CA1159376A - Coupler cover - Google Patents

Coupler cover

Info

Publication number
CA1159376A
CA1159376A CA000376464A CA376464A CA1159376A CA 1159376 A CA1159376 A CA 1159376A CA 000376464 A CA000376464 A CA 000376464A CA 376464 A CA376464 A CA 376464A CA 1159376 A CA1159376 A CA 1159376A
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
diaphragms
slits
diaphragm
coupler cover
improved coupler
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Expired
Application number
CA000376464A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Carl E. Kittle
James L. Price
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Deere and Co
Original Assignee
Deere and Co
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
Application filed by Deere and Co filed Critical Deere and Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA1159376A publication Critical patent/CA1159376A/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D59/00Plugs, sleeves, caps, or like rigid or semi-rigid elements for protecting parts of articles or for bundling articles, e.g. protectors for screw-threads, end caps for tubes or for bundling rod-shaped articles
    • B65D59/06Caps
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K25/00Auxiliary drives
    • B60K25/04Auxiliary drives from static or dynamic pressure or vacuum, developed by the engine
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems

Abstract

AN IMPROVED COUPLER COVER
Abstract of the Invention This invention relates to an improved coupler cover for preventing foreign matter from contaminating the end surface of a female coupler. This improved coupler cover comprises two diaphragms axially aligned adjacent to each other. Each diaphragm contains a multiplicity of slits which extend outward from the center of the diaphragm to form equal size pie-shaped sections.
The multiple slits of the first diaphragm are also offset in position from the multiple slits of the second diaphragm. The two diaphragms are secured in a retainer which holds both of the diaphragms relative to the end surface of the coupler.

Description

~.~lS~3P~

AN IMPROVED COUPLER COVER
This invention relates to an improved coupler cover for preventing contaminants from contacting the outer end sur~ace of a coupler. In particular, the improved coupler cover will prevent foreign contaminants from contacting the end surEace of a female coupler located on the rear of agricultural vehicles.
Description of the Prior Art Currently, most agricultural and some industrial tractors are equipped with one or more pairs of hydraulic hookups, such as female couplers, which are attached to the rear of the vehicle.
These hydraulic couplers are designed to provide attachment means which mate with male couplers attached to an implement's hydraulic hoses. During the process of changing implements, the hydraulic hoses have to be disconnected and connected by the operator. In the process of disconnecting the male coupler from the female coupler, a small amount of oil tends to be trapped between the two ends of the couplers. This oil adheres to the end surface of the female coupler and provides an adhesive means on which dust, dirt or other foreign matter can accumulate. When the operator hooks on another implement, the foreiyn contaminant is forced into the hydraulic lines ancl causes havoc with the associated hydraulic apparatus.
In the past, manufacturers have tried to prevent such contamina-tion by ins-talling covers or boots over the end surface oE the Eemale couplers. Some oE -these boots contained a s:inyle slit through which the male coupler was inserted so as to connec-t to the female coupler. These single s:lit boot~ were partiall~v eEEective in prevent:~ny the in~lux of foreiyn matter into the hoses in the coupled pOSitiOIl rrhe rea~on for thi~ was that the qinyle sl:Lt dicl not have the ability to seal up agains-t the entire circumEerence o:E the male coupler. The opening there-between thus allowed dust or dirt to again come in contact with . '~

/3~

1 -the end surface of the female coupler. A second disadvantage oE
the single slit boots was -that the boots tended to fracture and tear at the ends of the slits after repeated use. r~his physical failure rendered the boots ineffective and necessitated replace-ment.
Other prior art covers have -tried to overcome the physical failure problem by using more than one slit or by using various types of soft, pliable material. Although the cracking problem was less severe t the major contamination problem still remained.
Now an improved coupler cover has been invented which rectifies the deficiencies of the prior art coupler covers~
The general object of this invention is to provide an improved coupler cover which will prevent foreign contaminants from contacting the end surface of a coupler. A more specific object of this invention is to provide an improved coupler cover which will protect the end surface of a female coupler. -Another object of this invention is to provide an improved coupler cover which will not tear or fracture as easily as conventional covers.
Still another object oE this invention is to provide a low cost, easy-to-manufacture coupler cover.
A further object of this invention is to provicde an improved coupler cover which provides a nearly complete seal when a male coupler is inser-ted throuyh it.
O-ther objects ancl advalltayes oE this lnvention wil:L hecome apparent to one ~killed in the ar-~ based upon the ensuiny clescrip-tion.
S n~ o the _nvent~.on Briefly, -the objects of this invention can be reaLized by usin~ the here.in descrlbed improved coupler cover. This improved coupler cover comprises two diaphraym.s axially aligned adjacent -to each o-ther which contain a multiplicity of slits. I'he multiple ,
- 2 -- ~

