Abstract: A pipe joint device using flanges is provided. The pipe joint device includes: flanges mounted to ends of pipes to be coupled together or ends of both a pipe and a pipe joint to be coupled together, the flange having at least one ring groove around an outer circumferential surface thereof; a packing mounted to the flanges and having inner rings around an inner circumferential surface thereof to closely engage with the ring grooves of the flanges; and a clamp having a packing seat to seat the packing therein, with a support sidewall formed by a radial inward extension of each side of the clamp, the clamp being divided into a plurality of clamp parts so that the clamp parts are placed around the packing and are fastened together by a locking member.

Abstract: A sleeve for joining two pipes (4, 5), each configured with an end flange (2, 3), comprises a base plate (6) with a pipe receiving aperture (7) that is open on one side and is designed to receive a first pipe (4), two side walls (9, 10), and two cover plates (11, 12) between which a second pipe (5) can be interposed. Also present is a spring arm (13), which is connected to one side wall (10) and extends in the direction of the opposite side wall (9) and is able to pivot resiliently toward and away from the base plate (6) within a flexion zone (15). Configured on the spring arm (13) are an engaging claw (16) that extends in the direction of the base plate (6) and is configured to engage in a locking recess (17) introduced into at least one end flange, and a releasing element that extends away from the base plate (6). The pipes can thus be disconnected with relative ease.

Abstract: A clamp that includes a collar having first and second ends from which first and second lugs extend. Each of the first and second lugs has a thick portion and a thin portion, and the lugs are connected by a fastener. The clamp is positioned around tubes, and the fastener is tightened to tighten the clamp around the connection. The fastener may be tightened from an open position OP, when the lugs are not touching, to a closed position CP, when the thick portions of the lugs are touching. The fastener may be tightened further to a third position, so that the thin portions of the lugs move closer to one another. The clamp may also include a hinge area in which a gasket seal may be attached to the clamp or one of the tubes.

Abstract: Couplers for coupling or joining metal tubing are provided which develop the full-strength structural connection between two sections of the metal tubing. In this manner, the full capacity of the adjacent tubes is developed in compression, tension and bending. A first coupler includes a half-shell, central portion surrounding and welded to approximately half of an outside dimension (in the case of a round tube, the circumference) of a first tube, and a pair of outwardly extending flanges. The first coupler is mounted on a first side of the first tube such that it extends beyond the end of the first metal tube. A second coupler is mounted on an opposing side of the second metal tube in a similar manner. The first coupler and the second coupler are then bolted together by joining the lengths of the flanges to thereby connect the first tube with the second tube. Each coupler may be seam welded to its tube at a proximal portion of its flanges.

Abstract: A flange assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a tubular structure having a passageway and comprising a fiber reinforced plastic material, and a flange structure comprising an aperture coupled to the tubular structure using an attachment element.

Abstract: A muff coupling intended for vehicle couplers includes two components formed with ring-shaped flanges, as well as a muff consisting of at least two arch parts tightenable against each other, each having an inner flute formed between two inwardly turned bulges, which flute is delimited by obliquely inclined side surfaces to, upon radial tightening of the arch parts against each other, be pressed against analogously obliquely inclined shoulder surfaces on the flanges and thereby, by wedge action, transfer axial component forces to the same, pressing the ends of the components in close contact against each other. The arch parts are formed with double sets of bulges for cooperation with double flanges on the respective component, whereby forces that are transferred between the components via the muff are distributed to a plurality of axially spaced-apart pairs of contact surfaces in an axial train of forces near the outside of the components.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing a connecting flange (32) for a butt joint on an end of a pipe section (10) of sheet metal with circular or oval cross section. The process includes sliding a pipe piece over the outer side of a pipe section (10), so that the pipe piece forms on the outer side of the pipe section (10) a reinforcing ring (47) lying flush against the pipe section (10) and bending the one end of pipe section (10) and the end of the reinforcing ring lying thereupon, from the pipe wall (12) outwards, to form a projecting ring rim (14) in the pipe section (10) and to form a flank (44) in the reinforcing ring (47). The flank (44) of the reinforcing ring (47) can lie against at least the radially inner part of the projecting ring rim (14), thereby forming the connecting flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling and sealing tubes, comprising a flexible duct having a first and second end portions, each portion having an outwardly extending seal portion connected to a flat portion, which in turn is connected to an angled portion which connects to a flat portion having expanded diameter. The apparatus also comprises a sealing assembly comprising a split ring, a compression ring and an end cap subassembly which fits over the compression and split rings. The end cap subassembly comprises a pair of half-rings which are hinged together at one end and latched together using a closure mechanism at the other end. The split ring is mounted over the duct end seal after a tube with a bead is inserted inside the duct. A compression ring is fit over the split ring and the end cap subassembly is latched in place over the compression and split rings, thereby placing the duct seal portion under compressive pressure against the tube and maintaining it in place in a sealed relationship.

Abstract: A profiled clamp with at least one profiled segment which extend successively in the circumferential direction of the clamp and are clamped by means of at least one clamping device. The profiled segments have a profile which in cross-section is essentially inversely trough-shaped or cup-shaped. When the clamp is clamped, flanges which are provided at the ends of two pipes to be connected by the clamp are pressed toward each other between diverging side walls of the profiled segments. Gaps with a bottom each are provided between adjacent profiled segments. In each gap is provided a resilient metal strip at a distance from the bottom of the gap which is greater than the thickness of the bottom of the profiled segments, wherein the metal strip extends transversely of the plane of the clamp, and wherein the metal strip is mounted through lateral arms of the metal strip at the bottom of the gap.

Abstract: A pipe clamp that is used over a ball joint formed between a balled end of a first pipe and a flared end of a second pipe. The pipe clamp has a band and a tightening mechanism. The band extends axially from a first edge to a second edge, and extends circumferentially from a first end to a second end. The band has a step formed circumferentially in a body of the band between the first and second edge. The step accommodates a stepped seam that is produced between the balled end and the flared end when they are overlapped with respect to each other. The tightening mechanism draws the first and second ends of the band toward and away from each other in order to respectively tighten and loosen the pipe clamp.

Abstract: A preassembled mechanical pipe coupling having spacers is disclosed. The coupling has a plurality of interconnectable segments that straddle the ends of pipe elements to be joined. The segments have arcuate surfaces that engage outer surfaces of the pipe elements. Spacers, positioned between the segments, maintain them in spaced apart relation sufficient to allow the pipe elements to be inserted between the segments. The segments have adjustably tightenable connection members for connecting the segments and drawing them to one another. When the connection members are tightened and the effect of the spacers is overcome, the arcuate surfaces are brought into engagement with the outer surfaces of the pipe elements.

Abstract: A clamping system for connecting two tubes (20, 22) together in leaktight manner, the facing ends of the tubes having bearing surfaces (16, 18) that project relative to the cylindrical outside surfaces of said tubes. The system comprises a collar (10) and a washer (28). The collar has a band (12) suitable for co-operating with bearing surfaces via its inside periphery defining a setback, and a bolt (24) and a nut (26) arrangement for tightening the band (12). The washer is secured to the collar (10) by fixing tabs (32, 34, 36).

Abstract: A connection system comprising first and second fluid-conducting components, each of which includes a connection face with a fluid port and at least one slot arrangement comprising first and second substantially parallel slots. The slots each include an aperture and first and second tapered surfaces. The system further includes a connector comprising a coupling element with a support and first and second coupling members which extend in substantially parallel relation therefrom, and a slide element moveable between a first, unlocked position in which the connector is movable relative to the fluid-conducting components and a second, locked position in which the slide element engages the fluid-conducting components. The coupling members each include first and second tapered cam surfaces, and first and second cam surfaces.

Abstract: A coupling device for holding together a coupling joint. The device may include two coupling halves, which may be articulated relative to one another. The coupling device may be arranged in its active position to engage portions of two interconnected pipes adjacent the coupling joint. One of the coupling halves may be formed with a catch, and the other half with a holding portion that cooperates with the catch. One of the halves may be provided with at least one protrusion and the other half with at least one recess. The at least one protrusion and the at least one recess may be arranged to cooperate and guide the catch into a position as to engage the holding portion.

Abstract: A muff coupling intended for vehicle couplers includes two components formed with ring-shaped flanges, as well as a muff consisting of at least two arch parts tightenable against each other, each having an inner flute formed between two inwardly turned bulges, which flute is delimited by obliquely inclined side surfaces to, upon radial tightening of the arch parts against each other, be pressed against analogously obliquely inclined shoulder surfaces on the flanges and thereby, by wedge action, transfer axial component forces to the same, pressing the ends of the components in close contact against each other. The arch parts are formed with double sets of bulges for cooperation with double flanges on the respective component, whereby forces that are transferred between the components via the muff are distributed to a plurality of axially spaced-apart pairs of contact surfaces in an axial train of forces near the outside of the components.

