Pipe joints or couplings – Packed – Socket
Utility Patent
1999-07-06
2001-01-02
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Pipe joints or couplings
Packed
Socket
C285S007000, C285S302000, C285S394000, C285S362000
Utility Patent
active
06168212
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a means for adjustably connecting telescopic tubular members. The invention relates more specifically to a twist-lock connector for adjustably interlocking telescopic tubular members. The invention relates even more specifically to a twist-lock connector for adjustably interlocking telescopic vacuum cleaner tubes.
2. Description of Related Art
Various conventional devices exist for connecting telescopic tubes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,941,822 describes a wand lock for a vacuum cleaner in which a retaining catch member in the form of a pin in an inner wand tube extends through a circular opening in the wall of an outer wand tube so as to connect the tubes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,758,023 describes a connection assembly for a vacuum device which permits the connection of two members in a relatively fixed rotational and longitudinal relationship, yet which permits their subsequent disconnection without requiring any specialized tools. In connecting the members, an integral extension portion of a flexible hose member is telescopically inserted into an inlet plug to a predetermined longitudinal stopping point, and then rotated to engage projections on the extension portion with projection-receiving holes in the inlet plug.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,139 describes a tube spring steel tab lock coupling connector for joining together a first tube and a second tube. The connector consists of locking tabs mounted externally on the first tube which trap a return bend on the exterior of the second tube so as to lock the first and second tubes against disconnection.
U. S. Pat. No. 5,401,061 describes a suction pipe coupling mechanism for vacuum cleaners in which a joint pipe is inserted in the connecting end of a second suction pipe. The joint pipe has an elastic sealing member which expands radially outward against the inner periphery of the connecting end of the second suction pipe.
U. S. Pat. No. 5,460,176 describes a positive locking device for connecting an inner cannula with an outer cannula to form a tracheostomy tube device. The device consists of a connector head or connector body having ribs and or lips with catches disposed thereon. Cantilevered members with latch receiving members corresponding to the catches are provided on the component (connector or connector head) not having the rib or lip. Catches and latch receiving members interlock and a securing component is fixed over the connector and connector head to create a positive lock.
While the aforementioned devices may facilitate the connection of the members, a drawback associated with each of the devices is that the connected members have a fixed longitudinal relationship, i.e., a fixed length.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,646 describes an adjustable interlocking telescopic handle and arm assembly. The assembly consists of a first tube having spring-loaded mounting posts which extend through post-receiving holes in a second tube so as to lock the first and second tubes in position. Because the second tube has a plurality of post-receiving holes, the combined length of the tubes can be adjusted. While the combined tube length can be adjusted, the number of positions to which the tubes can be adjusted is not infinite, but rather is limited to those positions defined by the locations of the post-receiving holes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,311 describes an adjustable telescoping wand assembly for vacuum cleaners. The assembly includes a collet which is positioned within a second tube and which encircles a first tube. The collet has a collar, a pair of fingers, a pair of teeth, and an L-shaped slot which defines a flexible section. The inner periphery of the collet also has a longitudinal rib which cooperates with a groove which extends along the length of the outer periphery of the first tube. The longitudinal rib and the groove are necessary to prevent rotation of the first tube in relation to the collet. The first tube is locked in place relative to the second tube by rotating the first tube so as to bring a flexible section of the collet to bear on the outer periphery of the first tube, as the flexible section is urged inwardly by a shelf provided in the second tube.
None of the aforementioned devices, however, provides a connector which not only ensures a secure connection between the tubes, but which is easy to operate and which facilitates an adjustment in the axial length of the telescoping tubular members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a means for adjustably connecting interlocking telescopic tubular members which facilitates both their connection and disconnection., and the adjustment of the axial length of the connected telescoping members, yet which also provides; a secure attachment between the members.
Accordingly, the present invention advantageously relates to a twist-lock connector for adjustably connecting interlocking telescopic tubular members. The twist-lock connector comprises a seating member for attaching to a female end of a first tubular member, and a rotatable member for rotatably mounting on the seating member. The seating member comprises has a cylindrical base portion and first and second arcuate, cantilevered camming members connected to the cylindrical base portion at diametrically opposed positions and projecting from cylindrical base portion in an axial direction relative to the cylindrical base portion. Each of the first and second arcuate, cantilevered camming members has on its inner periphery a seating member camming surface and on its outer periphery a seating member engaging surface. The seating member engaging surfaces engage the outer surface of the second tubular member.
The first and second arcuate cantilever camming members are diametrically opposed to one another relative to the axial direction and together with an outer edge of the cylindrical base portion form an annular engagement groove for receiving the rotatable member. The first and second camming members are spaced apart from each other so as to define first and second gaps, respectively, therebetween and so as to enable their cantilevered ends to flex.
The rotatable member has on its inner periphery first and second rotatable member camming surfaces for engagement with the first and second seating member camming surfaces of the first and second camming members. Each of the first and second rotatable member camming surfaces form gradual camming ramps which terminate in diametrically opposed step portions.
The seating member camming surfaces of the first and second camming members and the first and second rotatable member camming surfaces cooperate with each other such that when the rotatable member is rotated in a first direction relative to the seating member, the twist-lock connector forms a secure connection between the second tubular member and the first tubular member, referred to hereinafter as a state of being locked.
The twist-lock connector is employed by inserting the male end of a second tubular member inside the female end of a first tubular member to which the seating member is attached, and rotating the rotatable member in a first direction until the camming action causes the engaging surface of the camming member to lock by frictionally but releasably engaging the outer surface of the second tubular member. Disconnection of the tubular members is effected by reversing the order of the steps for connection.
The invention further relates to a twist-lock connector comprising an overtightening protection feature. When the rotatable member is rotated in the first direction relative to the seating member by approximately 180°, the lock is released, but without breakage of the twist-lock connector.
Advantages associated with the twist-lock connector include not only the overtightening protection feature, but both the mechanical integrity of the connection between tubular members and the ease of operation of the connector, including the ability to easily adjust the axial length of the telescoping tubular mem
Browne Lynne H.
Malcolm Tomlyne A
Stevens Davis Miller & Mosher L.L.P.
The United Electric Company of Ohio
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