US3705737A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pipe coupling with releasable connector
Assignee: Construction Forms Inc
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Filing: 1971-04-23
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Granted: 1972-12-12
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Expires: 1991-04-23
Abstract
Abstract A coupler unit includes two hemispherical sections having a Ushaped cross-section and opposed radial end faces. A hinge pin connects the one end of the sections with a selected spacing between the opposing faces. A toggle assembly connects the opposite ends and includes a bolt, pivotally attached to a first section and having an outer nut pivotally connected to a handle which extends over the adjacent section. The handle includes an integral cam end corresponding to a cam surface on the second section to provide a cam action in response to engagement and pivotal movement of the handle. An operating handle extends over the coupler sections with a central integrally formed enlargement extending inwardly between a pair of walls with the enlargement resting on the section. The enlargement and walls have aligned openings to receive a locking pin.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Westerlund
- 👤 Herbert A Westerlund
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:36
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L23/00; F16L23/04; F16L23/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/14; Y10T24/1412; Y10T24/1418; Y10T24/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
264 words
A coupling unit for interconnecting of a pair of pipe sections comprising a plurality of coupling sections interconnected to define a cylindrical enclosure in closed position for encircling the adjacent ends of a pair of conduit means, said sections being interconnected to each other and including at least one hinged joint permitting relative pivotal movement of the sections to the opposite sides of the hinge joint between an open expanded position for insertion and removal of the conduit means and the closed circular position, a releasable interconnecting two piece latch means interconnected to a pair of adjacent sections opposite said hinge joint and having an interconnecting handle pivoted between a coupling release position and a coupling close position to establish said closed circular position with a relatively high closing pressure, said handle having a generally arcuate configuration and pivotally mounted adjacent one end and extending circumferentially from said latch means about the coupling sections in the close position with the outer end of the handle located substantially in excess of one-quarter of the circumference from said latch means, said handle and aligned coupling sections including spacing means extending radially of the coupling sections and engaged with the handle pivoted to the closed position, said spacing means being located in substantial spaced relation to the free outer end of said handle and to said latch means and locating said outer end in substantial spaced relation to the sections to define a freely engageable multiple finger engaging portion defined by an inner surface substantially concentric to the adjacent coupling sections between said handle and said coupling.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
264 words
A coupling unit for interconnecting of a pair of pipe sections comprising a plurality of coupling sections interconnected to define a cylindrical enclosure in closed position for encircling the adjacent ends of a pair of conduit means, said sections being interconnected to each other and including at least one hinged joint permitting relative pivotal movement of the sections to the opposite sides of the hinge joint between an open expanded position for insertion and removal of the conduit means and the closed circular position, a releasable interconnecting two piece latch means interconnected to a pair of adjacent sections opposite said hinge joint and having an interconnecting handle pivoted between a coupling release position and a coupling close position to establish said closed circular position with a relatively high closing pressure, said handle having a generally arcuate configuration and pivotally mounted adjacent one end and extending circumferentially from said latch means about the coupling sections in the close position with the outer end of the handle located substantially in excess of one-quarter of the circumference from said latch means, said handle and aligned coupling sections including spacing means extending radially of the coupling sections and engaged with the handle pivoted to the closed position, said spacing means being located in substantial spaced relation to the free outer end of said handle and to said latch means and locating said outer end in substantial spaced relation to the sections to define a freely engageable multiple finger engaging portion defined by an inner surface substantially concentric to the adjacent coupling sections between said handle and said coupling.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said spacing means includes radially overlapping members secured one to said handle and one to the coupling section, and locking means releasably connected to said overlapping members to hold the handle in the close position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
The coupling unit of claim 1, wherein said plurality of coupling sections includes a pair of semi-circular sections connected by said hinge joint at one end, said latch means including a first member pivotally connected to a first of said sections and a cam member connected to the second of said sections, said handle being connected to said first pivotally mounted section and adopted to engage said member of the second section, said handle being pivoted to said first member and having a cam portion selectively engageable with said cam member and pivoting on said cam member between said close and release positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said handle includes an integral enlargement extending inwardly from the handle toward the coupling section and engaged therewith with the handle pivoted to the closed position to thereby define said spacing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The coupling unit of claim 4 wherein said handle extends circumferentially about the coupling for a distance such that the handle spans substantially one-half of the coupling unit, said enlargement being located generally centrally of said handle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The coupling unit of claim 5 wherein said coupling section adjacent said handle includes an upward extending bracket aligned with said enlargement in the closed position, said flange and said enlargement having corresponding aligned openings in the closed position to permit insertion of a releasable coupling pin and positively locking of the handle in the closed poSition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said plurality of coupling sections includes a pair of similar semi-circular members having opposed planar radial circumferential end faces, one end of said sections being interconnected by said latch means, the opposite end of said segments being pivotally interconnected by said hinged joint and including a hinge pin lying in the common plane between the two sections, said hinge pin being mounted to positively prevent engagement of the opposing end faces of the sections adjacent such hinge pin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
125 words
The coupling unit of claim 1 wherein said latch means includes a pin member pivotally secured to the first coupling and having a locking position extended past said cam portion, a cam member being secured to said second coupling section and including an exterior circumferential cam surface, said handle being pivotally secured to the outermost end of said pivotally mounted pin member and including a cam arm engageable with said cam portion with pivotal movement relative to said cam portion selectively releasing and closing of the coupling sections, said handle extending circumferentially about the coupling for a distance such that the handle spans substantially one-half of the coupling unit, said spacing means being an enlargement on said handle being located generally centrally of said handle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
The coupling unit of claim 8, wherein said coupling section adjacent said handle includes an upward extending bracket aligned with said enlargement in the close position of the handle, said flange and said enlargement having corresponding aligned openings in the closed position to permit insertion of a releasable coupling pin and positively locking of the handle in the closed position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-12-12 | 1976-06-12 | 1976-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-12 | 1980-06-12 | 1980-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-12 | 1984-06-12 | 1984-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |