Fuel supply detachable coupling

Abstract

A fluid coupling having a pair of body members having fluid passageways through which fluid may flow through an inlet in one of the body members and out an outlet in the other member. One of the body members is connected in flow communication with a flexible hose, and the other body member is connected in flow communication to a rigid conduit by a connecting member about which the body members may rotate relative to a swivel axis. Valving shuts flow communication through the body members when they uncouple. If the excessive tensile force is axially applied through the hose to the coupling, the body members uncouple by pulling apart in the direction along the line of action of the force, but if the excessive tensile force is non-axially applied, the body members, if they cannot be aligned with the axial force vector to uncouple, will be uncoupled by a twisting action resulting from the bending load caused by the force. The uncoupling due to the twisting action in several embodiments is aided by abutment members acting to provide a mechanical advantage to redirect and magnify the force into the axial direction. In other embodiments the uncoupling is the result of the failure of one or more frangible elements which fails as a result of excessive bending or twisting forces. The coupling is utilized in the fuel dispensing line at a fuel dispensing station, such station having either a fuel supply system or a fuel supply with a vapor return system.