US 6,227,752 B1 · Failsafe weld-free method of joining tubular elements

Abstract

A failsafe weld-free method of joining tubular elements provides for connecting a first tubular element to a second tubular element. The assembly includes an insert, with screw threads, inside of the first tube, a connector fitting for mounting to the insert within the first tube by a screw, a second tube is secured to the connector fitting with a fastener through a transverse hole through both the second tube and the connector fitting. When the connector fitting is assembled to the first tubular section and the connecting screw is tightened, a structurally rigid connection is achieved. The second tubular section is positioned over the stepped outside diameter of the connector fitting, aligning the transverse holes. A fastener is installed through the transverse hole. The fastener that secures the connector fitting to the second tubular section is positioned to not allow the screw fastening the connector fitting to the first tubular section to disengage or loosen. The resulting joint is structurally rigid in all planes without a visible fastener on the first tubular section with no distortion to the tubing due to bolt torque.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A connector assembly comprising first elongated cylindrical member defining a first axis and having a substantially uniform cross section defining a predetermined outer surface;

a second elongated member which defines a second axis and has at least one tubular end;
connector means formed with an axial hole and an axial counterbore dimensioned to engage a fastener extending through said axial hole and said first elongated cylindrical member and having a threaded free end disposed within the first elongated cylindrical member for rigidly retaining said first elongated member only when said fastener is maintained in a tightened condition against said counterbore for interfacing with said predetermined outer surface for detachably connecting one end of said second member to an intermediate portion of said first cylindrical member and preventing rotation of each of said members about their respective axes when assembled and for preventing radial forces from being applied solely to a localized region of at least one outer surface portion of either one of said members;
and failsafe means extending through said counterbore for inhibiting axial movement of the fastener away from said counterbore resulting in loosening and disconnection of said one end of said second member from said intermediate portion of said first cylindrical member.

A failsafe weld-free method of joining tubular elements including a first elongated cylindrical member defining a first axis and having a substantially uniform cross section defining a predetermined outer surface and a second elongated member which defines a second axis and has at least one tubular end, the method comprising the steps of forming an axial hole and an axial counterbore in said second elongated member;

extending an axial first fastener through said axial hole and said first elongated cylindrical member and having a threaded free end disposed within the first elongated cylindrical member for rigidly retaining said first elongated member only when said fastener is maintained in a tightened condition against said counterbore;
interfacing with said predetermined outer surface for detachably connecting one end of said second member to an intermediate portion of said first cylindrical member and preventing rotation of each of said members about their respective axes when assembled and for preventing radial forces from being applied solely to a localized region of at least one outer surface portion of either one of said members;
and failsafe means including a transverse fastener extending transversely through said second elongated member and said counterbore to block axial movements of said first fastener away from said counterbore resulting in loosening and prevent said first fastener from separating from said first elongated member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Failsafe weld-free method of joining tubular elements

Life of this patent

Failsafe weld-free method of joining tubular elements

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19