US3820829A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupling having a solid locking ring
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1972-08-29
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Granted: 1974-06-28
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Expires: 1992-08-29
Abstract
Abstract A flexible coupling for interconnecting tubular members having outwardly tapered ends includes a cylindrical member or bellows having an end portion in generally mating relation with the tapered end of each tubular member, a respective solid locking ring having a tapered inner surface being arranged to encircle each end of the bellows and being urged axially into locking engagement with the tapered tubular member.
Inventors
- 👤 R Hasselbacher
- 👤 W Budds
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:52
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01N; F01N13/00; F01N13/18; F01N13/1805; F01N13/1811; F16; F16L; F16L51/00; F16L51/02; F16L51/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
A flexible coupling for interconnecting two tubular members formed of hard material and having generally axially aligned tapered ends, comprising a bellows having a cylindrical end portion of ductile material generally mating relation with the tapered end of each tubular member, and a solid locking ring of resilient material encircling each end portion of the bellows, each ring being urged axially into locking engagement with the tapered end of the respective tubular member, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface of each ring being tapered to form an inwardly directed annular apex for engaging the end portion of the bellows, each locking ring being sized for a tight fit with the end portion of the bellows arranged upon the tapered end of the tubular member, the resilience and cross-sectional configuration of the locking rings being selected to permit inversion of each locking ring as it is axially urged into locking engagement with the end portion of the bellows and the tapered end of the tubular member, the lockiNg ring thereafter tending to return to its uninverted condition and urge the end portion of the bellows into close engagement with the tapered end of the tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
A flexible coupling for interconnecting two tubular members formed of hard material and having generally axially aligned tapered ends, comprising a bellows having a cylindrical end portion of ductile material generally mating relation with the tapered end of each tubular member, and a solid locking ring of resilient material encircling each end portion of the bellows, each ring being urged axially into locking engagement with the tapered end of the respective tubular member, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface of each ring being tapered to form an inwardly directed annular apex for engaging the end portion of the bellows, each locking ring being sized for a tight fit with the end portion of the bellows arranged upon the tapered end of the tubular member, the resilience and cross-sectional configuration of the locking rings being selected to permit inversion of each locking ring as it is axially urged into locking engagement with the end portion of the bellows and the tapered end of the tubular member, the lockiNg ring thereafter tending to return to its uninverted condition and urge the end portion of the bellows into close engagement with the tapered end of the tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The coupling of claim 1 further comprising a shoulder formed on each tubular member adjacent its tapered end to limit axial travel of the respective locking ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The coupling of claim 1 wherein the tapered inner cylindrical surface of each locking ring is of substantially greater inclination than the tapered end of the respective tubular member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The coupling of claim 3 wherein the inner cylindrical surface of each locking ring has a double taper forming an annular apex for engagement with the respective cylindrical end portion of the bellows.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The coupling of claim 3 wherein the tapered inner cylindrical surface of each locking ring has an inclination of generally 15* and the tapered end of each tubular member has an inclination of generally 3* .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The coupling of claim 5 wherein the cylindrical end portions of the bellows also have an inclination of generally 3* .
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The coupling of claim 1 wherein the tubular members are portions of an engine exhaust manifold assembly, the bellows and locking rings being formed of metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The coupling of claim 7 wherein the inner cylindrical surface of each locking ring has a double taper forming an annular apex for engagement with the respective cylindrical end portion of the bellows.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
172 words
A coupling for connection to a tubular member of hard material and having a tapered end, comprising a cylindrical member of generally ductile material being sized for encircling engagement with the tapered member, and a solid resilient locking ring encircling an end of the cylindrical member and sized for locking engagement with the cylindrical member and the tapered tubular member, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface of the ring being tapered to form an inwardly directed annular apex for engagement with the cylindrical member, the locking ring being sized for a tight fit with the cylindrical member arranged upon the tapered end of the tubular member, the resilience and cross-sectional configuration of the locking ring being selected to permit inversion of the locking ring as it is axially urged into locking engagement with the cylindrical member and the tapered end of the tubular member, the locking ring thereafter tending to return to its uninverted condition and urge the cylindrical member into close engagement with the tapered end of the tubular member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
172 words
A coupling for connection to a tubular member of hard material and having a tapered end, comprising a cylindrical member of generally ductile material being sized for encircling engagement with the tapered member, and a solid resilient locking ring encircling an end of the cylindrical member and sized for locking engagement with the cylindrical member and the tapered tubular member, a portion of the inner cylindrical surface of the ring being tapered to form an inwardly directed annular apex for engagement with the cylindrical member, the locking ring being sized for a tight fit with the cylindrical member arranged upon the tapered end of the tubular member, the resilience and cross-sectional configuration of the locking ring being selected to permit inversion of the locking ring as it is axially urged into locking engagement with the cylindrical member and the tapered end of the tubular member, the locking ring thereafter tending to return to its uninverted condition and urge the cylindrical member into close engagement with the tapered end of the tubular member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The coupling of claim 9 wherein the coupling is subject to high temperatures, the cylindrical member and locking ring being formed from metal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The coupling of claim 9 wherein the tapered end of said tubular member includes means defining an annular groove disposed for radial alignment with said annular apex when said locking ring is disposed in locking engagement with the tapered end of the tubular member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-27 | 1977-12-27 | 1978-06-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | 1982-06-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |