WO2020176065A1 - Verrou de sécurité ergonomique pour ajustement de verrouillage de came - Google Patents

Verrou de sécurité ergonomique pour ajustement de verrouillage de came Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020176065A1
WO2020176065A1 PCT/US2019/000056 US2019000056W WO2020176065A1 WO 2020176065 A1 WO2020176065 A1 WO 2020176065A1 US 2019000056 W US2019000056 W US 2019000056W WO 2020176065 A1 WO2020176065 A1 WO 2020176065A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cam
lever portion
female
conduit
male
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2019/000056
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey Hartman
George L. WILLIAMSON
Original Assignee
Jeffrey Hartman
Williamson George L
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US16/284,571 external-priority patent/US10473248B2/en
Priority claimed from US16/286,014 external-priority patent/US10473249B1/en
Priority claimed from US16/549,596 external-priority patent/US10557581B1/en
Priority claimed from US16/555,452 external-priority patent/US11221095B2/en
Application filed by Jeffrey Hartman, Williamson George L filed Critical Jeffrey Hartman
Priority to AU2019431464A priority Critical patent/AU2019431464A1/en
Publication of WO2020176065A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020176065A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
    • F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members
    • F16L37/18—Joints tightened by eccentrics or rotatable cams
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/20—Safety or protective couplings

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to cam lock fittings and, more particularly, is concerned with a cam lock fitting having a pair of double cam levers providing an ergonomic safety lock and a lever latching mechanism thereon.
  • U.S. Patent No. 3,1860,274 to Ledstrom, et al., dated January 14, 1975 disclosed a pipe coupling.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,222,593 to Lauffenburger disclosed a fluid conveying coupling with safety locking device.
  • U.S. Patent No. 8,123,256 to Hartman dated February 28, 2012 disclosed a safety lock for a cam lock fitting.
  • U.S. Patent No. 9,732,894 to Hartman dated August 15, 2017 disclosed a double cam lever and safety lock for a cam lock fitting.
  • U.S. Patent No. 9,562,639 to Hartman dated February 7, 2017 disclosed a method for cam lock fitting.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,295,717 dated March 22, 1994 to Chen disclosed a tube connecting device that disclosed a lever latching mechanism.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,435,604 dated July 25, 1995 to Chen disclosed a tube connecting device that disclosed a lever latching mechanism.
  • U.S. Patent No. 8,083,265 dated December 27, 2011 to Chen disclosed a tube connecting device that disclosed a lever latching mechanism. While these devices related to cam lock fittings may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. As will be shown by way of explanation and drawings, the present invention works in a novel manner and differently from the related art.
  • the present invention discloses an improved cam lock fitting having cooperating ergonomically designed double cam levers having outer and inner portions so that when the outer cam levers are opened and the inner cam lever remain closed, the male and female portions of the cam lock fitting only slightly separate from each other allowing the operator to quickly reclose the cam lock fitting if the operator observes that the cam lock fitting still contains pressurized material.
  • pin housings are mounted on the underside of inner and outer levers so that pins on an inner lever mechanically cooperate with a latch member while the pins on the outer lever mechanically cooperate with a rear end of the inner lever.
  • a pull ring member on the outer lever having a width relatively larger than the pull ring member of the inner arm is provided thereby making it more difficult to open the inner arm versus the outer arm.
  • a major problem sought to be solved by the present invention occurs at the time an operator of a conventional prior art cam lock fitting undertakes the operation of opening the fitting; at that time, the operator may not know whether the contents of the conventional fitting are still under pressure, and if the contents are still under pressure the contents will spew out when the conventional fitting is opened possibly resulting in injury to the operator or an unwanted release of materials to the environment.
  • the present invention solves this problem by allowing the improved cam lock fitting to be only partially opened by means of a safety lock feature which allows the improved fitting to be reclosed if the operator observes that the contents inside the improved fitting remain pressurized.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a cam lock fitting having a pair of cooperating double cam lock levers thereon.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety lock which can be easily operated by a user as a part of the normal operation of a cam lock fitting.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety lock which will remain locked when the cam lock fitting is pressurized.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety lock on a cam lock fitting which will prevent inadvertent pressurized discharges of environmentally damaging material from the cam lock fitting.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a safety lock on a cam lock fitting which is simply constructed and which can be relatively inexpensively manufactured.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a cam lock fitting having a pair of cooperating double cam lock levers having a lever latching mechanism thereon.
  • a major advantage of the preset invention is that the cam members are disposed substantially 180 degrees apart and therefore all forces related to associated stress or torque resulting from using the cam members are evenly distributed around a cam lock fitting designed according to the teachings of the present invention. Conventional cam lock fittings using side-by-side cam members would not be expected to exhibit this characteristic.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art cam lock fitting.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the double cam lever of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of the double cam lever of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 8-10 are sectional views of a first embodiment of the present invention with certain parts shown in perspective for ease of illustration.
  • Figures 11-13 are sectional views of a second embodiment of the present invention with certain parts shown in perspective for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 14 is an end elevation view taken from the front of portions of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 15 is an end elevation view taken from the front of portions of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 16 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 17 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 18 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of an alternative
  • Figure 19 is a top view on the inner cam lever of a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of a lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 21 is a perspective view of a lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 23-24 are side elevation views of a lever latching embodiment of the present invention with certain parts shown cut-away for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 25 is a top view of the double cam lever of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 26 is an end elevation view of the double cam levers taken from the front of portions of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 27 is an end elevation view of the double cam levers taken from the front of portions of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 28 is a top view of the double cam lever of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 29 is a top view of the double cam lever of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 30 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of an alternative
  • Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figure 32 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figure 33 is a side elevation view of a plate of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figures 34-35 are side elevation views of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention with certain parts shown cut-away for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figure 37 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figure 38 is a side elevation view of a plate of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figures 39-40 are side elevation views of an alternative embodiment of a lever latching mechanism of the present invention.
  • Figure 41 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 43 is a perspective view of the double cam lever of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 44 is a perspective view of a lever latching embodiment of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 45-47 are sectional views of a third embodiment of the present invention with certain parts shown in perspective for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 48 is an end elevation view taken from the front of portions of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 49 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 50 is a side elevation view of the double cam lever of a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 52 is a perspective view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 53 is a top view of each lever of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 54 is a top view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention showing the levers in an assembled disposition.
  • Figure 55 is a side elevation view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention shown in a closed position with certain parts shown cut-away for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 56 is a side elevation view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention shown in an open position with certain parts shown cut-away for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 57 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 58 is a perspective view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 59 is a top view of each lever of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 60 is a top view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention showing the levers in an assembled disposition.
  • Figure 61 is a side elevation view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention shown in a closed position with certain parts shown cut-away for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 62 is a side elevation view of an alternative lever latching embodiment of the present invention shown in an open position with certain parts shown cut-away for ease of illustration.
  • Figures 1 through 62 illustrate the present invention wherein a cam lock fitting is disclosed having a pair of ergonomically designed double cam levers which cooperate to provide a safety locking mechanism.
  • FIG. 1 therein is shown a prior art version of a conventional cam lock fitting generally indicated by reference number 10 having a female end coupling portion or conduit 12 and a male end coupling portion or conduit 14 each having a front end 16 which when joined together form a conduit through which fluid or the like will flow.
  • a hose 18 having a band clamp 20 thereon is attached to a rear end 22 of each female 12 and male 14 portions; hose 18 ranges in size from about one inch to about 8 inches and are generally heavy for accommodating relatively high pressure.
  • the female portion 12 has a pair of cam levers or ears 24 each having a lever portion 26 and a cam portion 28 thereon, which cam portion locks the female end 12 to the male end 14 by seating the cam portion 28 of the female portion within a peripheral groove 30 on an exterior of the male portion so that the two portions 12, 14 with hoses 18 are joined together to form a conduit so that materials can pass therethrough.
  • the cam portion 28 projects through an opening 32 in the wall 34 near the front end 16 of the female portion 12 as the ears 24 pivot on axles 36.
  • Direction arrows are used to show movement of ears 24 between a closed position lying substantially parallel to and adjacent the female portion 12 and an open position outwardly moved away from the female portion 12 so as to disengage the cam portion from groove 30.
  • annular flange 38 having a flexible circular gasket or O-ring seal 40 therein wherein the flange and gasket extend entirely around the internal periphery of the female portion for making sealing contact with the end 16 of the male end portion 14 in a
  • cam lock fitting 10 A major disadvantage of the prior art cam lock fitting 10 is that it is designed to be either completely closed or completely open and therefore offers no safety locking mechanism.
  • FIGS 2-3 and Figure 41 therein are shown three embodiments 48, 50, 52 of an improved cam lock fitting 54 of the present invention wherein Figure 2 shows embodiment 48; Figure 3 shows embodiment 50; and Figure 41 shows embodiment 52.
  • FIGS 2-3 and Figure 41 show a cam lock fitting 54 similar in some respects to the prior art cam lock fitting 10, shown in Figure 1, but with important differences due to the embodiments 48, 50, 52 mounted thereon.
  • a cam lock fitting 54 having a female end coupling portion or conduit 56 and a male end coupling portion or conduit 58 each having a front end 60 which when joined together form a conduit through which fluid or the like will flow.
  • the present invention operates similarly to the prior art am lock fitting 10 shown in Figure 1 except that there are a total of four cam levers (i.e., two pairs of double cam levers/ears) instead of two cam levers wherein the double cam levers cooperate with each other to provide a safety lock.
  • Each of the cam lock fittings 54 shown in Figures 2-3 and Figure 41 are similar to each other, however, different embodiments 48, 50, 52 of cam lock levers are mounted thereon.
  • FIG. 2 therein is shown the embodiment 48 having a pair of double cam levers or members 62, 64 mounted on opposite sides of the female end portion 56 wherein each pair has an outer cam lever 62 and an inner cam lever 64.
  • Outer cam lever 62 has a lever portion 66 and an eccentric cam lobe portion 68
  • inner cam lever 64 also has a lever portion 70 and first and second eccentric cam lobe portion 72 wherein the first and second cam lobe portions form the two prongs of a fork shaped portion being spaced apart a distance thereby creating a cutout or space 110 sufficient to allow the cam lobe portion 68 to fit therein between the two prongs which causes the inner and outer cam levers 62, 64 to be disposed symmetrically about the female end portion 56 which assures smooth operation throughout the life span of a cam lock fitting 54 made according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • the cam lobe portion 72 resembles a fork shape when viewed from the top (see Figure 19) wherein the two similar first and second prongs /branches of the fork have cam lobe 68 disposed therein between in space 110; of course, the positions of the lobes 68, 72 could be reversed relative to each other wherein the larger lobe portion 68 could be manufactured as the forked portion 72 so that the smaller lobe portion would be disposed on the inside of the larger forked portion as shown in Figure 18.
  • the lever portion 66 of the outer cam ear 62 is larger, i.e., wider, than the lever portion 70 of the inner cam ear 64 so that it will be easier to grasp in the hands of an operator; also, the inner cam ear is not intended to be opened until after the outer cam ear is opened and having a wider outer ear helps accomplish this objective.
  • a lever latching mechanism 113 for use with lever 62, 64 is described in Figures 20-24.
  • a single axle 74 passes through a substantially centrally disposed aperture 76 of cam lobe portion 68, 72 and the ends of the axle are carried on first and second bosses 78, 80 by passing through an aperture 82 of each boss.
  • the male and female end portion 56, 58 each have a rear end portion 84 and the male end portion has an external peripheral groove 86 thereon.
  • the female end portion 56 has openings 88 in the opposing walls thereof through which cam lobes 68, 72 pass.
  • Cam lobe portion 68 of outer cam ear 62 is configured differently and may be larger than cam lobe portion 72 of inner cam ear 64, as best shown on Figures 8-10 and Figure 16, so that when the outer and inner ears 62, 64 are closed the cam lobe portion 68 fits in or engages groove 86 so as to completely sealingly close or connect the male end portion 58 to the female end portion 56 because cam lobe 68 is substantially the same size and shape of the groove 86. This is due to cam lobe 68 being effectively
  • the female portion 56 has a pair of double cam levers or ears 48, each having an outer and inner lever portion 66, 70 and a cam portion 68, 72 thereon, which cam portion locks the female end 56 to the male end 58 by seating the cam portions 68, 72 of the female portion within a groove 86 on the male portion so that the two portions are joined together.
  • the cam portions 62, 64 project through an opening 88 in the wall near the end 60 of the female portion 56 as the ears 62, 64 pivot on axle 74.
  • a gasket or O-ring seal 98 therein wherein the gasket extends entirely around the internal periphery of the female portion for making sealing contact with the end 60 of the male end portion 58 in a conventional manner as shown in Figures 8-13 and 45-47.
