Joints and connections – Member ends joined by inserted section – Section threaded to member
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-31
2003-11-25
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3676)
Joints and connections
Member ends joined by inserted section
Section threaded to member
C403S315000, C403S316000, C403S340000, C403S348000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06652180
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to couplings and, more particularly, to load-bearing quick-disconnect couplings used on an assembly line.
On an assembly line, components undergo various operations. To facilitate at least one operation at a station on the assembly line each component is connected to a mobile hanger. For example, a mobile hanger facilitates lifting and positioning components for coating or dipping. Component orientation is controlled by the hanger during dipping operations so that the component receives a predetermined coating at a desired orientation of the component. The component is then disconnected from the hanger and moved to the next station in the assembly process. Coupling and uncoupling components may be a time-consuming and laborious process.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a coupling is provided for removably coupling a component to a hanger. The coupling includes a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member. The first cylindrical member includes a first end and a second end. The first end attaches to the component and the second end includes a pair of extending portions including a first pair of opposed tabs. The second cylindrical member includes a first end and a second end. The second member first end attaches to the hanger, and includes a pair of circumferentially opposed sections that define a cavity. The second member first end also includes a pair of circumferential openings and a pair of opposed notches. The cavity is sized to receive the first cylindrical member second end therein, and the pair of circumferential openings are sized to receive the first cylindrical member second end extending portions. The second cylindrical member second end opposed notches are sized to receive the first cylindrical member second end opposed tabs, such that the component is supportable from the hanger. The tabs are configured to prevent independent movement of the component relative to the hanger.
In another aspect, a coupling assembly including a component, a hanger, a first member, and a second member is provided. The first member includes a first end, a second end, and a body. The first member first end attaches to the component, and the second end includes a pair of extending portions including a first pair of tabs. The second member includes a first end, a second end, and a body. The second member first end attaches to the hanger, and the second member second end includes a pair of circumferentially opposed sections that define a cavity, a pair of circumferential openings, and a first pair of opposed notches. The cavity is sized to receive the first member body, and the pair of circumferential openings are sized to receive the first member pair of extending portions. The pair of opposed notches are sized to receive the pair of opposed tabs such that a gap is defined between the first member body and the second member body. The tabs are configured to prevent rotation of the component independent of the hanger.
REFERENCES:
patent: 535278 (1895-03-01), Downing
patent: 805674 (1905-11-01), Senderling
patent: 1403201 (1922-01-01), Shaw
patent: 1420639 (1922-06-01), Sturgis
patent: 3927760 (1975-12-01), McCall
patent: 4353203 (1982-10-01), Lotoski
patent: 4986690 (1991-01-01), Cooksey
patent: 5018901 (1991-05-01), Ferree et al.
patent: 5286129 (1994-02-01), French et al.
patent: 5407293 (1995-04-01), Crainich
patent: 5452924 (1995-09-01), Kujawski
patent: 5586792 (1996-12-01), Kalahasthy
patent: 5607251 (1997-03-01), Rafn
patent: 5626435 (1997-05-01), Wohlhuter
patent: 5655692 (1997-08-01), Navin et al.
patent: 5743670 (1998-04-01), Ader
patent: 6126359 (2000-10-01), Dittrich
patent: 6151810 (2000-11-01), Mukai
Foreman Bradley Howard
Kowalczyk Keith Richard
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
General Electric Co.
Herkamp Nathan D.
Knight Anthony
Kyle Michael J.
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for load-bearing coupling does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for load-bearing coupling, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for load-bearing coupling will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3144951