Abstract: A flange (1) for pipes for the transport of petrochemical fluids, gases and liquefied gases is described, having a bearing surface (11) for clamping jaw (3), which has a peripheral portion (2) bevelled in the direction of support of the jaw (3). Said peripheral bevelled portion (2) is preferably a curved surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to pipe couplings, and is an improvement on a cast flange for such couplings housing. More particularly, the invention provides an improved flange and its seal which is attachable to the external surface of a pipe and which can be used to eliminate a small leak if access to a pipe extremity is available. The flange housing is also useful, again in combination with a seal element, for anchoring an adjacent item and for preventing fluid flow along the external surface of the pipe. The invention provides an end clamp housing for attachment to a cylindrical body, the side end housing being a unitary metal casting comprising; an open annular base element provided with a first, ingoing flange at a first side of the base element and a second ingoing flange at a second side of the base element. The second ingoing flange having a cross-section forming a loop extending outwardly beyond the base element; and a pair of clamp members projecting outwardly from the base element.

Abstract: A clamp for a sanitary fitting includes a first and a second semicircular part that are circumscribed by a flexible cable tie. Each semicircular part has a concave side and a convex side. A channel is formed in each concave and each convex side. The concave channels accommodate a flange of a sanitary fitting when the first and second semicircular parts are disposed in confronting relation to one another. The cable tie positioned in the convex channels circumscribes the confronting semicircular parts. A cable tie catch slidingly receives a free end of the cable tie when the cable tie circumscribes the first and second semicircular parts. A marker on the cable tie registers with the catch or another marker on the cable tie when the cable tie is under a predetermined amount of tension to ensure that the same amount of tension is consistently applied to the cable tie.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for connecting a line for the transport of media, comprising a flange with a medium passage for passing through a medium along a flow direction, preferably along an axis of symmetry, and comprising a clamping means, the flange comprising a contact section and the clamping means comprising a clamping section, and the flange and the clamping means being separably connectable, so that an end section of the line can be clamped between the contact section and the clamping section, wherein the contact section is inclined with respect to the flow direction at least in sections, and the clamping section is inclined with respect to the flow direction at least in sections in the assembled state.

Abstract: A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes pipe sockets of fluid-holding parts to be joined. The pipe sockets are each provided with a peripheral locking rib, behind which a groove is formed and which has a conical front flank and a radial rear flank. The front flanks of the locking ribs lie opposite each other. The rear flank of at least one locking rib bounds a groove. The coupling assembly also contains a steel spring band, which is curved over more than 240° and whose axial ends have inwardly directed flanges which engage behind the locking ribs and are interrupted at least on the side of the spring band that lies opposite the circumferential ends of the spring band. The pipe sockets are fitted into each other and are sealed from each other.

Abstract: A metal ring gasket for a threaded union provides a high-pressure, fluid-tight, metal-to-metal seal between subcomponents of a fluid conduit. The metal ring gasket is made of carbon steel or stainless steel depending on a composition of the fluid to be conveyed through the conduit. The metal ring gasket has beveled corners and is received in a beveled annular groove on mating surfaces of the subcomponents of the threaded union. When compressed in the annular groove between the subcomponents, the metal ring gasket creates an energized, high-pressure, fluid-tight seal that is highly resistant to pressure and is capable of maintaining a seal even at elevated temperatures resulting from direct exposure of the fluid conduit to fire.

Abstract: Butt joint between two pipe segments (10) of sheet metal with circular or oval cross-section, which respectively exhibit on one end a connecting flange (32), formed one-piece with the adjacent pipe wall (12), for producing the butt joint with an adjacent pipe segment. On the end of each pipe segment (10) there lies, on the outer side thereof, and a least against one radial inner part of a ring rim (14) of each connecting flange (32), a one-piece reinforcing ring (47) of sheet metal.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and an apex wall spanning and connecting the first lateral wall to the second lateral wall. The apex wall includes an outer surface and an inner surface. A gasket is disposed on the inner surface of the apex wall. A groove is located on the apex wall.

Abstract: A turn-lock waveguide transition assembly mountable to, for example, the feed assembly of an antenna. The transition assembly having a clamping groove which engages, for example, the heads of a plurality of clamping screws upon seating of the transition assembly onto a spigot of the feed assembly. The clamping screw heads enter the clamping groove via cut-outs along the sides of the transition assembly and engage the clamping groove upon rotation of the transition assembly. Alignment indicia on the transition assembly and the, for example, antenna base aid quick alignment of the transition assembly to a desired alignment, for example to a selected polarization if an aperture is added to a bore of the transition assembly. Because of the engagement between the clamping groove and the clamping screw heads, the polarization may be changed 90 degrees without removing the transition assembly from the spigot.

