Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02580326 2010-08-12
KEYED COUPLING ASSEMBLY AND KIT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present application relates to fluid couplings and, more
particularly, to keyed
fluid couplings.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fluid couplings are used in a variety of industries and for a variety
of applications.
One type of fluid coupling includes a male coupling member and a female
coupling member
configured to mate with the male coupling member to form a quick disconnect
coupling.
Oftentimes, a device uses the same or at least very similar couplings for
economic and
manufacturing reasons. However, the similarities between couplings can cause a
common
manufacturing or field installation error of mistakenly connecting wrong
coupling members
together. At the least, this type of misconnection causes frustration and
delay, and may also
result in damage to the device of which the couplings are a part.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a keyed coupling assembly is provided. The keyed
coupling
assembly includes first and second coupling members configured to be connected
to each other,
a first keyed member associated with the first coupling member, and a second
keyed member
associated with the second coupling member. The second keyed member is
configured to mate
with the first keyed member when the first and second keyed members are
rotationally aligned
with each other. For example, the first keyed member includes at least one
male element and the
second keyed member includes at least one female element configured to receive
the male
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element of the first keyed member. Upon rotational alignment of the first and
second keyed
members and subsequent axial movement of the first coupling member towards the
second
coupling member, the first keyed member mates with the second keyed member.
This permits
the first coupling member to be connected to the second coupling member upon
further axial
movement of the first coupling member towards the second coupling member.
[00051 In another embodiment, a keyed coupling kit for use with a coupling
that includes
connectable first and second coupling members is provided. The keyed coupling
kit includes a
first keyed member having an opening configured to receive the first coupling
member and a
second keyed member having an opening configured to receive the second
coupling member.
The second keyed member is configured to mate with the first keyed member when
the first and
second keyed members are rotationally aligned with each other. For example,
the first keyed
member includes at least one male element and the second keyed member includes
at least one
female element configured to mate with the male element of the first keyed
member. Upon
installation of the first and second keyed members onto the first and second
coupling members,
respectively, rotational alignment of the first and second keyed members, and
subsequent axial
movement of the first coupling member towards the second coupling member, the
first keyed
member receives the second keyed member. This permits the first coupling
member to be
connected to the second coupling member upon further axial movement of the
first coupling
member towards the second coupling member.
[00061 In another embodiment, a keyed coupling kit for use with a coupling
that includes
connectable first and second coupling members is provided. In this embodiment,
the first
coupling member has a keyed component associated therewith. The keyed coupling
kit includes
a complementary keyed member having an opening configured to receive the
second coupling
member, where the complementary keyed member is configured to mate with the
keyed member
associated with the first coupling member. For example, the complementary
keyed member
includes at least one male element and the keyed member associated with the
first coupling
member includes at least one female element configured to mate with the male
element of the
first keyed member. Upon installation of the complementary keyed member onto
the second
coupling member, rotational alignment of the complementary keyed member and
the keyed
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member, and subsequent axial movement of the first coupling member towards the
second
coupling member, the keyed member mates with the complementary keyed member.
This
permits the first coupling member to be connected to the second coupling
member upon further
axial movement of the first coupling member towards the second coupling
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] It will be appreciated that the illustrated boundaries of components in
the figures
represent one example of the boundaries. One of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that one
component may be designed as multiple components or that multiple components
may be
designed as one component. A component shown as an internal feature of another
component
may be implemented as an external feature and vice versa.
[0008] Further, in the accompanying drawings and description that follow, like
parts are
indicated throughout the drawings and description with the same reference
numerals,
respectively. The figures are not drawn to scale and the proportions of
certain parts have been
exaggerated for convenience of illustration.
[0009] Figure 1A illustrates a top view of one example of a fluid coupling 100
in an
uncoupled position.
[0010] Figure 1B illustrates a top view of the coupling 100 in the coupled
position.
[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a keyed
coupling
assembly 200 including the exemplary coupling 100.
[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a
keyed coupling
assembly 300 including the exemplary coupling 100.
[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a
keyed coupling
assembly 400 including the exemplary coupling 100.
[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a
keyed coupling
assembly 500 including the exemplary coupling 100.
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[0015] Figure 6A illustrates a perspective view of a programmable
communication or
navigation device 600, which is one exemplary application of the keyed
coupling assembly 400.
[0016] Figure 6B illustrates a fragmentary view of a portion of the device
600.
