve from its
first position to its second position, the locking member is moved to its releasing position
causing the retaining formation of the locking member to disengage from the internal
threads of the female coupling, thereby permitting withdrawal of the male coupling from
the female coupling.

12. A male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling including a
receiving portion sized to receive the male coupling and having internal threads provided
therein, the male coupling comprising:
a body having a passageway extending therethrough;
a plurality of locking member segments disposed about the body, each of which is
movable between locking and releasing positions and includes a retaining formation
configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when in its locking
position; and
a locking sleeve disposed about and axially moveable with respect to the body
between first and second positions, the locking sleeve configured to move the locking
member segments to their respective locking positions when the locking sleeve is moved
to its first position,
wherein, upon movement of the locking sleeve to its second position, the locking
member segments move to their respective releasing positions,
wherein, after the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling and upon
movement of the locking sleeve to its first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking
member segments to move to their respective locking positions causing the retaining
formation of each locking member segment to engage the internal threads of the female
coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the female coupling together.
13. The male coupling of claim 12, wherein the female coupling is a female threaded port.
14. The male coupling of claim 12, wherein the retaining formation includes a partial
threaded formation.
15. The male coupling of claim 12, further comprising a biasing element disposed between
the locking sleeve and the body to bias the locking sleeve to its first position.

16. The male coupling of claim 15, wherein the biasing element is a coil spring or a wave
washer.
17. The male coupling of claim 12, further comprising:
a first annular seal between the male coupling and a sealing portion of the locking
sleeve; and
a second annular seal provided on the locking sleeve and configured to sealingly
engage at least one surface of the female coupling when the male coupling is connected
to the female coupling.
18. The male coupling of claim 17, wherein the first annular seal has a larger outer diameter
than the second annular seal.
19. The male coupling of claim 1, wherein, upon movement of the locking sleeve from its
first position to its second position, the locking member is moved to its releasing position
causing the retaining formation of the locking member to disengage from the internal
threads of the female threaded coupling, thereby permitting withdrawal of the male
coupling from the female threaded coupling.
20. A male coupling connectable to and separable from a female coupling including a sealing
surface and a receiving portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, the
receiving portion having internal threads provided therein, the male coupling comprising:
a body having a passageway extending therethrough;
a plurality of locking member segments disposed about the body, each of which is
movable between locking and releasing positions and includes a partial threaded

formation configured to engage the internal threads of the female threaded coupling when
in its locking position; and
a locking sleeve disposed about and axially moveable with respect to the body
between first and second positions, the locking sleeve configured to move the locking
member segments to their respective locking positions when the locking sleeve is moved
to its first position, wherein the locking sleeve is biased to its first position to maintain
the locking member in its locking position; and
an annular seal disposed about the locking sleeve,
wherein, upon movement of the locking sleeve to its second position, the locking
member segments move to their respective releasing positions,
wherein, after the male coupling is inserted into the female coupling and upon
releasing the locking sleeve to its first position, the locking sleeve forces the locking
member segments to move to their respective locking positions causing the partial
threaded formation of each locking member segment to engage the internal threads of the
female threaded coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the female coupling
together, and causing the annular seal to compress against the sealing surface of the
female coupling.
21. The male coupling of claim 20, further comprising a biasing element disposed between
the locking sleeve and the body to bias the locking sleeve to its first position.
22. The male coupling of claim 21, wherein the biasing element is a coil spring or a wave
washer.
23. The male coupling of claim 20, further comprising an annular seal provided between the
male coupling and a sealing portion of the locking sleeve.

In one embodiment, a male coupling connectable to and separable from a female
coupling (e.g., a female threaded port) is provided. The female coupling includes a receiving
portion sized to receive at least a portion of the male coupling, where the receiving portion has
internal threads provided therein. The male coupling includes a body having a passageway
extending therethrough and a locking member disposed about the body and configured to move
between locking and releasing positions. The locking member includes a retaining formation
configured to engage the internal threads of the female coupling when the locking member is in
its locking position. The male coupling further includes a locking sleeve disposed about and
axially movable with respect to the body between first and second positions. After insertion of
the male coupling into the female coupling and upon movement of the locking sleeve to its first
position, the locking sleeve forces the locking member to move to its locking position causing
the retaining formation of the locking member to engage the internal threads of the female
coupling, thereby locking the male coupling and the female coupling together.