U.S. patent application number 12/898059 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for coupling.
This patent application is currently assigned to Allegheny Coupling Company. Invention is credited to Gary M. Gustafson, Raymond V. Heelan, JR..
Application Number | 20110101687 12/898059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39497074 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110101687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heelan, JR.; Raymond V. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2011 |
Coupling
Abstract
A coupling including a shell with shell arms, where ends of the
shell arms are removably attached by a hinge assembly. A securing
assembly releasably secures ends of the shell arms in an abutting
relationship and includes a handle rotatably attachable at an end
of a shell arm. The handle includes a handle body, a hinge orifice
extending through a portion of the handle body, and a hinge pin
extending through the hinge orifice. The hinge pin includes an
orifice extending therethrough. The securing assembly also includes
a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm with a first end and a
base portion having an engagement member extending substantially
transversely with respect to the bail arm. The engagement member
mates with a groove positioned on the boss attached at or near an
end of the other arm, and an end of the bail arm extends through
the hinge pin orifice.
Inventors: |
Heelan, JR.; Raymond V.;
(Warren, PA) ; Gustafson; Gary M.; (Lakewood,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Allegheny Coupling Company
Warren
PA
|
Family ID: |
39497074 |
Appl. No.: |
12/898059 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11583947 |
Oct 18, 2006 |
7828340 |
|
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12898059 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
285/409 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/20 20130101;
F16L 33/23 20130101; F16L 33/12 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
F16L 21/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/409 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
F16L 23/00 20060101
F16L023/00; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. A coupling, comprising: a shell having two semi-circular shell
arms, each with a first end and a second end, the first ends of the
shell arms moveably attached by a hinge assembly; and a securing
assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the
shell arms in a substantially abutting relationship; wherein the
securing assembly includes: (i) a handle rotatably attached at or
near the second end of one of the first shell arm or second shell
arm, the handle having: (a) a handle body; (b) at least one hinge
orifice extending through at least a portion of the handle body;
and (c) a hinge pin extending through the at least one hinge
orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending therethrough;
and (ii) a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm with a first
end and a base portion having an engagement member extending
substantially transversely with respect to the bail arm, wherein
the engagement member is configured to mate with a groove
positioned on a boss attached at or near the second end of the
other of the first shell arm or second shell arm, the first end of
the bail arm extending through the hinge pin orifice.
2. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the boss further comprises a
slot extending substantially transversely with respect to the
groove, the slot configured to seat at least a portion of the bail
arm substantially adjacent the engagement member.
3. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the first end of the bail arm
is positioned substantially adjacent or at least partially within
the handle body.
4. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the handle body comprises an
outer wall and at least two side walls, thereby forming an inner
area, wherein each side wall includes a respective hinge orifice,
the hinge pin extending through each hinge orifice and the hinge
pin orifice extending substantially centrally through the hinge
pin.
5. The coupling of claim 4, wherein the first end of the bail arm
is at least partially positioned within the inner area of the
handle body.
6. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the first end of the bail arm
is threaded and includes an adjustment assembly.
7. The coupling of claim 6, wherein a disturbance is formed at the
distal end of the threaded first end of the bail arm, such that the
adjustment assembly cannot be removed.
8. The coupling of claim 7, wherein the disturbance is: (i) a
riveted distal end of the bail arm; (ii) a material applied to the
distal end of the bail arm; (iii) a mechanically applied
disturbance; (iv) a chemically applied disturbance; (v) a disturbed
thread pattern of the threads on the bail arm, or any combination
thereof.
9. The coupling of claim 6, wherein the adjustment assembly is at
least one lock nut threaded on the bail arm and in direct or
indirect contact with a surface of the hinge pin, the lock nut
configured to tighten directly or indirectly against the surface to
prevent removal of the bail from operational interaction with the
hinge pin.
10. The coupling of claim 9, further comprising a washer positioned
between the lock nut and the surface of the hinge pin, such that
the lock nut tightens against the washer, which is urged against
the surface of the hinge pin.
