Quick operating connector for pipes or the like

Abstract

A quick operating connector for pipe or the like including a pair of coupling members, each adapted to be connected at one end thereof to one of said pipes. The first coupling member has an annular radially outward extending flange having a forward side and a rearward side with a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion. Both of the portions define the shape of a frustrum having a forwardly facing base, and the slope of the radially inner portion relative to the central axis of first coupling member is greater than that of the radially outer portion. The second coupling member has a housing for receiving the flange in mating engagement therewith. Disposed circumferentially about the housing is a plurality of self-locking cams which are radially inwardly and outwardly movable between a retracted position in which flange is receivable within the housing and an extended position in which the self-locking cams engage the radially inner portion of the flange in self-locking fashion. Disposed intermediate of the self-locking cams is a plurality of non-locking cams which are similarly radially inwardly and outwardly movable, but which engage the radially outer portion of the flange in non-locking fashion. The non-locking cams are adapted for simultaneous and fast movement back and forth between the extended and retracted positions and thereby engage and hold the flange while the more slowly acting locking cams are extended and retracted. To minimize the possibility of damage to the non-locking cams when the self-locking cams are in the retracted position, an override system is provided by which the non-locking cams will automatically become disengaged from the flange in response to tension forces above a predetermined amount applied between the first and second coupling members.