Pipe connector assembly with internal locking mechanism
US5722477A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/4602
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A connector assembly for connecting and locking tubular elements in preselected angular relationships. The connector assembly includes a pair of clevis having tube engaging elements at one end and three clevis rings at the other. The clevis rings of each clevis are interengaged and define a bore. The bore has a plurality of grooves therein. Locking elements, including a locking pin and a locking plug are inserted in the bore. The locking pin and locking plug each have a pair of opposed raised ribs and a pair of opposed resilient locking arms that engage the grooves in the bore. Detents on the ends of the resilient arms engage a space between the interengaged clevis rings to secure the locking elements in place. The tubular elements can be interconnected in a system of frames to suspend function and decorative panels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.