Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tubular coupling comprising a first tube, a cage disposed on an end portion of the first tube, a bead for retaining the cage on the end portion of the first tube and a second tube telescopically engageable with the first tube. The coupling further include a spring disposed around the cage for preventing telescopic disengagement of the second tube from the first tube as well as a plurality of o-rings disposed on the end of the first tube. One of the o-rings is disposed at the pivot point of the coupling, the pivot point being defined as the midpoint of the distance between a first contact point and a second contact point between the first tube and the second tube when the tubes are engaged.

Abstract: A fluid coupling has a male part that can be mated with a female part. The female part has an O-ring seal that seals with the outside of the male part. A helical retaining ring is located in a groove in the female part and engages behind a shoulder projecting from the male part. The groove has an inclined wall so that a withdrawing force applied to the male part causes the retaining ring to be forced into closer contact with the male part. A release ring extends around the female part at its forward end and is urged forwardly by a resilient wave washer. The release ring engages the retaining ring when it is pushed rearwardly so that the retaining ring is held away from the inclined wall enabling it to be expanded by the shoulder when the male part is withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention is a high pressure quick connector especially for use in connecting brake lines of a vehicle. The connector includes a housing which selectively receives a tube retainer cap. Retaining means such as a garter spring or snap ring allow for a low force insertion of the cap into the housing with an very high pull-off force. The cap is used to trap a tube with a bead upset, and the tube may be removed after the cap is unlocked. A second way of releasing the tube includes the use of a tube retainer plug selectively received in the cap, the upset trapped between the plug and cap. The plug can be removed while the cap is still locked in the housing, releasing the tube. A release tool may be used to unlock the cap from the housing. An insertion indicator ring is used to establish the locking of the cap within the housing. A dust boot prevents contaminants from interfering with the operation of the connector.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly for coupling a flexible hose or tube to a bore formed in a housing thereby to establish fluid communication between the interiors of the hose and bore, respectively, comprises an elongate tubular male insert having one end adapted to receive and retain the tube about its periphery. The other end of the male insert includes a contoured external surface defining an external locking flange, and a pair of axially-spaced external circumferential grooves for receiving a pair of O-rings which ultimately sealingly engage complementary cylindrical sections of the housing bore upon insertion of the connector assembly thereinto. Prior to its insertion into the housing bore, the connector assembly includes a garter spring which is radially collapsed about the male insert's contoured external surface by an encompassing annular spring guide.

Abstract: A fuel hose breakaway unit comprising couplers that are held in assembled relation by longitudinally extending fingers that are mounted on the outlet coupler and engage abutment lugs on the inlet coupler. When a predetermined longitudinal separation force is applied to the couplers, the fingers flex outwardly to a release position, permitting the couplers to separate. The fingers are provided by finger sets, each of which is provided with three fingers. A locking collar locks the bases of the finger sets onto the outer surface of the housing for the outlet coupler.

Abstract: A compressed air safety gun for use underwater, having a handle and an elongate barrel extending therefrom, the handle including a valve therein being operable between open and closed position, by a trigger on the handle. A substantially flexible pneumatic hose connects at opposite ends between the handle and a pressurized air supply source for directing pressurized air flow to the valve in the handle, wherein operation of the trigger to open valve serves to direct the flow of pressurized air through the gun barrel and out from a distal end thereof. A coupling connectable to the distal end of the barrel is structured and disposed for attachment of various tools thereto, such as a nozzle for directing the flow of air from the barrel end.

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting, locking and unlocking, and holding members to one another, including snap-on fasteners, and at the same time providing mechanical, electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation, coupled with environmental sealing, is provided by a cylindrical or elliptical body having a circumferential groove therein and a continuous coil spring disposed therein. A housing, having a bore sized to accommodate the cylindrical, or spherical, body, is provided, and a tapered bottom in the circumferential groove prevents the spring from turning past a vertical line, thus locking or connecting the cylindrical, or spherical, member with the housing or plate.

