Lever quick connect intercom fitting
Embodiments of the present invention provide a lever quick connect and disconnect fitting that provides a secure fit for tank-to-tank connections and prevents any leakage from occurring. The fitting provide two separate, independent locking features that can secure tank sleeves to one another. There is provided male and female components that are coupled together by a lever connect and by a safety ring.
1. A quick connect intercom fitting for connecting two tanks, comprising:
a. a male component and a female component, wherein the male component is received by the female component upon locking cooperation therebetween;
b. wherein one of the male component or the female component comprises (i) one or more levers with a base portion having a curved outer radius and a generally flat rear surface, (ii) one or more blade springs, and (iii) a safety ring;
c. wherein the other of the male component or the female component comprises a curved internal cavity that can receive and secure the curved outer radius of the lever;
d. wherein the safety ring comprises a driving pin that cooperates with both an inner translational groove and an inner circumferential groove of the male or female component for translational and rotational movement of the safety ring.
2. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the component comprising the one or more levers further comprises an opening through which the base portion the one or more levers protrude.
3. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the component comprising the one or more levers further comprises a groove for securing the blade spring.
4. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the component comprising the one or more levers further comprises one or more finger grooves.
5. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the component comprising the one or more levers further comprises one or more grooves for creating a seal with the other component.
6. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the one or more levers comprise an indentation surface.
7. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the one or more levers comprise a protrusion strip.
8. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the one or more blade springs comprise a lug and a notch.
9. The fitting of claim 1 , further comprising a coil spring for securement and movement of the safety ring.
10. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the male and female components have outer bonding surfaces for securement to chimneys.
11. The fitting of claim 1 , wherein the safety ring comprises one or more grooves for allowing access to the one or more levers.
12. The fitting of claim 1 , further comprising a flap for directing flow of fuel.
13. A quick connect intercom fitting for connecting two tanks, comprising:
a. first and second component, each configured to cooperate with one of the two tanks, the first component comprising at least two levers and a safety ring;
b. wherein the at least two levers each comprise a base portion the protrudes from an opening in the first component and wherein the second component comprises an internal cavity to receive the base portion of the levers; and
c. wherein the safety ring comprises a driving pin and a coil spring and wherein first component further comprises an inner translational groove and a circumferential groove for receiving the driving pin,
d. wherein movement of the at least two levers allows a mating of the first and second components and provides a first locking feature; and
e. wherein translational and rotational movement of the safety ring with respect to the first component creates a second locking feature.
14. A method for connecting two tanks, comprising:
a. providing the fitting of claim 13 ;
b. causing translational and rotational movement of the safety ring in order to access the at least two levers;
c. depressing the at least two levers;
d. mating the at least two components;
e. releasing the at least two levers to create a first lock;
f. releasing the safety ring to allow its rotational and translational movement to create a second lock.