  • the ears 62, 64 are each mounted onto an axle 74 extending through a first and second boss 78, 80 mounted on opposite sides of female coupling 56.
  • the inner and outer ears 62, 64 each move between a first downward closed position lying substantially parallel to and adjacent the female portion 56 to a second upward open position outwardly moved away from the female portion so as to disengage the cam portion 68, 72 from groove 86.
  • cam lock fitting 54 designed according to the teachings of the present invention, the operator must first move the outer cam lever 62 from the first downward closed position to the second upward open position so that larger cam lobe 68 is moved away from groove 86 so as to partially open the cam lock fitting 54 so as to partially relieve internal pressure contained inside the cam lock fitting. If there is no pressure remaining in the cam lock fitting 54 the operator can continue with the next step of opening the second inner cam lever 64 to thereby separate the male and female conduit portions 58, 56 just as previously explained relative to embodiment 48 of Figure 2.
  • cam lock fitting 54 when the first outer cam lever 62 is opened, the operator will immediately reclose that first outer cam lever 62 so as to pull the male end portion 58 back into the locked position inside female end portion 56 so as to reclose and reseal the cam lock fitting.
  • Pressure remaining inside cam lock fitting 54 could be indicated by the sound of escaping gas, a hissing sound, seepage, leaking or gurgling liquid or the like.
  • FIG 3 therein is shown a view similar to Figure 2 except that another embodiment 50 of the double cam lever is shown having double axles 74, 90.
  • the female and male end portions 56, 58 are essentially the same as shown in Figure 2 with the main difference being that inner cam ear 64 is mounted onto bosses 78, 80 using axle 90 in aperture 92 which axle 90 is offset from the center of lobe 72 toward the front end 60 of the female end portion 56 so as to be disposed toward the front ends of bosses 78, 80 in aperture 94 as best shown on Figures 6-7.
  • Axle 90 and apertures 92,94 are co-aligned as shown in Figure 6.
  • outer cam ear 62 pivots on substantially centrally disposed axle 74 on cam lobe 72, it is carried with and moves outwardly with inner cam ear 64 by having cam lobe portion 72 pivot on offset axle 90 which is better illustrated in Figure 6-7 and 11-13.
  • the operation of embodiment 50 is similar to embodiment 48 and the steps of operation have been previously disclosed relative to embodiment 48 of Figure 2.
  • Figures 4, 6, and 42 the three embodiments 48, 50, 52 of an improved cam lock fitting of the present invention are exploded away from a female end portion 56; wherein Figure 4 shows embodiment 48, Figure 6 shows embodiment 50, and Figure 42 shows embodiment 52. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56 along with the alternative double cam levers 48, 50, 52 on opposite sides of the female end portion 56 showing the bosses 78, 80 on the female coupling 56. Note that the openings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the cam lobes of the present invention. The bosses 78, 80 are attached onto the outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner.
  • FIG. 5 shows single axle embodiment 48
  • Figure 7 shows a double axle embodiment 50
  • Figure 43 shows embodiment 52.
  • Figure 43 also shows dimension lines for length 190 and width 192 on outer cam lever 62 and it may be that the length and width of the outer cam lever 62 will be an effective amount greater than the length and width of the corresponding portions of inner cam lever 64 causing outer cam lever 62 to have a greater surface area than inner cam lever 64 to assist in preventing inner cam lever 64 from being inadvertently opened before outer cam lever 62 and to prevent cam levers 62, 64 from being inadvertently opened together and to insure that the fingers or hand of a user grasp outer cam lever 62 first to be sure it is opened prior to underlying inner cam lever 64.
  • the neck area/portion of outer cam lever 62 may also be longer than the neck area/portion of the inner cam lever 64 as disclosed relative to other previously disclosed embodiments. Previously disclosed elements are also shown as were discussed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50, 52 of Figures 2-3 and Figure 41.
  • FIG. 8-13 and Figure 45-47 therein is shown the steps of operation of the three embodiments 48, 50, 52 of an improved cam lock fitting 54 designed according to the teachings of the present invention wherein Figures 8-10 shows embodiment 48, Figures 11-13 shows embodiment 50 and Figures 45-47 shows embodiment 52.
  • Figures 8-10 shows embodiment 48
  • Figures 11-13 shows embodiment 50
  • Figures 45-47 shows embodiment 52.
  • Figures 8, 11 and 45 show the male end portion 58 connected to and mated tightly to the female portion 56 as would be the condition when the cam lock fitting 54 is in a sealed position with double cam lever 62, 64 in a downward closed position so that the end 60 of the male end portion 58 is tightly sealingly engaged against the front side of circular gasket 98 of the female end portion 56 with the lobes 68, 72 or 96 in groove 86; also, the rear side of gasket 98 is tightly sealed against the front surface of the inner flange 104 of the female end portion 56.
  • Figures 9, 12 and 46 shows the larger cam lobe of outer cam lever 62 in the open position and shows the smaller cam lobe 72, 96 of inner cam lever 64 remaining in the groove 86 and also shows the male end portion 58 with a small space 106 being defined in between its end 60 and the gasket 98 which would occur when the outer cam lever 62 is in an upward open position which would cause the ends 60 of female end portion 56 and male end portion 58 to slightly separate thereby allowing the release of pressure or a small amount of material as indicated by arrows 108 from the inside of the female portion 56 of the cam lock fitting 54.
  • Arrows 108 illustrate material/fluid moving into space 106 and then out the fitting 54 by escaping between the male and female couplings 58, 56.
  • Figures 10, 13 and 47 illustrate that the male end 58 can only be completely released from the female end 56 when the outer and inner cam levers 62, 64 are both moved to the open position and when this occurs, each of the lobes 68, 72, 96 become disengaged from groove 86 to allow the male 58 and female 56 end to be completely separated from each other. Previously disclosed elements may also be shown.
  • Figures 14-15 and 48 the three embodiments 48, 50, 52 of an improved cam lock fitting of the present invention are shown mounted on a female end portion 56 also showing portions of the male end portion 58 along with groove 86 in phantom line; wherein Figure 14 shows embodiment 48, Figure 15 shows embodiment 50 and Figure 48 shows embodiment 52. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56 along with the alternative double cam levers 48, 50, 52 on one side only of the female end portion 56 showing the bosses 78, 80 on the female coupling 56.
  • the openings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the cam lobes of the double levers of the present invention; also, it should be clear that the lobes and levers could have many shapes and thicknesses other than those which are illustrated so long as they are effectively sized and shaped to accomplish the teachings of the present invention all of which would be understood by one skilled in the art.
  • the bosses 78, 80 are attached onto the outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner. In Figure 15, the axles 74, 90 lie in the same horizontal plane and therefore only the front axle 90 in aperture 92 is visible in this drawing. Previously disclosed elements may also be shown as were discussed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50, 52 of Figures 2-3 and Figure 41.
  • FIGS 16-17 and Figure 49 enlarged views of the alternative double cam levers/ears of the three embodiments 48, 50, 52 are shown illustrating the features of the three embodiments as previously disclosed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50, 52 of Figures 2-3 and Figure 41.
  • Figure 16 shows embodiment 48
  • Figure 17 shows embodiment 50
  • Figure 49 shows embodiment 52.
  • cam lobe 68 of outer cam ear 62 is larger, i.e., having a larger radius on its rear peripheral portion 112 which is visible when closed, than cam lobe 72 of inner cam ear 64 as shown at 112.
  • cam lobe 68 of outer cam ear 62 is larger than cam lobe 96 of inner cam ear 64.
  • cam portion 68 has a larger radius or enlargement on its rear portion 112 than cam portion 72, 96 as measured at its horizontal plane through its central axle, it therefore is configured to extend further to the rear and effectively and substantially fills or engages the complimentarily sized groove 86 causing a complete seal between the gasket 98 and the male end portion 58 in the closed position as shown in Figure 8, 11 and 45; however, after the outer cam lever/ear 68 has been opened and when the smaller cam lobe portion 72, 96 protrudes into groove 86 it doesn't completely fill the groove so the space 106 is formed as shown in Figures 9, 12 and 46 between the end 60 of the male end 58 and the gasket 98 of the female end portion 56.
  • Figures 10, 13 and 47 show the female 56 and male 58 ends
  • cam lever/ears 62, 64 in the open position.
  • Figure 16-17 and Figure 49 show outer cam lever 62 overlying inner cam lever 64.
  • Figure 18 therein is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the inner cam lever 64 being larger on its rear peripheral portion 112 than the outer cam lever 62. Previously disclosed elements are also shown.
  • Figure 25 shows a top view of the alternative embodiment of Figure 18 showing the inner cam lever 64 being larger than the outer cam lever 62.
  • FIG 19 therein is shown a top view of the inner cam lever 64 of the first embodiment of the present invention showing previously disclosed elements. Space/cutout 110 between the prongs of the forked ends of the cam lobe portions 72 is also shown. It can be seen that the cam lobe portions 72 form the prongs of the forked portion.
  • the cam members 62, 64 pivot substantially in a vertical plane passing through the centerline of the cam lock fitting/coupling 54 with the axles 74, 90 being substantially perpendicular to the centerline, and, the cam members are disposed on the bosses 78, 80 so that the cam lobes 68, 72, 96 and the axles will be properly operationally aligned with the groove 86 as required by each embodiment 48, 50,
  • the axles 74, 90 may be solid or hollow pins, roll pins or the like.
  • Cam members 62, 64 are disposed substantially 180 degrees apart on opposite sides of the female conduit 56 and therefore all mechanical forces related to associated stresses or torque resulting from operation of the cam members are evenly distributed around the cam lock fitting 54. This will prevent warping of the elements of the present invention over time.
  • FIGS. 20-24 therein is shown an embodiment of the present invention 10 which provides an automatic lever latching mechanism disposed on levers 62, 64, generally indicated by reference numeral 113, so that when the levers 62, 64 are moved from an open position into a closed position they become automatically latched in the closed position so that before an operator opens the levers he will have to actuate a member or pull ring member 114 or the like in order to open the first and second levers 62, 64, or as shown in Figure 22, he would use the or pull ring 114 to open only one lever which would have the lever latching mechanism or lock assembly 113 thereon.
  • the lock assembly 113 would be in mechanical cooperation with the cam members 62, 64 to prevent the unintentional movement thereof.
  • Inner lever 64 is shorter than outer lever 62 for convenience and ease of operation by the operator/user although they may be of the same length.
  • Previously disclosed elements are also shown as were discussed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50 of Figures 2-3.
  • FIG. 20-24 therein is shown the present invention 10 having a pair of double cam levers 62, 64 mounted on opposite sides of the female end portion 56 wherein each pair has an outer cam lever 62 and an inner cam lever 64.
  • Outer cam lever 62 has a lever portion 66 and an eccentric cam lobe portion 68
  • inner cam lever 64 also has a lever portion 70 and first and second eccentric cam lobe portions 72 wherein the first and second cam lobe portions are fork shaped and spaced apart a distance thereby creating a cutout 110 or space sufficient to allow the cam lobe portion 68 to fit therein between which causes the inner and outer cam levers 62, 64 to be disposed symmetrically about the female end portion 56 which assures smooth operation throughout the life span of a cam lock fitting 54 made according to the teachings of the present invention 10.
  • Figures 20, 21, 23 and 24 discloses embodiment 48 which uses a single axle 74
  • Figure 22 discloses embodiment 50 which uses double axles 74 and 90.
  • FIG 20 therein is shown the present invention 10 exploded away from the female end portion 56 and incorporates embodiment 48. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56 along with the double cam levers 48 on opposite sides of the female end portion 56 showing the bosses 78, 80 on the female coupling 56.
  • openings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the cam lobes of the present invention.
  • the bosses 78, 80 are attached onto the outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner.
  • Male end portion 58 is also partially shown in phantom line. Previously disclosed elements are also shown as were discussed relative to the respective embodiments 48, 50 of Figures 2-3.
  • a pull ring member 114 attached to an end 116 of a pin 118 wherein the pull ring passes through a slot or aperture 120 on an end of the pin which pin is slidably disposed in a housing 122 attached onto a side of lever 62, 64 so that each lever 62, 64 has a housing 122 and a pin 118 (pin 118 may be referred to as an engagement member in the claims) mounted thereon.
  • Pull ring member 114 may be a multi-turn wire ring being useful for manipulating levers 62, 64.
  • the pin or engagement member 118 is mounted inside the housing 122 so as to be slidably disposed in the housing so that the pin slides along the longitudinal axis of the levers 62, 64.
  • the pin 118 also has a second end or tip 124 having an inclined surface 126 thereon.
  • the pin 118 extends along and is slidable along an axis of a respective lever 62, 64 so that when the levers 62, 64 are in a closed position the tip 124 of pin 118 latches underneath the rear portion of upper and lower corresponding retaining protrusions 128, 130 disposed on a rear portion of boss 78 as best seen in Figure 23.
