US 4,172,606 AGranted

Fluid conduit connector

OwnerWilson S. Howeinventor

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Abstract

Plastic pad at center of concave bevel of each semicircular segment maintains lateral and axial alignment when segments spread apart by pipe. In another special configuration, inside and outside segments are offset semicircles, with a greater dimension across opposed edges when abutting than middle. Inside threads of segments relieved at edges, with full threads at center and progressive decrease to each edge. Segments have cone portions opposite bevel, for engagement with concave seat of housing to tighten threads. Ring rotatable relative to housing but axially fixed has convex cone spaced from seat and engaged by bevel of segments for spreading. Resilient ring in peripheral groove of segments. Outside notches at segment edges receive housing pin or ring, to prevent relative rotation and restrain lateral play at abutting edges. Numerous variations of construction disclosed.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A fluid conduit connector for attachment to a hollow, cylindrical threaded member, comprising:

a hollow, cylindrical housing having an inwardly extending, concave, frusto-conical seat;
a hollow, cylindrical ring having at one end an outwardly extending, convex, frustoconical cone which fits within said housing in spaced relation to said seat, one of said ring and said threaded member having a seal ring abutted by the other when said member extends within said housing;
means for attaching said ring within said housing in an axially fixed position but permitting relative rotation therebetween;
a pair of generally semicircular, interiorly threaded segments, having a concave, frusto-conical bevel at one end and a convex, frusto-conical cone portion at the opposite end, said cone portions engaging said housing seat for tightening said segments on said threaded member and said bevels approaching or engaging said ring cone for spreading said segments apart on relative axial movement between said member and said housing and engagement between said member and said segments;
resilient means urging said segments toward an abutting relation of the opposed edges;
means for restraining relative rotation between said segments and said housing;
and
means provided by a configuration of said segments for maintaining lateral and axial alignment of said segments as said segment bevels approach or engage said ring cone on relativve axial movement between said member and said housing.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.