BACKGROUND Fluid valve couplings have been devised prior to the present invention. However, most of the prior coupling are difficult to connect and the quick disconnect couplings, such as the one described in U.S. patent No.

4,465,096, which facilitate easy connection and quick release do not allow one to adjust the threshold retention force required for disconnection desired as the present invention does. Additionally quick disconnect couplings of the past were not suited for large diameter and high pressure applications because the coupling assembly' s retention force threshold could only equal the amount of force that is required to interconnect the assembly. For example, it is desirous to allow couplings to be connected by hand. However, with the prior art couplings, if connecting the coupling required forty (40) pounds per square inch (psi) to connect, then the threshold value for disconnection of the coupling would only be forty (40) psi.

Thus, the prior quick disconnect couplings are not suited for large pipe diameters and high pressures and forces.

The present invention overcomes and solves the stated inadequacy of the prior couplings.

The prior art quick disconnect couplings also allow some of the products to spill upon disconnection. In some applications, where the product involved is such that spillage would be undesirable, the prior art couplings would not be suitable for this application.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a breakaway or a quick disconnect fluid valve coupling providing a free flow of fluid under high pressure for various tubing sizes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable breakaway valve coupling, which may be utilized in applications that require high pressure resistance and large pipe diameters, for example two inch diameter pipe.

Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable breakaway valve coupling, where its coupling assemblies can be connected with relative ease by hand.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable breakaway valve coupling, which allows for the tension or disconnection pressure threshold to be increased to a desired value above the force or pressure required to connect the coupling assemblies.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable breakaway valve coupling, which incorporates devices that guide a user to adjust the disconnect or retention threshold to a predetermined value.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable breakaway valve coupling which provides an insignificant amount of product loss on disconnection.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a coupling assembly, which is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

The present invention is a breakaway or quick disconnect valve coupling comprising a pair of coupling assemblies each including a valve body, a valve assembly, a retention assembly including adjustment screws and an end fitting.

In summary, the present invention provides a breakaway valve coupling comprising a first coupling assembly and a second coupling assembly adapted to mate with said first coupling assembly. The first and second coupling assemblies include respective first and second bodies including respective first and second chambers with respective inlet and outlet openings communicating with respective first and second chambers. First and second valve members are movable within respective first and second chambers between an open position wherein fluid is allowed to flow through the respective first and second coupling assemblies between the inlet to said outlet, and a closed position wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the respective first and second bodies. The first and second valve members are biased in the closed positions such that when the first and second coupling assemblies are separated from each other, the first and second valve

members will be in the closed positions. The first and second valve members are movable to the open positions when the first and second coupling assemblies are mated to each other. The first and second bodies include a plurality of lugs adapted to interdigitally engage each other, each lug including a slot circumferentially aligned to each other.

A spring clip is adapted to be seated in the slots to hold said lugs together. A collar has an inclined surface for engaging the spring clip. A spring is adapted to bias the collar against the spring clip. A ring plate is selectively positioned relative to the spring such that the compression on the spring may be adjusted, thereby changing the amount of force applied by the collar on the spring clip and hence the amount of force required to separate apart the first and second coupling assemblies.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 3 of an adjustable breakaway valve coupling made in accordance with the present invention, showing the coupling assemblies in a coupled position and a pipe and flange shown in phantom lines.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the adjustable breakaway valve coupling shown in Figure 1,

showing the coupling assemblies in an uncoupled position and a pipe and flange shown in phantom lines.

Figure 3 is an end view of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a partially broken perspective view of a valve body.

Figure 5 is a top view of the valve body shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the valve body taken along line B-B of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of the valve body shown in Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a valve poppet.

Figure 9 is a top view of the poppet shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10A is a plan view of the poppet shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10B is a longitudinal sectional view of the poppet taken along line C-C of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a top view of a male valve face.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the male valve face taken along line D-D of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a top view of a female valve face.

Figure 14 is a sectional view of the female valve face taken along line E-E of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is top view of a spring.

Figure 16 is side elevational view of a spring clip.

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of the spring clip shown in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a top view of a first collar.

Figure 19 is a sectional view of the first collar taken along the line F-F of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a top view of a second collar.

Figure 21 is a sectional view of the second collar taken along the line G-G of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a top view of a pressure collar.

Figure 23 is a side elevational view of the pressure collar shown in Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a top view of an end fitting.

Figure 25 is a sectional view of the end fitting taken along the line H-H of Figure 24.

Figure 26 is a top view of a screw shim.

Figure 27 is a side elevational view of the screw shim shown in Figure 26.

Figure 28 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a breakaway valve coupling made in accordance with the present invention, shown in the connected position.

Figure 29 shows the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 28 in the disconnected position.

Figure 30A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a male body of the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 28.

Figure 30B is a front end view of Figure 30A.

Figure 31A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a female body of the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 28.

Figure 31B is a front end view of Figure 31A.

Figure 32A is a side elevational view of a support used in the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 28.

Figure 32B is a front end view of Figure 32A.

Figure 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a breakaway valve coupling made in accordance with the present invention, shown in the connected position.

Figure 34 shows the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 33 in the disconnected position.

Figure 33A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a male body of the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 33.

Figure 33B is a front end view of Figure 33A.

Figure 34A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a female body of the breakaway valve coupling of Figure 33.

Figure 34B is a front end view of Figure 34A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGURES 1 - 3 Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 to 3, the breakaway fluid valve coupling of the present invention comprises a pair of coupling members or assemblies 4 and 8, which are of near identical construction except where noted below or disclosed in the drawings. Accordingly, only coupling 4 will be described in detail and any elements described apply to coupling assembly 8 except where indicated.

The coupling assemblies 4 and 8 are designed for interconnection with each other. Figure 1 shows the coupling assemblies 4 and 8 interconnected and Figure 2 shows coupling assemblies 4 and 8 disconnected. Figure 3 is an end view of Figure 1.

Coupling member 4 includes a valve body 12, a valve assembly 16, an interconnecting assembly 20 and an end fitting 24.

FIGURES 4 - 7 Now referring to Figure 4, valve body 12 comprises a cylindrical body 28, which is of uniform external diameter throughout a portion of its length. One end of valve body 12 is a flange 32 having a larger exterior diameter than cylindrical body 28. Valve body 12 also includes an interconnection end 36 and an axial bore 40 extending throughout its length.

Axial bore 40 is not of a uniform diameter throughout the length of valve body 12. Along bore 40, a tapered portion of the internal periphery of valve body 12 is a valve seat 44. An internal annular abutment 48 is formed as a portion of the internal periphery of valve body 12 as well as a second internal annular abutment 50. An annular internal recess 51 is provided for reception of a sealing ring.

Interconnection end 36 comprises a plurality of diametrically opposed, transversely arcuate, generally rectangular lugs or fingers 52. Lugs 52 include an outer surface with an inner and outer spaced, transverse recesses

56 and 60 respectively. Recesses 56 and 60 on each lug 52 are vertically aligned with corresponding recesses of the other corresponding lugs 52 of interconnection end 36.

Inner recesses 56 have substantially vertical side walls, as shown. Outer recesses 60 have substantially inwardly sloping side walls from top to bottom of the outer surface of lugs 52.

Interconnection end 36 and its components will be discussed further below in connection with interconnection assembly 20.

Flange 32 includes a plurality of screw bores 64, which will be discussed further below in connection with interconnection assembly 20. Flange 32 also includes a flange recess 68 for the reception of a sealing ring, as will be discussed below.

FIGURES 8 - 15 Valve assembly 16 includes valve seat 44, discussed above, and a movable valve poppet 72 having a axial fluid passageway 76 and extending longitudinally through axial bore 40 of valve body 12. The location and movement of valve poppet 72 relative to valve body 12 is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Valve poppet 72 includes a mating end 80 having a first chamfer portion 84 and a second chamfer portion 88.

Opposite the mating end 80 the valve poppet 72 is gradually enlarged to form a tapered head 92 the peripheral portion of which is complemental to, and adapted for engagement with, tapered valve seat 44. Tapered head 92 is provided

with an annular recess 96 for engagement with a sealing ring, not shown.

Axial fluid passageway 76 extends from the mating end 80 to point lying within tapered head 92, at which point there are provided a plurality of ports for allowing fluid to pass from the exterior of the poppet 72 to the passageway 76. The free terminal of tapered head 92 has is cone-shaped as indicated at 104, for optimum flow characteristics of the fluid through the coupling assembly 4.

Poppet 72 is a male poppet and corresponds to coupling assembly 4, shown in Figures 1 and 2. The female valve poppet 74, shown in Figures 1 and 2, for coupling assembly 8 is nearly identical to male poppet 72 in design, except for the second chamfer portion 88. The female valve poppet 74 simply does not have the second chamfer portion 88 as the male poppet does.

