Clamshell coupling system and method
OwnerJohn T. Minemyerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A clamshell coupling for a conduit system is provided. The clamshell coupling may comprise at least one longitudinal housing having first and second ends adapted to receive sections of conduit. A restraint system may be disposed on an interior surface of the longitudinal housing. The restraint system operates to actively engage at least one conduit and resist a longitudinal load between the clamshell coupling and the conduit. A coupling system may be used to secure the longitudinal housings to the tubular members.
Claims27
A conduit coupling, comprising:
- a first, semi-tubular housing having a first interior diameter, a first exterior diameter and first and second ends;
- the first and second ends adapted to receive at least one section of conduit;
- the first housing having at least a first indented region forming a first locking lug upon the first exterior diameter;
- a second semi-tubular housing complementary to the first housing, the second housing having a second interior diameter and a second exterior diameter;
- the second housing having at least a second indented region forming a second locking lug upon the second exterior diameter;
- and
- a first locking mechanism having first and second protrusions which cooperate with the first and second locking lugs to couple the first and second housings at a first longitudinal joint.
A conduit coupling, comprising:
- a first longitudinal housing having a first interior diameter;
- a second longitudinal housing, complementary to the first longitudinal housing and operable to be coupled with the first longitudinal housing for installation upon at least a first conduit;
- and
- the first longitudinal housing including at least one restraint system disposed upon the first interior diameter.
The conduit coupling of claim 16, wherein the restraint system includes at least one semi-circular rib, comprising:
- a front face and a rear face forming a sharp point of a tooth, the tooth extending toward a central portion of the coupling;
- the rear face approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the coupling;
- and
- the front face oriented at an angle between five and forty-five degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis.
A conduit coupling, comprising:
- a semi-cylindrical, semi-tubular housing having an interior diameter and an exterior diameter, the housing including a longitudinal gap disposed between adjacent first and second longitudinal surfaces of the housing;
- at least one tension strap disposed around the exterior diameter of the conduit coupling, and operable to couple the conduit coupling with at least a first section of conduit whereby tightening the strap reduces the size of the longitudinal gap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.