11. The coupling of claim 9, further comprising an adjustment nut
threaded on the bail arm and in direct or indirect contact with a
surface of the hinge pin that is opposing the surface in direct or
indirect contact with the lock nut, the adjustment nut configured
to tighten directly or indirectly against the surface to provide an
adjustable abutment surface for the hinge pin.
12. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly is a
double, pintle hinge assembly.
13. The coupling of claim 12, wherein the double, pintle hinge
assembly includes: a first sleeve attached to the first end of the
first arm and having a hinge orifice with a hinge pin extending
therethrough; and a second sleeve attached to the first end of the
second arm and having a hinge orifice with a hinge pin extending
therethrough; wherein the hinge pins are attached by at least one
hinge plate.
14. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the handle is rotatably
attached by a rotation assembly comprising: a sleeve attached at or
near the second end of the first arm or second arm and having a
hinge orifice with a hinge pin extending therethrough; and a
rotation orifice extending through a portion of a first end of the
handle; wherein the hinge pin extends at least partially through
the rotation orifice, such that the handle is rotatable with
respect to the second end of the first arm or second arm.
15. The coupling of claim 14, wherein the handle body comprises an
outer wall and at least two side walls, thereby forming an inner
area, wherein each side wall includes a rotation orifice extending
therethrough, and wherein a respective end of the hinge pin extends
at least partially through a respective rotation orifice of each
side wall.
16. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the bail arm includes a
flexion portion, which extends substantially adjacent the sleeve or
contacts a surface of the sleeve.
17. The coupling of claim 16, wherein the flexion portion is a bend
in an intermediate portion of the bail arm, thereby providing
spring action to the bail arm.
18. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a substantially
circular gasket having an inner surface and an outer surface, the
gasket positionable within a recessed seat formed along an inner
surface of each shell arm.
19. The coupling of claim 18, wherein the gasket is receivable
within and removable from the recessed seat, and wherein the outer
surface of the gasket is received within and contacts the recessed
seat.
20. The coupling of claim 18, wherein the inner surface of the
gasket includes at least one projection flange extending from and
at least partially along the inner surface and configured to
contact and seal against at least a portion of a coupled part.
21. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising a strap attachable
between the handle and at least one of the first shell arm and the
second shell arm, the strap configured to prevent rotation of the
handle towards and away from the shell arm.
22. The coupling of claim 1, wherein the strap is attachable
between a strap orifice extending through a second end of the
handle and a strap loop element attached to at least a portion of
the first shell arm or the second shell arm, the strap loop element
positioned substantially opposite the strap orifice of the
handle.
23. The coupling of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the
coupling is cast from aluminum.
24. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising an alignment
assembly configured to ensure that, when positioned in an abutting
relationship, the shell arms are substantially in alignment.
25. A coupling, comprising: a shell having two semi-circular shell
arms, each with a first end and a second end, the first ends of the
shell arms moveably attached by a hinge assembly; and a securing
assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the
shell arms in a substantially abutting relationship; wherein the
securing assembly includes: (i) a handle rotatably attached at or
near the second end of one of the first shell arm or second shell
arm, the handle having: (a) a handle body; (b) at least one hinge
orifice extending through at least a portion of the handle body;
and (c) a hinge pin extending through the at least one hinge
orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending therethrough;
and (ii) a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm with a first
end and a base portion having an engagement member extending
substantially transversely with respect to the bail arm, wherein
the engagement member is configured to mate with a groove
positioned on a boss attached at or near the second end of the
other of the first shell arm or second shell arm, the first end of
the bail arm extending through the hinge pin orifice; wherein the
bail arm includes a flexion portion for providing spring action to
the bail while closing the handle.
26. A coupling, comprising: a shell having two semi-circular shell
arms, each with a first end and a second end, the first ends of the
shell arms moveably attached by a double, pintle hinge assembly;
and a securing assembly configured to releasably secure the second
ends of the shell arms in a substantially abutting relationship;
wherein the securing assembly includes: (i) a handle rotatably
attached at or near the second end of one of the first shell arm or
second shell arm, the handle having: (a) a handle body; (b) at
least one hinge orifice extending through at least a portion of the
handle body; and (c) a hinge pin extending through the at least one
hinge orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending
therethrough; and (ii) a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm
with a first end and a base portion having an engagement member
extending substantially transversely with respect to the bail arm,
wherein the engagement member is configured to mate with a groove
positioned on a boss attached at or near the second end of the
other of the first shell arm or second shell arm, the first end of
the bail arm extending through the hinge pin orifice.
27. A method of manufacturing a coupling, the method comprising the
steps of: (a) forming a shell having two semi-circular shell arms,
each with a first end and a second end; (b) moveably attaching the
first ends of the shell arms by a hinge assembly; (c) releasably
securing the second ends of the shell arms in a substantially
abutting relationship by: (i) rotatably attaching a handle at or
near the second end of one of the first arm or second arm, the
handle having: (1) a handle body; (2) at least one hinge orifice
extending through at least a portion of the handle body; and (3) a
hinge pin extending through the at least one hinge orifice, the
hinge pin having an orifice extending therethrough; (ii) providing
a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm with a first end and a
base portion having an engagement member extending substantially
transversely with respect to the bail arm; (iii) attaching a boss
at or near the second end of the other of the first shell arm or
second shell arm, the boss having a groove for receiving the
engagement member of the bail arm; and (iv) extending the first end
of the bail arm through the hinge pin orifice.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of
positioning the first end of the bail arm at least partially within
an inner area of the handle body, such that access to the
adjustment assembly is limited.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/583,947, filed Oct. 18, 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to devices for
coupling or releasably attaching parts together, and specifically
to a coupling for use in connecting or attaching two pipe ends,
such as two pipe ends in a process, two hopper tees or other
fittings via pipe or tube in a transportation vehicle or other
related system.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In the field of pipe coupling, such coupling members, clamps
and similar devices are used to connect the ends of pipes together.
For example, in the area of dry bulk handling, such couplings or
clamps are used to connect sections of pipe or hopper tees in
connection with a bulk transportation vehicle. The use of these
couplings ensures that external and/or hostile contamination does
not occur, and, further, such couplings are used in the unloading
of the material that is being transported, such as dry bulk
powders, pellets and the like.
[0006] In the dry bulk industry, such tank cars are unloaded
through valves positioned at the bottom of a material container.
Further, in order to prevent cross contamination, the material
container must be completely evacuated to ensure that varying
material loads do not come in contact. In addition, in order to
allow for appropriate adjustment of the coupling, some adjustment
assembly should be used to allow for wear-and-tear and loosening of
the clamping function of the coupling.
[0007] According to the prior art, and as seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,540,465 to Sisk, a pipe, valve or tee coupler is disclosed. The
coupler 30 includes two clamping arms 32, 34, and, at one end of
each arm 32, 34 a hinge 40 integrally formed therewith. A bail
lever 56 is attached to a mount 46. The walls of the clamping arms
32, 34 define a seat for a gasket 150, which will contact and seal
against the pipe ends. An adjustable bail assembly 80 is pivotally
attached to the bail lever 56 and includes a U-shaped bail 82 with
opposed arms 84, 86. Each arm 84, 86 of the bail 82 terminates in a
threaded portion 88, 90 and extends through a respective orifice on
a pivot rod 92 extending through the lever 56. A pair of pivotal
spacers 102, 104 are positioned on the rod 92 on each side of the
lever 56, and these spacers 102, 104 are mounted to the bail lever
56.
[0008] The adjustment assembly of the Sisk patent includes a first
tightening nut 106 engaged on threaded portion 88 above rod end 95,
a second tightening nut 108 engaged on threaded portion 88 below
rod end 95, a third tightening nut 110 engaged on threaded portion
90 above rod end 98 and a fourth tightening nut 112 engaged on
threaded portion 90 below rod end 98. It is these tightening nuts
106, 108, 110, 112 and associated operational structure that form
an assembly that allows for the adjustment of the bail 82 and its
interaction with a boss 124 formed on the second end of claiming
arm 34, specifically in a groove 125 formed therein. The coupler of
the Sisk patent also requires planar extensions or ribs positioned
on the various side walls of the clamping arms 32, 34 in order to
engage specified pipe surfaces. U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,666, also to
Sisk, is directed to a gasket for use in connection with the
coupler 30 discussed above.