~ ~ ,r~ 3~t;
1 slits are arranged in a spaced apart configuration and extend in an outward directon Erom the center o~ each diaphragm. The multiple slits of the first diaphragm are offset in position from -the multiple slits of the second diaphragm. Secured to both diaphragms is a retainer which holds both of the diaphragms relative to the end surface of the coupler.
The combination of the two flexible diaphragms together with the offset slits provides a much improved seal for preventing the influx of foreign matter. The multiple slits also allow for a smaller degree of deflection of each diaphragm and therefore they tend to prolong the useful life of the coupler cover.
Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 shows the rear of a traetor with two pairs of hydraulic hookups.
Fig. 2 sho~s a cross-sectional view o~ one embodiment of ~he improved coupler cover.
Fig. 3 shows an end view of the improved coupler cover as seen in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the improved coupler cover Inserted into a housing.
Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one diaphragm as seen in Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is an end view of the improved eoupler eover as seen in Fig. 5.
Fiy. 7 is an end view o the improved eoupler cover showing ~i~ sli-ts having suppor-ting ribs cons-trueted on -the inner surLaee.
Detailecl Deseripti,on o~ _he ~nvention Re,Lerriny now -to Flg. 1, -the rear of an agriultural -traetor 10 :is clep,ict.ed havincJ two pairs o e hydxaulic hookups 11 and 12.
Each pair o~ hookups 11 and 12 con-tains means Eor a-ttaehing two hydraulic lines or hoses to it. One oE the llnes will earry oil -to an attached farm implement and the other line will return the 1 oil to a reservoir contained within the body of the tractor 10.
Commonly, the hydraulic hookups 11 and 12 are female couplers which are designed to mate with suitable male couplers attached to one end of the hydraulic hoses. In the process of connecting and disconnecting the hydraulic couplers, a certain quantity of oil tends to become trapped between the female or male couplers.
Such oil ends up adhered to the rear of the tractor 10, whereby it provides a bond for holding dust, dirt or other foreign contam-inants to the tractor 10.

The improved coupler cover 14 (shown in Fig. 2) is designed to prevent these foreign contaminants from infiltrating into the hydraulic lines. The coupler cover 14 includes two diaphragms 16 and 18, respectively, axially aligned adjacent to each other.
Each of the diaphragms 16 and 18 is constru~ted of a flexible, deformable, soft elastomeric material, such as rubber, which is capable of being repeatedly deformed without cracking. Each of the diaphragms 16 and 18, which may be of any desired shape, contain a multiplicity of slits 20 (see Fig. 3~ arranged so as to extend outward from the center 22 of each of -the diaphragms 16 and 18. By multiplicity is meant three or more slits wi,th six slits being a preferred number (see Fig. 7~. Each of -the slits 20 is preferably of equal length and should be arranged so as to be spaced an equal distance apart. In Fig. 3, the three slits in , the ou-ter diaphragm 16 are arranged 120 degrees apart and extend , outward to approximately the perimeter ~ small round hole 26 '~ can be cons-kructed a-t -the outer encl of eaah sl:Lt -to aid in pre-ven-ting tear:Lng of -the elas-tic material. Such cons-truction is, however, a mat-ter of prefererlce and does not eEfect the functional operatl,on Oe the coupler cover 1~.

The second or inner diaphragm 18 is construc-tecl exaatly like the first diaphragm 16 but i5 positioned in such a manner that its sli-ts 20 will be angularly offset in position from the slits ~3~5g3~6 1 20 of the first diaphragm 16. Preferably, the slits 20 of the second diaphragm 18 will lie midway between two neighboring slits 20 on the first diaphragm 16. As shown in the arrangement in Fig. 3, the three slits of the second diaphragm 18 (shown in dotted lines) are 60 degrees offset fro~n the three slits 20 of the first diapl~ragm 16. Other offset angles are feasible provided that the slits of the two diaphragms 16 and 18 are not arranged too close together.
Referring again to Fig. 2, the first and second diaphragms 16 and 18, respectively, are secured to a retainer 30 having a port hole 32. The retainer 30 is fastened to the housing of a vehicle so as to extend around a hydraulic hookup, such as shown in Fig. 1. The port hole 32 permits any trapped oil retained between the end surface of the female coupler and the surface of the second diaphragm 18 to be bled off.
Referring no~ to Fig. 4, an alternative embodiment of the improved coupler cover 14 is shown. This embodiment also employs a first and second diaphragm 34 and 36, respectively, which are designed to be inserted directly into a hydraulic housing 38.
~he housing 38 contains the female coupler 40 positioned a desired distance in from the second diaphram 36.
~ s better seen in Fig. 6, each of diaphragms 34 and 36 (of which only diaphragm 34 is shown) is constructed from a flexible, deformable, soft elastomeric material having a multiplicity of sLits 42. Construc~ed between two neighboring s:Lits on one surface oE each diaphragm 34 and 36 is a suppor-t:ing rib 44. The ribs 44 are pre~erably cons-tructed of the same elastomeric material as are -the diaphragms 34 ancl 36~ It i5 preferable to make the ri.bs 44 part Oe each of the cliaphragms 3~ and 36 such as by molding the elements together into a single member. rrhe purpose of each rib 44 is to assist in deflecting each pie-shaped surface 46 of each of -the diaphragms 34 and 36 back to its original
3~7~

