Importance

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Abstract

A quick connector assembly includes a female component having an axial bore adapted to sealingly receive a first end of a mating tube, wherein the female component further includes a transverse slot intersecting the axial bore adapted to receive and retain a U-shaped retainer, first, in a partially-inserted 'shipping' position wherein the legs of the retainer engage complementary surfaces on opposite sides of the slot to releasably secure the retainer therein while otherwise permitting axial passage of an upset bead on the tube's first end into the axial bore past the retainer's legs and, second, in a fully-inserted position wherein inner surfaces on the retainer's legs resiliently engage the periphery of the tube while axially-disposed surfaces on the retainer's legs and bight oppose axial displacement of the tube's upset bead to lock the tube in the female component. One leg of the retainer extends to define a flap which is pivoted into interlocking engagement with the retainer's other leg, whereby a surface of the flap is likewise placed in axial opposition with the tube's upset bead to further lock the tube in the female component.

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First Claim