Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02800795 2013-08-15
INTERLOCK COUPLING WITH COMPONENTS WHICH PREVENT
INTERCHANGEABILITY
BACKGROUND - FIELD
This application relates to coupling devices specifically to such
coupling devices which are used with hose, pipe, conduits, tanks, fittings and
the like
where the couplings have components which prevent interchangeability.
BACKGROUND ¨ PRIOR ART
In U.S. Patent 2,518,026 a Coupling is disclosed that is commonly
called a Camlock Coupling today. This Camlock Coupling is in general use today
across a wide variety of industries. It is used for making quick release,
fluid tight
connections between hose, pipe, conduits, tanks, fittings and the like to
facilitate the
transport of liquids, solids and slurries.
The delivery of fuel to gas stations is an example of an industry that
makes extensive use of Camlock Couplings for loading tanker trailers at fuel
depots
and unloading fuel from tanker trailers into storage tanks at gas stations. A
typical
tanker trailer will carry and unload a combination of diesel fuel, various
grades of
gasoline and ethanol based fuels. The Camlock Coupling used on the hose
connections and related fittings is the same size and design regardless of the
fuel
being loaded or unloaded and this can result in cross contamination or
accidental
mixing of fuels in both the tanker trailer or more commonly in the storage
tank at the
gas station. For instance it is all too easy to connect a hose between the
diesel
compartment of the tanker trailer and the regular gasoline storage tank at the
gas
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2
station since all the Camlock Coupling connections are identical. Even with
procedures, color coding and tagging systems in place these "crossovers", as
the
industry refers to them, are all too common and costly to rectify. Diesel and
gasoline
mixes that end up in customer vehicles can result in expensive engine repairs
and a
serious loss of reputation in the marketplace for the oil company. Mixes can
also
result in motorist and boaters becoming stranded with engine failure which can
be a
serious safety issue and a potential liability concern for Oil Companies.
Standard Camlock Couplings and related fittings and accessories are
not designed to prevent crossovers. Thus a coupling that can be configured for
a
specific fuel from the tanker trailer discharge to the storage tank inlet and
all the
fittings and hose connections in-between would eliminate the potential for
crossovers. This and other advantages will become apparent from a
consideration of
the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a quick-disconnect
coupling comprising:
a hollow male plug member;
a hollow female socket member defining an opening into which a
leading end of the male plug member can be inserted so that the male plug
member
is moved longitudinally of an axis of the female socket member into the
opening to a
locking position;
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3
the male plug member and female socket member defining a duct
passing therethrough for communication of a fluid therebetween;
a locking arrangement for locking the male plug member in the female
socket member at the locking position;
wherein the locking arrangement includes a plurality of cam members
each having a respective lever within a respective side opening of the female
socket
member and a cam portion passing through one of said side openings for
movement
radially inwardly of the axis of the female socket member into locking
engagement
with a portion of the male plug member;
each cam member being pivotally connected to the female socket
member for radially outward movement of the respective lever to disengage the
cam
portions from said locking engagement with said portion of the male plug
member;
cooperating components provided on an inside surface of said female
socket member and on an outside surface of said male plug member;
said cooperating components comprising at least one protrusion
provided on either an inside surface of the female socket member or on an
outside
surface of the male plug member;
said cooperating components comprising at least one recess provided
on either an inside surface of the female socket member or on an outside
surface of
the male plug member;
said cooperating components defined by said at least one recess and
said at least one protrusion being cooperatively shaped and arranged to allow
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insertion of the male plug member into the female socket member to the locking
position when said at least one recess and said at least one protrusion match;
wherein the cooperating components comprise an annular groove
arranged to align with said at least one protrusion such that rotation of the
male plug
member can occur around the axis relative to the female socket member while
said
at least one protrusion rotates around the annular groove.
Preferably there is provided a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of
recesses at a predetermined spacing therebetween and wherein insertion of the
male plug member into the female socket member to the locking position is
allowed
only when said predetermined spacing matches. However a single protrusion and
associated recess can be used where they are set at a predetermined angle
around
the coupling and/or have a predetermined dimension and height.