Abstract: A pipe joint for fiber reinforced composite pipe has internal and external matching tapers with a low taper angle. A half round helical groove is formed in each of the internal and external tapers for receiving several turns of a ductile key. Deformation of the key in shear redistributes longitudinal loads along the length of the pipe joint. The outer member of the pipe joint has a high stiffness so that internal pressure in the pipe presses the tapered surfaces together so that the resulting friction enhances the longitudinal load carrying capability of the joint. High external stiffness may be provided by winding the external moiety of the joint with high modulus of elasticity fiber. The pipe joint is sealed by introducing a liquid ductile thermosetting sealant between O-rings at the inner end of the joint. The seal can be nondestructively tested and deployed under water before the sealant cures.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly for coupling a flexible hose or tube to a bore formed in a housing thereby to establish fluid communication between the interiors of the hose and bore, respectively, comprises an elongate tubular male insert having one end adapted to receive and retain the tube about its periphery. The other end of the male insert includes a contoured external surface defining an external locking flange, and a pair of axially-spaced external circumferential grooves for receiving a pair of O-rings which ultimately sealingly engage complementary cylindrical sections of the housing bore upon insertion of the connector assembly thereinto. Prior to its insertion into the housing bore, the connector assembly includes a garter spring which is radially collapsed about the male insert's contoured external surface by an encompassing annular spring guide.

Abstract: An improved axially split clamp for preventing rupture of the O-ring seal of Ford Spring-Lok fittings even when the outside diameter of the Spring-Lok fitting is oversized. Each mirror-image half of the axially split clamp includes a semi-annular surface sized to fit snugly over the cage of the Spring-Lok pipe and also a semi-circular surface positioned to encircle that portion of the Spring-Lok push-on fitting over the coupling's O-ring seal. A flat-sided groove is cut in each semi-circular surface and a ribbon-like strip of rubber or other resilient material is inserted into the groove. The strip's thickness is about twice the depth of the groove so that when the two halves of the clamp are screwed together, the resilient material will firmly grip the outer diameter of the push-on fitting and thereby prevent back and forth transverse movement of the Spring-Lok fitting, prevent wear and failure of the O-ring seal and prevent the escape of fluid from the Spring-Lok coupling.

Abstract: A compression fitting comprises co-operating first and second members, a first member being in the form of a sleeve-like member or a plug-like member and having a groove therein which reduces in depth from one end of the groove to the other, and a second member adapted to be located in said groove and to be movable relative thereto and comprising a member in the form of an elongate tapered wedge formed into at least part of a helical coil, relative rotation between said first member and said wedge member enabling the compression fitting to be tightened onto a receiving member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly (56) for coupling an exhaust system to a pipe through which hot gases are discharged. The coupling assembly (56) couples the exhaust pipe (54) of a vehicle (16) to a flexible exhaust suction hose (42) of a vehicle emission capture system (10) of the type that discharges vehicle exhaust gases from within a structure (12) to a location outside of the structure. The coupling assembly includes two portions, one portion being a rubber-like boot (62) which is secured to the free end (42.3) of a flexible suction hose (42), the rubber-like boot carrying near its free end (62.2) a garter spring (64), and the other portion of the coupling assembly being a ball adaptor (60) which may be secured to the tail pipe (54) of a vehicle. The ball adaptor has a connection portion (60.1) and a spherical portion (60.3) through which hot exhaust gases may pass. The major external diameter of the spherical portion of the ball adaptor is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the garter spring (64).

Abstract: A coupling for holding two tubes together and including a housing member connected to the end of one of the tubes and a locking collar rotatably mounted in said housing for rotation between a first rotative position in clamping engagement with an end of a second tube inserted into the housing and into fluid communication with the first tube and a second rotative position permitting insertion of the end of the second tube into the housing.

Abstract: A coupling for a corrugated pipe having ridges and grooves arranged alternately is disclosed. A body of this coupling has a through-hole whose one end is served as an inlet port. An annular accommodation recess and an annular retainer portion are formed on an inner periphery of the through-hole in this order toward the inlet port. A cylindrical support member is accommodated within the body. The support member is urged toward the inlet port by a spring. One end portion of the support member on the inlet port side is served as a receiving portion. An annular engagement member is mounted on an outer periphery of this receiving portion in such a manner as to be elastically enlarged in diameter.