Valve assembly 16 also includes a valve face.

Valve assembly 16 for coupling assembly 4 includes a male valve face 108, shown in Figures 11 and 12, whereas valve assembly 16 for coupling assembly 8 includes a female valve face 108, shown in Figures 13 and 14.

Male valve face 108 includes an axial bore 116, a spring engaging surface 120 and the opposite surface is a mating surface 124. Male valve face 108 is disposed about male poppet 72 and fixed thereon for translation therewith and being arranged with spring engaging surface directed toward tapered head 92, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Shown in Figures 13 and 14 is Female valve face 112, which includes an axial bore 128, a recess 132 defined by the internal periphery for engagement with a seal, not shown in Figures 13 and 14, a mating side 136, a spring engagement side 140 and a male poppet insert end 144.

Female valve face 112 is disposed about female poppet 74 and fixed thereon for translation therewith and being arranged with spring engagement side directed toward tapered head 92, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Valve assembly 16 for each coupling assemblies 4 and 8 include a convolute spring 148, as shown in Figure 15. Spring 148 is disposed about male poppet 72, where one end of spring 148 engages spring engaging surface 120 of male poppet 72 and the other end of which engages first internal annular abutment 48 of valve body 12, for coupling assembly 4, see Figures 1 and 2.

Female poppet 74 is arranged with a spring 148 in a similar manner. Spring 148, is disposed about female poppet 74, where one end of spring 148 engages spring engagement side of female poppet 74 and the other end of which engages first internal annular abutment 48 of valve body 12, for coupling assembly 8, see Figures 1 and 2.

FIGURES 16-27 In accordance with the present invention, see Figure 2, retention assembly 20 for each coupling assembly 4 and 8 includes lugs 52, as set forth above, a spring clip 152, a first collar 156, a second collar 160, a pressure collar 164, a plurality of screws 168 and a plurality of

collar springs 172. End Fitting 24 works in conjunction with retention assembly 20, as will be discussed further below. Retention assembly is also preferred to include a plurality of adjustment screw shims 174.

Figures 16 and 17 display spring clip 152 having a gap 176. Spring clip 152 is preferred to be of spring wire or other suitable material so as to provide a spring affect in at least a radial direction. Gap 176 allows clip 152 to be placed about objects having a slightly larger diameter than clip 152 and thus clip 152 exerts a greater force upon such object.

Clip 152 lies circumjacent lugs 52, diametrically opposed portions thereof being fitted in inner recesses 56, see Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 18 and 19 display first collar 156 having an axial bore 180, a free end 184 and an attachment end 186. First collar is disposed about said valve body 12 and is freely translated thereon. The interior periphery at free end 184 is tapered at the location identified as 188 for facilitating translation of first collar over clip 152, as will be discussed further below.

Figures 20 and 21 display second collar 160 having an axial bore 192, an attachment side 196, a pressure side 200 and a plurality of spring chambers 204.

Second collar 160 is disposed about said valve body 12, is freely translated thereon and is fixed to first collar 156 so that attachment side 196 of second collar 160 is adjacent attachment end 184 of first collar 156.

Figures 22 and 23 display pressure collar 164 having an axial bore 208, disposed about valve body 12 and freely translatable along the length of valve body 12.

One collar spring 172 is disposed within spring chamber 204, having one end of spring 172 of which engages pressure collar 164.

Figures 24 and 25 display end fitting 24 having a non-uniform axial bore 216, a plurality of screw holes 220, a pipe end 224 and a coupling attachment end 228 being disposed adjacent flange end 32 of valve body 12. Screw holes 220 are aligned with corresponding screw bores 64 in flange 32. With end fitting 24 adjacent flange 32, axial bore 216 is aligned with axial bore 40 of valve body 12 to allow for the flow of fluid.

Standard tubing or piping is attached or connected to pipe end 224.

Screws 168, shown in Figures 1 and 2, are employed to attach end fitting 24 to valve body 12, by extending through screw holes 220 end fitting 24 and screw bores 64 of flange 32. Additionally, screws 168 are employed to adjust or increase the amount of threshold pressure of force required to disconnect coupling assemblies 4 and 8, as will be discussed further below in the Operation section. Screws 168 each have a screw head 170.

Figures 26 and 27 display adjustment screw shim 174 having an axial bore 232. Screw shims 174 are selectively employed by a user about screw 168, between head 170 of screw 168 and end fitting 24.

