Modular system with captivated fastener assemblies
AssigneeSwagelok Company
InventorsChristopher Mertes, Daniel Zeiler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular flow system having individual modules that connect in a manner which allows for easy addition or removal of a module without the need for or risk of disturbing the connection between all modules. The system may include a first base having a through bore in which a fastener is disposed. The first base may include portions or components adapted to capture or retain the fastener within the bore. While retained within the bore, the fastener may connect the first base to a second base.
Claims32
A modular flow system, comprising:
- a first base comprising:
- a first component having a through bore;
- a second component adapted to couple to the first component;
- and
- a third component disposed within the bore, wherein the first component and the second component cooperate to retain the third component within the bore;
- and
- a second base adjacent the first base, wherein the third component is adapted to couple the first base to the second base.
A modular flow system, comprising:
- a first base including a through bore, a first fastener engaging surface, a second fastener engaging surface, and a fastener disposed within the through bore, wherein the first fastener engaging surface and the second fastener engaging surface cooperate to retain the fastener within the through bore;
- and
- a second base, wherein the fastener is adapted to attach the first base to the second base.
A modular flow system, comprising:
- a first base having a through bore;
- a second base;
- a means for fastening the first base to the second base, the means for fastening being disposed within the through bore;
- a means for retaining the means for fastening within the through bore.
A module for a flow system, comprising:
- a body having through bore;
- an insert adapted to couple to the body, and
- a fastener positioned within the through bore, wherein the body and the insert cooperate to capture the fastener within the through bore,
- wherein the fastener is adapted to couple the body to an adjacent body for fluid communication between the body and the adjacent body.
A modular flow system, comprising:
- a first body having a first opening, a second opening, and a bore connecting the first and second openings, the bore having a threaded portion and an interior shoulder;
- a second body having a female threaded portion;
- a first insert having a male threaded portion and a female threaded portion, the male threaded portion adapted to engage with the threaded portion of the first body;
- a second insert having a male threaded end and a female threaded end, the male threaded end adapted to engage the female threaded portion of the second body;
- the female threaded end adapted to be slideably received within the second opening of the first base;
- and
- a fastener having a male threaded end and a head portion, the male threaded end adapted to engage the female threaded end of the second insert, the head portion adapted to engage the interior shoulder of the first body when the first and second bodies are in an installed configuration,
- wherein the first insert and the interior shoulder cooperate to retain the fastener within the bore of the first body.
A method for connecting modules in a modular flow system, the method comprising:
- disposing a fastener within a bore in a first module;
- capturing the fastener within the bore;
- attaching an insert to a second module;
- and
- engaging the fastener with the insert to connect the first module to the second module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.