Importance

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Abstract

A breakaway coupling, a conduit system utilizing the coupling and methods of making the same are provided, the breakaway coupling being adapted to be incorporated into a conduit system and comprising a pair of tubular coupling members each having opposed ends one of which is adapted to be interconnected to a part of the conduit system and the other of which is held in sealing and coupling engagement with the other end of the other coupling member until uncoupled therefrom by a certain axial force being created therebetween, each of the coupling members having a fixed valve seat and a movable valve member for opening and closing its respective valve seat whereby the valve seats of the coupling members must both be open before a fluid flow can pass through the coupling members, each of the coupling members having a spring operatively associated with its respective valve member to tend to move that valve member to its closed position, each of the coupling members having an abutment for engaging the valve member of the other coupling member and moving the same to its open position in opposition to its respective spring as the coupling members are being disposed in their coupling engagement, the fixed valve seat of one of the coupling members comprising a cup-shaped member having a closed end interconnected by a sidewall to an open end disposed in fluid communication with the one opposed end of that one coupling member, the sidewall having an opening therethrough, the valve member of the one coupling member comprising an annular slide member telescopically receiving the cup-shaped member therein so as to slide on the sidewall thereof and tend to be urged to a position thereon by its spring to close the opening thereof.

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First Claim