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A ball and socket misalignment coupling includes a socket flange, ball member, retaining flange, threaded studs, and threaded retaining rings of limited shear strength. The threaded retaining rings function to permit the coupling to be pre-assembled. When the pre-assembled coupling is installed into

A ball and socket misalignment coupling includes a socket flange, ball member, retaining flange, threaded studs, and threaded retaining rings of limited shear strength. The threaded retaining rings function to permit the coupling to be pre-assembled. When the pre-assembled coupling is installed into service by using the threaded studs and associated nuts to bolt the coupling to a standard flange, the threaded rings are stripped out and remain in the assembly without obstructing the function of the coupling. The threaded retaining rings fit into recesses in the flanges through which the studs insert. The threaded retaining rings may made as a single-piece construction made from a material that has a yield and shear strength lower than that of the threaded studs about which they are mounted, or may be made as a two-piece threaded ring having inner threaded portion and a separate outer portion, each with differing material construction. The materials of the two pieces preferably are selected so that once the threaded region strips, the outer geometry can be used as a standard washer.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A swivel joint, comprising:a socket flange having a substantially spherical inside surface; a ball member having a substantially spherical outside surface that engages the substantially spherical inside surface of said socket flange; a retainer flange that engages said ball member opposite said s

1. A swivel joint, comprising:a socket flange having a substantially spherical inside surface; a ball member having a substantially spherical outside surface that engages the substantially spherical inside surface of said socket flange; a retainer flange that engages said ball member opposite said socket flange; a set of threaded studs and associated nuts to couple said socket flange to said retaining flange, thereby securing said ball member therebetween; a plurality of threaded retaining rings through which said threaded studs threadedly insert to help hold together said socket flange, ball member and retainer flange; and each of said plurality of threaded retaining rings having an inner threaded portion that engages the threads of the inserted threaded stud, the inner threaded portion strips away at a predetermined load that is lower than the load on said threaded studs when said associated nuts are tightened to lock the swivel joint.