1 posit.ion after the male coupler has been removed. The shape of each of the ribs 4~ is not critical, but a shape similar to that shown in Fig. 5 wherein the rib 44 narrows in width as it ap-proaches the center 48 of the diaphragm is advantageous. This configuration provides the extra strength at the periphery 5~ of the diaphragm where it is needed.
The shape of the outer surface ~2 of the diaphrac~m 34 or 36 can be either flat, concave or convex. The concave shape of outer surface 52 is preferred in that it provides less resistance when the operator inserts the male coupler. This concave shape also decreases the amount of travel needed to return the outer surface 52 to its original shape. This feature aids in prolonging the life of the improved coupler cover 14.
Surrounding the periphery 50 of the diaphragm 34 or 36 is a metal rim 54. The metal rim 54 is bonded or otherwise attached to the periphery 50 and is designed to be inserted into a re-ceptacle such as the housing 38, as shown in Fig. 4. ri'he width of the metal rim 54 can be varied so as to adjust the distance between the first diaphragm 34 and the second diaphragm 36. This allows each manufacturer to apply the coupler cover 1~ to his particular housing 38 without encountering hookup problems.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with two specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, rnodiEications, and variations will be apparent to ~ those skilled :Ln -the art in licJht o~ the aforegoing description.
: ~ccordingly, the inven-tion is intended to embrace~ all such alter-natives, modiE:Lcations, an~ variations whlch fal:l within -the spiri-t and scope o~ the appendecl claim$.

Claims (13)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An improved coupler cover for preventing contaminants from contacting the end surface of a coupler, comprising:
a) first and second diaphragms axially aligned adjacent to each other, each of said first and second diaphragms containing multiple slits extending outward from the center thereof, said multiple slits of said first diaphragm being angularly offset from said multiple slits of said second diaphragm; and b) retainer means secured to said first and second dia-phragms for positioning said diaphragms relative to said end surface of said coupler.
2. The improved coupler cover of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second diaphragms is constructed from a deformable elastomeric material.
3. The improved coupler cover of claim 2 wherein each of said first and second diaphragms include supporting ribs, said supporting ribs being spaced approximately equal angular distances from neighboring slits.
4. The improved coupler cover of claim 3 wherein each of said first and second diaphragms contains six equal length slits arranged 60 degrees apart.
5. The improved coupler cover of claim 4 wherein each of said first and second diaphragms are circular in shape with a concave outer surface and a convex inner surface on which said supporting ribs are constructed.
6. The improved coupler cover of claim 5 wherein each of said diaphragms with supporting ribs is a single member.
7. An improved coupler cover for covering the end surface of a coupler, comprising:
a) first and second elastomeric diaphragms axially aligned adjacent to each other, each of said first and second diaphragms containing multiple slits extending outward from the center thereof, said multiple slits of said first diaphragm being angu-larly offset from said multiple slits of said second diaphragm, and each of said first and second diaphragms further including supporting ribs, said supporting ribs being spaced approximately equal angular distances from neighboring slits.
8. An improved coupler cover for preventing contaminants from contacting the end surface of a female coupler having housing means associated therewith, comprising:
a) first and second diaphragms positioned in said housing means and axially aligned adjacent to each other, each of said first and second diaphragms containing at least three slits extending outward from the center thereof to form three equal sections, said slits of said first diaphragm being angularly offset from the slits of the second diaphragm so as to be posi-tioned midway between said slits of said second diaphragm; and b) first and second metal rims mounted to and surrounding the periphery of said first and second diaphragms, respectively, said metal rims being secured to said housing means to retain said diaphragms in said housing.
9. The improved coupler cover of claim 8 wherein said diaphragms are formed from an elastomeric material.
10. The improved coupler cover of claim 8 wherein said first and second diaphragms include supporting ribs, said sup-porting ribs being positioned approximately equal angular distances from adjacent slits.
11. The improved coupler cover of claim 10 wherein each of said diaphragms with supporting ribs is a single member.
12. The improved coupler cover of claim 8 wherein each of said diaphragms has a concave outer surface.
13. The improved coupler cover of claim 8 wherein each of said diaphragms has a convex outer surface.
CA000376464A 1980-05-16 1981-04-28 Coupler cover Expired CA1159376A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US06/150,453 US4329857A (en) 1980-05-16 1980-05-16 Coupler cover
US150,453 1980-05-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA1159376A true CA1159376A (en) 1983-12-27

Family

ID=22534601

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA000376464A Expired CA1159376A (en) 1980-05-16 1981-04-28 Coupler cover

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US4329857A (en)
EP (1) EP0040403B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5729885A (en)
AR (1) AR225352A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE3903T1 (en)
AU (1) AU547982B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8103037A (en)
CA (1) CA1159376A (en)
DE (1) DE3160477D1 (en)
ES (1) ES270741Y (en)
ZA (1) ZA813177B (en)

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US4395800A (en) * 1980-10-20 1983-08-02 Deere & Company Hose retainer
US4483371A (en) * 1983-07-22 1984-11-20 Susin Victor G Protective holder for hose tip assembly
US4602504A (en) * 1985-02-27 1986-07-29 Barber John C Permanently-installed test fitting
US4706482A (en) * 1985-02-27 1987-11-17 Barber John C Permanently-installed test fitting
US4902043A (en) * 1985-09-17 1990-02-20 John T. Hoskins Fluid coupling and seal assembly
US4714279A (en) * 1986-11-03 1987-12-22 Lincoln Custeau Exhaust pipe coupler
US4844513A (en) * 1986-12-05 1989-07-04 Consolidated Technologies, Inc. Remotely operable quick connector for a coupling device
US4706834A (en) * 1987-02-06 1987-11-17 Farney Michael K Coupler cover apparatus
US4875709A (en) * 1988-02-26 1989-10-24 Caroll James E Controlled leak path
US5099527A (en) * 1990-03-09 1992-03-31 Roose Lars D Splash deflector
US5328146A (en) * 1993-02-02 1994-07-12 Lin Tai Yuan Clamping device for mold boards
US5507501A (en) * 1994-08-30 1996-04-16 Palmer; Dennis D. Sealing disc used in hydraulic testing of plumbing system
US5775375A (en) * 1996-06-10 1998-07-07 Deere & Company Hydraulic coupler dust cover
JP3824803B2 (en) * 1998-05-15 2006-09-20 未来工業株式会社 Penetration cylinder, method of using the same, and penetration structure
JP3640616B2 (en) * 2001-04-02 2005-04-20 サンアイ株式会社 Cover for desiccant dispenser
FR2827347B1 (en) * 2001-07-13 2003-12-12 Barriquand Echangeurs ELEMENT FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF A CONNECTION JOINT BETWEEN A CRANKCASE AND THE PERIMETRIC EDGE OF AN INTERNAL STRUCTURE
US20030062366A1 (en) * 2001-09-04 2003-04-03 Moss Christine K. Anti-spill container
US8302798B2 (en) * 2001-09-04 2012-11-06 Moss Christine K Anti-spill container
US20050150888A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Birkmeier Stephen J. Lid for a vase
EP1737572B1 (en) * 2004-04-07 2009-09-02 Agilent Technologies, Inc. Cover with recloseable aperture
CA2638336C (en) * 2008-07-21 2015-10-06 Gabe Coscarella Apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing installation
CA2638501A1 (en) * 2008-07-21 2010-01-21 Gabe Coscarella Tear out test plug for plumbing installations
CA2690830C (en) * 2010-01-25 2016-12-13 Gabe Coscarella Externally engaging test barrier
JP5854006B2 (en) * 2013-07-12 2016-02-09 株式会社デンソー Pulsation damper and high-pressure pump equipped with the same
US20170237243A1 (en) * 2016-02-15 2017-08-17 Gerald Macualay Brey Conduit guard
CN110469593A (en) * 2018-09-06 2019-11-19 江苏秦贵智能科技有限公司 Bidirectional buffering diaphragm group closed coupling

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US2803370A (en) * 1957-01-30 1957-08-20 Paul M Lennard Closure for access openings in closed housings
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FR2471195A1 (en) * 1979-12-17 1981-06-19 Technological Supply DEVICE FOR INTRODUCING A CATHETER OR PROBE IN A BLOOD VESSEL

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0040403B1 (en) 1983-06-22
ATE3903T1 (en) 1983-07-15
AR225352A1 (en) 1982-03-15
JPS5729885A (en) 1982-02-17
ES270741Y (en) 1984-04-01
EP0040403A1 (en) 1981-11-25
ES270741U (en) 1983-10-16
JPS6354957B2 (en) 1988-10-31
AU7063081A (en) 1981-11-19
US4329857A (en) 1982-05-18
ZA813177B (en) 1982-12-29
DE3160477D1 (en) 1983-07-28
AU547982B2 (en) 1985-11-14
BR8103037A (en) 1982-02-09

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