摘要 |
A two-part connector structure (22, 32) includes a male connector part (32) and a female connector part (22) which are mutually engageable to open fluid communication between the connector parts (22, 32). For example, the connect or parts (22, 32) may be used to establish fluid communication between a container (12) and a conduit (14). The connector parts (22, 32) are disengageable from one another to discontinue fluid communication between them, and also to close communication between ambient and each of the container and the conduit. The male connector part (32) includes a mounting structure (32a) for supporting on the female connector part (22), and also includes a guide structure (44) effective to guide a male probe portion (36) of the male connector part (32) into engagement with the female connector pa rt (22). A handnut (34) of the male connector part (32), and is effective upon manual rotation to cause axial relative movement of the male probe portion (36) into or out of engagement with the female connector part (32). This invention provides a connector structure (22, 32) with considerably lowered manual engagement and disengagement forces, along with increased convenience and ease of use.
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