OPERATION In use of the present invention, tubing or piping is attached or removably secured to end fitting 24 in any suitable fashion. Lugs 52 of each coupling assembly 4 and 8 are rotated until lugs 52 for each member 4 and 8 lie in planes at right angles to each other. Coupling of members 4 and 8 is then effected by direct longitudinal movement of lugs 52 of member 4 into lug receiving recesses 54 of member 8, or vice versa, and lugs 52 of member 8 into lug receiving recesses 54 of member 4. This effects engagement of male poppet 72 and female poppet 74, thereby effecting the rearward movement of valve assemblies 16 of each member 4 and 8 to move the latter to the operative position shown in Figure 1. Movement of lugs 52 is continued until clip 152 operatively engages outer arcuate recesses 60 of lugs 52 thereby locking coupling assemblies 4 and 8 in operative coupling position. Since free end 184 of first collar 156 has a tapered interior periphery 188, positioning first collar 156 over clip 152 of the other member is more easily obtained by mere manual hand force. For more information regarding this translation of clip 152, see U.S. Patent No.

4,465,096 with particular attention directed to Figures 7 - 11 and any discussion relating thereto which is hereby incorporated by reference.

To enhance the retention properties or the coupling assembly's ability to resist disconnection or to be pre-set at a desired release pressure or force level, screws 168 are employed. Screws 168, which engages translatable pressure collar 164, may be tightened and

thereby force pressure collar 164 to exert a force onto collar spring 172, which in turn exerts force upon first and second collars 156 and 160. This force exerted upon first collar 156 increases the amount of force or pressure needed to disconnect the coupling assembly. If internal fluid pressures flowing through coupling raise to the set threshold retention pressure of coupling assembly, then first collars 156 of each member 4 and 8 will be forced apart and thus permit disconnection of the coupling assembly.

Adjustment screw shims 174 may be employed as a guide for the user. In other words, it would be pre- determined exactly what retention threshold is desired, then shims 174 of a particular thickness, based upon conventional force equations for linear springs, would be employed as discussed above. When the user tightens screw 168, the head will eventually come to rest upon shim 174 and thus user knows he has tightened screw 168 enough.

Without the use of screws 168, the threshold retention force or pressure would be limited to whatever pressure or force it took to connect members 4 and 8.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present invention will provide adjustable retention threshold force or pressure for a breakaway valve coupling.

FIGURES 28-32 Another embodiment of a breakaway fluid valve coupling is disclosed in Figures 28-32. The valve coupling

includes a male coupling assembly 248 and a female coupling assembly 252. The male coupling assembly 248 includes a generally cylindrical hollow body 256 with a plurality of lugs 260. The lugs 260 have circumferentially aligned slots 264 adapted to receive a spring clip or expandable ring carried by the female coupling assembly 252 to lock the two assemblies together. Each of the lugs 260 has an inclined surface 266 to advantageously cause the spring clip to expand when being seated into the slots 264. The sidewalls of the slots 264 are outwardly disposed to advantageously permit the spring clip to ride in and out of the slots. The lugs 260 are equally spaced around the cylindrical body 256. A circumferential inside groove 268 holds an O-ring 270. A male valve poppet 272 is axially movable within the male body 256 by means of a support 274.

The poppet 272 has a flange portion 276 with an annular outside shoulder 278 that cooperates with a corresponding annular inside shoulder 280 in the body 256, such that the flange portion 276 does not extend beyond the body 256. A spring 282 urges the poppet 272 outwardly against the shoulder 280.

The support 274 includes a sleeve portion 284 and a plurality radially extending leg 286 that are secured to the body 256, as best shown in Figures 32A and 32B.

A fitting or adapter 288 is secured to the body 256 and is used to secure the assembly to a pipe end or another fitting.

The female coupling assembly 252 includes a female body 290 as best shown in Figures 31A and 31B. The

body 290 has a plurality of lugs 292 that are adapted to interdigitally engage with the lugs 260 of the female body 256. The lugs 292 are equally spaced circumferentially around the body 290. Circumferentially aligned slots 294 are disposed on the lugs 292 for receiving a spring clip 293. The slots are substantially rectangular in cross section in order to retain the spring clip 293 within the slots against lateral forces. The depth of the slots 294 is such that the top portion of spring clip 293 extends outside of the slots and protrudes above the outside surface of the body 290. Outside threads 296 are disposed around the body 290 for receiving a locking collar 298.

