Latch screw coupling and method of using same
OwnerM.M. ?quot;Buddy?quot; Barrierinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanical coupling adapted for engagement using a key device. The coupling including first and second assemblies. The first assembly includes a latching body having a key hole, a coupling nut having an interior threaded portion and a toothed end portion, a receptacle body having an exterior threaded portion in constant threaded engagement with the interior threaded portion, and a first latch connected to the receptacle body. The second assembly includes a second latch and is adapted to engage the first assembly. The engagement of the first and second assemblies is accomplished by rotating a key device inserted in the key hole and meshing with the toothed end portion.
Claims9
A coupling adapted for engagement using a key device, the coupling comprising:
- a first assembly, said first assembly comprising:
- a latching body having a key hole;
- a coupling nut having an interior threaded portion and a toothed end portion;
- a receptacle body having an exterior threaded portion in constant threaded engagement with said interior threaded portion;
- and
- a first means for latching connected to said receptacle body;
- and
- a second assembly adapted to engage said first assembly, said second assembly comprising a second means for latching,
- wherein the engagement of said first assembly with said second assembly is accomplished by rotating a key device inserted in said key hole and meshing with said toothed end portion.
A method for mechanically coupling a first conduit having a first assembly to a second conduit having a second assembly, wherein the first assembly includes a coupling nut rotatably connected to a latching body, the coupling nut permanently threaded to a receptacle body, and the receptacle body having a first coupling connector attached thereto, and wherein the second assembly includes a plug body and a second coupling connector attached thereto, the method comprising the steps of:
- joining the latching body of the first assembly to the plug body of the second assembly;
- rotating the coupling nut to translate forwardly the receptacle body to securely latch the first assembly to the second assembly while maintaining the first and second coupling connectors in a closed position;
- and
- further rotating the coupler nut by rotating a key device inserted into a key hole while meshing with a toothed end portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.