Abstract: A mechanism for connecting and disconnecting, locking and unlocking, and holding members to one another, and at the same time providing mechanical, electromagnetic shielding, electrical conductivity, and thermal dissipation, coupled with environmental sealing, is provided by a body having a groove and a coil spring disposed within the groove. A housing, having an opening sized to accommodate the body, is provided, and a tapered bottom in the groove prevents the spring from turning past a vertical line, thus locking or connecting the body with the housing.

Abstract: A connector for joining together a pair of fluid carrying hose members in an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The connector includes a tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a shoulder interposed therebetween, the first end including a plurality of angled barbs projecting from an outer surface thereof. The connector also includes a tubular liner press-fit into the first end of the body and a generally cylindrical, cup-shaped collar surrounding the outer surface of the first end of the body. A roll formed beadlock is formed against an interior surface of the collar to prevent axial displacement of the collar along the body of the connector. A method for making such a connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a high pressure quick connector especially for use in connecting brake lines of a vehicle. The connector includes a housing which selectively receives a tube retainer cap. Retaining means such as a garter spring or snap ring allow for a low force insertion of the cap into the housing with an very high pull-off force. The cap is used to trap a tube with a bead upset, and the tube may be removed after the cap is unlocked. A second way of releasing the tube includes the use of a tube retainer plug selectively received in the cap, the upset trapped between the plug and cap. The plug can be removed while the cap is still locked in the housing, releasing the tube. A release tool may be used to unlock the cap from the housing. An insertion indicator ring is used to establish the locking of the cap within the housing. A dust boot prevents contaminants from interfering with the operation of the connector.

Abstract: An adjustable stabilizer clamp for securing a connection between a push-on pipe fitting and a pipe used in fluid lines. The clamp has a stainless steel stabilizer bar that has a fitted groove for receiving a donut or a cage of a pipe. The stabilizer bar has two circle clamps located at each arm of the stabilizer bar for support. The circle clamps are radially secured onto the pipe. Thus, the clamp prevents pipe movement, pipe vibrations, or high line pressures from causing the push-on pipe fitting from failing and leaking dangerous CFC's into the ozone.

Abstract: A tubular coupling is provided having first and second tubular elements. An annular cage is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of a first section of the first tubular element for defining a chamber with the first section for housing a garter spring. The chamber has an annular passage through which a flared end part extending from a first portion of the second tubular element passes during assembly of the first and second tubular elements to permit the garter spring to pass over the flared end part and contract about the first portion for securing the tubular elements in assembly. An expander ring is provided for expanding and centering the garter spring prior to assembly. Further provided are O-rings retained on the outer surface of the first tubular element for sealing the first tubular element to the second tubular element. The O-rings engage with the second tubular element just before the first and second tubular elements are secured in assembly.

Abstract: A high pressure quick connector having a tube which includes an upset adjacent one end. A male locking assembly is positioned about the tube and includes a cavity enclosing the upset and a contoured outer surface defining first and second grooves spaced axially along the male locking assembly. A female member having an internal bore is adapted to receive the male locking member. The female member has an internal bore that includes a locking groove. An expandable annular locking ring is mounted about the contoured outer surface and the locking ring is initially mounted in the first groove and is slidable from the first groove to the second groove upon axial movement of the male locking assembly into the female member.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting one end of a first tubular member to a component of a piping system includes a receiving tubular member defining an opening adapted to receive the first tubular member, the receiving tubular member having an inner portion defining an inner bore dimensioned to receive the one end and an outer portion defining an internal annular cavity intersecting the inner bore and projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the annular cavity comprising an annular wall portion tapered radially inwardly and projecting longitudinally toward the opening. Also included in the assembly is an annular seal member and a lock ring both disposed in the annular cavity between the first tubular member and the receiving tubular member, the lock ring having an outer circumferential surface portion adapted to engage said tapered wall portion and an inner circumferential surface portion adapted to engage an external wall portion of the first tubular member.

Abstract: One-piece garter spring coupling release tool. The release tool is molded in a single selectively configured shape out of a durable, flexible plastic material such as Elastollan.TM. S98A available from Elastogran of Germany. The release tool generally comprises a cylindrical body with a slot along its length and a flange on one end. The slot permits the tool to be positioned around a port to which a garter spring coupling is connected; the flange provides an area for gripping the tool to releasably engage the tool with its coupling. The flexible, slotted configuration of the garter spring coupling release tool permits nesting of a four-piece set of such tools within each other to facilitate packaging, storage and retention of the tools as a set.

Abstract: A compressed air safety gun for use underwater, having a handle and an elongate barrel extending therefrom, the handle including a valve therein being operable between open and closed position, by a trigger on the handle. A substantially flexible pneumatic hose connects at opposite ends between the handle and a pressurized air supply source for directing pressurized air flow to the valve in the handle, wherein operation of the trigger to open valve serves to direct the flow of pressurized air through the gun barrel and out from a distal end thereof. A coupling connectable to the distal end of the barrel is structured and disposed for attachment of various tools thereto, such as a nozzle for directing the flow of air from the barrel end.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for the union of a corrugated pipe therewith is formed of a pipe coupling proper and a lock cylinder for fixing a corrugated pipe. The lock cylinder is helically joined to the inner surface of the leading part of the pipe coupling proper and fixes the corrugated pipe by rotationally closing the lock cylinder helically tacked to the pipe coupling proper, and at the same time seals the pipe coupling proper by pressing the leading terminal part of the lock cylinder against a seal ring attached fast to the interior of the pipe coupling proper, enabling the corrugated pipe to be infallibly locked and sealed owing to the provision of a spacer adapted to preset and keep a closing distance for the lock cylinder. The spacer is detachably attached to the periphery of the pipe coupling proper.

Abstract: A secondary retention clip to prevent the complete separation of the female end of an air conditioning hose from a connected male end. The female end is flared and the male end has a coupling flange which receives the flared female end. The clip has a box like receptacle for the coupling flange. The connected tubes are located in side openings which communicate with a open top. Stops prevent entry of the flared portion so that the clip will be attached with the parts properly connected. Clamping jaws secure the hose in position and prevent its vibration.

Abstract: A pipe connecting device which comprises a socket fixed to a first pipe, a joint fixed to a second pipe, and a plurality of stopper pieces surrounded with a band spring sleeve, whereby the plurality of stopper pieces are inserted into stopper holes formed at socket, and protrusions of the stopper pieces are inserted to fixing groove of the joint, respectively, so as to be tightly coupled both pipes.

Abstract: A tube coupling and combination retainer and disassembly tool includes a first tube having a first end portion for telescopically receiving a second tube therein and a second tube having a second end portion including a structure for telescopically engaging the first end portion and a first fastening device for securing the first and second end portions to each other. A tube coupling and retainer according to the present invention further includes a second fastening structure for selectively securing the first and second end portions to each other and for disengaging the first fastening structure upon demand.

Abstract: A fluid connector generally including a female housing, a male conduit insertable in the female housing in coupling relation therewith, a sealing assembly disposed between the housing and the inserted conduit, and a retainer for releasably retaining the conduit in the housing. A conical compression spring is provided in the housing for forcing the conduit out of the housing unless it is fully and properly inserted and maintained in position by the retainer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular coupling comprising a first tube having an end portion; a cage means disposed on the end portion and including a radial base portion through which the end portion projects, a first circular flange portion connected at one end thereof to the radial base portion and angularly inclined outwardly from the end portion, a curved wall portion connected to the first circular flange portion and partially forming an annular chamber, and a second circular flange portion connected to the curved wall portion and terminating in radially spaced relation to an outer surface of the end portion of the first tube. The coupling also includes a way of retaining the cage on the end portion of the first tube to hold the cage against axial displacement. A second tube having an end portion is telescopically mounted on the end portion of the first tube.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is disclosed which includes a garter-type canted-coil spring having elliptical coils with a coil height and a coil width measured, respectively, along a minor and a major axis of the elliptical coils for holding and locking a first and second member to one another. The first member includes a first groove for retaining the spring with the first groove having a depth less than the coil width in order that a portion of each coil extends outwardly from the first groove. The second member includes a second groove for accepting the extended portion of each coil and for loading the coils generally along the major axis thereof, said first and second members being locked to one another when the coils are disposed within and loaded by the first and second grooves.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for a corrugated pipe, comprises a pipe coupling main body including a cylindircal portion having a small-diameter through hole, a pipe coupling main cylindrical portion having a large-diameter through hole, a connecting stepped portion formed between the small- and large-diameter through holes and having a circumferential groove, a stopper formed in the connecting stepped portion, for locking an end portion of a corrugated pipe, and a seal ring fitted in the circumferential groove, an inner cylinder including a through hole having a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the corrugated pipe and an annular groove having a tapered surface and formed in an inner wall of a deep portion of the through hole, the inner cylinder being slidably and rotatably fitted in the large-diameter through hole of the pipe coupling main body, and a metal ring arranged in the circumferential groove of the inner cylinder and expandable in a circumferential direction thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum-cleaner pipe has an inner tube telescopingly received in an enlarged end of an outer tube. A retaining element diametrically opposite a slider which can be operated by the user can be received in an annular space between the tubes and on opposite sides of a guide body around which, in at least a partial turn, extends a bar spring which is braced against the guide body and not only provides the bias to the retaining element in the direction in which it presses a detent into a selected recess of a detent strip of the inner tube, but also forms the coupling between the slider and the retaining element so that upon movement of the slider in one direction, the retaining element is moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A coupling having one end attached to a drop pipe of a fire sprinkler system and another end for attachment to a tool subsequent to initially testing the sprinkler system and to a sprinkler head thereafter. The coupling includes an internal frangible closure member to prevent flow of fluid from the drop pipe during the test phase so that the sprinkler may be pre-tested prior to attachment of the sprinkler head. The tool includes an external housing which after completion of the test phase is connected to the coupling, a ram being mounted within the housing and adjustable to position and impact member at the end of the ram at or in abutment with the frangible closure member. The ram is connected to a propelling assembly which permits the ram to be pulled manually against the biasing force of a spring away from the closure member, and upon release of the ram, the ram is propelled toward the closure member so that the impact member shatters the closure member to open communication through the coupling.

Abstract: An improved locking assembly is disclosed for securing the connection between a push-on fitting having a flared end which is fitted into a cage and surrounded by a garter-type coil spring housed within the cage. The locking assembly includes a generally cylindrical coupling having a knurled outer surface and a single radial slit therein. The coupling includes at least two hinges integrally formed in the outer circumference thereof wherein at least three independent bearing surfaces are formed when the coupling encircles the connection. A multi-step circumferential recess within the coupling is utilized to accommodate variations in the external dimensions of the cage and a circular clamp or single screw are utilized to urge the single radial slit into a mated relationship such that relative axial movement of the cage and push-on fitting is restricted by radial pressure exerted by the coupling.

Abstract: A union enabling a rigid pipe to replace a flexible hose in applications where there is no relative movement of the points connected by the pipe and union. The new union accommodates the movements required for installation and removal, and accommodates the tolerances that are encountered during all manufacturing and assembly steps.

Abstract: A canted-coil spring includes a plurality of coils having a major and a minor axis and canted along a centerline defined by an intersection of the major and minor axis. The coils are interconnected in a manner forming a garter-type resilient canted-coil spring and a back angle of each coil, both defines the disposition of a trailing portion of each coil and determines the load-deflection characteristics of the canted-coil spring. A front angle defines the disposition of a leading portion of each coil and the garter-type resilient canted-coil spring is oriented for enabling the loading thereof to be generally radial in direction and along the major axis thereof.