The body 290 has an inside thread 300 for securing to a fitting or adapter for connection to pipe end or an installation fixture.

A female poppet 302 is fixedly secured to the body 290 by standard means, such as a set of cooperating threads 304. The poppet 302 has a frusto-conical surface 306. A circumferential groove 308 carries an O-ring 310.

The poppet 302 is a hollow cylinder with an open end 312 and a plurality of wall openings 314.

A valve ring 316 is slidably disposed within the body 290 and is outwardly biased by a spring 318 towards the frusto-conical surface 306 of the poppet 302. The valve ring 316 has a circumferential groove 320 which carries an O-ring 322. The body 290 has inside circumferential groove 324 that carries an O-ring 326 that engages the ring 316. The ring 316 has a frusto-conical surface 328 that is matched to the frusto-conical surface

306, thereby to seal the fluid within the coupling assembly 252 when disconnected from the coupling assembly 256.

An adjustable collar 330 is disposed around the body 290 over the spring clip 293, which is disposed within the aligned slots 294. The adjustable collar 330 has an inside frusto-conical surface 334 disposed over the spring clip 293. A spring 336 urges the collar 330 towards the spring clip 293. The axial position of the locking collar 298 determines the amount of force exerted by the spring 336 against the adjustable collar 330. Additionally, the spring 336 may be easily replaced to obtain the desired breakaway threshold to meet the application. The replacement is accomplished by removing the spring clip 293 from its slots, removing the adjustable collar 332 and removing the spring 336.

In operation, to connect the coupling assemblies 248 and 252, which are in turn connected to the respective pipes or hoses, the locking collar 298 is loosened to release the force exerted by the spring 336 against the adjustable collar 330. This allows the spring clip 293 to expand outwardly as it rides the inclined surface 266 of the lugs 260 and be seated in corresponding slots 264 when the lugs 260 and 292 are interdigitally engaged. The front end of the body 256 pushes the valve ring 316 inwardly against the spring 318, thereby breaking the seal between the frusto-conical surfaces 306 and 328. At the same time the poppet 272 is pushed inwardly by the front face of the stationary poppet 302. This breaks the seal between the flange portion 276 and the body 256. The spring 282 is

thus compressed. Fluid is then allowed to flow through the open end 312, through the openings 314, between the legs 286 and through the opening of the fitting 288.

When the coupling assemblies 248 and 252 are pulled apart, either manually or due to a disturbance in the piping system such as caused by an earthquake, the spring clip 293 would expand outwardly and exert a horizontal component of force against the frusto-conical surface 334 of the adjustable collar 330, pushing the collar away from the spring clip 293 and against the spring 336. When the spring clip 332 clears the slots 264, the coupling assembly 248 will have been separated from the coupling assembly 252. The spring 282 will then push the poppet 272 against the O-ring 270, sealing the coupling assembly 248 to prevent spillage of the fluid within the pipe and the coupling assembly 248. Similarly, the spring 318 will push the valve ring 316 against the frusto-conical surface 306 of the poppet 302, thereby sealing the coupling assembly 252 to prevent spillage of the fluid within the pipe and the coupling assembly 252. Note that the faces of the poppets 272 and 302 are flush with the respective bodies 256 and 290, advantageously minimizing spillage of the fluid retained within the bodies. Additionally, the 0- ring 326 is disposed on the body 290 such that during disconnection of the assemblies 248 and 252 from each other, the O-ring 326 will provide a seal over a distance as the poppet 272 and the valve ring 316 move toward the closed positions to minimize any spillage upon total disconnection.

To adjust the ability of the coupling assemblies 248 and 252 to stay connected together, the locking collar 298 is either loosened or tightened, thereby increasing or decreasing the compressive force of the spring 336. This will in turn increase or decrease the amount of force required to expand the spring clip 293, which is being kept in place by the adjustable collar 330.

FIGURES 33-36 Another embodiment of the breakaway fluid valve coupling of the present invention is disclosed in Figures 33-36. The valve coupling includes a male coupling assembly 338 and a female coupling assembly 340. The male coupling assembly 338 includes a body 342 having a plurality of lugs 344. Circumferentially aligned slots 346 are disposed in the lugs 344 and are adapted to received a spring clip or expandable ring. Each of the lugs 344 has an inclined surface 345 to advantageously cause the spring clip to expand when being seated into the slots 346. The sidewalls of the slots 346 are outwardly disposed to advantageously facilitate the engagement or disengagement of the spring clip within the slots. The body 342 is hollow with openings at both ends. A front end portion of the body 342 has a circumferential groove adapted to hold an O-ring 450.