  • FIG 21 therein is shown the embodiment 48 which has been previously disclosed in relation to Figure 5 of the present invention 10 shown in combination with the previously disclosed lever latching mechanism 113.
  • FIG 22 therein is shown the embodiment 50 which has been previously disclosed in relation to Figure 7 of the present invention 10 shown in combination with the previously disclosed lever latching mechanism 113.
  • FIGS 22-24 therein are shown partially cut-away side views of the present invention 10 showing pull rings 114 disposed on respective levers 62, 64 being attached through an aperture 120 in the end of respective pins 118 also showing the housing 122 along with the biasing spring 132, or the like, wherein the tips 124 of the pin are shown along with the inclined surface 126 and respective retaining protrusions 128, 130 disposed on boss 78.
  • Figure 23 shows the levers 62, 64 in a closed position similar to Figure 8, and, Figure 24 shows the levers 62, 64 in an open position similar to Figure 10 wherein the pull rings 114 of the levers 62, 64 have been operated and moved by a finger 134 of an operator/user so that the tips of the pin 124 are no longer captured underneath the corresponding retaining protrusions 128, 130 of the bosses 78.
  • Inner lever 64 is shorter than outer lever 62 for convenience and ease of operation by the operator/user.
  • Levers 62, 64 are configured so that the tip 124 of lever 64 mates with the retaining protrusion 130 and the tip 124 of lever 62 mates with retaining protrusion 128.
  • FIG 25 therein is shown a top view of the alternative embodiment showing the inner cam lever 64 being larger than the outer cam lever 62 as was previously disclosed with respect to Figure 18.
  • inner arm 64 is configured, sized and shaped so that it can be moved from the closed position to the open position without touching or interference from the outer arm 62. This is accomplished by providing a space 136 between inner arm 64 and outer arm 62 which allows inner arm 64 to substantially surround outer arm 62 so that the inner arm can be operated without moving the outer arm.
  • the longitudinal central axis of the outer and inner cam levers 62, 64 are substantially co-aligned so that the axis of the outer lever is directly above the axis of the inner lever.
  • FIG. 26 28 and 30 therein is shown an alternative embodiment 138 of an improved cam lock fitting of the present invention shown mounted on a female end portion 56. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56 along with the double cam levers 142, 144 mounted on an axle 74 in a side-by-side relationship which axle is also mounted on the bosses 78, 80 of the female coupling 56.
  • openings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the cam lobes 68, 72 of the double levers 142, 144 of the present invention; also, it should be clear that the lobes and levers could have many shapes and thicknesses other than those which are illustrated so long as they are effectively sized and shaped to accomplish the teachings of the present invention all of which would be understood by one skilled in the art.
  • the bosses 78, 80 are attached onto the outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner. It is expected that cam lever 142 would have the larger cam lobe 68 thereon relative to the cam lobe 72 but one skilled in the art would understand that these could be reversed.
  • Alternative embodiment 138 shows a cam member 144 disposed adjacent a first boss 80, wherein a spacer 146 is disposed on the axle 74 adjacent the second boss 78, wherein the first cam member 142 is disposed between the other cam member 144 and the spacer 146.
  • Figure 28 shows the ear or arm portion 66 of lever 142 being larger and disposed over ear portion 144 so that the ear or arm portion 66 of lever 142 is outside relative to ear portion 70 of lever 144 as best shown in Figure 30.
  • lever 142 may be referred to as an outer lever and lever 144 as an inner lever.
  • the neck area or portion between the cam lobe portion and the arm/lever portion of the outer lever may be shaped differently and be longer to extend further away from or be more vertically angled relative to housing 56 and some experimentation may be necessary to find the optimum shape, length or angle for the neck areas.
  • the lever arm portion 66 of the outer cam ear 142 is larger, i.e., wider, than the lever portion 70 of the inner cam ear 144 so that it will be easier to grasp in the hands of an operator; also, the inner cam ear is not intended to be opened until after the outer cam ear is opened and having a wider outer ear helps accomplish this objective.
  • FIG. 30 shows an optional latch mechanism or lock assembly 147 useful for embodiment 138 including a latch arm or lever 148 which moves on a pivot 150 disposed on a pair of mounts 166 which lever is biased closed by spring 152. Also shown is thumb grip 154 to allow a user to actuate the lever 148 along with a first catch 156 for the larger ear 142 and a second catch 158 for smaller ear 144. In operation, the latch arm or lever arm 148 must be moved from the closed position to an open position before the cam levers 142, 144 can be operated. Previously disclosed elements may also be shown.
  • FIG. 27 and 29 therein is shown an alternative embodiment 140 of an improved cam lock fitting of the present invention shown mounted on a female end portion 56. Shown therein is the inside 100 of the female coupling 56 along with the double cam levers 160, 162 mounted on an axle 74 in a side-by-side relationship which axle is also mounted on the bosses 78, 80, and 164 of the female coupling 56.
  • openings 88 are sized and shaped to accommodate movement of the cam lobes 68, 72 of the double levers 160, 162 of the present invention; also, it should be clear that the lobes and levers could have many shapes and thicknesses other than those which are illustrated so long as they are effectively sized and shaped to accomplish the teachings of the present invention all of which would be understood by one skilled in the art.
  • the bosses 78, 80, and 164 are attached onto the outside of the female coupling 56 in the conventional manner. It is expected that cam lever 160 would have the larger cam lobe 68 thereon relative to the cam lobe 72 but one skilled in the art would understand that these could be reversed.
  • Figure 29 shows the ear or arm portion 66, 70 disposed in a side-by-side relationship with cam member 160 disposed between boss 80 and boss 164 and cam member 162 disposed between boss 78 and boss 164.
  • the cam member 160, 162 are precisely aligned with its corresponding cam member on the opposite side of the female coupling 56 so as to balance all structural torques and forces so as to prevent warping of the housing 56 or axle 74 which may occur with conventional designs over a period of time.
  • Having the third boss 164 assures that all structural torques and forces are balanced so as to prevent warping of the housing 56 or axle 74.
  • Figure 30 shows an optional latch mechanisml47 useful for embodiment 140 including a latch arm or lever 148 which moves on a pivot 150 which pivot is biased closed by spring 152.
  • thumb grip 154 to allow a user to actuate the lever 148 along with a first catch 156 or catch 158.
  • the latch lever arm 148 In operation, the latch lever arm 148 must be moved from the closed position to an open position before the cam levers 160, 162 can be operated.
  • the latch mechanism 113 disclosed in Figures 20-24 could be easily adapted for use with cam members 160, 162.
  • FIG. 31-35 therein is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention 10 which is similar in operation to the embodiment previously disclosed relative to Figures 20-24 except that instead of the retaining protrusions 128, 130 being disposed on a rear portion of boss 78 they are disposed on a rear portion of a separate latch plate 168 which plate is mounted beside or adjacent the boss 78 in the vertical plane so as to be disposed between the nearer cam lobe portion 72 of cam lever 64 and boss 78 and being carried on axle 74 which axle passes through aperture 170 of the plate 168.
  • Plate 168 has an offset 172 so as to align protrusions 128, 130 with tip 124 of pin 118 so as to avoid boss 78 as best seen in Figures 31 and 33.
  • Plate 168 is prevented from rotating about axle 74 in the vertical plane by having its front and rear inner surfaces 174, 176, respectively, contact the outer surface of wall 102 of female end portion/conduit 56 which wall 102 serves as a stop as best seen in Figure 35.
  • Plate 168 is relatively thin and could be made of many types of material so as to be strong, durable and lightweight such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel or the like.
  • arm 62 having a conventional round pull ring member 114 made of multi-strands of wire and which is commonly used.
  • Figure 32 shows outer handle 62 overlying inner handle 64 and having a greater surface area. Previously disclosed elements are also shown.
  • FIG. 36-40 therein is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention 10 which is similar in operation to the embodiment previously disclosed relative to Figures 31-35 except that instead of the two retaining protrusions 128, 130 being disposed on a rear portion of separate latch plate 168, the plate 186 has only one retaining protrusion 130 disposed thereon.
  • the purpose of this embodiment is to reduce the weight and costs of manufacturing the present invention 10.
  • outer cam lever 62 has no housing 122 or pin 118 on its side but instead uses an optional latch mechanism or lock assembly 178 including a latch arm, clip or member 180 which member has one end which moves on a pivot 182 disposed on a rear portion of outer cam lever 62 and a second end having a spring steel portion forming a clamping portion or clamp 184 for ffictionally engaging or mating with an inner surface of inner cam lever 64 so that that outer cam lever 62 is clamped/latched to inner cam lever 64 by using latch mechanism 178. Also see that housing 122 and pin 118 are shortened on inner cam lever 64.
  • latch member or clip 180 In operation, the latch member or clip 180 must be swung or moved from the closed position to an open position before the cam lever 62 can be released from cam lever 64 and thereby operated and opened as best seen in Figures 39-40.
  • latch mechanism or lock assembly 147 shown relative to Figures 28 and 30 could be adapted for use instead of latch mechanism or lock assembly 178 with this alternative embodiment shown relative to Figures 36-40 which would allow the latch mechanism 178 to be removed from these embodiments.
  • Previously disclosed elements are also shown.
  • FIG 41 therein is shown a view similar to Figure 2 except that another embodiment 52 is shown.
  • the female and male end portions 56, 58 are essentially the same with the main difference being that inner cam ear 64 has only a single cam lobe portion 96 that lies in a side by side relationship relative to cam lobe portion 68 of the outer cam ear 62 wherein the cam lobe portions 68, 96 are mounted on and spaced along a single, substantially centrally disposed axle 74 which axle 74 is mounted on bosses 78, 80 so that the cam lobes 68, 96 can pass through opening 88 so as to contact groove 86 on the male end portion 58.
  • embodiment 52 is similar to embodiment 48 and the steps of operation have been previously disclosed relative to embodiment 48 of Figure 2 in that outer lever 62 is mounted generally in overlying relation outside inner lever 64 and must be opened first before inner lever 64 is opened because inner lever 64 is mounted generally underneath so as to be in underlying relation to outer lever 62, thus, the longitudinal centerline of outer lever 62 is farther away toward the outside from the centerline 46 of female coupling 56 than the longitudinal centerline of inner lever 64.
  • the cam lobe portions 68, 96 are mounted so that a face of one is contiguous with a face of the other.
  • FIG 44 therein is shown embodiment 52 as previous discussed showing embodiment 52 having similar elements as previously discussed relative to embodiment 48 of Figure 21. Also shown is a horizontal slot 188 provided across the entire width of the end of cam levers 62, 64 for forming a receptacle for receiving a portion of ring member 114 therein for securing the ring member to prevent it from flopping around loose and becoming possibly tangled with other equipment and also to maintain the angled surfaces 126 of pin tips 124 in a proper downward disposition so as to properly and easily contact the retaining protrusions 128, 130 (not shown, see Figures 23, 24).
  • the slots 188 could be used with any of the embodiments related to the present invention including embodiments 48, 50.
  • the lever latching mechanism or lock assembly 113 assist in preventing inner cam lever 64 from being inadvertently opened before outer cam lever 62 and to prevent cam levers 62, 64 from being inadvertently opened together.
  • FIG. 50 therein is shown embodiment 52 as previous discussed showing embodiment 52 having similar elements as previously discussed relative to Figure 49 and additionally having a downwardly disposed hand guard, elbow or shield 194 on the end of outer cam lever 62 to assist in preventing inner cam lever 64 from being inadvertently opened before outer cam lever 62 and to prevent cam levers 62, 64 from being inadvertently opened together.
  • Hand guard 194 is intended to insure that the fingers or hand of a user grasp outer cam lever 62 first to be sure it is opened prior to grasping inner cam lever 64.
  • FIG. 51 to 56 therein is shown an alternative embodiment of the present invention 10 similar to that which was shown in Figures 41-50 with the main differences being that the pin housings 122 are mounted on the inner side, underside or inside of the levers 62 and 64, i.e., on the side of the levers oriented toward the housing 56 as plainly shown in Figures 45, 46, and, the retaining protrusion 128 is mounted on a latch body/retaining member 129 as opposed to a boss 78, 80.
  • This configuration allows the pins 118, springs 132, and pin housing 122 to be similarly sized so as to reduce costs associated with manufacturing the present invention 10.
  • cam lobe portion 68, 96 i.e., a single one, is shown on each lever 62, 64.
  • a person skilled in the art would understand how the embodiment shown in Figures 51 to 56 can be used according to the teachings of the present invention 10 as has been previously taught in this specification.
  • FIG. 57 to 62 therein is shown a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention 10 similar to that which was shown in Figures 20-24 with the main differences being that the pin housings 122 are mounted on the inner side, underside or inside of the levers 62 and 64, i.e., on the side of the levers oriented toward the housing 56 as plainly shown in Figures 61, 62, and, the retaining protrusion 128 is mounted on a latch body/retaining member 129 as opposed to a boss 78, 80.
  • This configuration allows the pins 118, springs 132, and pin housing 122 to be similarly sized so as to reduce costs associated with manufacturing the present invention 10.
  • Figures 57-62 are similar to Figures 51-56 except that Figures 57-62 show an embodiment wherein inner arm 64 has forked cam lobes 72.
  • a person skilled in the art would understand how the embodiment shown in Figures 57-62 can be used according to the teachings of the present invention 10 as has been previously taught in this specification.
  • latch body/retaining member 129 mounted onto the outer surface of the female coupling 56 proximate to inner lever 64
  • An isolated detail view also shows an alternative design for the retaining member/latch body 129
  • latch body/retaining member 129 which serves the same purpose as the previously disclosed latch body/retaining members 129 including opposing sidewalls 79,
  • an alternative design to the aperture 202 would be to simply substitute a notch similar to the notch 131 of retaining protrusion 128 so that the notch could be used in place of the aperture 202.
  • arm 62 has a round pull ring member 114 thereon similar to that disclosed relative to
  • Figure 52 shows elements similar to those previously disclosed relative to Figures 21, 44 and 51.
  • FIG. 53 and 59 therein are shown previously disclosed elements. Also disclosed are collar bushings, or bushing, 196 disposed on each end of the bore of the pin housing 122 of the levers 62, 64 which bushings carry the pin 118 to allow it to smoothly slide back and forth in the bore of each of the pin housings 122.
  • Rear bushing 196 is press fit to the inside of the bore and the front bushing is press fit to, or made as a part of, the pin 118 and slides in the bore along with the pin 118 to assure smooth operation.
  • arm 62 of Figure 53 and 59 has a pull ring member 114 which is made in the shape of a conventional metal spring clip hook which is commonly used on a lanyard or key chain.
  • arm 64 of Figure 53 and 59 has a pull ring member 114 which is made in the shape of a paperclip having straight sides and rounded ends.
  • pull ring members 114 there are other shapes of pull ring members 114 which could be used with the present invention 10. Also, note that levers 62, 64 are approximately the same width.
  • FIG. 54 and 60 therein is shown a assembled view of the levers 62, 64 similar to Figures 53 and 59 illustrating that the levers 62, 64 are substantially axially aligned to prevent unintentional movement of the levers 62, 64 from the closed position to the open position as previously disclosed.
  • outer lever/arm 62 of Figure 54 and 60 has a pull ring member 114 having a diameter relatively larger or wider than the pull ring member 114 of inner lever/arm 64 disposed underneath wherein the diameter of pull ring member 114 of arm 62 is substantially wider being approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times as wide as the width of arm 64 or its pull ring member 114 wherein the measurement of the width of arm 62, 64 is the same as that shown by dimension arrow 192 of Figure 43.
  • the width of pull ring member 114 on arm 64 disposed underneath arm 64 has a width approximately the same as, and preferably slightly less than, arm 64 which makes it very difficult for a user to open the inner arm 64 and outer arm 62 at the same time but instead assures that the outer arm 62 will be opened before the inner arm 64 due to the fact that when arms 62, 64 are in the closed position, the user's fingers 134 grasp the pull ring member 114 of the outer arm 62 first. After the outer arm 62 is opened, then the fingers 134 of the user can easily grasp the pull ring member 114 of the inner arm 64 to open arm 64.
  • the pull ring member 114 can be made in various shapes, including, but not limited to, round (see Fig. 31 and 51, arm 62, pull ring member 114), a clip (see Fig. 53, arm 62, pull ring member 114), , a paperclip having straight sides and rounded ends (see Fig. 53, arm 64, pull ring member 114) and, being rounded on one end and squared on the other (see Fig. 51, arm 64, pull ring member 114).
  • the various shapes and sizes of the pull ring member 114 provide a unique and novel ergonomic feature to the present invention which has heretofore not been used in this field of art of cam lock fittings but which provide a major advantage of the present invention over the prior art.
  • the present invention when viewed from above or from a top view, has an inner arm 64 pull ring member 114 which has a narrow profile (i.e., a smaller width or diameter) relative to the outer arm 62 pull ring member 114 which has a larger diameter pull ring member 114 thereon, so that relatively speaking the outer arm 62 has a much wider profile than the inner arm 64 to ensure that the outer arm 62 is opened before inner arm 64. From an ergonomic viewpoint, the present invention 10 accomplishes this by making it more difficult to grip the inner pull ring member 114 on inner arm 64 relative to the pull ring member 114 of outer arm 62.
  • the rings 114 of the levers 62, 64 are prevented from rotating so as to disorient the inclined surfaces of pins 118 relative to protrusion 128 by being placed in close proximity to the underside of the levers 62, 64. Also shown is an optional protrusion or spacer 198 placed underneath the inner lever 64 which may be used to space the inner lever 64 apart from the outer surface of the female conduit 56.
  • Figures 56 and 62 therein are shown previously disclosed elements while also showing how a finger of a user 134 can be used to grasp the pull ring member 114 and pull it to the rear so as to open the levers 62, 64 and to move them from the closed (locked) position as shown in Figure 45 to the open (unlocked) position as shown in
  • the pull ring 114 of the inner lever 64 cannot be grasped by a finger 134 and opened, prior to the pull ring 114 of the outer lever 62 being grasped to thereby first open the outer lever 62 because the pull ring 114 of the inner lever 64 is underneath the outer lever 62 and cannot be easily grasped. This is so because the centerlines, or longitudinal axes, of the levers 62, 64 are positioned so as to be over/under each other or inside/outside each other and may be spoken of as being in aligned relation.
  • the present invention may be described as a cam lock fitting 54, a) having a male conduit 58 having an end 60 thereon and an external peripheral groove 86 adjacent the end, b) having a female conduit 56 for receiving the male conduit and having a pair of opposed side openings 88 opposite the external peripheral groove, c) sealing at 98 between the end of the male conduit and the female conduit, d) having a first and second pair of cam members, each pair having first (outer) 62 and second (inner) 64 cam members so that there are a total of four cam members, a pair, i.e., two, of the cam members being pivotally disposed on opposite sides of the female conduit, each cam member having a lever portion 66, 70, which includes what may be referred to in the claims as a lever arm for actuation thereof by an operator which identifies a part of the lever portion 66, 70 that an operator would actually grasp with a hand or finger, lying adjacent the female conduit and a cam portion
  • cam portions of the second cam members may be forked (see Figure 19), the forks having a space 110 thereinbetween, wherein the cam portions of the first cam members are pivotally disposed in a respective space wherein the first and second cam members pivot on a first axle 74, or, wherein the first cam members pivot on a first axle 74 and the second cam members pivot on a second axle 90.
  • the inner cam lever 64 is larger than the outer cam lever 62.
  • the single cam lobes 68, 96 are disposed in a side-by-side relation (see Figure 48) while other elements remain generally the same.
  • a latching mechanism or lock assembly 113 having retaining protrusions 128, 130 mounted adjacent each of the side openings and a pin housing 122 attached to each lever portion of each cam member, a spring 132 loaded pin or engagement member 118 within each pin housing which urges a distal end 124 of the pin into engagement or mechanical cooperation with one of the retaining protrusions to prevent each of the lever portions from being unintentionally moved from the closed position to the open position, and a pull member or member usable by an operator 114, or the like, in mechanical cooperation with or attached to a proximal end 116 of the pins to allow an operator to withdraw the pin from engagement or mechanical cooperation with a retaining protrusion allowing each lever portion to be moved from the closed position to the open position.
  • Alternative embodiment 138 shows a cam member 144 disposed adjacent a first boss 80, wherein a spacer 146 is disposed on the axle 74 adjacent the second boss 78, wherein the first cam member 142 is disposed between the other cam member 144 and the spacer 146.
  • Alternative embodiment 140 shows the first cam member 160 disposed between the first 80 and second boss 154, wherein the second cam member 162 is disposed between said second 154 and third boss 78.
  • a latch mechanism or lock assembly 147 could be used with
  • Figures 51-56 and Figures 57-62 wherein the pin housings 122 are mounted on the underside of levers 62 and 64, i.e., on the side of the levers oriented toward the housing 56 as plainly shown in Figures 55-56 and 61-62, and, the pins 118 on lever 64 mechanically cooperate with and engage a latch body/member 129 while the pins 118 on lever 62 mechanically cooperate with and engage a rear end of lever 64.
  • Lever 62 of Figure 54 and 60 discloses a pull ring member 114 having a diameter/width relatively larger/wider than the pull ring member 114 of arm 64 disposed underneath, wherein the diameter of pull ring member 114 of lever 62 is substantially wider making it more difficult to grip and pull the inner pull ring member 114 on inner arm 64 relative to the pull ring member 114 of outer arm 62 thereby making it more difficult to open inner arm 64 versus outer arm 62.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne également un procédé et un dispositifpour un ajustement de verrouillage de came de sécurité amélioré ayant des leviers à double came coopérants de manière ergonomique ayant des parties externe et interne alignées axialement de telle sorte que, lorsque les leviers de came externes sont ouverts et que les leviers de came internes restent fermés. Le dispositif comprend un lobe de came plus grand sur le levier à came externe et un lobe de came plus petit sur un levier à came interne de sorte que, lorsque le lobe de came plus petit est en position fermée et fait saillie vers une rainure périphérique sur la partie mâle , les conduits mâle et femelle ont un petit espace (106) entre eux. Un mécanisme de verrouillage à levier automatique empêche l'ouverture accidentelle des leviers à came. Des anneaux de traction de tailles différentes sont prévus sur les leviers de came interne et externe pour rendre plus difficile l'ouverture des leviers de came internes par rapport aux leviers de came externes.
PCT/US2019/000056 2019-02-25 2019-10-28 Verrou de sécurité ergonomique pour ajustement de verrouillage de came WO2020176065A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

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AU2019431464A AU2019431464A1 (en) 2019-02-25 2019-10-28 Ergonomic safety lock for cam lock fitting

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/284,571 US10473248B2 (en) 2017-07-31 2019-02-25 Double cam levers and safety lock for cam lock fitting
US16/284,571 2019-02-25
US16/286,014 US10473249B1 (en) 2018-07-20 2019-02-26 Double cam levers and safety lock for cam lock fitting
US16/286,014 2019-02-26
US16/549,596 2019-08-23
US16/549,596 US10557581B1 (en) 2019-02-25 2019-08-23 Ergonomic safety lock for cam lock fitting
US16/555,452 US11221095B2 (en) 2019-02-26 2019-08-29 Ergonomic safety lock for cam lock fitting
US16/555,452 2019-08-29

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US11408546B2 (en) * 2020-04-03 2022-08-09 Jeffrey Hartman Cam lock fitting with vent and safety lock

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US5295717A (en) * 1993-03-08 1994-03-22 Waterson Chen Tube connecting device
US5816623A (en) * 1995-07-12 1998-10-06 Chang; King Self-locking quick disconnect coupling device
US20110316272A1 (en) * 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 Waterson Chen Easily unlatchable cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members
US20120043753A1 (en) * 2010-08-19 2012-02-23 Tsan-Jee Chen Tubular connection structure
US20130106095A1 (en) * 2011-11-01 2013-05-02 Waterson Chen Cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members
US10001237B1 (en) * 2017-06-02 2018-06-19 Yueh-Lin Lee Anti-loosening buckle and hose connector using same
US20190032829A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Jeffrey Hartman Double Cam Levers and Safety Lock for Cam Lock Fitting

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US4802694A (en) * 1987-10-26 1989-02-07 Central Machine And Tool Co. Quick-disconnect coupling
US5295717A (en) * 1993-03-08 1994-03-22 Waterson Chen Tube connecting device
US5816623A (en) * 1995-07-12 1998-10-06 Chang; King Self-locking quick disconnect coupling device
US20110316272A1 (en) * 2010-06-23 2011-12-29 Waterson Chen Easily unlatchable cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members
US20120043753A1 (en) * 2010-08-19 2012-02-23 Tsan-Jee Chen Tubular connection structure
US20130106095A1 (en) * 2011-11-01 2013-05-02 Waterson Chen Cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members
US10001237B1 (en) * 2017-06-02 2018-06-19 Yueh-Lin Lee Anti-loosening buckle and hose connector using same
US20190032829A1 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-01-31 Jeffrey Hartman Double Cam Levers and Safety Lock for Cam Lock Fitting
US10473248B2 (en) * 2017-07-31 2019-11-12 Jeffrey Hartman Double cam levers and safety lock for cam lock fitting

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11408546B2 (en) * 2020-04-03 2022-08-09 Jeffrey Hartman Cam lock fitting with vent and safety lock

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