Abstract: A protective sleeve for quick connect fittings and couplings of a computer system environment. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve with a hollow center is provided that once disposed around the quick connect fittings will protect against leakage of liquids flowing into quick connect fittings during mating and unmating of them. The sleeve comprises an actuation collar area that extends over unmated portion of the quick connect fitting and a flare area disposed over the actuation collar to provide an additional gripping area for actuating the quick connect fitting.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing a bulkhead fitting assembly useful for aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, architectural, or industrial applications. The assembly provides a mechanical barrier against fluid transfer from a wet side to a dry side of a bulkhead and allows electrical conduction through or from the bulkhead. The assembly includes a thermal shell for reducing heat transfer from a tube to the bulkhead.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a sprinkler to a branch line of a fire suppression system includes a flexible conduit having one end attached to the branch line. The opposite end is attached to the sprinkler. An adapter is positioned between the conduit and the sprinkler. A sleeve is positioned surrounding the conduit. The sleeve may have a hexagonal outer surface and rotates freely about the conduit to prevent torque from being applied to the conduit.

Abstract: A device for capping and sealing a refrigeration service valve fitting of quick disconnect type for minimizing unwanted seepage of refrigerant from the fitting. The device includes a cap defining a base and an open-ended sealing portion extending longitudinally from the base. The sealing portion defines first and second internal cylindrical surfaces wherein the first surface defines a first internal diameter and the second surface defines a second internal diameter greater than the first diameter and wherein a shoulder defines a boundary between the surfaces. The first surface defines a groove containing an annular flexible member for sealingly engaging the fitting when the device is positioned on the fitting. Features are provided in relationship with the sealing portions for removably retaining the device on the fitting by engaging a conventional lock groove in the fitting.

Abstract: A device for connecting aircraft fuel piping that includes male/female end fittings made of highly resistive material, designed to be bonded at the extremities of tubes in the piping and/or of piping connectors.

Abstract: An improved device for coupling rigid non-metallic conduits is disclosed. The claimed device is capable of allowing movement in an axial direction due to expansion and contraction and can also compensate for angular or parallel deflection of the conduits.

Abstract: A hydraulic hose coupler for enabling an operator to easily connect and disconnect a hydraulic hose from a spool valve. The hydraulic hose coupler generally includes a tube member having a first portion, a joint and a second portion, wherein the first portion and second portion extend away from the joint at an approximate 135 degree angle with respect to each other. The first portion of the tube member will generally include a threaded first end for removably connecting to a hydraulic connector. The second portion of the tube member will generally include a threaded second end for removably connecting to a hydraulic hose. An ergonomic handle will preferably extend around the second portion of the tube member. After connecting the coupler between the hydraulic connector and hose, the operator may grip the handle and easily connect and disconnect the hose from a spool valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose coupling and a protective hose incorporating such a hose coupling for replacing standard hose couplings and standard hoses, amongst many other applications, on vehicle fue! tanks so as to prevent the theft of fuel from the tanks. The hose coupling comprises of: a fastener body (12); a sleeve (14) surrounding the fastener body (12); retaining means (16) for retaining the sleeve (14) about the fastener body (12) so as to limit the axial movement of the sleeve (14) relative to the fastener (12) while allowing the sleeve (14) to freely rotate about the fastener body (12), even when is use; and a means (18) for capturing a hose stem to which a protective hose is connectable.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for providing an insulating housing and a protective sleeve for quick connect fittings and couplings of a computer system environment. In one embodiment, the insulative housing has a hollow center to be placed around the couplings and further comprises an insulative sleeve having a plurality of complementary parts that fit together around the coupling as a singular unit and a fastener to open and close the sleeve such that the coupling is at least partially exposed. In an alternate embodiment, a protective sleeve with a hollow center is provided that once disposed around the quick connect fittings will protect against leakage of liquids flowing into quick connect fittings during mating and unmating of them. The sleeve comprises an actuation collar area that extends over unmated portion of the quick connect fitting and a flare area disposed over the actuation collar to provide an additional gripping area for actuating the quick connect fitting.

Abstract: A holding device to protect a movable connector part of a hydraulic system on work equipment, which mates with a fixed connector part of a hydraulic system on a work vehicle. The holding device is fixedly mounted on the work equipment and has recesses which receive and protect the hydraulic connections of the movable connector part when they are not engaged with the fixed connector part. The holding device may have a contact surface which mates with the hydraulic connectors of the movable part. The recess or recesses can receive a multipart hydraulic connector or a plurality of individual connectors. The holding device may include an electrical connector dummy for attachment to an electrical connector on the work equipment. A cover fits over the holding device when it is not engaged by a movable connector part; and it also mates with the fixed connector part when it is not engaged by the movable connector part.

Abstract: A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling.

Abstract: A cover is provided for a pipe coupling (1) wherein the cover has a first part (2) in the form of an impervious collection chamber adapted to cover approximately one circumferential half of a pipe coupling. The collection chamber is defined by a pair of spaced generally parallel flexible side walls (3, 41) and a peripheral wall (4) that preferably includes a transparent zone interconnecting corresponding radially outer edges of the side walls to form the collection chamber. Free edges of the walls that form an opening communicating with the collection chamber have deep generally semi circular recesses (5) for accommodating one half of the circumference of a pipe (6) adjacent a coupling in use. A co-operant second part (9) of the cover serves as a retainer for the first part, in use.

Abstract: Coupling for joining conduits in a dielectric heating reactor comprising: a connector for forming a sealed joint between conduits, and an expandable electromagnetic shield arranged to surround joined conduits such that electromagnetic shielding of the joined conduits is maintained in response to dimensional changes due to temperature and/or pressure. Furthermore, an electromagnetic heating reactor comprising: an electromagnetic enclosure having a pressurisable interior and a reactant supply conduit at least partially enclosed within the pressurisable interior, wherein the pressurisable interior is arranged to at least partially counterbalance pressure within the reactant supply conduit and further wherein the interior of the reactant supply conduit is sealed against the pressurisable interior.

Abstract: A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling.

Abstract: A shield assembly for protecting garden hose connecting ends is disclosed. The shield is adapted to slide over an inner sleeve attached to the hose end. Several mechanism embodiments are provided for preventing the free longitudinal and radial movements of the shield relative to the inner sleeve and for securing the shield in multiple positions to accommodate various lengths of hose connecting ends. An embodiment for a split shield and inner sleeve that allows installation onto an existing hose is also disclosed.

Abstract: To mount a partition cover (2) in a pipe joint (1), a nut (12) is screwed onto a joint body (11) to sandwich the partition cover (2) between the joint body and the nut. At this time, the partition cover is supported so as not to press a sleeve (13). As such, an opening (1a) of the pipe joint is sealed while preventing the sleeve from being deformed due to the partition cover being mounted.

Abstract: A drain pipe coupling for connecting a primary pipe having a primary width ?1 to two or more secondary pipes, said secondary pipes having a secondary width shorter than the primary width of the primary pipe, said drain pipe coupling having a cuff for connecting to the primary pipe and a transition portion connecting to the secondary openings; a downspout extension terminating in a collapsible, extendable and flexible low profile corrugated discharge pipe having a substantially symmetrical oblong cross section but not having any internal supports; a reducing insert adapter for connecting a 2 inch rectangular downspout to a 4 inch rectangular cuff comprising a first open adapter-end sized to engage with the rectangular cuff and a second open adapter-end sized to engage with the open end of said second rectangular gravity-flow drain pipe; and a gravity-flow drain pipe having a camouflage pattern displayed on a portion of the outer surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A hose connection structure for an air mattress and includes a casing, a plurality of pipe fitting units, a retention board and a resilient buckle. The plurality of pipe fitting units is first jointed together to form an assembly, which is then combined with the retention board and the resilient buckle to then mount inside the casing. The pipe fitting units each comprise a plurality of pipe fittings each having a rear end coupled to an air hose extending to an air mattress. A projection formed on the retention board and a barb formed on the resilient buckle are then put into engagement with a connector of an air pump so as to realize connection of multiple hoses and loosening resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting Storz fire fighting fittings from damage associated with being dropped, or dragged, or from colliding with other equipment or the like during deployment and operation, and including a bumper.

Abstract: A hose connection structure is provided for an air mattress and includes a casing, a plurality of pipe fitting units, a retention board and a resilient buckle. The plurality of pipe fitting units is first jointed together to form an assembly, which is then combined with the retention board and the resilient buckle to then mount inside the casing. The pipe fitting units each comprise a plurality of pipe fittings each having a rear end coupled to an air hose extending to an air mattress. A projection formed on the retention board and a barb formed on the resilient buckle are then put into engagement with a connector of an air pump so as to realize connection of multiple hoses and loosening resistance.

Abstract: A guard system for a coupling that connects a first component to a second component in a pressurized machinery system includes a coupling guard moveable between an open position, which allows access to an internal region of the coupling, and a closed position, which forms a seal surrounding the coupling from the first component to the second component. The system also includes a guide for directing movement of the coupling guard.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one open end (3,4,5), a stop component (14) disposed within the tubular body distal to the open end to stop a pipe when it is inserted a predetermined distance into the tubular body. A sealing component (15) is intermediate the stop and the open end and a pipe engaging component (17) is disposed intermediate the sealing component and the open end having a variable diameter to clamp and release an inserted pipe as a result of the diameter of the pipe engaging component reducing and increasing respectively. A pipe release component (21) is disposed intermediate the pipe engaging component and the open end, the pipe release component being movably mounted on the open end and having a pipe clamping position.

Abstract: A fitting for connection with a pipe end configured to have a medium flow therethrough, the fitting including a connecting section having a circumferentially-extending groove, a sealing element arranged in the grove, and a protection sleeve configured to be arranged over the groove and displaceable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the protection sleeve covers the groove at least partially and the second position of the protection sleeve exposes the groove at least partially. An amount of exposure of the groove is greater in the second position than an amount of exposure of the groove in the first position.

Abstract: A thread protection member for protecting threads in a threaded joint includes a body formed of a material selected to reduce damage to the threads during a make-up of the threaded joint and a discontinuity reducing remaining clamping forces and thus allowing the body to deform in a predetermined manner when the body is removed from the threaded joint. In one arrangement, the discontinuity is a void at least partially penetrating the body. For example, the void can be a longitudinal slot that extends partially or fully through the body. In another embodiment, the discontinuity is a region in the body that has at least one material property different from a material property of an adjacent portion of the body. To remove the thread protection member from the joint, a suitable tool may be used to deform the body to extract the body from the joint.

Abstract: A female element of a threaded tubular connection that is fitted to undergo diametrical expansion in a plastic deformation region. The female element is disposed at one end of a tubular component and includes on its external periphery a mechanism that absorbs scratch energy of a scratching body that may come into external contact with the female element and a mechanism that retains the scratch energy absorption mechanism. The retaining mechanism is configured to prevent release of debris from the scratch energy absorption mechanism during expansion of the threaded tubular connection.

Abstract: A pipe joint locking device which prevents accidental loosening of a pipe joint after tightening and with which a sealing property of a seal portion of the pipe joint is not impaired even if a force for rotating a pipe member acts on the pipe member. The device is formed of: a first component member 11 including a mounting portion 21 to be mounted to a joint member 2 having an external thread while prevented from relative rotation, a cover portion 22 to be brought into contact with an outer peripheral face of a cap nut 5 from a lower side, and a coupling portion 23 to be brought into contact with a pipe member 3 from the lower side; and a second component member 12 including a cover portion 31 to be brought into contact with the outer peripheral face of the cap nut 5 from an upper side and a coupling portion 32 to be brought into contact with the pipe member 3 from the upper side.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe joint cover (c) that covers a joint (U) of a high-pressure fuel pipe (61) of an engine, wherein one end of a cylindrical cover part (12A, 12B) is blocked by a blocking part (22A, 22B) having a pipe insertion hole (23). The blocking part (22A, 22B) has a seal part (26) where the inner circumference that forms the pipe insertion hole (23) closely contacts the outer periphery of the high-pressure fuel pipe (61), and a receiving chamber (31) positioned on the outer side of the seal part (26), the bottom of which opens up to receive fuel that is sprayed from the joint (U). The bottom edge of the outer wall (28) of the reception chamber that forms the reception chamber (31) contacts the upper surface of the mounting nut (71) that constitutes the joint (U). Such a pipe joint cover can be easily installed, and can ensure that ejected fuel is prevented from being dispersed to the surroundings.

Abstract: Coupling device for a fluid circuit in a motor vehicle, the device including: a functional member of a plastic material that is provided with two or more types of connection, at least one of which includes a manually-accessible member projecting from the outside surface of the functional member; and a protective metal housing formed by two shells joined by a seam around the functional member, the housing being provided with a window giving access to the manually-accessible member.

Abstract: A threaded joint for steel pipes for use in an oil well which has enhanced galling resistance and which is protected from rusting comprises a pin and a box each having a contact surface including a threaded portion and an unthreaded metal contact portion. The contact surface of at least one of the pin and the box has a lower layer of a viscous liquid or semisolid lubricating coating comprising at least wax and a fatty acid alkaline earth metal salt and not containing a harmful heavy metal such as lead and an upper layer of a dry solid coating formed from an aqueous resin coating composition, an organic solvent type coating composition, or an ultraviolet curing coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil pipe having a lining imparting substantially reduced adhesion of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, and inorganic scale, so as to reduce plugging of said oil pipe, and impermeability to salt water so as to protect the oil pipe from corrosion.

Abstract: The protective cover disclosed in this application is used in oil and gas production wells. It may be used in other types of wells or in other industrial application utilizing piping and capillary tubes, signal or electrical power cables. Multiple capillary tubes, jacketed tubes and signal or power cables extend from the well head down into the well bore. The cables and tubes run on the outside of the production piping and inside the well casing. The protective cover comprises cast metal wherein the length of the cover is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least two pipe segments and a connector collar. The cover comprises 2 sides and a top thereby creating an interior channel. Each end of the channel is open. The cable(s) or tube(s) may enter the protective cover from one open end, continue within the channel under the cast metal top, and exit from the opposite open end of the protective cover.

Abstract: A clamp for a tubular hose or cable is disclosed. The clamp comprises a first clamp half, a second clamp half, and a hinge pin. The first clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a first concave semi-cylindrical face. The first end of the first clamp half carries means for mounting the clamp. The second clamp half has a first end and a second end and defines a second concave semi-cylindrical face. The first clamp half and the second clamp half come together along a parting line and are retained together by a hinge pin. The clamp halves are provided with snap-in liners for easy use. Alternative mounts for mounting the clamp on subsea wire line or tubulars is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pipe coupling support having a substantially rigid body with an inner surface formed to mate with at least a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe coupling installed on pipe. In many cases, the exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling will be non-cylindrical. For example, when pipes of differing diameters or pipes manufactured from different materials must be joined with commonly available pliable couplings. In this instance the inner surface of the body of the pipe coupling support may be formed to mate with a majority of or substantially the entire exterior surface of the installed pipe coupling.

Abstract: A polymer composition including a resin and a fiberglass is wrapped around the bell portion of a clay pipe to provide a cushion thereto to resist damage due to impact forces, and holds the bell in compression to thereby increase the tensile strength thereof. The length of the bell can be lengthened using a polyester-based material for an extension, where the extension is also wrapped with the polymer composition.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. Any gas which leaks from the gas carrier pipe is captured in the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks in the vicinity of the gas escape passageway can escape through the at least one vent into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A vented gas riser for use in a system for conducting pressurized gas through a gas carrier pipe from a gas supply source line located below ground level to a delivery point disposed above ground is provided. A fluid tight gas riser protective casing is disposed around said carrier pipe and creates a gas escape passageway in an elongate annular space between the carrier pipe and the casing. A containment chamber is disposed below ground level which creates a confined space which has, as its only egress, a fluid connection to a gas escape passageway. Any gas which leaks into the containment chamber is directed into the gas escape passageway. A riser transition head, which includes at least one vent passageway, provides a fluid connection with said gas escape passageway and with the atmosphere such that any gas which leaks into said containment chamber is directed through the gas escape passageway and through the at least one vent and into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Fluid coupling for connecting pressurised conduits. The coupling includes a spigot having a first circumferential groove disposed on an outer surface thereof and a socket having a second circumferential groove on an inner surface thereof. The spigot and the socket are adapted for axial engagement whereby the conduits are sealingly connected for fluid communication through the coupling and whereby the circumferential grooves are substantially in radial alignment. A releasable retaining member is moveable between a locked configuration, wherein the retaining member extends radially into both grooves to prevent axial disengagement of the spigot and the socket, and a release configuration wherein the retaining member is disposed substantially within one of the grooves and is substantially clear of the other to permit axial disengagement. The coupling further may include a release mechanism for moving the retaining member from the locked configuration to the release configuration.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid coupling is provided that includes a stem member adapted for insertion into the fluid coupling and a cover member connected to the stem member. The cover member includes an internal cavity sized to receive the fluid coupling such that the fluid coupling is positioned between the stem member and the cover member. The internal cavity is defined by a wall having at least one of a longitudinally extending groove and a longitudinally extending protrusion.

Abstract: The engineering problem of the claimed invention is to enhance wear-resistance of drill pipe tool joints. The proposed drill pipe consists of a body with upset ends and tool joints connected by means of friction welding, having tapered thread and a double coating, the first layer being applied by means of thermo-diffusion zincing and the second one, by means phosphate treatment. Enhancement of tool joint life, as compared to the tool joints with phosphate coating only, allows no overdimension to be stipulated for future repair purposes, which saves up to several kilos of metal per tool joint, decreasing the drill string weight by several tons. With a view to increasing the joints' durability and reliability of welding seams the thickness ? of the first coating layer as function of thread conicity K is adjusted according to the following formula: ?=0.09 . . . 0.13 K. The segment at 15 to 25 mm from the welding spot on joints is coated with phosphate only.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power source coupling for connecting two power coupling parts (5, 6): a first power coupling part (5) which is mounted on a first component (1) so as to be longitudinally displaceable and has a first connecting plate (16) with one or more first power coupling elements (18), and a second power coupling part (6) which is mounted on a second component (4) so as to be displaceably mounted between a first and a second position. The second power coupling part (6) has a second connecting plate (17) with one or more second power coupling elements (19) which are able to cooperate with the first power coupling elements (18) when the first power coupling part (5) is in the first position.

Abstract: A pipe joint, and a method of forming a pipe joint between two metallic pipes which have been internally and/or externally coated with a material to prevent corrosion includes a spigot and a socket. The socket has, or is formed with, an internal circumferential groove (6) that provides a seating for an elastomeric sealing ring (8). An extension or lip (13) forward from the groove provides a welding location (14) remote from the sealing ring. The coating on the end of the socket if necessary is removed to facilitate welding. The spigot has a heat sink member (9) to enable the lip of the socket to be welded to the metal of the spigot.

Abstract: There is provided a pipe joint locking device which prevents accidental loosening of a pipe joint after tightening and with which a sealing property of a seal portion of the pipe joint is not impaired even if a force for rotating a pipe member acts on the pipe member. The device is formed of: a first component member 11 including a mounting portion 21 to be mounted to a joint member 2 having an external thread while prevented from relative rotation, a cover portion 22 to be brought into contact with an outer peripheral face of a cap nut 5 from a lower side, and a coupling portion 23 to be brought into contact with a pipe member 3 from the lower side; and a second component member 12 including a cover portion 31 to be brought into contact with the outer peripheral face of the cap nut 5 from an upper side and a coupling portion 32 to be brought into contact with the pipe member 3 from the upper side.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting underground utility pipes from corrosion or otherwise. The system includes an enclosure having first component and a second component hingedly attached to form a claim-shell like enclosure. The enclosure is adapted to enclose a pipe portion and attached fixture and receive an anti-corrosion agent.

Abstract: A termination fitting for use with a double containment system includes an inner segment of pipe and an outer termination cap. The outer termination cap has an open first end and an open second end, and the open second end is threaded. The inner segment of pipe extends through the open ends of the outer termination cap so that the inner segment of pipe and the outer termination cap are coaxially arranged. The termination fitting further includes a sealing collar having an inner surface secured in a fluid-tight manner to an outer sidewall of the inner segment of pipe, and an outer threaded surface threaded within the threaded open second end of the outer termination cap to close the second end and provide a high-pressure, fluid-tight seal between the open second end of the outer termination cap and the inner segment of pipe.

Abstract: Screw holes are provided on a contacting surface of an insulator so as to enable a carburetor to be mounted on the insulator at a plurality of positions rotated about an axial center of an intake hole. The insulator is mounted on a cylinder at a predetermined position while the carburetor is mounted on the insulator by inserting bolts for mounting the carburetor into the screw holes through through holes of the carburetor. Accordingly, the carburetor can be mounted at a plurality of positions rotated about the axial center of intake holes relative to an engine body. Thus, a protruding direction of a throttle lever from the carburetor, i.e., an operating direction of the throttle lever, can be changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for connecting a duct (such as pipe or tubing or a container spout) having a range of shapes, sizes and thread styles to an object (such as equipment, a container, or another duct). The device may comprise an adjusting connector member, which further comprises a duct seal member that elastically changes shape to fit adjacent to the exterior surface of the duct. To hold the duct in place relative to the device, the duct seal member and the duct may be supported by a bracing member and a thread engaging member. The adjusting connector member may also be positioned within a casing member, which may further comprise components (such as a valve, coupling, and conduit connectors) that are interchangeable, along with the adjusting connector members, as part of a modular system. The invention also includes certain kits and methods of using the device.

Abstract: A stiffener fixation assembly fixed to the outer cover of a flexible tube, the flexible tube being in contact with a stiffener in an I-tube, at the end of which a bell mouth may be fixed, whereby the stiffener fixation assembly is located between the outer surface of the flexible tube and the inner wall of a centralizer and comprises rotary pieces that are axially movable with respect to the inner wall of the I-tube and capable of eliminating the relative movement between the flexible tube and the stiffener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil pipe having a lining imparting substantially reduced adhesion of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, and inorganic scale, so as to reduce plugging of said oil pipe, and impermeability to salt water so as to protect the oil pipe from corrosion.

Abstract: A screw connection element having an outer threaded portion and a sealing means (19) which is disposed in the threads thereof is described. According to the invention, the screw connection element is provided with a protective covering (18) which surrounds the outer threaded portion, is produced from a flexible material and is intended for retaining the sealing means (19) in the threads. In addition, the invention relates to the protective covering (18) itself (FIG. 7).