Pipe joints or couplings – Essential catch
Reexamination Certificate
2001-09-27
2003-07-08
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Pipe joints or couplings
Essential catch
C285S382000, C285S321000, C285S347000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06588805
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to coupling assemblies, and more particularly to coupling adapters and coupling assemblies including a coupling adapter.
BACKGROUND ART
Coupling assemblies comprised of male and female members are known in the art. Conventional adapters for coupling assemblies, such as hydraulic steel adapters, typically include a threaded portion that is configured to engage an appropriately threaded port of a mating female member. The adapter and mating female member together form a female coupling assembly for engaging a corresponding male coupling member that is suitable for both low-pressure and high-pressure coupling applications. Such threaded adapters and female ports generally require the use of more complex or involved machining techniques, which can be costly and/or inefficient to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an adapter for a coupling assembly that may be “press fit” or otherwise conventionally retained within a non-threaded port of a female member.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a preassembled, high-pressure coupling interface adapter is provided that includes a generally cylindrically-shaped metal body having a central longitudinal channel and an inner and outer surface. The body further includes an external segment having an external end and an internal segment having an internal end, the internal segment configured for receipt within a non-threaded port of the female member. The central longitudinal channel of the body extends from the external end to the internal end and the inner surface of the body is configured to engage and secure a separate male coupling member. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the internal segment of the body includes a fit portion that engages an internal surface of the non-threaded port of the female member.
When securely retained within the female member, the adapter and female member comprise a female coupling assembly for engaging a corresponding male coupling member that is suitable for both low-pressure and high-pressure coupling applications. Further, depending upon the circumstances and intended environment, the adapter may be designed and configured with features for quick-connect and/or disconnect from a corresponding male coupling member.
Among other advantages, the present invention provides an adapter that may be “press fit” or otherwise conventionally retained within a non-threaded port of a female member, thereby eliminating the need to machine a thread. Further, an adapter of the type taught by the present invention can provide a means to connect male coupling members to ports that have lesser material strength and/or have a more porous nature than traditional adapters. The present invention also lends itself to the retrofitting of current coupling assemblies to provide, when appropriate and desired, a quick-connect and/or releasable coupling assembly.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4294473 (1981-10-01), Ekman
patent: 5226682 (1993-07-01), Marrison et al.
patent: 5419594 (1995-05-01), Nelms
patent: 5553895 (1996-09-01), Karl et al.
patent: 5673945 (1997-10-01), Olson
patent: 5681061 (1997-10-01), Olson
patent: 6170887 (2001-01-01), Salomon-Bahls et al.
patent: 6183020 (2001-02-01), Luft
patent: 6186557 (2001-02-01), Funk
patent: 7817051 (1980-08-01), None
patent: 0947759 (1999-10-01), None
Densel David S.
Faber Richard
Karl Terry L.
Persohn Matthew M.
Van Riper Philip C.
Browne Lynne H.
Dunwoody Aaron
Eaton Aeroquip Inc.
LandOfFree
Coupling adapter and assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Coupling adapter and assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Coupling adapter and assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3100803