Multiple wedge detachable connection and closure and method of making

Apparatus for detachably connecting a first structure to a second structure, comprising in combination:

• (a) at least two pins extending from a surface of said first structure;
• (b) at least one bearing member extending from a surface of said second structure;
• (c) alignment structure orienting said pins and bearing member in predetermined juxtaposition;
• (d) a plurality of wedges movable between said pins and bearing member, and adapted to force said pins and bearing member apart when said wedges are moved therebetween;
• whereby said first and second structures are (i) connected by aligning said pins and bearing member in said predetermined juxtaposition and moving said wedges between said pins and bearing member to force them apart, thereby drawing said first and second structures into connected engagement;
• and, (ii) disconnected by removing said wedges from between said pins and bearing member, thereby allowing the first and second structures to be separated.

Apparatus for detachably connecting a first cylindrical structure to a second cylindrical structure comprising in combination:

• (a) a plurality of pins extending radially from a surface of said first cylindrical structure;
• (b) at least one bearing surface extending radially from a surface of said second cylindrical structure;
• (c) an alignment structure for orienting said pins and bearing surface in predetermined juxtaposition;
• (d) a plurality of wedges detachably locatable between said pins and bearing surface, said wedges separating and substantially maintaining said pins and bearing surface at a predetermined distance from one another;
• whereby the first and second cylindrical structures are detachably connected to one another by aligning said pins and bearing surface in said predetermined juxtaposition and locating the wedges therebetween to maintain said pins and bearing surface apart at said predetermined distance.

Apparatus for detachably connecting a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure, comprising in combination:

• (a) a plurality of pins uniformly spaced around, connected to, and extending radially from the outer surface of said first tubular structure;
• (b) a bearing flange connected to and extending from the outer surface of said second tubular member and defining a substantially continuous bearing surface;
• (c) a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots in said second tubular structure and through at least portions of said bearing flange for slidably receiving said pins and for substantially limiting rotational displacement between said first and second tubular structures;
• (d) a plurality of wedges connected to a collar and rotatably movable between said pins and said bearing flange, said wedges (i) being tapered, (ii) including an angle of taper less than about ten degrees over at least a portion of their respective lengths, (iii) having a coefficient of function with respect to said pins and bearing surface of less than 0.5, and (iv) being adapted to force said pins and said bearing member apart when said wedges are moved therebetween;
• and
• (e) a deformable gasket between said first and second cylindrical structures for providing an improved seal therebetween;
• whereby said first and second tubular structures are detachably joined by slidably engaging said pins in said slots and rotatably moving said wedges to force said pins and said bearing flange apart, thereby drawing the tubular structures together and deforming said gasket therebetween.