[0017] Figure 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device
600.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Certain terminology will be used in the foregoing description for
convenience in
reference only and will not be limiting. The terms "forward" and "rearward"
with respect to
each component of the coupling assembly will refer to direction towards and
away from,
respectively, the coupling direction. The terms "rightward" and "leftward"
will refer to
directions in the drawings in connection with which the terminology is used.
The terms
"inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from,
respectively, the
geometric centerline of the coupling assembly. The terms "upward" and
"downward" will refer
to directions as taken in the drawings in connection with which the
terminology is used. All
foregoing terms mentioned above include the normal derivative and equivalents
thereof.
[0019] The present application is directed to a keyed coupling assembly for
use with a
coupling having a pair of mating coupling members. The keyed coupling assembly
includes a
keyed component associated with each coupling member to permit the coupling
members to
mate with each other when the keyed components match, yet prevent the unwanted
mating of the
coupling members with each other when the keyed components do not match. This
keyed
coupling assembly is capable of ensuring that a fluid connection can only be
made between
matching keyed components, thereby ensuring that the characteristics of the
fluid (e.g., type of
fluid, fluid pressure, and/or fluid direction) delivered from one coupling
member to the other is
proper.
[0020] The keyed coupling assembly is applicable to all types of fluid
couplings including,
without limitation, latchless-probe style, push-pull style, and thread-
together style. Additionally,
the keyed coupling assembly is applicable to fluid couplings that come in a
variety of sizes, take
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the form of a variety of configurations, and are constructed from a variety of
materials including,
without limitation, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and titanium.
[0021] Illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of one
example of a fluid
coupling 100 that can be used in the keyed coupling assembly. For purposes of
this application,
the keyed coupling assemblies described herein with be discussed with
reference to the
exemplary coupling 100; however, as discussed above, the keyed coupling
assemblies are
applicable to any type of coupling. Figure lA shows the coupling 100 in the
uncoupled
position, while Figure 1B shows the coupling 100 in the coupled position. The
coupling 100
includes a first coupling member 105 and a second coupling member 110 that,
together, operate
as a push-to-connect type coupling. The first coupling member 105 generally
functions as the
"female" member of the coupling 100 and the second coupling member 110
generally functions
as the "male" member of the coupling 100, such that the first coupling member
105 is configured
to receive the second coupling member 110. Both the first and second coupling
members 105,
110 share the same central longitudinal axis A when they are in the coupled
position as shown in
Figure 1B. One specific example of a quick disconnect fluid coupling that can
be used in the
keyed coupling assembly is a Blind-Mate Quick Disconnect Coupling (P/N AE75748
and P/N
AE75747) manufactured by Eaton Corporation for use in electronic liquid
cooling applications,
which is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,215,222.
[0022] As shown in Figure lA, the first coupling member 105 has a male
threaded portion
115, an intermediate portion 120 having an outer surface 125, and a female
connection portion
130. Between the intermediate portion 120 and the male threaded portion 115
are a first reduced
diameter portion 135 capable of receiving a keyed component (not shown), which
will be
discussed in further detail below, and a second reduced diameter portion 140
configured to
receive an O-ring (not shown). The transition between the first reduced
diameter portion 135
and the intermediate portion 120 defines a shoulder 145.
[0023] With continued reference to Figure 1A, the second coupling member 110
has a male
threaded portion 150, an intermediate portion 155 having an outer surface 160,
and a male
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connection portion 165. Between the intermediate portion 155 and the male
threaded portion
150 are a first reduced diameter portion 170 capable of receiving a keyed
component (not
shown), which will be discussed in further detail below, and a second reduced
diameter portion
175 configured to receive an O-ring (not shown). The transition between the
first reduced
diameter portion 170 and the intermediate annular portion 155 defines a
shoulder 180. The male
connection portion 165 is configured to connect to the female connection
portion 130 of the first
coupling member 105 to provide a fluid tight connection therebetween that is
capable of being
quickly disconnected.
[0024] Illustrated in Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
keyed coupling
assembly 200 including the exemplary coupling 100 discussed above and
illustrated in Figures
1A and 1B. In this embodiment, the keyed coupling assembly 200 includes a
first keyed member
or component 205 associated with the second coupling member 110 and a second
keyed member
or component 210 associated with the first coupling member 105, wherein the
first and second
keyed members 205, 210 are configured to mate with each other when they are
properly aligned
(rotationally) and axially moved towards each other.
[0025] With reference to Figure 2, the first keyed member 205 includes first
and second
opposing surfaces 215, 220 that extend in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis A of the coupling 100 (hereinafter "first radial surface
215" and "second radial
surface 220") and an opening 225 extending therebetween. The opening 225 is
coaxial with the
second coupling member 110 and sized to slidably receive the first reduced
diameter portion 170
of the second coupling member 110 until the first radial surface 215 of the
first keyed member
205 is seated against the shoulder 180 (not shown in Figure 2) of the second
coupling member
110.
[0026] The first keyed member 205 includes at least one male element that is
configured to
mate with at least one female element provided in or on the second keyed
member 210, which
will be described in further detail below, when such male and female elements
are rotationally
aligned (angularly oriented) with each other. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first keyed
member 205 includes four posts or pins 230a-d extending axially forward from
the first radial
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surface 215. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first keyed member
205 can include
three or less posts or five or more posts extending axially forward from the
first radial surface
depending on the desired design. Additionally, in alternative embodiments (not
shown), one or
more of the posts 230a-d can be replaced with a projection or protrusion that
extends axially
forward from the first radial surface 215, such as a hemispherical bump.
Moreover, in
alternative embodiments (not shown), the first keyed member 205 can include at
least one
female-type feature or structure that is configured to mate with at least one
male-type feature or
structure provided in or on the second keyed member 210.
[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the posts 230a-d are spaced-apart from each other
and
arranged in a predetermined pattern along the first radial surface 215 of the
first keyed member
205. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the posts 230a-d can be arranged
in a variety of
different patterns along the first radial surface 215 of the first keyed
member 205.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 230a-d are cylindrical in
shape and have a
circular cross-section. In alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of
the posts 230a-d
can have a cross-section other than circular, such as triangular, square,
rectangular, or another
polygonal shape. As shown in Figure 2, the posts 230a-d include tapered end
portions 235a-d,
respectively, that are configured to facilitate insertion of each post into a
corresponding hole or
opening provided in the second keyed member 210, which will be discussed in
further detail
below.
[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the four posts 230a-d have different diameters
and lengths.
Specifically, the first post 230a has the same diameter as the second post
230b, but the first post
230a has a shorter length than the second post 230b. Similarly, the third post
230c has the same
diameter as the fourth post 230d, but the third post 230c has a shorter length
than the fourth post
230d. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the posts can all have the same
length or they
can all have different lengths. Moreover, in alternative embodiments (not
shown), the posts can
all have the same diameter or they can all have different diameters.
[0030] With continued reference to Figure 2, the second keyed member 210
includes first
and second opposing surfaces 240, 245 that extend in a direction substantially
perpendicular to
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the longitudinal axis A of the coupling 100 (hereinafter "first radial surface
240 and second
radial surface 245") and an opening 250 extending therebetween. The opening
250 is coaxial
with the first coupling member 105 and is sized to slidably receive the first
reduced diameter
portion 135 of the first coupling member 105 until the inner surface (not
shown) of the wall
defining the second radial surface 245 of the second keyed member 210 seats
against the
shoulder 145 (not shown in Figure 2) of the first coupling member 105.
[00311 As discussed above, the second keyed member 210 includes at least one
female
element that is configured to mate with the at least one male element provided
in or on the first
keyed member 205, when such male and female elements are rotationally aligned
(angularly
oriented) with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second keyed
member 210 includes
four holes or bores 255a-d extending axially rearward from the first radial
surface 240 and
configured to receive the posts 230a-d, respectively, of the first keyed
member 205. As shown
in Figure 2, the bores 255a-d are spaced-apart from each other and arranged in
substantially the
same predetermined pattern as the posts 230a-d of the first keyed member 205.
Additionally,
each bore 255a-d has a size (e.g., diameter and depth) and cross-sectional
shape that generally
correspond to the size and shape of the respective post 230a-d of the first
keyed member 205.
Also, in alternative embodiments (not shown), one or more of the bores 255a-d
can be replaced
with a groove or slot in the second keyed member 210. Moreover, in alternative
embodiments
(not shown), the second keyed member 210 can include at least one male-type
feature or
structure that is configured to mate with at least one female-type feature or
structure provided in
or on the first keyed member 205.
100321 Although it is preferable that the bores 255a-d generally correspond in
size and shape
to the posts 230a-d, respectively, it will be appreciated that the holes need
only be sufficiently
dimensioned to receive the posts and not necessarily have the same cross-
sectional shape as the
posts. For example, if a post is cylindrical shaped and has a circular cross-
section as shown in
Figure 2, it is preferable that the mating hole is cylindrical shaped and
sized appropriately to
receive the post. However, it is possible to provide a hole having a square-
shaped cross-section
so long as the hole dimensions are capable of receiving the post.
