Appeal No. 2005-0642
Application No. 09/568,278
4. A quick connector coupling comprising:
a hollow female connector body having at least one slot formed therethrough
to define at least one radial ledge, and hinge means formed on a
exterior surface;
a male member received in said connector body and having an enlarged
annular upset; and
a latch attached to said hinge means and including latching means, said latch
being movable to a latched position wherein said latching means
extends through said at least one slot and is positioned between said at
least one radial ledge and said upset to prevent removal of said male
member from said connector body.
5. A quick connector coupling as claimed in claim 4 wherein said hinge means
comprise two posts formed on opposite sides of said connector body, and said latch
further comprises two legs straddled about said connector body and mounted on
said posts.
6. A quick connector coupling as claimed in claim 4, wherein there are three of
said slots formed through said connector body.
7. A quick connector coupling as claimed in claim 6 wherein said latching
means extends through a first slot, and said latch further comprises two catch
beams which extend through second and third slots, said catch beams defining
catch edges which engage catch surfaces defined by said second and third slots to
secure said latch in said latched position.
8. A quick connector coupling as claimed in claim 7 wherein said connector
body further comprises curved exterior cam surfaces, said catch beams contacting
said cam surfaces and spreading apart during movement of said latch towards a
latched position, said contact between said catch beams and said cam surfaces
causing said latch to spring to an unlatched position if said latch is released before
having been fully moved to said latched position.
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