Coupling apparatus
US4186950A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 1977 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L27/053
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Coupling apparatus capable of joining first and second conduits in a nonaligned articulated relationship may comprise: a male member having a radially enlarged end portion thereon; a female member into which the male member may be inserted; a seal assembly for sealing between the male and female members; a gripping assembly carried by the female member and radially movable from a normally expanded position, in which the male member may be freely inserted and removed from the female member, to a contracted position gripping the enlarged end portion of the male member, preventing its removal and locking it in a fixed, articulated relationship with the female member; and a load ring carried by the female member and axially movable from a first position, allowing the gripping assembly to assume its normal expanded position, to a second position engaging and forcing the gripping assembly into its contracted position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.