[0009] Couplings are used for connecting pipes, tees and other
parts together, as is known in the art. There are many references
that disclose couplers having various means for attaching two
semi-circular shell arms, for use in connecting parts together. For
example, such prior art coupling systems and mechanisms are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,533,332 to Vitel et al.; 5,647,612 to
Yoshida et al.; 5,415,435 to Colbert; 5,209,528 to Weh et al.;
5,104,153 to Corcoran; 5,018,768 to Palatchy; 4,311,248 to
Westerlund et al.; 4,272,871 to Weinhold; 4,041,975 to Ames;
3,695,638 to Blakeley; 3,476,410 to Pastva; 3,113,791 to Frost et
al.; 2,731,280 to Goodliffe et al.; and 957,695 to Marek. All of
these couplings, while effective in coupling two parts together,
such as the ends of two pipes, have many drawbacks.
[0010] One drawback of these prior art couplings is the lack of
safety precautions that protect against tampering, removal or
accidental opening. These couplings, as disclosed, are easily
opened by an unauthorized person who simply has the means or tools
to open the latching mechanism. For example, with respect to the
coupling of the Sisk patent, even if the handle is secured to one
of the coupling arms, an unauthorized person need only use the
appropriate tools to loosen and remove tightening nuts 106, 108,
and remove the bail, thereby gaining the ability to open the
arms.
[0011] Another drawback to the prior art couplings is the
difficulty of closing and locking the arms in operation, especially
during the initial openings and closings of the coupling. Due to
the rigidity of the bail or other lever or handle, the locking
mechanism is inflexible and requires excessive force to open and
close. Therefore, in using many of these prior art couplings, the
user is required to utilize additional tools to actuate the handle
and latch or unlatch coupling.
[0012] Yet another drawback of the prior art is the pinch point
that occurs at the hinge joint of the coupling arms. Such a pinch
point can damage the gaskets or packing of the coupled parts, and
also applies undesirable forces and pressures during the coupling
process. Still further, when the coupling is using a gasket or
other sealing means seated within the arms of the coupling, the
pinch point can also compress, break or tear the gasket, thereby
rendering the seal ineffective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a coupling that overcomes the deficiencies and drawbacks of
the prior art couplings, especially in the field of dry bulk
couplings in transportation, transfer and storage systems. It is
another object of the present invention to provide a coupling that
allows for the appropriate adjustment of the latching mechanism in
order to adjust for wear. It is yet another object of the present
invention to provide a coupling that includes protections against
tampering, removal or accidental opening. It is a further object of
the present invention to provide a coupling that is easily closed
and locked in operation, especially during the initial openings and
closings of the coupling. It is a still further object of the
present invention to provide a coupling that removes any pinch
points that would otherwise occur at the hinge joint of the
coupling arms.
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a coupling
having a shell with two semi-circular shell arms, each with a first
end and a second end, the first ends of the shell arms moveably
attached by a hinge assembly. A securing assembly releasably
secures the second ends of the shell arms in a substantially
abutting relationship. Further, the securing assembly includes a
handle rotatably attached at or near the second end of one of the
first shell arm or second shell arm. The handle has a handle body;
at least one hinge orifice extending through at least a portion of
the handle body; and a hinge pin extending through the at least one
hinge orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending
therethrough. The coupling further includes a substantially
T-shaped bail having an arm with a first end and a base portion
having an engagement member extending substantially transversely
with respect to the bail arm. The engagement member is configured
to mate with a groove positioned on a boss attached at or near the
second end of the other of the first shell arm or second shell arm,
and the first end of the bail arm extends through the hinge pin
orifice.
[0015] The present invention is further directed to a coupling
having a shell with two semi-circular shell arms, each with a first
end and a second end, the first ends of the shell arms moveably
attached by a hinge assembly. A securing assembly releasably
secures the second ends of the shell arms in a substantially
abutting relationship. Further, the securing assembly includes a
handle rotatably attached at or near the second end of one of the
first shell arm or second shell arm. The handle has a handle body;
at least one hinge orifice extending through at least a portion of
the handle body; and a hinge pin extending through the at least one
hinge orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending
therethrough. The coupling further includes a substantially
T-shaped bail having an arm with a first end and a base portion
having an engagement member extending substantially transversely
with respect to the bail arm. The engagement member is configured
to mate with a groove positioned on a boss attached at or near the
second end of the other of the first shell arm or second shell arm,
and the first end of the bail arm extends through the hinge pin
orifice. The bail arm includes a flexion portion for providing
spring action to the bail while closing the handle.