A poppet 452 is disposed within the body 342 and is axially slidable within. A support 454 similar to the support 274 (Figure 32A) having a sleeve 456 provides

support to the poppet 452. The support 454 has a plurality of legs 458 that are secured to the inside of the body 342.

A spring 460 urges a frusto-conical surface 462 of the poppet 452 against a corresponding frusto-conical surface 464 within the body 342. A circumferential slot 466 carries an O-ring 468, thereby providing seal the poppet 462 against the body 342.

A fitting 470 is attached to be an opposite end of the body 342. The fitting 470 is adapted to be further attached to a pipe end or an installation fixture. The fitting 470 is secured to the body 342 by standard means such as threads 472. The fitting 470 has internal threads 474 for securing to a pipe end.

The coupling assembly 340 includes a body 476 that is hollow with open ends. One end of the body 476 has a plurality of lugs 478 that are adapted to interdigitally engage with the lugs 344 of the male body 342. The lugs 478 have a circumferentially aligned slots 480 adapted to hold a spring clip or expandable ring 481. The body 476 has a set of outside threads 482 that cooperate with a set of inside threads 484 on a locking collar 486. A poppet 488 is slidably disposed within the body 476. The poppet 488 is guided by a support 490 secured by a plurality of legs 492 to the inside portion of the body 476. A sleeve 494 slidably receives a shaft portion 496 of the poppet 488.

The poppet 488 has a frusto-conical surface 498 that mates with a corresponding frusto-conical surface 500 within the body 476. A circumferential groove 502 holds an

O-ring 504 to seal the poppet 488 against the body 476. A spring 506 urges the poppet 488 against the frusto-conical surface 500 within the body 476.

An adjustable collar 508 is disposed around the body 476 and over the spring clip 481. The collar 508 has an inside frusto-conical surface 512 that engages the spring clip 481. A spring 514 disposed between the collar 508 and the locking collar 486 urges the frusto-conical surface 512 against the spring clip 481. The amount of force exerted by the spring 512 is varied by the axial position of the locking collar 486. In addition, the spring 514 is easily replaced to obtain a different breakaway threshold by removing the spring clip 481 and the adjustable collar 518. The spring 514 is then removed and replaced with a another one to suit the particular application.

In operation, to connect the valve coupling assemblies 338 and 340 together, the locking collar 486 is first loosened to decrease the force exerted by the spring 514 against the adjustable collar 508. The assemblies 338 and 340 are then brought together, ensuring that the lugs 344 and 478 are interdigitally engaged. The spring clip 481 rides up the inclined surface of the lugs 344, thereby expanding the spring clip 481 and at the same time pushing the adjustable collar 508 against the spring 514. The spring clip 481 then snaps into the slots 346, thereby joining the assemblies 348 and 340 together. At the same time, the poppets 452 and 488 are pushed backwardly into the respective supports 456 and 490, compressing their

respective springs 456 and 506. The locking collar 486 is then tightened to a desired torque, depending on the required breakaway force needed to separate the two assemblies apart in a particular application. As more force is applied on the spring 514 by the locking collar 486, a greater force would be required to disconnect the coupling, since a greater force would be required to push the adjustable collar508 against the spring 514 as the spring clip 471 expands outwardly out of the retaining slots 346. Thus, it would be appreciated that while the assemblies 338 and 340 can be connected by hand, with a little effort, a greater force would be required to separate the assemblies apart by compressing the springs 514 by means of locking collar 486. By using a different spring or by varying the axial position of the locking collar 486, the breakaway force needed to separate the valve assemblies 338 and 340 may be adjusted.

Note that the sealing portions of the each coupling assemblies 338 and 340 are substantially towards the front to advantageously minimize the amount of fluid included within the assemblies past the poppets 452 and 488 and thereby minimize spillage when the assemblies are disconnected. This feature is important for applications involving hazardous products where the amount of spillage on breakaway must be minimized. Additionally, the O-ring 450 is disposed on the body 342 such that during disconnection of the assemblies 338 and 340 from each other, the O-ring 450 will provide a seal over a distance

as the poppets 452 and 488 move toward the closed positions to minimize any spillage upon total disconnection.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice-in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.