US4026584A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coupling for conduits
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-10-16
•
Granted: 1977-05-31
•
Expires: 1995-10-16
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a device having utility to easily couple in abutting relationship an end of each of two conduits, for instance. The device includes a sleeve means adapted and constructed to encompass the outer end portions of each of two tubular conduits. The sleeve has positioned therein essentially co-extensive thereof a tubular shaped member constructed of an elastomeric material. The elastomeric member is secured to the sleeve only at the ends thereof thereby defining an annular material receiving area between the inner surface of said sleeve and the outer surface of the elastomeric member. The sleeve has valve means for effecting communication to said material receiving area. Material under pressure may be introduced through the valve means to thereby expand the material receiving area while at the same time causing the elastomeric member to thrust inwardly in the direction of the encompassed ends of the respective conduits. The conduits are thereby embraced in leak-proof coupling arrangement either temporarily or permanently as desired depending upon the nature of the pressurizing material.
Inventors
- 👤 Grayson Lowe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:59
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L17/00; F16L17/10; F16L21/00; F16L21/002; F16L21/005; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S285/00; Y10S285/915
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
304 words
A device for coupling end portions of two substantially axially aligned conduits having preselected essentially identical outer diameters with respect to said end portions and wherein said end portions are sealing encompassed by said device, comprising a sleeve, said sleeve having a bore therethrough, said bore having an axially inwardly facing cylindrical wall, a tubular elastomeric member positioned internally in said bore, said tubular elastomeric member having an internal diameter along its substantial length greater than the external diameter of said end portions of said preselected conduits, said tubular elastomeric member having a periphery with an outer diameter whereby its peripheral surface lies in intimate confrontation with the said wall of said bore, said tubular elastomeric member being adapted and constructed to normally and resiliently tensionally extend radially and outwardly against the said wall of said bore, and means sealingly attaching said tubular elastomeric member circumferentially only to circumferential end portions of said sleeve, that portion of said wall of said sleeve and said peripheral surface of the tubular member free of attachment one to the other define a relatively sealed evacuated expandable annular zone, normally closed valve means secured to said sleeve adapted and constructed to provide communication through said sleeve into said zone when said valve means is in an open condition for the introduction of pressurized fluid to expand said zone thereby urging tensioningly, inwardly and radially a substantial portion of said elastomeric member thereby effecting sealing engagement of said tubular elastomeric member against the respective end portions of said axially aligned conduits, said valve when in a closed condition retaining said introduced fluid within said zone to maintain said engagement, when said valve is in an open condition, said tubular elastomeric member expels said pressurized fluid when in a fluid condition through said valve to thereby assume its normal condition.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
304 words
A device for coupling end portions of two substantially axially aligned conduits having preselected essentially identical outer diameters with respect to said end portions and wherein said end portions are sealing encompassed by said device, comprising a sleeve, said sleeve having a bore therethrough, said bore having an axially inwardly facing cylindrical wall, a tubular elastomeric member positioned internally in said bore, said tubular elastomeric member having an internal diameter along its substantial length greater than the external diameter of said end portions of said preselected conduits, said tubular elastomeric member having a periphery with an outer diameter whereby its peripheral surface lies in intimate confrontation with the said wall of said bore, said tubular elastomeric member being adapted and constructed to normally and resiliently tensionally extend radially and outwardly against the said wall of said bore, and means sealingly attaching said tubular elastomeric member circumferentially only to circumferential end portions of said sleeve, that portion of said wall of said sleeve and said peripheral surface of the tubular member free of attachment one to the other define a relatively sealed evacuated expandable annular zone, normally closed valve means secured to said sleeve adapted and constructed to provide communication through said sleeve into said zone when said valve means is in an open condition for the introduction of pressurized fluid to expand said zone thereby urging tensioningly, inwardly and radially a substantial portion of said elastomeric member thereby effecting sealing engagement of said tubular elastomeric member against the respective end portions of said axially aligned conduits, said valve when in a closed condition retaining said introduced fluid within said zone to maintain said engagement, when said valve is in an open condition, said tubular elastomeric member expels said pressurized fluid when in a fluid condition through said valve to thereby assume its normal condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the tubular elastomeric member has an inwardly extending annular flange adapted and constructed to longitudinally position said end portions of said conduits in axially spaced relationship with said device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said tubular elastomeric member diminishes in thickness from substantially the ends thereof in the direction of said flange whereby an annular space is defined between the outer peripheral end portions of said conduits and the tubular elastomeric member when said zone has not been expanded.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The coupling device of claim 1 wherein said means sealingly attaching said tubular elastomeric member to said sleeve includes inwardly deformed outer circumferential end portions of said sleeve engaging and compressing the outer circumferential end portions of said tubular elastomeric member against said sleeve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The coupling device of claim 4 wherein said means sealingly attaching said tubular elastomeric number to said sleeve includes sealing means at substantially the end portions of said sleeve and said tubular elastomeric member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The coupling device of claim 1 wherein said valve means is a pressure sensitive valve normally urged closed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The coupling device of claim 1 wherein said fluid is a gas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The coupling device of claim 1 wherein said fluid is a liquid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The coupling device of claim 8 wherein said liquid is a solidifier in situ.
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) | 1980-05-30 | 1980-11-29 | 1981-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-30 | 1984-11-29 | 1985-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-30 | 1988-11-29 | 1989-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |