QUICK CONNECT COUPLING
WITH A SELF-RESETTING RETENTION MECHANISM
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a quick connect and disconnect
coupling ("quick connect coupling"), and more specifically to a quick connect coupling
with a self-resetting stop.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Quick connect couplings typically include a female coupling and a male
coupling configured to operably engage the female coupling. Example male couplings
include couplers and plugs, and example female couplings include female couplers,
sockets, and machined ports. The male and female couplings may be interconnected to a
hydraulic hose, tubing, piping, machinery, or other apparatus for transporting fluid, which
may be pressurized.
[0003] In general, pressing a portion of the male coupling into an internal port of
the female coupling completes a fluid flow path. In some configurations, the male and
female couplings are provided with complementary grooves for the receipt of a locking
device, which may include a deformable ring or a collet-like device with moveable
fingers. Upon insertion of the male coupling into the female coupling a predetermined
distance, the locking device generally engages the grooves to axially lock the male and
female couplings together. To disconnect the two components, the male coupling may be
inserted a further distance into the female coupling until a release device disengages the
locking device from one of the grooves. Then, the male coupling can be removed from
the female coupling. Example quick connect couplings are discussed in U.S. Patent No.
6,637,781 to Seymour; U.S. Patent No. 7,014,215 to Cooper et al; U.S. Patent No.
7,469,933 to Swift et al; and U.S. Patent No. 7,533,907 to Swift et al, each of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the event that any portion of the
above-incorporated applications is inconsistent with this application, this application
supersedes the above-incorporated applications.
[0004] The quick connect/disconnect characteristic of quick connect couplings
may result in a greater risk of inadvertent and sudden disconnects, which can lead to
damaged or broken machinery, destroyed premises, catastrophic system failure, severe
injuries, and even death. To combat an inadvertent disconnection of a quick connect
coupling, some conventional couplings utilize a safety device generally referred to as a
stop. The stop typically is associated with the male coupling and configured to
substantially prevent the male coupling from being inserted into the female coupling
beyond a predetermined distance, thereby preventing a release device from disengaging a
locking device. Conventionally, the stop must be removed to enable disconnection of the
male coupling from the female coupling.
SUMMARY
[0005] Quick connect couplings are commonly utilized with high pressure fluids.
Hence, safety and operational considerations are paramount since an inadvertent
disconnection of the coupling may result in serious injury or system failure. The present
disclosure is generally directed to a quick connect coupling configured to substantially
prevent inadvertent disconnections.
[0006] It is one aspect of the present disclosure to provide a quick connect
coupling comprising a male coupling and a female coupling. The quick connect coupling
may include a locking device configured to secure the male coupling within an internal
port of the female coupling, and a release device configured to selectively disengage the
locking device. The quick connect coupling may utilize any locking and/or release
device known in the art. In some embodiments, the quick connect coupling is configured
as a push-to-connect and a push-to -disconnect coupling. In these embodiments, the male
coupling is inserted into the female coupling a first predetermined distance to actuate a
locking device that secures the male coupling within an internal port of the female
coupling. To disconnect the quick connect coupling, the male coupling is inserted a
second further distance into the female coupling to actuate a release device that
disengages the locking device, thereby enabling the male coupling to be axially separated
from the female coupling. The male and female couplings may be interconnected to a
hydraulic hose, tubing, piping, machinery, or other apparatus for transporting fluid, which
may be pressurized.
[0007] It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a quick connect
coupling utilizing a safety device configured to substantially prevent actuation of a
release device. In some embodiments, a quick connect coupling includes a stop that
operatively restricts the ability of a release device to be actuated. For example, the stop
may be associated with a male coupling and configured to prevent a release device from
engaging a locking device.
[0008] It is yet another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a quick connect
coupling utilizing a safety device that is axially secured to a male coupling in a certain
position. In some embodiments, the quick connect coupling includes a "stop" or
retention mechanism that is axially secured to a male coupling in a predefined position to
allow connection of the male coupling and a female coupling while preventing
disconnection of the couplings. In one embodiment, the stop includes a protrusion that
selectively engages a recessed area of the male coupling. For example, the stop may
include a circumferential ridge configured to seat within an annular groove formed in the
male coupling. In another embodiment, the male coupling includes a protrusion that
restricts the stop. For example, the male coupling may include a shoulder configured to
substantially prevent axial displacement of the stop in at least one direction relative to a
longitudinal axis of the male coupling. The stop and/or male coupling may include other
features configured to axially secure the stop to the male coupling.
[0009] It is yet a further aspect of the present disclosure to provide a quick
connect coupling utilizing a safety device configured to move axially relative to a male
coupling. In some embodiments, a quick connect coupling includes a stop that is axially
displaceable along a longitudinal axis of a male coupling between a first position and a
second position. The first position may correspond to a connect position, and the second
position may correspond to a disconnect position. When in the first position, the stop
may permit insertion of a male coupling into a female coupling a predetermined distance
configured to enable actuation of a locking device while preventing actuation of a release
device. When in the second position, the stop may permit insertion of the male coupling
into the female coupling a predetermined distance configured to enable actuation of a
release device, thereby allowing disconnection of the male and female couplings. To
permit axial displacement of the stop along a longitudinal axis of the male coupling, the
stop may be radially expanded, rotated, manipulated in other manners, or any
combination thereof.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a quick connect hydraulic
coupling with a retention mechanism to prevent inadvertent disconnection is provided,
the quick connect hydraulic coupling comprising a female coupling with an external
surface and an internal surface which defines a port, a male coupling having an external
surface, an internal surface, a leading edge, a longitudinal axis, and a geometric profile
adapted for insertion into said female coupling. A retention mechanism is disposed at
least partially around the external surface of the male coupling and configured to prevent
the male coupling from being inserted into said port of the female coupling beyond a
predetermined position. The retention mechanism is slidable relative to the longitudinal
axis of the male coupling between a first position and a second position, the first position
located between the leading edge of the male coupling and the second position, and the
retention mechanism biased towards the first position so that the retention mechanism
resets to the first position upon removal of an insertion force.
[0011] It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a quick connect
coupling utilizing a slidable safety device configured to automatically reset to a
predefined position. In some embodiments, a quick connect coupling includes a stop that
is slidably disposed about a male coupling and biased towards a certain position. In some
embodiments, the male coupling may include a feature configured to bias the stop
towards a first position, which may correspond to a position of connection. For example,
the male coupling may include an inclined surface disposed between a first position and a
second position, which may correspond to a position of disconnection. As the stop is
moved from the first position to the second position, the inclined surface radially expands
the stop, thereby biasing the stop towards the first position. The inclined surface may be
linear, arcuate, or both. If linear, the inclined surface may be angled, for example,
between about 5 degrees and 75 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the male
coupling. In addition, or alternatively, a biasing element, such as a spring, may be
associated with the male and/or female coupling and configured to bias the stop towards
the first position. Example springs include a compression spring, an extension spring, a
disc spring, such as a Belleville or wave washer, a torsion spring, or any combination
thereof. The biasing force may be linear, non-linear, or both.
[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for selectively
engaging or disengaging of a metallic hydraulic coupling is provided, the method
comprising providing a female coupling with an external surface, an interior surface and
a leading edge which defines a port. Additionally, a male coupling is provided, the male
coupling comprising an exterior surface, an internal surface which defines a flow path,
and a leading edge sized for insertion into said port of said female coupling. A locking
mechanism is also provided, the locking mechanism operably positioned proximate to
said external surface of said male coupling and said internal surface of said female
coupling and which can be selectively actuated and released upon the insertion and
retraction of the male coupling within the female coupling. A stop is provided and
positioned between the female coupling leading edge and a shoulder extending outwardly
from the exterior surface of the male coupling, said stop having a first locking position
which prevents any travel of the male coupling within the female coupling, and a second
released position which allows the male coupling to travel further within said female port
to disengage said locking mechanism and allow the removal of said male coupling from
said female coupling.
[0013] It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a safety device that
may be formed in various configurations and shapes. In some embodiments, a stop may
be formed in a generally cylindrical shape with an inner surface, an outer surface, and
side surfaces extending radially between the inner and outer surfaces. In some
embodiments, the stop may be a generally cylindrical ring with a substantially circular
cross-section. In some embodiments, the stop may be a discontinuous ring having ends.
[0014] It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a quick connect
coupling constructed of commonly known materials. For example, a male coupling, a
female coupling, and a stop may be constructed of metallic and/or non-metallic materials.
In some embodiments, the male and female couplings are constructed of steel, aluminum,
brass, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material known in the art. In some
embodiments, the stop is constructed of steel, aluminum, silicone, plastic, fiberglass,
combinations thereof, or any other suitable material known in the art.
[0015] The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending on
the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. For example, in conventional
quick connect couplings, stops generally are removed from the coupling to enable
disconnection of a male coupling from a female coupling. Once removed, the stop often
is misplaced or lost, resulting in downtime until the stop is found or a new stop is
obtained. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a quick connect coupling with
a selectively slidable stop configured to permit disconnection of the coupling without
removing the stop from the coupling, thereby ensuring the stop is not misplaced or lost.
In addition, the stop may be biased towards a disconnect prevention position. Thus, upon
disconnection of the quick connect coupling, the stop may automatically reset to a
connect position in which a male coupling can be axially secured within a female
coupling, but, once secured, the male coupling cannot be disconnected from the female
coupling without a repositioning of the stop. Thus, in some embodiments, the stop may
self-reset to a certain position to reduce, if not eliminate, inadvertent disconnections of a
quick connect coupling. These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure.
[0016] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as used herein,
are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For
example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or
C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C"
means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
or A, B and C together.
[0017] The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that
entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used
interchangeably herein.
[0018] The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof
herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as
additional items. Accordingly, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof are open-ended and can be used interchangeably herein.
[0019] The terms "first" and "second," as used herein, are not intended to connote
importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.
[0020] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any
process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is
performed. For example, a stop may be provided that automatically resets to a
predetermined position without human assistance or intervention.
[0021] It shall be understood that the term "means," as used herein, shall be given
its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph
6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term "means" shall cover all structures,
materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the
structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described
in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description,
abstract, and claims themselves.
[0022] The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being
representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. The present
disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary as well as in the attached
drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed
subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements,
components, etc. in this Summary. Moreover, reference made herein to "the present
invention" or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the
present disclosure and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to
a particular description. The above and other objects advantages and features will
become more readily understood from a consideration of the following detailed
description when taken together with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the
general description given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below,
serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a prior art quick connect
coupling utilizing a stop;
[0025] FIGS. 2a-2d are perspective views of a quick connect coupling utilizing a
stop according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front elevation cross-sectional view of a quick connect
coupling utilizing a stop according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the quick connect coupling of FIG. 3
taken along line 4-4;
[0028] FIG. 5a is a front elevation cross-sectional view of a quick connect
coupling utilizing a stop according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0029] FIG. 5b is a front elevation cross-sectional view of a quick connect
coupling utilizing a stop according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In
certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or
that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be
understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular
embodiments illustrated herein.
[0031] To assist in the understanding of the drawings, the following is a list of
components and associated numbering found in the drawings:
# Components
2 Quick connect coupling
4 Male coupling
6 Female coupling
8 Stem
10 Port
12 Snap ring
14 Seal
16 Stop
18 Rod
20 Channel
22 Release groove
24 Snap ring groove
# Components
26 External surface
28 Sleeve
30 Leading edge
32 Longitudinal axis
34 Shoulder
36 Port face
38 Protrusion
40 Inner surface
42 Groove
44a,b Ends
46 Outer surface
48 Inclined surface
50 Space
52 Tab
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Although some embodiments will now be described with reference to the
drawings, it should be understood that the embodiments shown are by way of example
only and are merely illustrative of some of the many possible specific embodiments
which can represent applications of the principles of the disclosure. Various changes and
modifications, obvious to one skilled in the art to which the claimed subject matter
pertains, are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the disclosure as
further defined in the appended claims.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example prior art quick connect coupling 102
is shown. The quick connect coupling 102 includes a male coupling 104 configured to
operably engage a female coupling 106. The male coupling 104 is a cylindrically-shaped
member having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The male coupling 104
includes a stem 108 with an outer diameter that is generally less than a diameter of an
internal port 110 of the female coupling 106 to allow selective engagement and
disengagement of the male and female couplings 104, 106. A plurality of grooves may
be formed in an outer surface of the stem 108 to seat at least one locking device, depicted
as a snap ring 112, and/or at least one seal 114.
[0034] In order to lock the male coupling 104 within the female coupling 106, a
locking device initially may be associated with a groove formed in an outer surface of the
stem 108 or an inner surface of the port 110. Generally, the locking device, depicted as a
snap ring 112, is radially deformed upon insertion of the stem 108 into the port 110.
Once the stem 108 is inserted into the port 110 a predetermined depth, the snap ring 112
aligns with a groove formed in an opposing surface of the stem 108 or port 110 and
returns to an undeformed state in which the snap ring 112 is positioned partially within
both of the grooves to lock the couplings 104, 106 together. To disconnect the couplings
104, 106, a release device may be actuated to deform the snap ring 112 into one of the
grooves, thereby permitting disconnection of the male and female couplings 104, 106. In
some configurations, the release device is actuated by further insertion of the stem 108
into the port 110.
[0035] In order to maintain the integrity of the quick connect coupling 102, a
detachable retention mechanism or stop 116 may be used to prevent unwanted insertion
of the stem 108 into the port 110, thereby preventing inadvertent disconnection of male
and female couplings 104, 106. The prior art detachable stop 116 depicted in FIG. 1
includes an arcuate-shaped rod 118 configured to engage a channel 120 formed in an
outer surface of the stem 108 and prevent the stem 108 from being inserted into the port
110 beyond a predetermined depth. Thus, to disconnect the male coupler 104 from the
female coupler 106, the depicted stop 116 is removed from the male coupling 104. Many
times, after removal, the stop 116 is misplaced and/or lost. Thus, unless the stop is found
or a new stop obtained, the male coupling 104 may be reconnected to the female coupling
106 without the stop 116. In these situations, the safety of the quick connect coupling
102 is compromised and pressurization or inadvertent contact with the male coupling 106
may disengage the quick connect coupling 102 and potentially cause property damage,
injury, and/or loss of life. Further, pressurization of the hydraulic hose and associated
fitting may also result in an inadvertent disconnection and safety concern(s).
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2a-2d, a quick connect coupling 2 with a stop 16
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. In particular, FIGS.
2a-2d illustrate a stop 16 during connection and disconnection of a quick connect
coupling 2. In FIG. 2a, the quick connect coupling 2 is in a connected state in which a
locking device, particularly a snap ring 12, prevents disconnection of the male coupling 4
from the female coupling 6. In the depicted connected state, the snap ring 12 is partially
disposed within both a release groove 22 formed in an interior surface of the female
coupling 6 and a snap ring groove 24 formed in an external surface 26 of the male
coupling 4. Adjacent to the snap ring 12, a release device, particularly a sleeve 28, is
disposed about the external surface 26 of the male coupling 4. The sleeve 28 is
configured to deflect the snap ring 12 into the release groove 22 upon insertion of the
male coupling 4 into the female coupling 6 a predetermined distance, thereby enabling
disconnection of the quick connect coupling 2. In the connected state, the snap ring 12 is
positioned axially between a leading edge 30 of the male coupling 4 and the sleeve 28
relative to a longitudinal axis 32 of the male coupling 4. Although one type of locking
device and release device is provided for illustrative purposes, other locking and release
devices known in the quick connect coupling field may be utilized to lock and release the
male and female couplings 4, 6.
[0037] Still referring to FIG. 2a, the example quick connect coupling 2 includes a
stop 16 disposed about the male coupling 4. The stop 16 is configured to prevent the
male coupling 4 from being inadvertently inserted into the female coupling 6 beyond a
predetermined depth, thereby substantially preventing the quick connect coupling 2 from
being inadvertently disconnected. In FIG. 2a, the stop 16 is positioned between a
shoulder 34 of the male coupling 4 and a port face 36 of the female coupling 6. When the
quick connect coupling 2 is in a locked state, such as in FIG. 2a, the stop 16 may abut, or
bear against, the port face 36 of the female coupling 6.
[0038] In some embodiments, the stop 16 is axially secured to the male coupler 4
in a certain position to substantially prevent the male coupling 4 from being inserted into
the female coupling beyond a connection depth. In some embodiments, such as the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 2b, the stop 16 may include a protrusion 38 extending
inwardly from an inner surface 40. The protrusion 38 may be configured to seat within a
recessed area, depicted in FIG. 2b as a groove 42, to substantially prevent axial
movement of the stop 16 relative to the longitudinal axis 32 toward or away from the
leading edge 30 of the male coupling 4. When the protrusion 38 is seated within the
groove 42, the stop 16, in combination with the port face 36, substantially prevents the
male coupling 4 from being further inserted into the female coupling 6, thereby
preventing inadvertent actuation of the sleeve 28. In some embodiments, the male
coupling 4 may include a shoulder or other protrusion configured to prevent axial
displacement of the stop 16 in a direction away from the leading edge 30 of the male
coupling 4.
[0039] In some embodiments, the stop 16 is repositioned to enable disconnection
of the male coupling 4 from the female coupling 6. For example, referring to FIG. 2b,
the stop 16 has been expanded to unseat the protrusion 38 from the groove 42, thereby
permitting the male coupling 4 to be further inserted into the female coupling 6. Further
insertion of the male coupling 4 into the female coupling 6 releases the locking device 12,
thereby enabling disconnection of the quick connect coupling 2. To unseat the protrusion
38 from the groove 42, the ends 44a, b of the stop 16 may be separated from each other to
increase an inner radius of the stop 16. Various apparatus may be utilized to expand the
stop 16. For example, a screwdriver or other tool may be inserted between the ends 44a,
b to separate the ends. A user's finger also may be utilized. In addition, each end 44a, b
of the stop 16 may include a chamfered or beveled edge to assist in separating the ends of
stop 16. Further, protuberances may be associated with an outer surface of the stop 16 to
facilitate expansion of the stop 16. Once the inner radius of the stop 16 is expanded to a
predetermined radius, the protrusion 38 unseats from the groove 42, thereby allowing the
male coupling 4 to be further inserted into the female coupling 6 to actuate the sleeve 28.
[0040] In the example quick connect coupling 2, upon further insertion of the
male coupling 4 into the female coupling 6, the sleeve 28 disengages the snap ring 12
from the snap ring groove 24. As depicted in FIG. 2c, the male coupling 4 has been
further inserted into the female coupling 6, which in turn has caused the sleeve 28 to
expand the snap ring 12, thereby unseating the snap ring 12 from the snap ring groove 24
formed in the male coupling 4. In some embodiments, the stop 16 may substantially
prevent the male coupling 4 from being inserted into the female coupling 6 beyond a
disconnect position. For example, referring to FIG. 2c, the radially-expanded stop 16 is
interposed between the port face 36 of the female coupling 6 and the shoulder 34 of the
male coupling 4. More specifically, the radially-expanded stop 16 abuts the port face 36
on one side and the shoulder 34 on the other side, thereby preventing insertion of the
male coupling 4 into the port 10 beyond a position of coupling 2 disconnection.
[0041] In the fully inserted position depicted in FIG. 2c, the snap ring 12 resides
on the sleeve 28. Thus, referring to FIGS. 2c-2d, upon removal of the male coupling 4
from the female coupling 6, the sleeve 28 slides toward the leading edge 30 of the male
coupling 4 to prevent the snap ring 12 from re-seating in the snap ring groove 24, thereby
enabling separation of the quick connect coupling 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2d, upon
removal of an insertion force on the stop 16, the stop 16 automatically resets to its initial
position in which the protrusion 38 is seated in the groove 42.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, a front elevation cross-sectional view of one
embodiment of a quick connect coupling 2 with a stop 16 disposed about a male coupling
4 is provided. The example stop 16 depicted in FIG. 3 is a substantially cylindrical, noncontinuous
ring having a pair of ends 44a, b. The stop 16 includes an inner surface 40
and an outer surface 46. The inner surface 40 is disposed radially adjacent to an external
surface 26 of the male coupling 4. A protrusion 38 extends inward from the inner surface
40 of the stop 16 and is positioned within a groove 42 formed in the external surface 26
of the male coupling 4. The example protrusion 38 extends partially around the inner
surface 40 of the stop 16. In certain embodiments, the protrusion 38 may be formed in
various shapes and may extend around the inner surface 40. Similarly, although depicted
as extending around the entire periphery of the male coupling 4, the recessed area,
depicted as a groove 42, may extend around the periphery of the male coupling 4. For
example, a recessed area may be formed in a discrete location on the external surface 26
of the male coupling 4 and selectively dimensioned to accommodate the protrusion 38,
whatever shape it may be. To unseat the protrusion 38 from the groove 42, the stop 16
may be radially deformed until an internal bore of the stop 16 has a diameter at least as
large as an outer diameter of the adjacent portion of the male coupling 4. Then, the male
coupling 4 can be slid within the internal bore of the stop along a longitudinal axis 32 to
disconnect the male coupling 4 from the female coupling 6.
[0043] In some embodiments, the stop 16 may be biased towards a first position
so that the stop 16 substantially self resets to a first position upon removal of an external
force. Referring to FIG. 4, the stop 16 is disposed in a first position in which the stop is
axially secured to the male coupling 4 relative to the longitudinal axis 32. In the example
configuration, a protrusion 38 is disposed in a groove 42 to axially secure the stop 16 to
the male coupling 4. In the first position, the stop 16 is positioned a first predetermined
distance from the leading edge 30 of the male coupling 4 to permit the male coupling 4 to
operably engage a female coupling 6 and activate a locking device. When in the first
position, the stop substantially prevents the male coupling 4 from being inserted into the
female coupling 6 a further distance to actuate a release device and disconnect the quick
connect coupling 2. Thus, in the first position, the stop 16 substantially prevents
inadvertent disengagement of the quick connect coupling 2.
[0044] Once the stop 16 is unseated from the male coupling 4, the stop 16 is
slidable relative to the longitudinal axis 32 of the male coupling 4 between a first position
and a second position, where the stop 16 abuts a shoulder 34 of the male coupling 4. The
shoulder 44 is configured to substantially prevent further displacement of the stop 16
along the external surface 26 of the male coupling 4. In the second position, the stop 16
is positioned a second predetermined distance from the leading edge 30 of the male
coupling 4 to permit the male coupling 4 to activate a release device that enables
disconnection of the quick connect coupling 2. Thus, in some embodiments, the axial
distance between the first position and the leading edge 30 of the male coupling 4 is less
than the axial distance between the second position and the leading edge 30 of the male
coupling 4. In other words, the first position is located between the leading edge 30 of
the male coupling 4 and the second position.
[0045] Still referring to FIG. 4, the male coupling 4 may include an inclined
surface 48 positioned axially between the first position and the second position. The
inclined surface 48 increases in diameter as the distance from the leading edge 30 of the
male coupling 4 increases. As the stop 16 is forced up the inclined surface 48 during
insertion of the male coupling 4 into the female coupling 6 to effect a release of a locking
device, the stop 16 is expanded into a higher internal stress state. Upon removal of the
insertion force, the internal stress of the stop 16 radially contracts the stop 16, thereby
moving the stop 16 down the inclined surface 48 to the first position, where the stop 16 is
in a lower internal stress state. Thus, upon removal of the insertion force, the stop 16
substantially self-resets to the first position.
[0046] With reference to FIG. 5a, a front elevation cross-sectional view of one
embodiment of a quick connect coupling 2 with a resettable stop 16 is provided. The
example stop 16 depicted in FIG. 5a is formed in a tear-drop shape in which a portion of
the inner surface 40 of the stop 16 abuts the external surface 27 of the male coupling 4
and a portion of the inner surface 40 of the stop 16 is spaced laterally apart from the
external surface 27 of the male coupling 4. The abutting portion of the inner surface 40
of the stop 16 generally defines a substantially circular bore configured to contour around
the external surface 27 of the male coupling 4 when the stop 16 is in a first position, as
depicted in FIG. 5a. The spaced apart portion of the inner surface 40 of the stop 16 has a
radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the external surface 26 of the
male coupling 4 and generally defines a space 50 between the stop 16 and the male
coupling 4 when the stop 16 is in a first position. Although Fig. 5a depicts one
embodiment wherein the inner surface 40 comprises a curvilinear shape, the present
invention is not so limited. For example, an alternative embodiment is contemplated
wherein the inner surface 40 comprises straight sidewalls intersecting a horizontal bottom
portion, thus forming intersections between the sidewalls and bottom portion at an angle
greater than ninety degrees. For example, and as shown in Fig. 5b, the inner surface of
the stop 16 could have substantially linear wall portions to define a trapezoid or other
similar geometric configuration.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 5a, the example stop 16 includes a tab 52 and at
least one protrusion 38 extending inward from the inner surface 40. The tab 52 may be
formed on an opposite side of the stop 16 relative to the ends 44a, b, and a protrusion 38
may be associated with each end 44a, b of the stop 16. By pressing the tab 52 in the
direction of the arrow, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32 of
the male coupling 4, the space 50 between the tab 52 and the external surface 27 of the
male coupling is decreased. As the space 50 is decreased, the external surface 26 of the
male coupling 4 contacts the inner surface 40 of the stop 16 associated with the tab 52,
the stop 16 elastically deforms about the external surface 27 of the male coupling 4, and
the ends 44a, b of the stop 16 separate.
[0048] The space 50 between the tab 52 and the male coupling 4 may be
dimensioned to unseat the protrusion 38 from the groove 42 upon a predetermined
displacement. For example, in one embodiment, the protrusion 38 associated with each
end 44a, b unseats from the groove 42 when the inner surface 40 of the stop 16 associated
with the tab 52 abuts the external surface 26 of the male coupling 4. In addition, or
alternatively, the protrusion 38 associated with each end 44a, b may unseat from the
groove 42 upon a predetermined amount of force applied to the tab 52 in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32. Once each protrusion 38 is
unseated from the groove 42, the male coupling 4 may be axially travelable within the
stop 16. In other words, the stop 16 may be slidable about the external surface 27 of the
male coupling 4. As previously discussed, the male coupling 4 may include a ramp
portion that biases the stop 16 towards a position that enables coupling connection but
prevents inadvertent coupling disconnection.
[0049] In operation, a stop 16 may be disposed at least partially around an
external surface 27 of a male coupling 4. The stop 16 may be slidable between a first
position and a second position. When in the first position, the stop 16 may substantially
prevent the male coupling 4 from being inserted into a female port 10 beyond a
predetermined depth, which may correspond to a position of connection. Upon
repositioning of the stop 16, the male coupling 4 may be inserted a further distance into
the port 10 to disengage a locking device. During the further insertion of the male
coupling 4 into the port 10, a port face 36 may contact the stop 16 and force the stop 16
towards a second position, which may correspond to a position of disconnection. Once at
the second position, the stop 16 may contact a feature on the male coupling 4 to
substantially prevent further axial displacement of the male coupling 4 into the port 10.
Once the driving force that moves the stop 16 relative to the male coupling 4 is removed,
the stop 16 may automatically reset to the first position. In some embodiments, the
external surface 27 of the male coupling 4 may include an inclined segment and/or a
spring to bias the stop 16 toward the first position. The biasing force may be linear
and/or non-linear.
[0050] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed
herein. Further, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more
aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.
