US 2009/0208271 A1 · MODULAR COUPLING SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a modular coupling system, which may comprise one or more casing members and one or more modular connectors. The casing members are adapted to be connected to the modular connectors of the system and may take the form of almost any type of fitting or connecting device (such as a tee, elbow, valve, coupling, container, machinery or equipment). The modular connectors are adapted to be connected to the casing members of the system and also to one or more ducts (such as pipes or tubing that may have threaded, slip, quick-connect, or other connecting means). Thus, the system allows the use of multiple modular connectors (which may each be adapted to connect to a different type of duct) to be used interchangeably with multiple types of casing members. The invention also includes certain kits and methods of using the system.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A device for connecting to at least one duct, the device comprising:

(a) a casing member further comprised of modular connecting means adapted for connecting the casing member to at least one first modular connector;
and
(b) at least one first modular connector comprising:
(i) modular connecting means for connecting the at least one first modular connector to the casing member;
and
(ii) duct connecting means for connecting the at least one first modular connector to at least one duct;
(c) wherein the modular connecting means of the casing member are also adapted for connecting to at least one second modular connector that comprises modular connecting means, so that the at least one first modular connector is interchangeable with the at least one second modular connector in operation with the casing member.

4 more elements

A device for connecting to a duct, the device comprising:

(a) a modular connector adapted to be connected to a casing member and further comprising a variable connecting member for connecting the modular connector to a duct, wherein the duct comprises a duct open end and a duct exterior surface adjacent to the duct open end having a size and shape within a predetermined range adapted to be connected to the variable connecting member of the modular connector;
(b) wherein the casing member has an interior space and is comprised of at least one casing opening adjoining the interior space, wherein the at least one casing opening is adapted to be permanently or removably connected to the modular connector and at least one additional modular connector, so that the modular connector is interchangeable with the at least one additional modular connector as part of a modularized system of interchangeable modular connectors.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Modular coupling system

Life of this patent

Modular coupling system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20