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[0033] Upon rotational alignment of the male elements (i.e., the posts 230a-d)
to the female
elements (i.e., the bores 255a-d), the first and second keyed members 205, 210
are permitted to
mate with each other and move in an axial direction towards each other. Once
in a mating
relationship with each other, the first and second coupling members 105, 110
are permitted to be
connected to each other upon continued axial movement of the first and second
coupling
members 105, 110 towards each other. Thus, the first and second coupling
members 105, 110
are permitted to be connected to each other when their associated keyed
members match or
complement each other, due to the association of the first and second keyed
members 205, 210
with the second and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, and the
complementary
features of the first and second keyed members 205, 210. Conversely, the first
and second
coupling members 105, 110 will not be permitted to be connected to each other
when their
associated keyed members are not matching or complementary.
[0034] Although the first and second keyed members 205, 210 are associated
with the second
and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, it will be appreciated that
the associations
may be reversed. For example, the first and second keyed members 205, 210 can
be associated
with the first and second coupling members 105, 110, respectively.
[0035] Illustrated in Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of
a keyed
coupling assembly 300 including the exemplary coupling 100 discussed above and
illustrated in
Figures 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, the keyed coupling assembly 300
includes a first keyed
member 305 associated with the second coupling member 110 and a second keyed
member 310
associated with the first coupling member 105, wherein the first and second
keyed members 305,
310 are configured to mate with each other when they are properly aligned
(rotationally) and
axially moved towards each other.
[0036] With reference to Figure 3, the first keyed member 305 includes a wall
315 that
extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the second
coupling member
110 and defining an outer surface 320 (hereinafter "radial surface 320") and
an inner surface (not
shown) that is substantially parallel to the outer surface 320. The first
keyed member 305 further
includes an outer contoured surface 325 that extends substantially
perpendicular from the wall
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315 (hereinafter "axial surface 325") and an opening 330 extending through the
wall 315. The
opening 330 is coaxial with the second coupling member 110 and sized to
slidably receive the
first reduced diameter portion 170 of the second coupling member 110 until the
inner surface
(not shown) of the wall 315 of the first keyed member 305 seats against the
shoulder 180 (not
shown in Figure 3) of the second coupling member 110.
[0037] The first keyed member 305 includes at least one male element that is
configured to
mate with at least one female element provided in or on the second keyed
member 310, which
will be described in further detail below, when such male and female elements
are rotationally
aligned (angularly oriented) with each other. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first keyed
member 305 includes three posts or pins 335a-c extending radially outward from
the axial
surface 325. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first keyed member
305 can include
two or less posts or four or more posts extending radially outward from the
axial surface 325
depending on the desired design. Additionally, in alternative embodiments (not
shown), one or
more of the posts 335a-c can be replaced with a projection or protrusion that
extends radially
outward from the axial surface 325, such as a tongue or rib. The tongue or rib
can have a profile
taking the form a variety of shapes and can extend along a portion or the
entire axial length of
the axial surface 325. Moreover, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the
first keyed
member 305 can include at least one female-type feature or structure that is
configured to mate
with at least one male-type feature or structure provided in or on the second
keyed member 310.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 335a-c are spaced-apart from
each other and
arranged in a predetermined pattern along the axial surface 325 of the first
keyed member 305.
In alternative embodiments (not shown), the posts 335a-c may be arranged in a
different pattern
along the axial surface 325 of the first keyed member 305.
[0039] As shown in Figure 3, each post 335a-c is cylindrical in shape that has
a circular
cross-section when taken along a plane that is parallel to the axis A and a
rectangular or square
shaped cross-section when taken along a plane that is perpendicular to the
axis A. In alternative
embodiments (not shown), one or more of the posts 335a-c can have a different
cross-section al
shape when taken along either plane.
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[00401 In the illustrated embodiment, the three posts 335a-c have different
diameters and
lengths. Specifically, the first post 335a has the same diameter as the second
post 335b, but the
first post 335a has a greater length than the second post 335b. The third post
335c has the same
length as the second post 335b, but a different diameter than both the first
and second posts
335a,b. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the posts can all have the
same length or can
all have different lengths. Moreover, in alternative embodiments (not shown),
the posts can all
have the same diameter or can all have different diameters.
[00411 With continued reference to Figure 3, the second keyed member 310
includes first
and second opposing surfaces 340, 345 that extend in a direction substantially
perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis A of the coupling 100 (hereinafter "first radial surface
340" and second
radial surface 345") and an opening 350 extending therebetween. The opening
350 is coaxial
with the first coupling member 105 and includes a first portion 355 that is
sized to receive the
axial surface 325 of the first keyed member 305 and a second portion (not
shown) that is
rearward of the first portion 355 and sized to slidably receive the first
reduced diameter portion
135 of the first coupling member 105.
[00421 As discussed above, the second keyed member 310 includes at least one
female
element that is configured to mate with the at least one male element provided
in or on the first
keyed member 305, when such male and female elements are rotationally aligned
(angularly
oriented) with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radial
surface 340 of the
second keyed member 310 includes three radially inward facing grooves or slots
360a-c that
extend axially rearward from the first radial surface 340 and are sized to
receive the posts 355a-
c, respectively. The grooves 360a-c are spaced-apart from each other and
arranged in
substantially the same predetermined pattern as the posts 335a-c of the first
keyed member 305.
Additionally, the grooves 360a-c have a size (e.g., depth and width) and cross-
sectional-shape
that generally correspond to the size and shape of the posts 335a-c of the
first keyed member
305. Moreover, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the second keyed member
310 can
include at least one male-type feature or structure that is configured to mate
with at least one
female-type feature or structure provided in or on the first keyed member 305.
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[00431 Although it is preferable that the grooves 355a-c generally correspond
in size and
shape to the posts 335a-c, it will be appreciated that the holes need only be
sufficiently
dimensioned to receive the posts and not necessarily have the same cross-
sectional shape as the
posts. For example, if a post is cylindrical shaped and has a rectangular or
square cross-section
when taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis A, it is preferable that
the mating groove has
a rectangular or square cross-section that is appropriately sized to receive
the post. However, it
is possible to provide a groove having a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section so
long as the
dimensions of the groove are capable of receiving the post.
[00441 Upon rotational alignment of the male elements (i.e., the posts 335a-c)
to the female
elements (i.e., the grooves 355a-c), the first and second keyed members 305,
310 are permitted
to mate with each other and move in an axial direction towards each other.
Once in a mating
relationship with each other, the first and second coupling members 105, 110
are permitted to be
connected to each other upon continued axial movement of the first and second
coupling
members 105, 110 towards each other. Thus, the first and second coupling
members 105, 110
are permitted to be connected to each other when their associated keyed
members match or
complement each other, due to the association of the first and second keyed
members 305, 310
with the second and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, and the
complementary
features of the first and second keyed members 305, 310. Conversely, the first
and second
coupling members 105, 110 will not be permitted to be connected to each other
when their
associated keyed members are not matching or complementary.
[00451 Although the first and second keyed members 305, 310 are associated
with the second
and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, it will be appreciated that
the associations
may be reversed. For example, the first and second keyed members 305, 310 can
be associated
with the first and second coupling members 105, 110, respectively.
[00461 Illustrated in Figure 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of
a keyed
coupling assembly 400 including the exemplary coupling 100 discussed above and
illustrated in
Figures 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, the keyed coupling assembly 400
includes a first keyed
member 405 associated with the second coupling member 110 and a second keyed
member 410
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associated with the first coupling member 105, wherein the first and second
keyed members 405,
410 are configured to mate with each other when they are properly aligned
(rotationally) and
axially moved towards each other.
[0047] With reference to Figure 4, the first keyed member 405 includes a first
portion 415
that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the
coupling 100 and a
second portion 420 extending substantially perpendicular from an edge 425 of
the first portion
415. The first portion 415 has first and second opposing radial surfaces 430,
435 and an opening
440 extending therethrough. The opening 440 is coaxial with the second
coupling member 110
and sized to receive the first reduced diameter portion 170 of the second
coupling member 110
until the second radial surface 435 of the first keyed member 405 seats
against the shoulder 180
(not shown in Figure 4) of the second coupling member 110. The second portion
420 has
opposing inner and outer axially extending surfaces 445, 450.
[0048] The second portion 420 of the first keyed member 405 includes at least
one male
element that is configured to mate with at least one female element provided
in or on the second
keyed member 410, which will be described in further detail below, when such
male and female
elements are rotationally aligned (angularly oriented) with each other. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the second portion 420 of the first keyed member 405 includes a
protrusion or rib
455 that extends radially inward from and extends axially along the length of
the inner surface
445. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second portion 420 may
include two or more
ribs extending radially inward from the inner surface 445 depending on the
desired design.
Additionally, in another embodiment (not shown), the rib 455 may only extend
along a portion
of the length of the inner surface 445. In yet another embodiment (not shown),
the rib 455 may
be replaced with a pin or post (similar to the post discussed above) that
extends radially inward
from the inner surface 445.
[0049] The second portion 420 of the first keyed member 405 also includes at
least one
female element that is configured to mate with at least one male element
provided in or on the
second keyed member 410, which will be described in further detail below, when
such male and
female elements are rotationally aligned (angularly oriented) with each other.
In the illustrated
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embodiment, the second portion 420 further includes a radially inward facing
recessed strip 460
that extends radially outward from and axially along the length of the inner
surface 445. The
recessed strip 460 is spaced from the rib 455 a distance D and oriented
substantially parallel
thereto. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second portion 420 can
include two or
more recessed strips extending radially outward from the inner surface 445
depending on the
desired design.
[00501 The rib 455 and the recessed strip 460 may take the form of a variety
of cross-
sectional shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the rib 455 and the recessed
strip 460 both have
rectangular cross-sections when taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis
A. However, in
alternative embodiments (not shown), the rib 455 and/or the recessed strip 460
can have a cross-
section other than rectangular, such as T-shaped, semi-circular, triangular,
square, trapezoidal, or
another polygonal shape. As shown in Figure 4, the rib 455 and the recessed
strip 460 have a
greater cross-sectional width W than height H. In alternative embodiments (not
shown), the rib
455 and/or the recessed strip 460 can have a greater cross-sectional height H
than width W.
[00511 With continued reference to Figure 4, the second keyed member 410
includes a radial
wall 465, which defines a first radial surface 470 and an opposing second
radial surface (not
shown) substantially parallel thereto, and an opening 475 extending through
the radial wall 465.
The opening 475 is coaxial with the first coupling member 105 and sized to
receive the first
reduced diameter portion 135 of the first coupling member 105 until the second
radial surface
(not shown) of the second keyed member 410 seats against the shoulder 145 (not
shown in
Figure 4) of the first coupling member 105. The second keyed member 410 also
includes a
surface 480 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first radial
surface 470 (hereinafter
"axial surface 480").
[00521 As discussed above, the second keyed member 410 includes at least one
female
element and at least one male element that are configured to mate with the at
least one male
element and the at least one female element, respectively, provided in or on
the first keyed
member 405, when such male and female elements are rotationally aligned
(angularly oriented)
with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the second keyed member 410
includes a radially
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outward facing groove or slot 485 extending radially inward from the axial
surface 480 and a
protrusion or rib 490 extending radially outward from the axial surface 480.
The groove 485 and
rib 490 extend axially along the length of the axial surface 480 and are
configured to receive the
rib 455 and the recessed strip 460, respectively, of the first keyed member
405. The groove 485
is spaced from the rib 490 the same distance D as the space between the tongue
455 and the
recessed strip 460. Additionally, the groove 485 and the rib 490 of the second
keyed member
410 have a size (e.g., height and width) and cross-sectional shape that
generally corresponds to
the size and shape of the rib 455 and the recessed strip 460 of the first
keyed member 405.
[0053] Although it is preferable that the groove 485 and the recessed strip
460 generally
correspond in size and shape to the ribs 455, 490, respectively, of the first
keyed member 405, it
will be appreciated that the groove 485 and the recessed strip 460 need only
be appropriately
dimensioned to receive the ribs 455, 490, respectively, and not necessarily
have the same cross-
sectional shape as the ribs 455, 490, respectively. For example, if a rib has
a rectangular cross-
section when taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis A, it is preferable
that the mating
groove has a rectangular cross-section that is appropriately sized to receive
the post. However, it
is possible to provide a groove having a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section so
long as the
dimensions of the groove are capable of receiving the rib.
[0054] Upon rotational alignment of the male elements (i.e., the ribs 455,
490) to the female
elements (i.e., the recessed strip 460 and the groove 490), the first and
second keyed members
405, 410 are permitted to mate with each other and move in an axial direction
towards each
other. Once in a mating relationship with each other, the first and second
coupling members
105, 110 are permitted to be connected to each other upon continued axial
movement of the first
and second coupling members 105, 110 towards each other. Thus, the first and
second coupling
members 105, 110 are permitted to be connected to each other when their
associated keyed
members match or complement each other, due to the association of the first
and second keyed
members 405, 410 with the second and first coupling members 110, 105,
respectively, and the
complementary features of the first and second keyed members 405, 410.
Conversely, the first
and second coupling members 105, 110 will not be permitted to be connected to
each other when
their associated keyed members are not matching or complementary.
