Importance

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Abstract

A quick-connect coupling for connecting a gas line to a gas appliance. The coupling comprises a nipple and a socket member with a socket for receiving the nipple. A sleeve is slidable on the socket member from a retracted position in which the nipple may be inserted into the socket, to a locking position in which the nipple is held captive in the socket, and then back to the stated retracted position for disconnection of the nipple from the socket member. A first valve is biased toward a closed position and automatically opens upon insertion of the nipple into the socket. A second valve is manually movable by means of a lever on the socket member from a fully open position for permitting maximum flow of fluid through the flow passage, through a range of movement in which it is only partially open, to a fully closed position. A detent member movable conjointly with the lever is engageable by the sleeve to prevent it from being moved to its retracted position when the second valve is fully or partially open. The detent member is movable to a position for permitting the sleeve to be moved to its retracted position only when the second valve is in its fully closed position, thereby ensuring that flow through the second passage is completely cut off before the nipple and socket assembly can be connected or disconnected.

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First Claim