[0016] The present invention is also directed to a coupling having
a shell with two semi-circular shell arms, each with a first end
and a second end. The first ends of the shell arms are moveably
attached by a double hinge assembly. The coupling includes a
securing assembly to releasably secure the second ends of the shell
arms in a substantially abutting relationship. Further, the
securing assembly includes a handle rotatably attached at or near
the second end of one of the first shell arm or second shell arm,
and the handle has: a handle body; at least one hinge orifice
extending through at least a portion of the handle body; and a
hinge pin extending through the at least one hinge orifice, the
hinge pin having an orifice extending therethrough. The securing
assembly also includes a substantially T-shaped bail having an arm
with a first end and a base portion having an engagement member
extending substantially transversely with respect to the bail arm.
The engagement member is configured to mate with a groove
positioned on a boss attached at or near the second end of the
other of the first shell arm or second shell arm, and the first end
of the bail arm extends through the hinge pin orifice.
[0017] The present invention is still further directed to a method
of manufacturing a coupling for use in attaching two pipe ends. The
method includes the steps of: (a) forming a shell having two
semi-circular shell arms, each with a first end and a second end;
(b) moveably attaching the first ends of the shell arms by a hinge
assembly; (c) releasably securing the second ends of the shell arms
in a substantially abutting relationship by: (i) rotatably
attaching a handle at or near the second end of one of the first
arm or second arm, the handle having: (1) a handle body; (2) at
least one hinge orifice extending through at least a portion of the
handle body; and (3) a hinge pin extending through the at least one
hinge orifice, the hinge pin having an orifice extending
therethrough; (ii) providing a substantially T-shaped bail having
an arm with a first end and a base portion having an engagement
member extending substantially transversely with respect to the
bail arm; (iii) attaching a boss at or near the second end of the
other of the first shell arm or second shell arm, the boss having a
groove for receiving the engagement member of the bail arm; and
(iv) extending the first end of the bail arm through the hinge pin
orifice.
[0018] These and other features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of structures and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a coupling
according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a coupling
according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3 is an edge view of the coupling of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a sectional, edge view of the coupling of FIG.
2;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an expanded perspective view of a portion of the
coupling of FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an expanded perspective view of another portion of
the coupling of FIG. 2; and
[0025] FIG. 7 is an expanded perspective view of a still further
portion of the coupling of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative variations and step sequences, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
[0027] It is to be understood that the invention may assume various
alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0028] The present invention is directed to a coupling 10 that can
be used in a variety of applications. For example, the
presently-invented coupling 10 can be used to releasably attach
parts together, such as attaching two pipe ends or conduits. In one
application, the coupling 10 can be used to attach two pipe ends in
a process, two hopper tees in a transportation vehicle or other
related system. Accordingly, the coupling 10 of the present
invention may be used in a variety of applications in order to
releasably couple or attach various members. For example, this
coupling 10 is particularly useful in attaching sections of pipe or
hopper tees on a bulk transportation vehicle, which ensures that
external and/or hostile contamination does not occur. Still
further, the coupling 10 can be used in an unloading system, such
as for use in unloading of material that is being transported,
e.g., dry bulk powders, pellets, etc.
[0029] As seen in one embodiment in FIG. 1, the coupling 10
includes a shell 12 having two semi-circular shell arms 14. Each
shell arm 14 has a first end 16 and a second end 18. The first end
16 of the shell arms 14 are movably attached together. In
particular, a hinge assembly 20 allows the shell arms 14 to
hingedly move with respect to each other in a plane of movement.
Accordingly, the shell arms 14 may be opened and closed, such that
the second ends 18 of the shell arms 14 can be moved between an
abutting and a spaced position. When the shell arms 14 are in a
closed position, where the second ends 18 of the shell arms 14 are
abutting, the two shell arms 14 form a substantially circular shell
12.