Abstract: A metal pipeline section that has a metal flange at one end is lined with a plastic liner such that some of the liner extends beyond the flange end of the pipeline section. An annular plastic member is electrofusion joined onto the outside of the portion of plastic liner which extends beyond the flange end of the pipeline section and any liner extending beyond the annular plastic member is trimmed off to make the liner flush with the annular plastic member. The annular plastic member is then positioned adjacent the annular plastic member of another similarly prepared pipeline section and a containment ring is secured around them to restrain any outward movement of the annular plastic members when the pipeline is in use. The metal flanges are secured to each other such that the annular plastic members are compressed between them to prevent leakage.

Abstract: Rigid corrugated plastic pipe sections are provided with a flange radially extending from at least one end of the pipe length, which allows structural and water tight joints between connecting flanged pipes and fittings to be formed in an assembly including a peripheral clamp and gasket, and a system, method and kit for effecting structural and water tight joints in corrugated plastic pipe pipes.

Abstract: A coupling is designed for sealingly connecting two fluid conduits such as automotive fluid lines in axial end-to-end relationship. The conduits have respective telescopically interengaging male and female end sections and the coupling comprises a base member to be carried on one of the fluid conduits and a retaining structure mounted on the base member and having two C-shaped arms which can be interconnected around the other conduit end section. A releasable lock acts between the arms to lock the retaining structure in engagement. In the locked condition the axially oriented abutment surfaces in the retaining structure engage peripheral shoulders on the conduits to prevent axial separation of the latter. The coupling can be fabricated from integral plastic components and preferably includes a guard arrangement to shield the releasable lock against inadvertent disengagement.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for interconnecting components in a fluid system. The clamp assembly includes two interconnected clamp members each having a C-shape that form a channel, and a spacer disposed within the channel having a centrally located bore defining a part of a central passageway for the transmission of a fluid. The clamp assembly also includes at least one port member disposed in the clamp member channel adjacent the spacer having a center portion with a clamping portion at one end of the center portion and a connecting portion at the opposite end and a longitudinally extending bore defining part of a central passageway for the transmission of the fluid. The port member includes a flange extending radially from the port member clamping portion having a predetermined shape corresponding to that of the clamp member channel. A plurality of clamping forces from the clamp members are directed radially inwards from points of contact between the flange and the clamp members to provide cross loading.

Abstract: In a single-piece connector clamp for flange connections of pipe sections wherein the clamp has a U-shaped spring back with opposite legs and spring arms extending from the legs in spaced relationship and forming spring arm pairs disposed at opposite sides of a reception space for the connector flanges, the connector clamp includes in the center area of the web a cutout area which extends from the base of a spring arm to the adjacent spring arm base so that the spring arms of the single piece connector clamp are supported resiliently for independent clamping action.

Abstract: A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings, generally for pipe couplings. The self-aligning coupling includes a first arm, a second arm, and a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically synchronize the closing of the first and second arms relative to the flanged fittings to be connected. The rotational assist mechanism is further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the flanged fittings in axial alignment.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for permitting fluid-tight, pressurized fluid flow therethrough includes a pair of conduit members located in end-to-end alignment, each of the conduit members having a flared end. An encircling coupling unit surrounds the ends of the conduit members and has structure to tighten the coupling unit around the flared ends of the conduit members, the coupling unit having inner lateral surfaces partially defining a coupling cavity. An encircling, deformable gasket is disposed in the cavity of the coupling unit. The gasket has exterior lateral surfaces spaced from the inner lateral surfaces of the coupling unit, and interior surfaces defining an annular recess therein. A rigid ring liner is retained within the annular recess of the deformable gasket to reinforce the gasket. The flared ends of the conduit members are engaged in wedging and sealing relationship between the inner lateral surfaces of the coupling unit and the exterior lateral surfaces of the deformable gasket.

Abstract: An integral sheet metal flange system for fluid ducts including a tubular base with an outwardly projecting annular clamping surface, and an inwardly projecting annular sealing face, wherein the inwardly projecting annular sealing face has a surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The sheet metal flanges are made integral with the tubing and are comprised of aerospace alloys.

