Swivel connector for a fluid handling system
OwnerCraig D. Eleyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid handling system is disclosed having a swivel for connecting a stationary fluid source line to a fluid service line that is wound upon a reel. A rotor cap secures the fluid source line and a rotor within the swivel in position, allowing a housing within the swivel to freely rotate with the fluid service line and reel. The swivel is coupled to the fluid source line using a crimping ferrule to eliminate the necessity of predisposing mating components on the fluid source line. The swivel is further provided with seals that reduce the incidence of bunching and tear due to the reduction in drag imposed on the seals.
Claims22
A swivel for connecting fluid lines in a fluid handling system, having at least a reel and an axle, comprising:
- an elongated rotor having first and second ends;
- said first end of said rotor being adapted to be operatively connected to a first fluid line in the fluid handling system;
- a housing having first and second end portions;
- said first end portion of said housing being operatively rotatably connected to the second end of said rotor;
- said second end portion of said housing being adapted to be operatively connected to a second fluid line in the fluid handling system;
- a rotor cap having generally open upper and lower ends, and a sidewall portion extending between said upper and lower ends;
- said lower end of said rotor cap being operatively connected to the axle;
- said upper end of said rotor cap being operatively connected to said rotor;
- and
- at least one locking pin;
- said at least one locking pin being selectively disposable within at least one opening formed in the side portion of said rotor cap so that said at least one locking pin may be releasably engaged with the axle and substantially prevent the movement of said rotor cap with respect to the axle.
A fluid handling system, comprising:
- a rotatable reel upon which a fluid service line can be wound;
- a stationary axle for supporting said rotatable member;
- a swivel having at least a rotator and a housing operatively rotatably coupled to one another;
- said rotator being operatively connected to a fluid source line;
- said housing being operatively connected to said fluid service line;
- a rotor cap having first and second ends operatively removably secured to said axle;
- said rotor being at least partially disposed within said rotor cap and extending at least partially from the second end of said rotor cap;
- a securing member having at least one locking pin extending therefrom;
- said securing member being operatively connected to said rotor cap so that said at least one locking pin extends at least partially through at least one opening formed in said rotor cap and releasably engages said axle to substantially prevent the rotation of said rotor cap with respect to said axle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.