Preferably there are provided elements identifying the location of the
protrusions and recesses when the male plug member and the female socket
member are connected and when they are separated so as to ensure alignment
when relative movement is undertaken. That is the user can see the location of
the
elements to ensure that they are aligned as the user tries to insert the
components
or to separate.
That is for example the rotational and axial alignment for assembly and
disassembly of the coupling can be made evident by way of the protrusions and
recesses themselves and/or by the inclusion of additional alignment marks on
the
female socket member and/or on the male plug member of the assembled coupling.
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The male plug member thus has an external peripheral groove for
engagement with the locking arrangement of the female socket member and the
protrusions and recesses are located to prevent movement of the groove to the
locking arrangement unless aligned. This allows that the female socket member
and
5 the male plug member can be rotated relative to each other after
assembly. That is
the recess and the protrusion do not cooperate with the locking arrangement,
which
can be a cam lock, to hold the components connected but act as a restriction
to
allow the locking arrangement to engage only when the recess and protrusion
match.
Preferably the protrusions are located on the female socket member
and align with the groove when the male plug member is moved to the locking
position.
Preferably there is provided a sealing member for sealing between the
male plug and the socket in the locking position, the sealing member being
spaced
from the protrusions and the recesses so that they do not interfere with the
action of
the sealing member.
Preferably the sealing member is located at an end face of the male
plug member. In this way misalignment or an act of aligning the protrusions
and
recesses does not damage the sealing member between the female socket member
and the male plug member.
In particular the present invention is particularly designed for use with a
cam lock system of the type in which the locking arrangement includes a
plurality of
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6
cam members each having a lever within a respective side opening of the female
socket member and a cam portion passing through one of said side openings and
engaging a portion of the male plug member and each being pivotally connected
to
the female socket member for outward movement of the levers away from the
female socket member to disengage the cam portions from the said portion of
the
male plug member.
Preferably the recess and/or protrusion is provided on a separate body
portion which is inserted into a receptacle on the respective one of the
female socket
member and the male plug member to facilitate mounting of said recesses and
protrusions.
Preferably the separate body portion is easily machined or otherwise
configured to provide either a standard or configured coupling.
Preferably the matched protrusions and recesses are shaped and
located so that they are not interchangeable with a coupling configured with a
different configuration of protrusions and recesses.
Preferably the recess is formed by machining, casting or other methods
in the male plug member of the coupling.
Preferably the protrusion is formed by a cast feature, a machined
fastener, pressed in pin, molded or cast insert or by any other means or
processes
in the female socket member.
Preferably the system allows for backwards compatibility with industry
standard couplings. This can be achieved by the fact that one of the female
socket
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7
member and the male plug member which carries the recesses can be used in an
industry standard coupling having no protrusions.
Preferably the male plug member and the female socket member both
have a circular cross-section. This allows rotation as mentioned above.
However the female socket member and the male plug member can
have a common unique cross sectional shape different from circular. For
example
the cross-sections shape can be square with rounded corners.
Preferably the cooperating component on the outside surface of the
male plug member is located at the leading end of the male plug member.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method of delivering a plurality of different fluids comprising:
providing for each fluid a respective delivery duct;
providing in each delivery duct a coupling as defined above;
and arranging said at least one protrusion and said at least one recess
of a first one delivery duct to have a different configuration from that of a
second one
of the delivery ducts to prevent interchangeability of the first and second
delivery
ducts at the couplings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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8
Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view showing the new interlock
coupling using flat head socket screws as the interlock protrusions.
Figure 2 is a left end view of Figure 1 showing the recesses and
protrusions aligned to permit assembly.
Figure 3 is an enlarged detail view of one flat head socket screw
interlock protrusion aligned with a single interlock recess showing the
installation
clearance.
Figure 4A is a cross section view of Figure 2 showing assembly
interference between the interlock protrusions and misaligned interlock
recesses.
Figure 48 is a cross section view of Figure 2 showing axial assembly
permitted by alignment of the interlock protrusions and interlock recesses.
Figure 4C is a cross section view of Figure2 showing relative rotation of
the coupling that is possible after the interlock protrusions pass by the
interlock
recesses.
Figure 5A shows an end view of the male and female halves of the
coupling with mating interlock protrusions and interlock recesses spaced W
degrees
apart. W = 15 degrees.
Figure 5B shows an end view of the male and female halves of the
coupling with mating interlock protrusions and interlock recesses spaced X
degrees
apart. X = 20 degrees.
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9
Figure 5C shows an end view of the male and female halves of the
coupling with mating interlock protrusions and interlock recesses spaced Y
degrees
apart. Y = 25 degrees.
Figure 5D shows an end view of the male and female halves of the
coupling with mating interlock protrusions and interlock recesses spaced Z
degrees
apart. Z = 30 degrees.
Figure 6 shows an isometric view of a tanker trailer with transfer hoses
and related fittings connecting it to the top seal connections on underground
fuel
storage tanks.
Figure 7A shows an isometric exploded view of the trailer to hose
connections.
Figure 7B shows an isometric exploded view of the hose connections
to the top seal male adapters on the underground fuel storage tanks.
Figure 8 is an isometric exploded view showing an interlock coupling
using rivets with a hemispherical head as the interlock protrusions.
Figure 9 is a left end view of Figure 8 showing the interlock recesses
and interlock protrusions aligned to permit assembly.
Figure 10 is an enlarged detail view of one rivet interlock protrusion
aligned with a single interlock recess showing the installation clearance.
Figure 11A is a cross section view of Figure 9 showing axial assembly
permitted by alignment of the interlock protrusions and interlock recesses.
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Figure 11B is a cross section view of Figure 9 showing relative rotation
of the coupling that is possible after the interlock protrusions pass by the
interlock
recesses.
Figure 12 is an isometric exploded view showing the new interlock
5 coupling using oblong interlock protrusions as part of a molded or cast
insert.
Figure 13 is a left end view of Figure 12 showing the interlock recesses
and the insert's interlock protrusions aligned to permit assembly. .
Figure 14A is an enlarged front and left end view of a cast insert with
oblong interlock protrusion spaced Z degrees apart.
10 Figure 14B is an enlarged front and left end view of a cast insert
with
oblong interlock protrusion spaced W degrees apart.
Figure 15A is a cross section view of Figure 13 showing axial assembly
permitted by alignment of the oblong interlock protrusions with the interlock
recesses.
Figure 15B is a cross section view of Figurel 3 showing relative rotation
of the coupling that is possible after the oblong interlock protrusions passes
the
interlock recesses.
Figure 16 is an isometric view showing cast in place interlock
protrusions.
Figure 17 is an isometric view showing the interlock protrusion on the
male adapter and the interlock recess on the female coupling.
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11
Figure 18A is an isometric exploded view of an interlock coupling
utilizing a rounded rectangle shape as the interlock protrusion and interlock
recess.
Figure 18B is an isometric assembled view of an interlock coupling
utilizing a rounded rectangle shape as the interlock protrusion and interlock
recess.
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12
DRAWINGS ¨ Reference Numerals
20 Male adapter of male plug member 80 Insert
21 Interlock recess 81 Offset Portion
22 Alignment recess 82 Pocket
23 Hose stop flange 83 Countersink
24 Angular separation of recess 84 Flat Head Socket Screw
85 Tapped Hole
- _________________________________________________________________________
86 Cast Protrusion
40 Female coupler of female socket 87 Cylindrical Portion
member
41 Thickened body portion 88 Oblong Portion
42 Countersink 89 Female Coupler
43 Threaded hole
44 Flat head socket screw
45 Threaded body 90 Cast In Place Protrusion
46 Interlock protrusion 91 Oblong Portion
47 Protrusion Clearance 92 Cylindrical Portion
48 Coupler Clearance
49 Interference 94 Female Coupler
95 Cast In Place Indicator
96 Oblong Portion
50 Tanker Trailer 97 Cylindrical Portion
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13
51 API Valve
52 API Adapter
_ ________________________________________________________________________
53 Tag Adapter Standard Female Coupler 100 Cast Interlock Protrusion
54 Tag Adapter 101 Recess Grooves
55 Tag Adapter Configured Male Adapter 102 Thickened Body Portion
56 Dust Cap
57 Hose 110 Rectangular Female Coupler
111 Rectangular Male Adapter
60 Underground Tank ¨ W fuel
61 Underground Tank ¨ Z fuel
62 Top Seal Male Adapter 500 Circular Passage
63 Drop Elbow Female Coupler ' 501 Circular Plug
64 Drop Elbow 502 Circular Plug
65 Drop Elbow Male Adapter 503 Curved Annual Groove
504 Sealing Ring
505 Sealing Surface
70 Rivet 506 Lead-in Chamfer
71 Hemispherical End 507 Camlock Lever
72 Shank 508 Outside Circular wall
73 Unformed End
74 Formed End
75 Mounting Hole
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14
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a nominal 4" Camlock coupling
with a male adapter 20 and a mating female coupler 40. Both the male adapter
and
female coupler are shown with hose barb ends but any means of connecting the
coupling halves to any other device, conduit or fitting for use may be
provided. The
basic form, fit and function of the coupling is disclosed in US patent
2,518,026 but
with the following improvements;
One or more interlock recesses 21 in the male adapter 20 interlock with
one or more interlock protrusions 46 in the female coupler 40.
A ball nose milling cutter can be used to mill slots that form the
recesses 21. Various other processes such as casting or forming can also be
used
to create the recesses. The recess can be any shape found to simplify
manufacturing, improve assembly and prevent damage to sealing surfaces.
The protrusion 46 is formed by machining or turning a hemispherical
end 46 on the end of the fully threaded body 45 of standard 8mm metric flat
head
socket screw 44. The protrusion can be any shape found to simplify
manufacturing,
improve assembly and prevent damage to sealing surfaces.
The female coupler 40 is cast with a thickened body portion 41 that is
drilled and tapped with metric 8mm threaded holes 43 that are countersunk 42
to
accept the flat head socket screw 44 with hemispherical interlock protrusion
46.
A flat head socket screw was selected to provide a flush final assembly
40 that would help protect an otherwise protruding fastener head from damage
or
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potential handling injuries. However any type of fastener, pressed in pin,
rivet, cast
profile or insert with a cast or formed profile could be used in place of the
flat head
socket screw.
Two Recesses 21 and two protrusions 46 are arranged with an angular separation
5 24 as
shown in Figure 2. The same angular separation is repeated on the opposite
side of the coupling to provide symmetry and a balanced feel when assembling
the
coupling.
A virtually infinite number of symmetrical and asymmetrical angular
arrangements of the interlock protrusions 46 and interlock recesses 21 are
possible.
10 The
goal is to configure sets of mutually exclusive arrangements of the
interlocking protrusions and recesses so that only like configured coupling
halves will
fit with each other.
The recess 21 should provide a clearance fit 47, with a typical value of
approximately 0.015" for the protrusion 46 as shown in Figure 3 so as to allow
easy
15
assembly and disassembly of the coupling. The clearance fit 47 will be similar
to the
typical clearance fit 48 between the mating circular plug of the male adapter
501 &
502 and the circular passage of the female coupler 500.
Figure 4A shows a cross section of Figure 2 through two opposing
protrusions 46 with male adapter recesses 21 misaligned so as to prevent
assembly
of the coupling due to interference 49 between the protrusion 46 and the lead-
in
chamfer 506 on the male adapter. Figure 4A further illustrates that the
interference
49 contacts the lead-in chamfer 506 of the male adapter 20 thereby protecting
the
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16
sealing surface 505 from contact with the interlock protrusion to prevent
potential
damage to the sealing surface 505.
Figure 46 shows a cross section of Figure 2 through two opposing
interlock protrusions 46 and interlock recesses 21 aligned to permit the
coupling
halves to interlock with each other during assembly.
Figure 4C shows a cross section of Figure 2 through two opposing
protrusions 46 and recesses 21 after the recess and protrusion have bypassed
each
other and the leading end of the sealing surface 505 rests on the sealing ring
504.
The protrusion 46 is located within the curved annual groove 503 of the male
adapter. The coupling halves are free to rotate relative to each other prior
to
applying the Camlock levers 507 that are used to clamp and seal the coupling
together.
Visible alignment recesses 22 are machined in the male adapter hose
stop flange 23 and aligned with the recesses 21. This provides a visual
reference
between the angular spacing of the screws 44 on the female coupler and the
male
adapter for rotating and aligning the coupling halves prior to assembly or
disassembly. Other connections, conduits and fittings attached to the male
adapter
could have similar alignment marks punched, scribed, machined, cast or formed
to
provide a similar visual alignment function.
Figures 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D show an example of four unique angular
configurations (W, X, Y & Z respectively) that can only mate with another
fitting with
the same angular configuration. W configured female couplers only mate with W
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17
configured male adapters. W configured fittings will not mate with fittings
configured
with X, Y or Z angular configurations.
Where required any standard female coupler, without protrusions 46,
can still mate with any configured male adapter with recesses 21. This allows
for
backward compatibility with standard fittings where desired or required.
Figure 6 shows one example of a system of fittings and hose used to
unload fuel at gas stations. Many other systems of fittings and hose are also
used to
load and unload tanker trailers and can be adapted to use a configured
interlock
coupling disclosed here-in. The tanker trailer 50 will be parked near to the
underground fuel storage tanks 60 and 61 as shown. The tanker trailer 50 is
divided
into separate compartments that can carry different fuels such as Diesel,
Premium,
Regular and Ethanol blends in a single delivery to a gas station. Similarly, a
typical
gas station has multiple underground fuel storage tanks 60, 61 etc. that can
receive
any or all of these fuels from a single tanker trailer delivery.
The industry currently relies on tagging procedures and color coding
systems to help prevent incorrect connections between the trailer Figure 7A
and the
underground storage tank Figure 7B. Even with procedures and systems in place
it
is not uncommon for mixes or crossovers to occur. A premium gasoline and
regular
gasoline crossover will result in a costly downgrade of the premium fuel along
with
the time and expense to pump the downgrade into the regular grade storage
tank. A
diesel and gasoline mix is far more serious and expensive to rectify since the
fuel is
no longer useable as either gasoline or diesel and must be pumped out of the
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18
storage tank and disposed of. Diesel and gasoline crossovers that end up in
vehicles
can cause severe damage to fuel systems and engines and lead to expensive
repairs along with a loss of reputation in the marketplace for the oil company
that
can result in further lost revenue. Mixes can also result in motorist and
boaters
becoming stranded with engine failure which can be a serious safety issue and
a
potential liability concern for Oil Companies.
Figure 7A shows a tanker trailer 50 configured with four API valves 51
each connected to a separate fuel compartment in the trailer. The API valve 51
remains attached to the trailer 50 during loading and unloading of fuel. The
ends of
the API valves 51 terminate with a standard male adapter 52. A "standard" male
adapter or female coupler does not have interlock recesses or interlock
protrusions.
The four tag adapters 54 have a standard female coupler end 53. The male
adapter
end 55 of the four tag adapters 54 have interlock recesses 55W, 55X, 55Y and
55Z
spaced W, X, Y and Z degrees apart. See Figure 5A through Figure 5D for end
views of these configurations. Each angular spacing W, X, Y and Z represents
in this
case a different fuel such as Diesel, Premium, Regular and Ethanol carried by
the
trailer 50. It is understood that the valve and fitting configuration shown in
Figure 7A
is only one of many possible configurations. For instance the trailer 50 could
be
configured with additional or fewer fuel carrying compartments with
corresponding
terminating API valves 51. The trailer can also carry the same fuel in more
than one
compartment and in this case the same tag adapter configuration would be used
on
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19
the two API valves communicating with the two compartments carrying the same
fuel.
The standard female coupler 53 of the tag adapter 54 is attached and
preferably locked to the API valve 51 at the fuel depot to tag which fuel is
contained
in a given compartment and to ensure that this tag cannot be accidentally
removed
or tampered with.
The dust cap 56 is installed during transport and is a standard female
coupler that can be used on the ends 55 of all the configured tag adapters 54.
The tag adapter 54 with its particular recess configuration 55W, 55X,
55Y and 55Z acts as a tagging system to identify the fuel stored in a
particular
compartment of the trailer. Therefore manual tagging and color coding
procedures
could be eliminated with this system or used together with this system to act
as an
additional visual reference and barrier for preventing crossovers.
The tag adapter 54 works like a key that only permits like configured
fittings and accessories to interlock with each other.
In Figure 7A the left most tag adapter 54 labeled W is connected as
shown in Figure 7B to tank adapter 62 with configured recessed end 62W that
communicates with an underground storage tank 60 through a hose 57 with female
hose couplers 40 on both ends configured with interlock protrusions 46W on
both
ends and a drop elbow fitting 64 with a female coupler configured with
interlock
protrusions 63W and a male adapter configured with recesses 65W.
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Although not illustrated a similar system of configured fittings can be
used to bottom load trailers at the fuel depot to ensure the correct fuel is
loaded into
the correct compartment of the trailer.
The W, X, Y, Z recess and protrusion configurations and any other
5 required configurations would be standardized industry wide for
particular fuels. With
a standard in place the first step would be to replace gas station tank male
adapters
with male adapters configured for a particular fuel. Since the system is
backwards
compatible with standard Camlock fittings there will be no interruption in
fuel delivery
service if tanker trailers are still operating without configured fittings and
10 accessories. Tanker trailers typically carry multiple sets of hoses and
fittings, one set
for each fuel delivered. Therefore the quantity of hose and fittings is the
same only
now they are configured for a particular fuel. There is also no appreciable
change in
procedures for unloading fuel except that there is now positive feedback when
a
connection is attempted between say a Diesel and Premium fitting. Since
configured
15 fittings and accessories are not compatible with each other and will not
physically fit
together the potential for crossovers is prevented.
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11A, 11B show an additional embodiment that uses a
rivet 70 with a hemispherical head 71 as the interlock protrusion. The shank
portion
72 of the rivet 70 is installed from the inside surface 500 of the female
coupler 40
20 through mounting holes 75 drilled through from the outside circular wall
508 of the
female coupler right through the inside wall 500. The end of the rivet 73 is
formed
with a riveting tool (not shown) to produce a formed head 74 that locks the
rivet in
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21
place. Any standard or purpose built fastener can be used in place of the
rivet and
installed from the inside surface 500 where the head of the fastener becomes
the
interlock protrusion and the shank portion is threaded to accept a nut
installed on the
threaded shank that bears against the outside surface 506.
Advantages of this embodiment include;
The rivet provides a semi-permanent attachment of the protruding
element that will prevent easy removal or tampering.
A standard female coupler casting can be drilled to accept a rivet or
fastener installed from the inside. A custom casting with a thickened body
portion 41,
to facilitate a threaded hole 43, as shown in Figure 1 is not required.
Figures 12, 13, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B show an additional embodiment
that uses a cast or formed insert 80 that includes protrusions 86 that form
part of the
insert 80. The female coupler casting 89 includes one or more offset portions
81 and
associated pockets 82 sized to accept the insert 80. The insert is held in
place with
one or more fasteners 84. The insert 80 includes one or more tapped holes 85
and
the female coupler casting includes one or more countersunk mounting holes 83
to
facilitate mounting of the insert 80 to the female coupler pocket 82 with flat
head
socket screws 84.
The interlock protrusion 86 is formed with a partially cylindrical
protrusion 87 that tapers to an oblong or elliptical shape 88 at each end. The
overall
cast protrusion 86 is shaped and sized to fit the annular curved groove 503 of
the
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22
male adapter with clearances to provide for easy assembly, disassembly and
relative rotation prior to the cam levers 507 being engaged.
