Lubricant dispensing cartridge

Abstract

A lubricant dispensing cartridge includes a body including a container storing a pressurized fluid, a hose coupling directly connected to the body, and an actuator configured to open the container to allow the pressurized fluid to exit the body through the hose coupling.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lubricant dispensing cartridge, comprising:
 a body including a container storing a pressurized fluid;   a hose coupling directly connected to the body; and   an actuator configured to open the container to allow the pressurized fluid to exit the body through the hose coupling.   
     
     
         2 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a valve configured to be opened by the actuator. 
     
     
         3 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a weakened area configured to be opened by the actuator. 
     
     
         4 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a pressure vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises a flexible bag. 
     
     
         6 . The cartridge of  claim 5 , wherein the actuator is configured to puncture the flexible bag. 
     
     
         7 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a push button movable relative to the body. 
     
     
         8 . The cartridge of  claim 7 , wherein the push button is movable axially relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. 
     
     
         9 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a twist button rotatable relative to the body. 
     
     
         10 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is automatically engaged to open the container when the hose coupling reaches a predetermined installed position relative to a mating coupling. 
     
     
         11 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the hose coupling comprises an external thread. 
     
     
         12 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the hose coupling comprises a quick-connect fitting. 
     
     
         13 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurized fluid comprises a lubricant. 
     
     
         14 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurized fluid comprises a foaming lubricant. 
     
     
         15 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurized fluid comprises a mixture of lubricant and anti-freeze. 
     
     
         16 . The cartridge of  claim 1 , wherein a flexible hose is not included to connect the hose coupling to the body.