However, it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects,
embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects,
embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated
into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] While illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in
detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise
variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be
construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
1. A quick connect hydraulic coupling with a retention mechanism to prevent
inadvertent disconnection, comprising:
a female coupling with an external surface and an internal surface which defines a
port;
a male coupling having an external surface, an internal surface, a leading edge, a
longitudinal axis, and a geometric profile adapted for insertion into said female coupling;
and
a stop mechanism disposed at least partially around the external surface of the
male coupling and configured to prevent the male coupling from being inserted into said
port of the female coupling beyond a predetermined position, the stop mechanism
slidable relative to the longitudinal axis of the male coupling between a first position and
a second position, the first position located between the leading edge of the male
coupling and the second position, the stop mechanism biased towards the first position so
that the stop mechanism resets to the first position upon removal of an insertion force.
2. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein when in the first position,
the stop mechanism is incapable of sliding toward the second position without a
repositioning of the stop mechanism.
3. The quick connect coupling of claim 2, wherein the external surface of the
male coupling has an annular groove and the stop mechanism has an inner surface with a
protrusion extending inwardly, wherein when the stop mechanism is in the first position,
the protrusion is seated in the groove to substantially prevent axial movement of the stop
mechanism relative to the longitudinal axis.
4. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein the stop mechanism is a
discontinuous ring having two ends.
5. The quick connect coupling of claim 4, wherein the stop mechanism is
substantially cylindrical.
6. The quick connect coupling of claim 4, wherein at least one of the two
ends includes a chamfered edge.
7. The quick connect coupling of claim 3, wherein the protrusion is formed
on an opposite side of the stop mechanism relative to the two ends.
8. The quick connect coupling of claim 3, wherein the protrusion extends
radially inward from each of the ends.
9. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein a portion of the stop
mechanism is spaced laterally apart from an external surface of the male coupling to
define a space between the stop mechanism and the male coupling.
10. The quick connect coupling of claim 9, wherein the stop mechanism is a
discontinuous ring having two ends, and wherein the space is disposed on an opposite
side of the stop mechanism relative to the two ends.
11. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein the external surface of the
male coupling includes an inclined surface disposed between the first position and the
second position for biasing the stop mechanism towards the first position.
12. The quick connect coupling of claim 11, wherein the inclined surface is
substantially linear.
13. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein the external surface of the
male coupling includes a shoulder configured to substantially prevent the stop
mechanism from sliding axially beyond the second position.
14. The quick connect coupling of claim 13, wherein the shoulder is oriented
in a substantially perpendicular plane relative to the longitudinal axis of said male
coupling.
15. The quick connect coupling of claim 14, wherein when the stop
mechanism is in the first position, the stop mechanism substantially abuts a port face of
said female coupling.
16. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein when the stop mechanism
is in the second position, the stop mechanism is configured to permit disconnection of the
male and female couplings.
17. The quick connect coupling of claim 1, wherein when the stop mechanism
is in the second position, the stop mechanism is radially expanded relative to the first
position.
18. The quick connect coupling of claim 16, wherein the external surface of
the male coupling includes an inclined surface disposed between the first position and the
second position for biasing the stop mechanism towards the first position.
19. A method for selectively engaging or disengaging of a metallic hydraulic
coupling, comprising:
providing a female coupling with an external surface, an interior surface and a
leading edge which defines a port;
providing a male coupling with an exterior surface, an internal surface which
defines a flow path, and a leading edge sized for insertion into said port of said female
coupling;
a locking mechanism operably positioned proximate to said external surface of
said male coupling and said internal surface of said female coupling and which can be
selectively actuated and released upon the insertion and retraction of the male coupling
within the female coupling;
providing a stop positioned between the female coupling leading edge and a
shoulder extending outwardly from the exterior surface of the male coupling, said stop
having a first locking position which prevents any travel of the male coupling within the
female coupling, and a second released position which allows the male coupling to travel
further within said female port to disengage said locking mechanism and allow the
removal of said male coupling from said female coupling.
20. The method of Claim 19, wherein said stop has an inner surface with a
protrusion extending inwardly, wherein when the lock is in the first locking position the
protrusion is sealed in a groove in an outer surface of said male coupling to prevent axial
movement of the stop relative to the longitudinal axis.