Patent attributes
A locking mechanism for a quick connect coupling includes a locking sleeve that is axially displaceable for locking the quick connect coupling in a locked position and for unlocking the quick connect coupling in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism comprises a safety ring, the safety ring is axially displaceable for engaging the locking sleeve and the safety ring being partly inside or partly outside the locking sleeve. The safety ring being positionable in three different axial positions, a first axial position for allowing the locking sleeve to be in the unlocked position, a second axial position for allowing the safety ring to rotate, and a third axial position for allowing the locking sleeve to be in the locked position. The locking mechanism comprises a spring, the spring acting between the locking sleeve and the safety ring. The spring comprising a spring force forcing the locking sleeve and the safety ring away from each other. Methods using the locking mechanism are also provided.
