Inventors:
Alton E. Richards - Kingston TN
Walter M. Carow - Kingston TN
Assignee:
Richards Industries, Inc. - Rockwood TN
International Classification:
F16L 2900
Abstract:
A breakaway hose coupling for releasably joining two fuel dispensing devices in fluid communication, and for selectively disengaging such dispensing devices in response to a disengaging force in excess of a preselected value being exerted on the coupling. The coupling (10) includes a first valve assembly (12) for being secured on a first dispensing device and for selectively terminating the flow of fluid from such dispensing device when the coupling (10) is uncoupled. The coupling (10) further includes a second valve assembly (14), including an elbow (72) and swivel connecting mechanism (70), for being secured on a second dispensing device and for selectively terminating the flow of fuel from such dispensing device when the coupling is uncoupled. Further, vapor conduits (28, 28A, 28B) are provided to accommodate the flow of recaptured fuel vapor through the coupling (10). The coupling (10) also includes automatic disconnect means (16) for maintaining the first and second valve assemblies (12, 14) in an engaged position in the absence of disengaging force in excess of a preselected value being applied to the coupling, and for disengaging the first and second valve assemblies (12, 14) in response to disengaging force in excess of such preselected value being applied to the coupling (10), whereupon the first and second valve assemblies (12, 14) terminate the flow of fluid from their operatively associated dispensing device.