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[0055] Although the first and second keyed members 405, 410 are associated
with the second
and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, it will be appreciated that
the associations
may be reversed. For example, the first and second keyed members 405, 410 can
be associated
with the first and second coupling members 105, 110, respectively.
[0056] Illustrated in Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of
a keyed
coupling assembly 500 including the exemplary coupling 100 discussed above and
illustrated in
Figures 1A and 1B. In this embodiment, the keyed coupling assembly 500
includes a first keyed
member 505 associated with the second coupling member 110 and a second keyed
member 510
associated with the first coupling member 105, wherein the first and second
keyed members 505,
510 are configured to mate with each other when they are properly aligned
(rotationally) and
axially moved towards each other.
[0057] With reference to Figure 5, the first keyed member 505 includes first
and second
opposing surfaces 515, 520, a third surface 525 oriented substantially
perpendicular to the first
and seconds surfaces 515, 520, a first beveled surface 530 provided between
the first surface 515
and the third surface 525, and a second beveled surface (not shown) provided
between the
second surface 520 and the third surface 525. In alternative embodiments (not
shown), the first
keyed member 505 can include less than two beveled surfaces or three or more
beveled surfaces.
Additionally, in alternative embodiment (not shown), one or both of the
beveled surfaces could
be replaced with radiused surfaces.
[0058] The first keyed member 505 further includes opposing first and second
opposing
radial walls 535, 540 and an opening (not shown) extending through the first
and second radial
walls 535, 540. The opening is coaxial with the second coupling member 110 and
sized to
slidably receive the first reduced diameter portion 170 of the second coupling
member 110 until
a second radial surface (not shown), which is defined by the first radial wall
535 of the first
keyed member 505, seats against the shoulder 180 (not shown in Figure 5) of
the second
coupling member 110.
[0059] The second keyed member 510 includes a first portion 545 that is
oriented
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the coupling 100 and
a second portion
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550 extending substantially perpendicular from an end portion 555 of the first
portion 545. The
first portion 545 has first and second opposing radial surfaces 560, 565 and
an opening 570
extending therethrough. The opening 570 is coaxial with the first coupling
member 105 and
sized to receive the first reduced diameter portion 135 of the first coupling
member 105 until the
second radial surface 565 of the first portion 545 of the second keyed member
510 seats against
the shoulder 145 (not shown in Figure 5) of the first coupling member 105.
[00601 In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 550 of the second
keyed member
510 includes a receptacle (not shown) that is sufficiently dimensioned to mate
with and receive
the third surface 525, the first beveled surface 530, and the second beveled
surface (not shown)
of the first keyed member 505.
[0061] Upon rotational alignment, the first and second keyed members 505, 510
are
permitted to mate with each other and move in an axial direction towards each
other. Once in a
mating relationship with each other, the first and second coupling members
105, 110 are
permitted to be connected to each other upon continued axial movement of the
first and second
coupling members 105, 110 towards each other. Thus, the first and second
coupling members
105, 110 are permitted to be connected to each other when their associated
keyed members
match or complement each other, due to the association of the first and second
keyed members
505, 510 with the second and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively,
and the
complementary features of the first and second keyed members 505, 510.
Conversely, the first
and second coupling members 105, 110 will not be permitted to be connected to
each other when
their associated keyed members are not matching or complementary.
[00621 Although the first and second keyed members 505, 510 are associated
with the second
and first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, it will be appreciated that
the associations
may be reversed. For example, the first and second keyed members 505, 510 can
be associated
with the first and second coupling members 105, 110, respectively.
[00631 The keyed coupling assemblies 200, 300, 400, 500 discussed above,
namely the
respective first and second keyed members, can be constructed from a variety
of materials. For
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example, the first and second keyed members can be constructed of a polymeric
material. Other
suitable materials include metal or ceramic.
[0064] As discussed above, the keyed members of each of the keyed coupling
assemblies
200, 300, 400, 500 illustrated in the figures and described above are
associated with respective
first and second coupling members. By "associated," it is meant that the keyed
members can be:
(i) separate components that are installed onto respective first and second
coupling members and
capable of moving relative thereto after installation (like the embodiments
describe above); (ii)
separate components that are installed onto respective first and second
coupling members and
connected thereto (e.g., by welding, staking, press-fitting, etc.) preventing
relative movement
(rotational or axial) between the keyed components and their respective first
and second coupling
members; and (iii) made integral with the first and second coupling members
during
manufacturing thereof (e.g., via machining, molding, etc.).