Abstract: Male and female components joined to respective pipes are coupled by an annular element (21) which embraces the male component and engages it in a transverse plane, and at least two coupling elements (30, 30′) for hooking the female component, each having two parallel hooking arms (31) in the form of plates which lie in planes parallel to the axial plane (P) passing through the longitudinal center line of the coupling elements (30, 30′). Flanges (41) for the coupling elements are joined to the annular element (21) in planes parallel to the planes defined by the hooking arms (31), and these carry a transverse pin (42) for securing the hooking arms (31) in an axial direction. Axial traction applied to the coupling elements (30, 30′) firmly join the male and female components together. The ball-and-socket joint obtained is able to better support high pressure.

Abstract: An articulating connector system including an active connector coupled to a first line and a hub assembly coupled to a second line. The active connector includes a swivel coupling element intermediate a grip and a ball nose to allow rotational and articulating motion. A seal is coupled to the ball nose and is protected and guided by an alignment lip into mating engagement with a sealing surface defined by the hub. A clamp closes about the swivel coupling element and hub to draw together the seal and sealing surface into sealing contact to connect the first line to the second line.

Abstract: The invention is a piping to component component connector system including forged flange which has a groove and raised portion in place of the conventional weld neck construction. The groove and raised portion allow the flange to be connected to associated piping by mechanical means rather than by welding. Forged flanges, with their high strength and quality, can be employed in piping systems without the attendant high expense of field welding the flange to its associated piping.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for connecting the ends of sheet metal ducts wherein each duct end is provided with an integral frame. Corner connectors defining perpendicularly extending arms are associated with each frame, and bolts or other fasteners are utilized for connecting the connectors and integral frames. The sections include an upturned portion extending perpendicularly outwardly from the duct wall, a second portion bent rearwardly from the outer end of the first portion, a third portion extending from the outer end of the second portion and forming an L-shaped double wall portion. When the frame is formed in this fashion, it is adapted to receive the side edges of respected arms of corner connectors whereby the ducts may be efficiently assembled by locating corner connectors in place and thereafter applying the fasteners used for maintaining the assembly.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes mating hub sections engaged by outer split clamp elements that are compressed together against mating tapered surfaces of the hub sections to draw the hub sections together into tight fitting relationship. The clamp elements are driven into a compressed condition by an outer locking ring that fits over the split clamp elements to draw the hub sections together and to retain the hub sections against axial separation. The clamp elements have locking surfaces engageable by the locking ring and axial movement of the locking ring is limited by appropriate stop surfaces and retainers. A locking sleeve installation and removal tool utilizing an actuator system is described.

Abstract: A vibration-decoupling flange connection in an exhaust gas pipeline of motor vehicles includes flanges pretensioned by means of a tensioning device with springy means so as at least to swivel and to seal on a position, corresponding to a precalculated position of pipe members to be connected. The tensioning device is mounted when the exhaust gas pipe is closed and forms a clamp. The clamp legs of the clamp overlap under pretension the opposite flange sides with clamp curves of the clamp legs and extend over a circumferential angle of more than 180 degrees. The clamp curves exhibit supports, spaced in the circumferential direction. The clamp legs are separate components, which, when fitted together, can be fixed in position relative to each other by locking.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone device including at least one hydrocyclone having at least one feeding connector, at least one accepted stock connector, and at least one rejected stock connector. The device also includes at least one distribution and collection device arranged for feeding fluids into and removing fluids from the at least one hydrocyclone, and at least one flange coupled to at least one of the at least one feeding connnector, the at least one accepted stock connector, and the at least one rejected stock connector, which is removably couplable to the at least one distribution and collection device.

Abstract: A nut and seat assembly is provided for a clamp. A nut is tightened onto a bolt and a clamp member has a seat for the nut and an aperture defined by prongs. The bolt is inserted laterally into the aperture and the nut is tightened axially against the set. Tightening the nut onto the seat prevents outward movement of the prongs away from the bolt as the nut holds the prongs in place.

Abstract: A clamping connector that can be remotely actuated and locked which is particularly useful in subsea applications for attaching subsea Christmas trees to marine wellheads. The clamping connector includes clamp halves linked by a locking stem. The locking stem is forced into a pre-stressed state by moving the locking stem from a first relaxed to a second pre-stressed position and retained in the second pre-stressed position by a locking collet. A locking collet through which the locking stem extends is moved from a first unlocked position to a second locked position wedged between the locking stem and one or the other of the clamp halves. When the locking collet is in the second locked position, it resists movement of the locking stem from the second pre-stressed position to the first relaxed position. The locking collet is then locked in the second locked position.

