U.S. patent application number 10/264045 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for quick coupler retention clip and method.
Invention is credited to Wieder, Martin H..
Application Number | 20030080553 10/264045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22846239 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030080553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wieder, Martin H. |
May 1, 2003 |
Quick coupler retention clip and method
Abstract
A quick coupler retention clip is disclosed for preventing an
inadvertent disconnection of a quick coupler. The clip device
includes a unitary clip having a first and a second end. The first
end of the clip is of annular configuration so that the body of the
coupler extends through the annular first end for anchoring the
first end of the clip relative to the body. The second end of the
clip is a C-shaped configuration to removably engage a groove
defined between a collar and the body of the coupler. A strap
extends between the first and second ends of the clip for securing
the first and second ends of the clip together. The disconnection
of the body from the port of the quick coupler is permitted only
when the C-shaped second end is removed from engagement with the
groove so that inadvertent disconnection of the body from the port
is prevented.
Inventors: |
Wieder, Martin H.;
(Watertown, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cook & Franke S.C.
660 East Mason Street
Milwaukee
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
22846239 |
Appl. No.: |
10/264045 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10264045 |
Oct 3, 2002 |
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09225788 |
Jan 5, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/81 ; 285/114;
285/305; 285/316; 285/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/81 ; 285/91;
285/114; 285/305; 285/316 |
International
Class: |
F16L 055/00 |
Claims
1. A quick coupler retention clip device for use on a quick connect
coupler having a body, a collar and a port, the clip device
comprising: a unitary clip having a first and a second end; the
first end of the clip being of annular configuration such that a
portion of the coupler extends through the annular first end to
anchor the first end of the unitary clip relative to the body; the
second end of the unitary clip having a C-shaped configuration to
removably engage a groove disposed between the body and the collar
of the coupler when the collar is in a locked disposition with the
port; and a strap extending between the first and second ends of
the clip to form a unitary clip device by securing the first and
second ends one to another wherein disconnection of the body from
the port is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is removed
from engagement with the groove to prevent inadvertent
disconnection of the body from the port.
2. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
clip is fabricated from a plastics material.
3. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
unitary clip is fabricated from a resilient material which permits
repeated engagement and disengagement of the C-shaped second end of
the clip from the body of the coupler.
4. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
unitary clip includes indicia thereon for identifying complementary
portions of the quick coupler.
5. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
unitary clip is color-coded.
6. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
first end includes an annulus which defines a bore for the
reception therein of the body of the coupler, the annulus having a
first and a second face, such that when the body is inserted
through the annulus, the first and second faces resiliently engage
the body for permanently securing the unitary clip to the body.
7. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 6 wherein the
first end further includes a wall extending axially from one of the
faces, the wall extending around a portion of an outer
circumference of the annulus.
8. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 7 wherein the
wall includes indicia for indicating the complementary portions to
be coupled together.
9. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
second end of the clip defines a slot for the reception therein of
the body-of the coupler, the second end further defining a first
and a second arm which resiliently cooperate with the body so that
engagement and disengagement of the second end of the clip from the
groove is permitted.
10. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
strap has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity being
secured to the first end of the clip, the second extremity being
secured to the second end of the clip.
11. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 5 further
comprising a cap engageable with the port and having color-coding
consistent with a respective retention clip.
12. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 11 wherein the
strap defines a substantially U-shaped configuration when the first
and second ends of the clip are disposed in operable engagement
with the body of the coupler, the body and the port of the coupler
being operably connected together.
13. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
body of the coupler has a female end and the port has a male
end.
14. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
device further includes: a cap of generally cylindrical
configuration, the cap having a first and a second side; the first
side of the cap defining an orifice for the removable reception
therein of the body of the coupler; the second side of the cap
defining an opening which engages the port of the coupler, the port
releasably cooperating with the body so that when in use, the cap
is secured to the port by engagement of the port within the
opening, and wherein the orifice permits the removable insertion
therein of the body such that the body and port are coupled
together, the cap being color-coded with respect to the unitary
clip so that coupling of the correct body and port is
encouraged.
15. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 1 wherein the
device further includes a ring-shaped portion secured to and
extending around a male connector and a hose, the ring-shaped
portion having a color matching that of at least one of the first
and second ends and the strap.
16. The quick coupler retention clip device of claim 14 wherein the
device further includes: a ring-shaped portion secured to and
extending around a connector; and wherein the ring-shaped portion,
the unitary clip and the cap being color-coded so that the
respective portions of the coupler are readily identifiable to
avoid inadvertent coupling of incorrect portions so that
disconnection of the body from the port of the coupler is prevented
until the C-shaped second end of the clip is disengaged from the
groove.
17. A quick coupler retention clip device for use on a quick
connect coupler having a body and a collar couplable to a port at
one end and a hose at another end, and a connector couplable to
another end of the hose, the clip device comprising: a unitary clip
having a first and a second end; the first end of the clip being of
annular configuration such that a portion of the coupler extends
through the annular first end to anchor the first end of the clip
relative to the body; the second end of the clip having a C-shaped
configuration such that the C-shaped second end removably engages
the body of the coupler; a strap extending between the first and
second ends of the clip to secure the first and second ends
together, the arrangement being such that disconnection of the body
from the port is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is
removed from engagement with a groove defined by the collar and the
body so that inadvertent disconnection of the portions of the pipe
coupler is prevented; a cap of generally cylindrical configuration,
the cap having a first and a second side, the first side of the cap
defining an orifice for the removable reception therein of the body
of the coupler, the second side of the cap defining an opening
which engages the port of the coupler, the port releasably
cooperating with the body so that when in use, the orifice permits
the removable engagement of the body to the port such that the body
and port are couplable together, and wherein the cap is color-coded
with respect to the unitary clip so that coupling together of a
correct body and a correct port is encouraged; a ring-shaped
portion secured to and extending around another connector couplable
to an end of the hose; and wherein the ring-shaped portion, the
unitary clip and the cap are color-coded so that each is readily
identifiable.
18. A method for preventing an inadvertent disconnection of a body
from a port of a quick coupler, the method comprising the steps of:
anchoring a first end of a unitary clip relative to the body, the
first end of the clip being of annular configuration such that the
body of the coupler extends through the annular first end;
removably engaging the body of the coupler with a second end of the
clip, the second end being of C-shaped configuration such that the
C-shaped second end cooperates with a groove defined by an axially
movable collar and the body of the coupler; and permitting
disconnection of the body from the port only when the C-shaped
second end is removed from engagement with the groove of the
coupler and when the collar has been moved axially relative to the
body so that inadvertent disconnection of the body from the port of
the quick coupler is prevented.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a quick coupler
retention clip, and more particularly to a quick coupler retention
clip for preventing an inadvertent disconnection of a body from a
port of a quick coupler.
[0002] In various industrial settings such as the automotive,
appliance, housewares and electronics industries, many individual
portions of products include parts that are formed from different
plastic materials by such methods as injection molding, blow
molding, thermo-forming, rotational molding or other molding
methods. The plastic materials employed in these fabrication
methods are usually heated and cooled by a pressurized liquid, such
as water or other medium, and the liquid is generally supplied from
a number of supply outlets.
[0003] In practice, several different types of liquid are connected
to respective inlets and outlets. Flexible pipe couplings are
connected to each of the respective inlets or outlets so that the
particular liquid, for example heated water, may be supplied to and
from application locations. However, it is essential that the
correct flexible pipe or hose coupling be attached to the correct
inlet or outlet port so that the right type of liquid medium is
applied to the correct port.
[0004] Furthermore, it is very important that a quick coupler be
disconnected only after the pressurized supply has been turned off,
otherwise it is possible for the operator to disconnect the
respective portions of the pipe coupler prematurely, thereby
allowing the liquid medium to escape unrestricted.
[0005] Likewise, such couplers typically can accumulate dirt and
debris on the inside thereof or become worn such that an operator
may carelessly believe that the coupler is properly connected, when
in fact, it is not. Under such conditions, once the line is
pressurized, the coupler can disconnect, allowing the pressurized
substance to escape freely.
[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a quick coupler
retention clip for use with a multiplicity of supply couplings
which would prevent the inadvertent disconnection of respective
portions of a quick coupler and would ensure the proper coupling of
the couplers and provide a way to properly identify each coupler
with its respective port.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a quick coupler retention
clip that overcomes the aforementioned problems, and provides a
cost effective way to ensure proper coupling of quick-connect
couplers and a way to easily identify each hose to its respective
location.
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention a quick
coupler retention clip device is provided for use on a quick
connect coupler having a body, a collar and a port. The clip device
includes a unitary clip having a first and a second end, the first
end of the clip being of annular configuration such that the body
of the coupler extends through the annular first end for anchoring
the first end of the unitary clip relative to the body. The second
end of the unitary clip has a C-shaped configuration to removably
engage a groove disposed between the body and the collar of the
coupler when the collar is in a locked disposition thereof.
Additionally, a strap extends between the first and second ends of
the clip for securing the first and second ends together. The
arrangement is such that disconnection of the body and the port of
the coupler is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is
removed from engagement with the groove so that inadvertent
disconnection of the body from the port is prevented.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
quick coupler retention clip device further includes a cap of
generally cylindrical configuration, the cap having a first and a
second side. The first side of the cap defines an orifice for the
removable reception therein of the body of the coupler. The second
side of the cap defines an opening which encircles the port of the
coupler. The port releasably cooperates with the body so that in
use of the device, the cap is secured to the port by engagement of
the port within the opening. The orifice permits the removable
connection of the body such that the body and port are coupled
together. Additionally, the cap is color-coded with respect to the
unitary clip so that correct coupling together of only the body and
port is permitted.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the quick
coupler retention clip device further includes a ring-shaped
portion which is secured to and extends around a connector of the
coupler. The ring-shaped portion is disposed such that the annular
first end of the clip is disposed between the ring-shaped portion
and the C-shaped second end of the clip.
[0011] Additionally, the ring-shaped portion, the unitary clip and
the cap are color-coded so that each portion of the coupler is
readily identifiable so that inadvertent coupling together of an
incorrect portion is inhibited and so that disconnection of the
body from the port of the coupler is prevented until the C-shaped
second end of the clip has been disengaged from the body of the
coupler.
[0012] Also, the present invention includes a method for preventing
an inadvertent disconnection of a body from a port of a quick
coupler. The method includes the steps of: 1) anchoring a first end
of a unitary clip relative to the body, the first end of the clip
being of annular configuration such that the body of the coupler
extends through the annular first end; 2) removably engaging the
body of the coupler with a second end of the clip, the second end
having a C-shaped configuration such that the C-shaped second end
cooperates with the body of the coupler; and 3) permitting
disconnection of the body from the port only when the C-shaped
second end is removed from engagement with the body of the quick
coupler so that inadvertent disconnection of the body from the port
of the quick coupler is prevented.
[0013] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
provide a quick coupler retention clip which prevents an
inadvertent disconnection of a body from a port of a quick
coupler.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a cap which is
color-coded with respect to a unitary clip so that correct coupling
together of only a body and port of a coupler is permitted.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a cap, a
unitary clip and a ring-shaped portion that are color-coded and/or
which include indicia to ensure the correct coupling together of
the respective portions of the coupler.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
quick coupler retention clip device which permits insertion of a
C-shaped end of a unitary clip into a groove of the body only when
the body and port are correctly connected so that in the event of
the coupler becoming worn or the accumulation of dirt and debris
within the coupler, the body and port must be correctly seated and
connected together before the C-shaped end can be inserted into the
groove.
[0017] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed
description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
for carrying out the invention.
[0019] In the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of two quick coupler
retention clip devices fitted to respective quick couplers
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section of a
quick coupler retention clip fitted to a quick coupler as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the device of FIG. 2. with the
unitary clip disengaged.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the unitary clip shown in
FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG.1
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.
2.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view partially in section of a
portion of FIG. 2 showing the body removed from the port of the
coupler.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ring-shaped portion
shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a pair of quick coupler retention clip
devices according to the present invention is shown, with each
device being generally designated 10. The quick coupler retention
clip device 10 prevents an inadvertent disconnection of a body 12
of a quick coupler generally designated 16 from a port 14. The body
12 is provided with a collar 13 which is slidable axially relative
to the body so that the collar 13 and body 12 define therebetween
an annular groove 15. The coupler 16 is threadedly attached to a
male plug 17 which is threadedly engaged in the rear portion 19 of
the body 12 of the coupler 16. The other end of the male plug 17 is
engaged in a hose 21 for transferring a medium from a source
housing 25 to an application zone 27.
