Connector
US8931807B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L37/23
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A connector for use as a bend stiffener in a marine application comprising male and female connectors respectively provided with a downwardly dependent frusto-conical extension and a cylindrical extension. The female connector includes a hollow cylindrical body defining a through bore and surrounded by a spring loaded sleeve movable axially with respect to the body. Spring loaded latches extend through respective apertures to coact with grooves in the body. Hydraulic rams are disposed to push the sleeve against the spring loading which brings an internally wider diameter position of the sleeve adjacent locking balls extending through but retained by stepped apertures. The latches, rams and locking balls coact to lock the male and female connectors together or to enable their release and thus the locking together or release from that locking together of connected extensions. This in turn facilitates the operation of the connector in hazardous conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.