Locking quick connect spray shield with visual indicator
View Patent ↗According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a quick connect spray shield includes an inner sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to an axis from the first end to the second end, wherein the inner sleeve has an inner surface that is contoured to position the inner sleeve relative to a female quick connect fitting; and an outer sleeve having a first end, a second end, and a center axis that is parallel to the center axis of the inner sleeve, wherein the outer sleeve has an inner surface contoured to position the outer sleeve relative to an actuating collar of the female quick connect fitting, wherein the actuating collar has an engaged position and a disengaged position.
1. A method for shielding a quick connect, the method comprising:
receiving a force exerted on an outer sleeve, wherein:
the force is parallel to a center axis of the outer sleeve; and
the outer sleeve is disposed around an inner sleeve;
selectively interfering, by a lever of the inner sleeve, with movement of the outer sleeve based on whether the lever is in a locked position, wherein the movement is in response to the force exerted on the outer sleeve; and
indicating whether the actuating collar is in an engaged position by selectively presenting an indicator of the inner sleeve through a viewing window of the outer sleeve.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
translating the force to an actuating collar by interference of an inner surface of the outer sleeve with at least a portion of the actuating collar.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
indicating that the actuating collar is in the engaged position by presenting an indicator of the inner sleeve through a viewing window of the outer sleeve, wherein the lever is in a locked position.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
indicating that the actuating collar is not in the engaged position by at least partially obscuring an indicator of the inner sleeve by a portion of the outer sleeve, wherein the lever is in an unlocked position.