[0032] The clip device 10 includes a unitary clip generally
designated 18 having a first and a second end 20 and 22,
respectively. FIG. 1 preferably shows a liquid medium flowing as
indicated by arrow 23 from the source housing 25 to the application
zone 27. Typically, the liquid medium is water or a water solution,
and is preferably pressurized. The liquid medium may also comprise
other solutions or even other media depending upon the requirements
of the application. Moreover, because the applications may involve
mold cooling or mold heating, the medium can be at a relatively
cool or relatively hot temperature. The coupler devices 10 may be
used for conveying many different types of materials. Therefore, it
is essential that the correct portions of the complementary parts
of the couplers be connected together and that the quick couplers
be positively and completely connected together.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the first end 20 of the clip 18 is of
annular configuration such that the body 12 of the coupler 16
extends through the annular first end 20 for anchoring the first
end 20 of the clip 18 relative to the body 12. Also, the second end
22 of the clip 18 is of C-shaped configuration such that the
C-shaped second end 22 removably engages the body 12 of the coupler
16. The second end 22 is receivable into the annual groove 15 to
lock the slidable collar 13 and prevent the inadvertent removal of
the quick coupler 16 from the port 14.
[0034] Additionally, a strap 24 extends between the first and the
second ends 20 and 22 of the clip 18 for securing the first and
second ends 20 and 22 together. The arrangement is such that
disconnection of the body 12 of the quick coupler 16 from the port
14 is permitted only when the C-shaped second end 22 is removed
from engagement with the groove 15 of the body 12 of the coupler 16
so that inadvertent disconnection of the body 12 from the port 14
is prevented.
[0035] Although not shown, it will be appreciated that multiple
quick coupler connections may be made, and such multiple
connections may be divided into different application zones
corresponding to a particularized function, i.e., heating or
cooling. With multiple connections possible, it is essential that
each male/female connection is properly made to ensure that each
zone performs its application in an acceptable manner.
[0036] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the
clip 18 is fabricated from a plastics material. More particularly,
the clip 18 is fabricated from a resilient material which permits
repeated engagement and disengagement of the C-shaped second end 22
of the clip 18 from the groove 15 of the body 12 of the coupler
16.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a view of one of the quick couplers 16 shown in
FIG. 1 with the unitary clip 18 shown in section. As shown, the
groove 15 is just slightly wider than the C-shaped second end 22 so
that when engaged into groove 15, the slidable collar 13 cannot
move rearward and disengage from the port 14. FIG. 2 also more
clearly shows port 14 as a male connector threadedly engaged in the
application zone 27 and connected into the quick coupler 16. The
source housing 25 also has a port 14(a) threadedly engaged into the
source housing 25.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows the C-shaped second end 22 of the clip device
10 removed and out of engagement with the groove 15 of the coupler
16 as indicated by the arrow A. With the C-shaped second end 22 of
the clip device 10 removed from engagement from groove 15, the
collar 13 can be moved rearward as indicated by arrow B to
disengage the coupler 16 from the port 14, as best shown in FIG.
9.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the unitary clip 18 shown in
FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 4, the clip 18 includes indicia 26
thereon for identification. Such indicia 26 can be printed or
embossed into the surface of the clip 18 to identify which port of
the application zone 27 the respective coupler belongs to.
Additionally or alternatively, the clip 18 can be color-coded for
the same identification purpose. The first end 20 of the clip 18
includes an annulus 28 which defines a bore 30 for the reception
therein of the male plug 17 of the coupler 16. The annulus 28 has a
first and a second face 32 and 34 respectively such that when the
male plug 17 is inserted through the annulus 28, the first and
second faces 32 and 34 resiliently engage the male plug 17, and
thus the coupler 16, to secure the clip 18 to the body 12.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 of FIG. 1 and
shows the first end 20 of the clip 18 as including a wall 36 which
extends axially from one of the faces 32 and 34. The wall 36
extends around a portion of an outer circumference of the annulus
28. Furthermore, the wall 36 can include an indicia 26 for
indicating which port 14 in the application zone 27 the respective
coupler should be coupled to. For example, a reference can be
printed, embossed, or adhered to the wall 36 for such
identification. FIG. 5 also better shows annulus 28 defining inside
bore 30 which retains the clip 18 between the male plug 17 and hose
21.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, the second end 22 of the clip 18 is
shown with the male plug 17 in phantom. The second end 22 includes
a first and a second arm 44 and 46 respectively which resiliently
cooperate with the groove 15 of the body 12 of the coupler 16 so
that engagement and removal of the second end 22 of the clip 18
from the body 12 of the coupler 16 is permitted. The first end 20
and the second end 22 of clip 18 are connected to strap 24. The
strap 24 has a first and a second extremity 48 and 50 respectively.
The first extremity 48 is secured to the first end 20 of the clip
18 while the second extremity 50 is secured to the second end 22 of
the clip 18. Additionally, the strap 24 is fabricated from a
resilient material and defines a substantially U-shaped
configuration when the first and second ends 20 and 22 of the clip
18 are disposed in operable engagement with the body 12 of the
coupler 16 and the hose 21.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, the device 10 further includes a cap 52
of generally cylindrical configuration. The cap 52 has a first and
a second side 54 and 56 with the first side 54 of the cap 52
defining an orifice 58 for the removable reception therein of the
coupler 16.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, a sectional view taken along line 8-8
of FIG. 2 shows the second side 56 of the cap 52 defining an
opening 60. The second slide 56 engages the port 14 of the coupler
16, as best shown in FIG. 3. The second side 56 has four extensions
29, 31, 33 and 35 to resiliently secure the cap 52 about the stem
37 of the port 14 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, the port 14 releasably cooperates with
the coupler 16 so that when collar 13 is slid rearward, the body 12
is disengaged from the port 14. The orifice 58 permits the
removable insertion therein of the body 12 such that the body 12
and the port 14 can be coupled together. The cap 52 is color-coded
with respect to the unitary clip 18 so that coupling of the correct
body 12 to the correct port 14 is accomplished.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 10, the device 10 further includes a
ring-shaped portion 64 which is secured to and extends around a
male plug 14(a) of the medium source 25, as shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
11 is a view of the ring shaped portion 64 and the male plug 14(a)
taken along line 11-11 of the FIG. 1. The ring shaped portion 64
has a rear wall 65 for retention about the male plug 14 (a). The
ring shaped portion 64 has an outwardly extending tab 42, FIG. 10,
which can be used for printing the same indicia as that printed on
the similar shaped tab of the clip 18. Similarly, the ring-shaped
portion 64 is color-coded the same as clip 18 and cap 52. The
color-coding and/or the indicia printing allows for accurate
matching of ports and connectors when any or all of the hoses 21
are replaced. The color-coding also allows each coupler 16 to be
readily identifiable so that inadvertent coupling together of an
incorrect portion is inhibited.
[0046] In operation, an inadvertent disconnection of the body from
the port of a quick coupler is prevented by anchoring a first end
of a unitary clip relative to the body, the first end of the clip
being of annular configuration such that the body of the coupler
extends through the annular first end. The body of the coupler is
removably engaged by a second end of the clip, the second end being
of C-shaped configuration such that the C-shaped second end
cooperates with the body of the coupler. Disconnection of the body
from the port is permitted only when the C-shaped second end is
removed from engagement with the body of the quick coupler so that
the collar 13 can be moved axially, as indicated by arrow B, FIG.
9, relative to the body 12 for permitting disconnection of the body
12 from the port 14 thus preventing inadvertent disconnection of
the body 12 from the port 14.
[0047] The quick coupler retention clip 10 according to the present
invention provides a low cost retention clip which improves the
efficiency of operating a multiple outlet supply of heated water or
other solution. The quick coupler retention clip device not only
prevents inadvertent disconnection of a quick coupler conveying
heated material, but also ensures that the correct portions of the
coupler are coupled to one another and that such portions are
positively coupled. That is, the C-shaped end of the clip can only
be fitted in the groove 15 if the collar 13 is all the way forward
so that the body and the port are locked together. Therefore, the
quick coupler is either obviously uncoupled, or completely
coupled.
[0048] The present invention has been described in terms of the
preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents,
alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated,
are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.
[0049] For example, it will be recognized that the present
invention may be suitably employed in numerous industries including
the plastics, automotive, appliance, housewares and electronics
industries, and may be suitably employed in various methods of
production including injection molding, blow molding,
thermo-forming, rotational molding or other molding methods.
[0050] Additionally, the present invention may be utilized with any
type of quick coupler, such as those in food and beverage, die
casting and pneumatic applications, provided the quick coupler has
a groove or other means to promote reception of the retention
clip.
* * * * *