Abstract: A device for connecting two tubular pipe sections. A sealing device is arranged between the pipe sections. At their ends, the pipe sections in each case have a flange-type end piece. The pipe sections are held together by a spring device using a pre-tensioning force, the spring device having a mid-section extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the pipe sections. The spring device has a spring element, from whose transverse sides of the mid-section, which extend at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the pipe sections, spring limbs extend. Forming an at least approximate U-shape with the mid-section, the spring limbs extend at least partially over the periphery of the pipe sections, the spring limps each having a centrical cut-out that is adapted to the outside diameter of the pipe sections and in which a pipe section is accommodated in each case in the mounted state of the spring element.

Abstract: A device for establishing a flange connection, having a bearing which can act on a first flange, a counter-bearing which can act on a second flange, and a connecting lever between the two bearings is described. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the connecting lever is a lever with a drawing element. The drawing element and the lever each have a first and second end. The drawing element's first end engages the bearing and its second end jointedly mounts in between the first and second ends of the lever. The counter-bearing has at least one contact location for the first end of the lever and a recess for the drawing element.

Abstract: A refrigerant access manifold for a refrigerant system includes a manifold block for coupling a plurality of refrigerant system components together to allow refrigerant to flow therethrough and at least one access port in the manifold block to provide access to the refrigerant.

Abstract: A system for connecting wellhead components that are abutted in axial alignment in which each component has an increased external diameter circumferential hub portion at an end thereof, the system including a toroidal connector surrounding adjacently positioned hub portions, a plurality of C-segments retained by the toroidal connector and positioning bolts received in spaced apart threaded opening in the connector, each bolt having an inner end in engagement with a C-segment and an outer end extending radially of and exteriorly of the connector by which each C-segment may be inwardly radially advanced to engage opposed sides of the hubs.

Abstract: A flexible pipe coupling is constructed for flexibly interconnecting pipe sections especially in a vacuum toilet system on board an aircraft. For this purpose each coupling member of a pair forming the coupling has a bushing for connection to a pipe end by a hose clamp, a flange integrally connected to the bushing, and a support ring for backing the respective flange but permitting the flange to retain a certain flexibility. Each support ring has a conical circumferential rim. The coupling also includes a clamp member encircling with radially inwardly facing conical surfaces the radially outwardly facing conical rim of both support rings to clamp the coupling members together. The clamp member has a threaded or snap device for applying the clamping force.

Abstract: A manually releasable, toggle-type fastener is provided for use, in place of the conventional bolt-and-nut fastener that is normally used to secure together the adjacent, aligned, bolt lugs formed on the ends of curved segments which form a circular pipe coupling. The fastener includes a first pin part fitted into the bolt hole of a first lug, and a second pin part fitted into the bolt hole of the second lug. A lever is pivotally connected to the first pin part for swinging into a locked position adjacent its segment and for swinging into an unlocked position away from its segment. The lever has an end to which a clamp member is releasibly secured. The clamp extends along the lugs and has an end which engages the second lug and which carries the second pin part for securing the lugs together. The fastener may be made in different sizes to fit different size bolt lugs on different size couplings.

Abstract: A manually releasable, toggle-type fastener is provided for use, in place of the conventional bolt and nut fastener, used to secure together the adjacent bolt lugs formed on the ends of curved segments which form a circular pipe coupling. The fastener includes a pin of a shape and size to fit into the aligned bolt holes of the lugs, in place of a conventional bolt, and a lever pivotally connected to one end of the pin for swinging into a locked position adjacent its segment and into an unlocked position away from its segment. The lever has a hook-like formation on its end to which a wire-like loop is secured. The loop extends around the sides of the pin and the sides of the bolt lugs to be fastened together and has an opposite end engaging both the pin and the adjacent surface of the segment for securing the lugs together and for being restrained from release by the pin itself.

Abstract: A corner piece for a sheet metal connector system that includes coupling members which have a V-shaped cross section and inwardly turned retaining edges spaced a given distance from the apex of the V includes a first leg which has a width slightly less than the given distance and a length, and a second leg which has a width slightly less than the given distance and a length which extends at an angle other than 180 degrees with respect to the first leg's length. The first leg may be snugly fitted between the apex of a first V-shaped coupling member and the inwardly turned edge of the first coupling member and the second leg may be snugly fitted between the apex of a second V-shaped coupling member and the inwardly turned edge of the second coupling member to join the two coupling members together at the angle. The first and second legs may be identical separate pieces which can intersect and be joined.