초록 ▼

A threaded coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting the ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in fixed releasably locking relationship. First and second coupling members are circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit members to hold them in fluid communicati

A threaded coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting the ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in fixed releasably locking relationship. First and second coupling members are circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit members to hold them in fluid communication. The coupling members are rotatable in a locking direction and in an opposite unlocking direction. The first coupling member has a peripheral facing surface with a pair of annular slots, each of a different length and width. The second coupling member has a lock ring longitudinally slidable thereon with a facing surface having a pair of annular raised locking tabs. Each locking tab is of a predetermined height but of a different length and width which corresponds to the respective length and width of the annular slots. A resilient annular spring urges the lock ring toward the first coupling member so that the locking tabs engage their respective slots when the coupling is tightened to a predetermined extent during rotation in the locking direction to releasably and positively lock the coupling. An indicator stripe is provided on the peripheral edge of the first coupling member which is exposed before the locking tabs and slots are engaged. The indicator stripe is no wider than the height of the locking tabs so that it is covered by the lock ring when the lock ring snaps into locking engagement to provide a visual indication to the mechanic that the coupling assembly is positively locked.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A threaded coupling apparatus for interconnecting ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in a fixed releasable locking relationship, said apparatus comprising:first and second coupling members circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit memb

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A threaded coupling apparatus for interconnecting ends of first and second fluid-carrying conduit members in a fixed releasable locking relationship, said apparatus comprising:first and second coupling members circumferentially engageable with the ends of the conduit members to hold them in fluid communication, said coupling members being rotatable with respect to each other in a locking direction to a locked position and in an opposite unlocking direction to unfasten said coupling apparatus;a peripheral facing surface located on each of said first and second coupling members, one of said peripheral facing surfaces having first complementary locking elements in the form of a first relief of a first configuration and a second relief of a second and different configuration, said second relief being spaced peripherally from said first relief, the other for cooperatively mating with said peripheral facing surface having second complementary locking elements in the form of a first protrusion of said first configuration and a second protrusion for cooperatively mating with said second configuration, said second protrusion being peripherally spaced from said first protrusion so that when said first protrusion is aligned with said first relief, said second protrusion also is aligned with said second relief so that one of said peripheral facing surfaces is movable axially toward the other of said peripheral facing surfaces to snap said first and second protrusions into said first and second reliefs, respectively, to positively lock said first and second coupling members in the fixed rotational position;cooperating threads on said first and second coupling members for moving said first and second peripheral facing surfaces toward each other when said coupling members are rotated with respect to each other to said locked position; anda resilient member adjacent one of said first and second complementary locking elements for urging said peripheral facing surfaces toward each other so that one of said first or second complementary locking elements on one of said peripheral facing surfaces contacts and subsequently locks into the other of said peripheral facing surfaces when said first and second complementary locking elements become aligned to hold them in a fixed rotational and locked position.