Appeal No. 2005-0642
Application No. 09/568,278
4. A quick connector coupling comprising:
a hollow female connector body having [at least one] slots 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] a first 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, said latch
further including 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.
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. (Cancelled)
8. A quick connector coupling as claimed in claim [7] 4 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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