Abstract: A coupling comprising an outer socket or receptacle part having an internal opening, and a nipple or insert part which is sized to be inserted into the opening of the receptacle part. The receptacle and insert parts are provided with outer and inner lock ring grooves, respectively, which are substantially aligned in the radial direction when the parts are assembled. A garter spring is located in and extends between the two grooves when the parts are assembled in order to lock the parts together. The groove of one of the two parts has an arcuate surface and the radius of the surface is substantially the same as the radius of the coils of the spring, whereby the arcuate surface supports the coils and retards flattening of the coils. The groove of the other of the two parts has a surface which overlies the spring and holds the spring in place in the grooves even if the spring should break.

Abstract: A fluid coupling comprising a coupling body having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface, clamp means for radially and inwardly clamping the outer peripheral surface of an end portion of a pipe, the clamp means beig axially immovable with respect to the pipe, a sleeve having engaging means and slidably fitted on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the coupling body, the engaging means being capable of axially moving the clamp means, a spiral guide groove formed on one of the sleeve and the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body, a pin member formed on the other of the sleeve and the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body and slidable along the guide groove, and means for preventing the sleeve and the coupling body from rotating relative to each other at a position reached when the sleeve is moved axially a predetermined distance, as the pin member is guided along the guide groove.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for a corrugated pipe, comprising a coupling body having an axial through hole and a cylindrical outer peripheral surface, metallic seal means arranged at a pipe insertion portion of the axial through hole, for sealing an end portion of a corrugated pipe, a first sleeve having a first end portion, slidably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the coupling body and urged axially outward, ring-shaped engaging members adjoining the first end portion of the sleeve and reducible in diameter, and retaining means surrounding the sleeve and the engaging members so as to be movable relative to the coupling body and the sleeve, the retaining means being adapted to reduce the diameter of the engaging members so that the engaging members are forced into root portions of the corrugated pipe, whereby the engaging members are held in a predetermined axial position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a releasable quick-connect fitting, comprising an insert having an annular lock groove and an annular release groove in the outer periphery thereof, the release groove having a smaller diameter than the lock groove. A receptacle has a bore for receiving the insert and an annular bore groove is formed in the bore. An annular retainer is mounted in one of the lock and release grooves and movable to the other of the grooves. The insert is movable to a lock position in the receptacle wherein the lock and bore grooves are substantially in radial alignment and the retainer extends into said lock and bore grooves, and movable to a release position in the receptacle wherein the release and bore grooves are substantially in radial alignment and the retainer extends into the release groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible connecting bell for pipes. At the joint abutment of the two pipes 1,2 a helical spring 3, designed as a tension spring and with adjacent windings, is fitted on the two pipes 1,2. This helical spring 3 is embedded in an outer sealing sleeve 4, which rests directly on the outside of the pipe ends 1,2 with internal sealing collars 5,6. The helical spring resting directly on the pipe ends 1,2 makes possible a fast, tight connection of the pipes without screw connections and clips. The helical spring protects the flexible material of the sealing sleeve against the direct action of great heat of the medium to be conducted.

Abstract: The rotary/reciprocating seal apparatus includes a resilient ring member with a circumferential groove therein having a surface of revolution disposed at an angle with the axis of the ring member. The resilient ring member includes an axial opening thereinside for accepting and enabling the shaft to be rotated and/or reciprocated therein. The cylindrical housing is provided which includes an axial opening thereinside to accommodate the ring member and includes a groove on an inside surface of the cylindrical housing with a second surface of revolution disposed at an angle with an axis of the cylindrical housing. Spring means are provided in both the ring member and the cylindrical housing grooves for forcing the first and second surfaces of revolution away from one another in order to cause axial loading between the ring member and the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A latching and sealing device suitable for use as a cover seal for a plunger or piston in a syringe or plunger pump includes a cylindrical seal member having a body portion and lip-and-latch means for both sealably engaging a surrounding surface and latching to the piston. A spring disposed in between the lip-and-latch means and the piston provide a constant sealing pressure while allowing the piston and seal member to be moved within a bore. Sealing between the lip-and-latch means and the bore is enhanced by use of a berm and notches radially aligned with the biasing spring.

