Patent US4919453A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4919453A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low profile V-coupling
Assignee: Eaton Corp
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Filing: 1989-06-21
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Granted: 1990-04-24
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Expires: 2009-06-21
Abstract
Abstract A device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes comprising a pair of retaining members, each having a V-shaped groove for receiving a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes. The retaining members are pivotally coupled at one of their ends by a single hinge and releasably coupled at their opposite ends by an over-center latch mechanism. The over-center latch mechanism employs a compression bolt and nut to maintain a low profile. The over-center latch mechanism also has primary and secondary link members, the latter preventing the coupling from completely separating should the primary link members fail.
Inventors
- 👤 Horace P. Halling
- 👤 Thomas S. Oh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:13
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L23/00; F16L23/04; F16L23/08; F16L23/10; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T24/00; Y10T24/14; Y10T24/1412; Y10T24/1418; Y10T24/1441
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
233 words
A device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes, the combination comprising: first and second arcuate retaining means, each of said arcuate retaining means having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface, said inner surface including a groove extending between said first and second ends and adapted to receive a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes; means, coupled to said first ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for pivotally coupling said first ends together; and means, coupled to said second ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for coupling said second ends together and for radially inwardly moving said first and second arcuate retaining means into intimate contact with the peripheral flanges of the pipes; said means for coupling and moving comprising an over-center coupling mechanism having a compression bolt for tightening said first and second retaining means about the peripheral flanges of the pipes, said means for coupling and moving including a primary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said second end of one of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said compression bolt so that, when said coupling device is tightly secured to the flanges of the pipes, said primary link overlies a portion of the flanges of the pipes, thereby minimizing the radial size of said coupling device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
233 words
A device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes, the combination comprising: first and second arcuate retaining means, each of said arcuate retaining means having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface, said inner surface including a groove extending between said first and second ends and adapted to receive a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes; means, coupled to said first ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for pivotally coupling said first ends together; and means, coupled to said second ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for coupling said second ends together and for radially inwardly moving said first and second arcuate retaining means into intimate contact with the peripheral flanges of the pipes; said means for coupling and moving comprising an over-center coupling mechanism having a compression bolt for tightening said first and second retaining means about the peripheral flanges of the pipes, said means for coupling and moving including a primary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said second end of one of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said compression bolt so that, when said coupling device is tightly secured to the flanges of the pipes, said primary link overlies a portion of the flanges of the pipes, thereby minimizing the radial size of said coupling device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
A device for coupling according to claim 1, wherein each of said opposite ends of said secondary link have an opening through which a pin passes for pivotally coupling said opposite ends of said secondary link to said second end of one of said retaining means and to said compression bolt, said openings being sized to allow said primary link to fail a predetermined amount and thereafter to prevent said coupling device from further loosening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device for coupling according to claim 1, wherein said means for pivotally coupling includes said first ends of said first and second retaining means, each having a fork member, each of said fork members being offset from the centering line of said first and second retaining means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device for coupling according to claim 3, wherein each of said fork members includes two prongs, one of said prongs having an opening therethrough and the other of said prongs having a pin extending perpendicular thereto, each of said pins extending through one of said openings in the opposing fork member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
69 words
A device for coupling according to claim 1, wherein one of said second ends of said arcuate members has a pair of pins extending parallel to the pair of pipes, with a portion of said pins overlying a portion of said flanges to minimize the radial extent of the coupling, said pins pivotally coupling said over-center coupling mechanism to said one of said second ends of said arcuate members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device for coupling according to claim 1, wherein said compression bolt is generally tangentially oriented to the peripheral flanges of the pair of pipes.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
205 words
A device for coupling the peripheral end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, said retaining means having first and second ends; and means for tightly coupling said first end to said second end, said means for tightly coupling comprising a primary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said first end of said retaining means; a compression bolt engaging said second end of said retaining means; a nut pivotally secured to the other end of said primary link and adjustably retained on said compression bolt for tightening said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes; and a secondary link having opposite ends, and means for pivotally coupling one of said secondary link opposite ends to said first end of said retaining means and for pivotally coupling the other of said secondary link opposite ends to said nut, so that, when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes, said secondary link overlying said primary link.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
205 words
A device for coupling the peripheral end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, said retaining means having first and second ends; and means for tightly coupling said first end to said second end, said means for tightly coupling comprising a primary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said first end of said retaining means; a compression bolt engaging said second end of said retaining means; a nut pivotally secured to the other end of said primary link and adjustably retained on said compression bolt for tightening said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes; and a secondary link having opposite ends, and means for pivotally coupling one of said secondary link opposite ends to said first end of said retaining means and for pivotally coupling the other of said secondary link opposite ends to said nut, so that, when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes, said secondary link overlying said primary link.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
89 words
A device for coupling according to claim 7, wherein said means for pivotally coupling one of said secondary link opposite ends and for pivotally coupling the other of said secondary link opposite ends includes a first opening at one of said opposite ends, a second opening at the other of said opposite ends, a first pin pivotally received in said first opening and having a diameter smaller than said first opening, a second pin pivotally received in said second opening and having a diameter smaller than said second opening.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device for coupling according to claim 7, wherein said primary and secondary links overlie a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes so that the radius of said coupling device is minimized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device for coupling according to claim 7, wherein said compression bolt engages a stop on said second end of said retaining means and is positioned so as to form an over-center coupling means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device for coupling according to claim 7, wherein said nut is a trunnion nut having a pair of rigidly coupled pins extending parallel to the pair of pipes for pivotally coupling said primary and secondary links.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
353 words
A device for coupling the peripheral end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, said retaining means having first and second ends; and means for tightly coupling said first end to said second end, said means for coupling comprising a primary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said first end of said retaining means; a compression bolt engaging said second end of said retaining means; a nut pivotally secured to the other end of said primary link and adjustably retained on said compression bolt for tightening said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes; and a secondary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said first end of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said nut, and when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes, said primary link including a pair of link members, each having opposite ends with an opening through which a pin passes for pivotally coupling said link members to said first end of said retaining means and to said nut; and said secondary link includes a pair of link members, each having opposite ends with an opening therethrough, said secondary link members overlying said primary link members, with said pins being received in said openings of said secondary link members. said means for coupling and moving further including a secondary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said second end of one of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said compression bolt so as to overlie said primary link, and when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said first and second retaining means around the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
353 words
A device for coupling the peripheral end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, said retaining means having first and second ends; and means for tightly coupling said first end to said second end, said means for coupling comprising a primary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said first end of said retaining means; a compression bolt engaging said second end of said retaining means; a nut pivotally secured to the other end of said primary link and adjustably retained on said compression bolt for tightening said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes; and a secondary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said first end of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said nut, and when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes, said primary link including a pair of link members, each having opposite ends with an opening through which a pin passes for pivotally coupling said link members to said first end of said retaining means and to said nut; and said secondary link includes a pair of link members, each having opposite ends with an opening therethrough, said secondary link members overlying said primary link members, with said pins being received in said openings of said secondary link members. said means for coupling and moving further including a secondary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said second end of one of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said compression bolt so as to overlie said primary link, and when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said first and second retaining means around the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device for coupling according to claim 12, wherein said openings of said secondary link members are sized to allow said primary link members to fail a predetermined amount and thereafter to prevent said coupling device from further loosening.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device for coupling according to claim 12, wherein said link members of said primary and secondary links overlie a portion of the peripheral flanges of said pipes so that the radius of said coupling device is minimized.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
178 words
A low profile coupling for axially joining end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, said retaining means having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface; and means for tightly coupling said first end to said second end, said means for tightly coupling comprising a primary link coupled at one end to one end of said arcuate retaining means and coupled at its other end to a nut and a bolt, said primary link overlying a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes when said arcuate retaining means is tightly coupled around the pipes so that the distance from the center of the pipes to the outer radial extent of said means for coupling is minimized, said means for coupling further including a secondary link that overlies said primary link so that when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
178 words
A low profile coupling for axially joining end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, said retaining means having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface; and means for tightly coupling said first end to said second end, said means for tightly coupling comprising a primary link coupled at one end to one end of said arcuate retaining means and coupled at its other end to a nut and a bolt, said primary link overlying a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes when said arcuate retaining means is tightly coupled around the pipes so that the distance from the center of the pipes to the outer radial extent of said means for coupling is minimized, said means for coupling further including a secondary link that overlies said primary link so that when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said retaining means around the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
62 words
A low profile coupling according to claim 15, wherein the distance from the center of the pipe to said outer radial extent of said coupling means and the distance from the center of the pipe to said outer circumferential surface of said retaining means has a ratio ranging from 1.80 for one inch diameter pipe to 1.18 for six inch diameter pipe.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
46 words
A low profile coupling according to claim 15, wherein said primary link comprises a pair of link members which overlie a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipe so that the peripheral flanges are positioned between said link members when tightly coupled around the pipes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
A low profile coupling according to claim 15, wherein said retaining means further comprises a first retaining member, a second retaining member, and means for pivoting said first and second retaining members relative to one another; said means for pivoting including a fork member extending from each of said retaining members, said fork members being offset from the center line of said retaining members.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
52 words
A low profile coupling according to claim 18, wherein each of said fork members includes two prongs, one of said prongs having an opening therethrough and the other of said prongs having a pin extending perpendicular thereto, each of said pins extending through one of said openings in the opposing fork member.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
32 words
A low profile coupling according to claim 15, wherein said means for coupling is an over-center coupling means having said bolt arranged in compression and engaging a stop in said retaining means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
189 words
A low-profile coupling for axially joining end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, a first end and a second end; and means for tightly and releasably coupling said first and second ends of said arcuate retaining means comprising an over-center coupling mechanism having a compression bolt with its load line oriented substantially tangentially to the flanges of the pipes for tightening said arcuate retaining means about the flanges of the pipes, a primary link having first and second ends, first means for pivotally coupling said first end of said primary link to said first end of said arcuate retaining means, said first means overlying a portion of said end flanges, and second means for pivotally coupling said second end of said primary link to said compression bolt, said primary link having a load line extending between said first and second means, whereby, when said arcuate retaining means is tightly coupled about the flanges of the pipes, said load line of said primary link is oriented substantially tangentially to the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
189 words
A low-profile coupling for axially joining end flanges of a pair of pipes, comprising: arcuate retaining means having an inner circumferential groove for circumscribing the flanges of the pipes, a first end and a second end; and means for tightly and releasably coupling said first and second ends of said arcuate retaining means comprising an over-center coupling mechanism having a compression bolt with its load line oriented substantially tangentially to the flanges of the pipes for tightening said arcuate retaining means about the flanges of the pipes, a primary link having first and second ends, first means for pivotally coupling said first end of said primary link to said first end of said arcuate retaining means, said first means overlying a portion of said end flanges, and second means for pivotally coupling said second end of said primary link to said compression bolt, said primary link having a load line extending between said first and second means, whereby, when said arcuate retaining means is tightly coupled about the flanges of the pipes, said load line of said primary link is oriented substantially tangentially to the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
270 words
A device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes, the combination comprising: first and second arcuate retaining means, each of said arcuate retaining means having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface, said inner surface including a groove extending between said first and second ends and adapted to receive a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes; means, coupled to said first ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for pivotally coupling said first ends together; and means, coupled to said second ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for coupling said second ends together and for radially inwardly moving said first and second arcuate retaining means into intimate contact with the peripheral flanges of the pipes; said means for coupling and moving comprising an over-center coupling mechanism having a compression bolt with its load line oriented substantially tangentially to the peripheral flanges of the pipes for tightening said first and second retaining means about the peripheral flanges of the pipes, and a primary link having first means for pivotally coupling a first end of said primary link to said second end of said first arcuate retaining means and second means for pivotally coupling a second end of said primary link to said compression bolt, said primary link having a load line extending between said first and second means for pivotally coupling, whereby, when said first and second arcuate retaining means are tightly coupled about the peripheral flanges of the pipes, said load line of said primary link is oriented substantially tangentially to the peripheral flanges of the pipes.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
270 words
A device for coupling the peripheral flanges of a pair of pipes, the combination comprising: first and second arcuate retaining means, each of said arcuate retaining means having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface, said inner surface including a groove extending between said first and second ends and adapted to receive a portion of the peripheral flanges of the pipes; means, coupled to said first ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for pivotally coupling said first ends together; and means, coupled to said second ends of said first and second arcuate retaining means, for coupling said second ends together and for radially inwardly moving said first and second arcuate retaining means into intimate contact with the peripheral flanges of the pipes; said means for coupling and moving comprising an over-center coupling mechanism having a compression bolt with its load line oriented substantially tangentially to the peripheral flanges of the pipes for tightening said first and second retaining means about the peripheral flanges of the pipes, and a primary link having first means for pivotally coupling a first end of said primary link to said second end of said first arcuate retaining means and second means for pivotally coupling a second end of said primary link to said compression bolt, said primary link having a load line extending between said first and second means for pivotally coupling, whereby, when said first and second arcuate retaining means are tightly coupled about the peripheral flanges of the pipes, said load line of said primary link is oriented substantially tangentially to the peripheral flanges of the pipes.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device for coupling according to claim 22, wherein said primary link overlies a portion of the flanges of the pipes, thereby minimizing the radial size of said coupling device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
99 words
A device for coupling according to claim 23, wherein said means for coupling and moving further includes a secondary link having opposite ends, one end being pivotally coupled to said second end of one of said retaining means and the other end being pivotally coupled to said compression bolt so as to overlie said primary link, and when said primary link is in tension, said secondary link is unloaded, but when said primary link fails, said secondary link becomes tensioned and limits the amount of loosening of said first and second retaining means around the flanges of the pipes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
75 words
A device for coupling according to claim 24, wherein each of said opposite ends of said secondary link has an opening through which a pin passes for pivotally coupling said opposite ends of said secondary link to said second end of one of said retaining means and to said compression bolt, said openings being sized to allow said primary link to fail a predetermined amount and thereafter to prevent said coupling device from further loosening.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-23 | 1993-10-23 | 1994-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-23 | 1997-10-23 | 1998-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-23 | 2001-10-23 | 2002-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |