Importance

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Abstract

A coupling for conveying fluid between a component of a fluid system and an insertion end of a fluid conduit includes a coupling body enclosing a bore with a receiving end into which the insertion end of the conduit is introduced. A gripping mechanism capable of fixing the position of the insertion end of the conduit takes the form of a spring washer seated in the receiving end of bore in coaxial encirclement of the insertion end of the conduit. The spring washer includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending fingers that flex radially outwardly to accommodate the advancement of the insertion end of the conduit through the spring washer. The fingers resile radially inwardly into seating engagement with the outer surface of the conduit at an orientation that resists withdrawal of the conduit. Plural resilient parallel release fingers extend into to form a release mechanism slidable relative to the coupling body into a disengaging position in which the release fingers induce outward flexure of fingers of the spring washer out of seating engagement with the outer surface of the conduit. A flexure relief slot is interposed between adjacent of the release fingers about the cylindrical array. In the disengaging position, the tips of adjacent of the release fingers narrow the open end of a flexure relief slot therebetween.

First Claim