Abstract: An axially split clamp for securing the connection between a push-on fitting having a flared end fitted into a cage and surrounded by a garter-type coiled spring housed within the cage on a pipe having a plurality of O-rings sealing the connection between the push-on fitting and the pipe. The two mirror image halves of the axially split clamp are sized to snugly encircle the cage housing the coiled spring of the pipe while at the same time snugly encircling the adjacent outer surface of the push-on fitting. The two halves of the clamp are then securely joined together by a pair of screws threaded into aligned threaded holes in both halves of the clamp.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing the connection between a push-on fitting having a flared end fitted into a cage and surrounded by a garter-type coiled spring housed within the cage on a pipe having a plurality of O-rings sealing the connection between the push-on fitting and the pipe. The assembly comprises an axially split male fitting and an axially split locking nut. The two halves of the axially split male fitting are sized to snugly encircle the push-on fitting with the ends of the two halves of the male fitting resting against the flared end of the push-on fitting and thus forcing the coiled spring away from the push-on fitting. The two halves of the axially split locking nut snugly encircle the cage housing the coiled spring while an internal face of the two halves of the nut engage and securely lock the position of the two halves of the male fitting.

Abstract: A first coiled spring has its two ends coupled together to form an annular coiled spring. The two ends of the first coiled spring are coupled together by a second coiled spring located within the first coiled spring. One end of the second coiled spring is connected to one end of the first coiled spring and the other end of the second coiled spring is connected to the other end of the first coiled spring. A loop is formed at each end of the first coiled spring. The ends of the second spring are connected to the two loops of the first coiled spring respectively, and the loops are offset from each other such that one loop fits into one end of the first coiled spring and the other loop fits into the other end of the first coiled spring.

Abstract: The loading and locking mechanism includes a first cylindrical member with means defining a circumferential groove therein having a first surface of revolution disposed at an angle with the axis of the first cylindrical member. Cooperating with the first cylindrical member is a second cylindrical member having an axial opening sized to accommodate the first cylindrical member and an inside surface groove having a second surface of revolution disposed at an angle with the axis of the second cylindrical member. A continuous ellipsoidal spring having canted coils is disposed in both first and second cylindrical member grooves for forcing the first and second surfaces of revolution away from one another to cause axial loading between the first and second cylindrical members. Additional locking surfaces may be provided each of the first and second grooves which are disposed generally perpendicular to the first and second cylindrical member axis.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a pin connector for receipt by a box connector. An external surface of the pin features a helical groove; a generally complementary internal surface of the box features a helical groove of the same rotational sense and pitch. A helical latch coil is carried in one of the grooves, extending partly out of the groove. The connectors are latched together by stabbing the pin into the box, whereby the latch coil is ratcheted into place, partly extending into the groove of the connector not carrying the coil. Subsequent mutual rotation between the connectors in one rotational sense tightens the latched connection; rotation in the opposite sense releases the latching.

Abstract: A safety clamp system for securing the lever arms of a quick connect coupling to prevent the accidental movement of the arms which would cause a failure of the coupling mechanism for two coupling pipes. Once the pipes have been joined by a standard quick connect coupling, the clamp of the present invention is positioned to encircle the lever arms and hold them down secure against the body of the coupling. The safety clamp is separate from the coupling mechanism and is itself not an aid in the joining of the pipes. The clamp arms encircle approximately 270 degrees of the pipes circumference, making contact only at a few points about the coupling's periphery, some of the contact being flat, face-to-face surface area engagement with some "L" shaped hooking, and utilizes a resilient spring biasing hooking mechanism to prevent the separate, pipe coupling mechanism from accidently becoming undone but allowing relatively easily disengagement of the clamp from the coupling when so desired.

Abstract: An axially split clamp for securing the connection between a push-on fitting having a flared end fitted into a cage and surrounded by a garter-type coiled spring housed within the cage on a pipe having a plurality of O-rings sealing the connection between the push-on fitting and the pipe. The two mirror image halves of the axially split clamp are sized to snugly encircle the cage housing the coiled spring of the pipe while at the same time snugly encircling the adjacent outer surface of the push-on fitting. The two halves of the clamp are then securely joined together by a pair of screws threaded into aligned threaded holes in both halves of the clamp.