[0065] Because the keyed members can be provided as separate components, they
can be
provided as a kit for use with any type of coupling. For example, the kit can
include a pair of
mating keyed members for later installation onto a pair of coupling members.
Alternatively, the
kit can include a single keyed member for installation onto a first coupling
member and
configured to mate with another keyed member already installed onto a second
coupling
member.
[0066] As discussed above, the keyed coupling assemblies 200, 300, 400, 500
discussed
above can be used with any type of coupling, including one having male and
female halves, and
can be employed in a variety of applications. One exemplary application of the
keyed coupling
assemblies 200, 300, 400, 500 discussed above is a communication or navigation
device that
utilizes liquid cooling to cool a preprogrammed card installed therein.
[00671 Illustrated in Figure 6A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
communication or navigation device 600 that includes a preprogrammed
communication or
navigation card 605 detachably secured in a card rack 610. The card 605 is
precisely positioned
within the card rack 610 having its opposed side edges engaged in opposed
tracks 620 of the card
rack 605, and by having its rear edge engaged by opposed latching devices (not
shown), which
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precisely position the card 600 in a front to back direction. In the position
shown in Figure 6A,
first and second electrical connectors 630a,b mounted on the card 605
electrically engage first
and second electrical connectors (not shown) mounted on a printed circuit
board in the device
600.
[0068] With reference to Figures 6B and 6C, the card 605 is internally liquid
cooled, by
means not shown, and includes a male coupling member (similar to the second
coupling member
110 discussed above and illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B) (hereinafter "second
coupling
member 110"). The second coupling member 110 is disengageably connected with a
mating
female coupling member (similar to the first coupling member 105 discussed
above and
illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B) (hereinafter "first coupling member 105"),
which is mounted
to the card rack 610. The second coupling member 110 and the first coupling
member 105, once
engaged, permit a cooling liquid to be circulated through the card 605 to
ensure proper cooling
of the card 605. Together, the second and first coupling members 110, 105
provide a quick
disconnect coupling, which reduces the time involved in replacing the card 605
with a similar,
but somewhat differently, preprogrammed card.
[0069] To ensure that the card 605 is installed in the correct track 620 in
the card rack 610,
the device 600 includes the keyed coupling assembly 400 discussed above and
illustrated in
Figure 4. As shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the first keyed member 405 is
positioned between
the second coupling member 110 and the card 605 and secured thereto when the
second coupling
member 110 is threaded into the rack 610. The shoulder 180 on the second
coupling member
110 holds the first keyed member 405 in place. Based on the geometry of the
card 600 to which
it is being installed, the first keyed member 405 is self-aligned during
installation.
[0070] With continued reference to Figures 6B and 6C, the second keyed member
410 is
positioned between the first coupling member 105 and the card rack 610 and
secured thereto
when the first coupling member 105 is threaded into the card rack 610. The
shoulder 145 on the
first coupling member 105 holds the second keyed member 410 in place. Based on
the geometry
of the card rack 610 to which it is being installed, the second keyed member
410 is self-aligned
during installation.
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[00711 Although the geometry of the card 605 and the card rack 610 dictate the
position of
the first and second members 405, 410, respectively, and cause them to self
align, it will be
appreciated that other types of alignment means may be provided on the card
and/or the card
rack to ensure that the first and second keyed members are properly aligned
(i.e., rotational
orientation) during installation to their respective components.
[00721 By providing the matching first and second key members 405, 410 on the
second and
first coupling members 110, 105, respectively, an installer or service
technician can be assured
that he/she is installing the correct card into the appropriate track. If the
installer or service
technician attempts to install a card having a key member that does not match
with the key
member provided on the coupling member mounted in the card rack, the non-
matching keyed
members will not mate with each other, thereby preventing the card from being
installed in the
card rack.
100731 To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the
specification or the
claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as that term is
interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to
the extent that the
term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both."
When the applicants
intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but
not both" will be
employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the
exclusive use. See,
Bryan A. Gamer, A Dictionary of Modem Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to
the extent
that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it
is intended to
additionally mean " on" or "onto." Furthermore, to the extent the term
"connect" is used in the
specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected
to," but also
"indirectly connected to" such as connected through another component or
multiple components.
[0074] While the present application illustrates various embodiments, and
while these
embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the
applicant to restrict
or in any way limit the scope of the claimed invention to such detail.
Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the
invention, in its
broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative
apparatus, and illustrative
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examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such
details without
departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's claimed invention.
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