Advantages of this embodiment include;
Easily interchangeable inserts that are pre-configured with different
protrusion angular offsets such as the two examples shown in Figure 14A and
14B.
A single female coupler casting 89 can accommodate multiple different
insert configurations 80. This modular system permits female couplers to be
easily
configured and reconfigured by the end user as required.
Two different insert configurations (ie both 14A and 14B) can be
installed in a single female coupler 89 to provide additional unique
combinations
where required.
Figure 16 shows an additional embodiment that has interlock
protrusions 90 cast directly into the female coupler casting 94. The cast
interlock
protrusion 90 is shaped with a partially cylindrical protrusion 92 that tapers
to an
oblong or elliptical shape 91 at each end. This same shape 95 is replicated on
the
outside surface of the female coupler 94 with similar cylindrical protrusion
97 that
tapers to oblong or elliptical ends 96 that act as a visual reference to
assist with
rotating and aligning the male adapter 20 and female coupler 94.
Advantages of this embodiment include;
Both the male adapter and female couplers are purchased with specific
industry standard configurations of interlock protrusions that are ready to
use without
any further user intervention.
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23
Lowest cost production method for the female couplers as no additional
machining or assembly is required.
Figure 17 shows an additional embodiment that has the interlock
protrusions 100 located on the male adapter and the recesses 101 located on
the
female coupler.
Advantages of this embodiment include;
With the protrusion moved to the male adapter and the male adapter
used as the tank adapter it would prevent the connection of standard female
couplers. This will further limit the possibility of a crossover since the
only female
coupler that will fit is one configured specifically to match this male
coupler. This is
different from the other embodiments that still permit backwards compatibility
with
standard female couplers.
The embodiment shown prevents relative rotation of the coupling
halves after assembly which eliminates the requirement to align the coupling
halves
prior to disassembly.
Figures 18A, 18B show an additional embodiment of an interlock
coupling that relies on a specific and unique shape such as the square with
rounded
corners shape used on the male adapter 111 and on the female coupler 110. As
with
the protrusions and recesses used on the other embodiments a family of unique
shapes can be selected, one shape for each of the various grades and types of
fuels
delivered. For example the square with rounded corners shape could be used for
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24
diesel, a triangle with rounded corners could be used for premium, an oval
shape
could be used for regular and other shapes can be used for other fuels.
Advantages of this embodiment include;
Unique and distinct shapes provide immediate visual recognition for
connecting compatible couplings and accessories
With a unique and distinct shape used as the male tank adapter and
also used on tanker trailer tag adapter it would prevent the connection of any
other
standard or distinctly shaped female couplers. This will completely eliminate
the
possibility of a crossover since the only female coupler and related
accessories that
will fit is one configured with the same shape to match this male adapter.
This is
different from the other embodiments that still permit backwards compatibility
with
standard female couplers.
The embodiment shown prevents relative rotation of the coupling
halves after assembly which eliminates the requirement to align the coupling
halves
prior to disassembly. If rotation of a particular accessory such a drop elbow
is
required, a swivel connection, as is already commonly used on many types of
fittings, could be provided at a suitable location between the female coupler
and the
male adapter ends of the drop elbow or any other fitting or accessory
requiring this
feature.
The embodiments described are not meant to limit the scope of the
invention but rather to illustrate just a few of the possible configurations
possible
within the invention. No particular embodiment is preferred at this time as
there are
CA 02800795 2013-08-15
advantages to each embodiment presented. For instance it may be desirable to
use
existing fittings and accessories modified as shown in Figure 8 to test the
system
with various protrusion and recess configurations, shapes and sizes before
committing to an industry standard and the expense of custom castings and mass
5 production. After industry acceptance and standardization it will be
desirable to
minimize the costs of the various fittings and accessories so multiple
castings with
the specific recesses and protrusions for each fuel may be desirable as shown
in
Figure 16. Other embodiments such as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 12 allow for
standardization on a single casting for both the male adapter and the female
coupler
10 that can be configured through the use of cast inserts Figure 12 or
machining
specific configurations Figure 1.
