Pivotally adjustable fluid coupling assembly, and method of using same

A fluid coupling assembly for connecting two pipes together, said fluid coupling assembly comprising:

• an outer ring member having at least one cylindrical surface and a central axis, the outer ring comprising
• a main ring body having an inner diameter and configured to be connected to a first pipe, the main ring body having first engaging structure affixed thereto, and
• an annular flange formed coaxially and integrally with the main ring body, the annular flange having a first concave wall portion with a tapered inner diameter which is larger than the inner diameter of the main ring body;
• an inner ring member having at least one cylindrical surface, comprising:
• a first wall section which fits nestingly inside of the first concave wall portion of the outer ring member, the first wall section having a convex outer surface with at least one circumferential groove formed therein to receive a first sealing member, and having a maximum diameter portion proximate the circumferential groove, and
• a second wall section formed coaxially and integrally with the first wall section and configured to be connected to a second pipe, the second wall section having a medial portion with an outside diameter smaller than the maximum diameter portion of the first wall section;
• and
• an outer collar member having at least one cylindrical surface for selectively connecting to the outer ring member and for adjustably joining the inner and outer ring members together, the outer collar member comprising a connecting edge portion having a second engaging structure formed therein for selectively engaging the first engaging structure of the outer ring member to temporarily and disengagably lock the outer collar member to the outer ring member,
• the outer collar member further having a cradle section formed coaxially and integrally with the connecting edge portion, the cradle section having an inner surface defining a second concave wall portion with at least one circumferential groove formed therein to receive a second sealing member, the outer collar member further having retaining structure extending radially inwardly thereon for supportively receiving the first wall section of the inner ring member therein and for retaining the first wall section of the inner ring member in abutting engagement with the concave wall portions of the outer ring member and the outer collar member,
• wherein the first sealing member is configured to contact the outer ring member and the outer collar member.

A method of attaching two pipes together while permitting limited pivotal movement therebetween, said method comprising the steps of:

• sliding an outer collar member over a first pipe;
• attaching the first pipe to an outer ring member having a concave wall portion, the outer ring member having a first engaging structure;
• attaching a second pipe to an inner ring member comprising a first wall section which fits nestingly inside of the concave wall portion of the outer ring member, the first wall section having a convex outer surface;
• inserting the inner ring member into the outer ring member such that a maximum diameter portion of the inner ring member fits nestingly inside of the concave wall portion of the outer ring member;
• connecting the inner and outer ring members together by removably attaching the outer collar member to the outer ring member, the outer collar member including a connecting edge portion having a second engaging structure formed therein, the second engaging structure interlocking with the first engaging structure of the outer ring member,
• wherein a sealing member disposed between the outer ring member and the outer collar member is configured to contact the outer ring member and the outer collar member.