[0030] In order to releasably secure the second ends 18 of the
shell arms 14, a securing assembly 22 is utilized. Specifically,
the securing assembly 22 allows the second ends 18 of the shell
arms 14 to be releasably secured in a substantially abutting
relationship. In addition, the securing assembly 22 includes a
handle 24, which is rotatably attached at or near the second end 18
of either the first shell arm 26 or the second shell arm 28.
[0031] The handle 24 includes a handle body 30, as well as at least
one hinge orifice 32, which extends through at least a portion of
the handle body 30. In addition, the handle 24 includes a hinge pin
34 extending through the hinge orifice 32. The hinge pin 34
includes an orifice 36 extending therethrough.
[0032] The securing assembly 22 also includes a substantially
T-shaped bail 38. The bail 38 includes an arm 40 with a first end
42 and a base portion 44. Further, the base portion 44 includes an
engagement member 46, which extends substantially transversely with
respect to the bail arm 40.
[0033] The engagement member 46 is configured, sized and/or shaped
to mate with a groove 48 positioned on a boss 50, which is attached
at or near the second end 18 of the other of the first shell arm 26
or second shell arm 28. Accordingly, the boss 50 is positioned on
the second end 18 of the shell arm 14 that is opposing the second
end 18 of the shell arm 14 where the handle 24 is rotatably
attached.
[0034] As best seen in FIGS. 1, 3, 6 and 7, the boss 50, in one
preferred and non-limiting embodiment, includes a slot 52. This
slot 52 extends substantially transversely with respect to the
groove 48 of the boss 50. In addition, the slot 52 is configured,
sized and/or shaped to seat at least a portion of the bail arm 40
that is substantially adjacent the engagement member 46. Therefore,
it is the base portion 44 of the arm 40, and specifically the
engagement member 46, that forms the T-shaped structure, where the
top of the T-shaped structure (or the engagement member 46) is
capable of seating in the groove 48 and slot 52. This arrangement
is best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0035] In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the first
end 42 of the bail arm 40 is positioned substantially adjacent or
at least partially within the handle body 30. In particular, as
best seen in FIG. 2, the first end 42 of the bail arm 40 may be
positioned within or behind an outer wall 54 of the handle body 30.
In this arrangement, the handle body 30 includes the aforementioned
outer wall 54, as well as at least two sidewalls 56, which forms an
inner area 58. Each sidewall 56 includes a respective hinge orifice
32, and the hinge pin 34 extends through each of these hinge
orifices 32. In addition, in this arrangement, the hinge pin 34
extends through each hinge orifice 32, and the hinge pin orifice 36
extends through a substantially central portion of the hinge pin
34. Still further, the first end 42 of the bail arm 40 extends
through the hinge pin orifice 36, such that the bail 38 is
rotatable and movable with respect to the handle 24 via the
rotating hinge pin 34.
[0036] In this embodiment, the location of the first end 42 of the
bail arm 40 in the inner area 58 of the handle body 30 provides
exceedingly limited access to the bail 38 when the bail 38 and
handle 24 are engaged. Specifically, this arrangement will deny
access to the lading or coupled parts, which represents a great
benefit over the prior art U-shaped bail designs. Since the first
end 42 is nested within the confines or inner area 58 of the handle
body 30, access is limited when the handle 24 is closed, and when
the handle 24 is open, the first end 42 of the bail arm 40 is
accessible.
[0037] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, in one preferred and non-limiting
embodiment of the present invention, the first end 42 of the bail
arm 40 is threaded and includes an adjustment assembly 60. The
adjustment assembly 60 allows the bail 38 to be tightened or
adjusted in order to ensure a proper coupling and abutment between
the shell arms 14. For example, due to wear-and-tear and extensive
use of the coupling 10, the securing assembly 22 may become loose
and provide ineffective attachment between the attached parts.
Accordingly, the adjustment assembly 60 can be used to manually
adjust the securing assembly 22, and specifically the bail 38.
[0038] The adjustment assembly 60 may include a lock nut 62
threaded on the bail arm 40, and the lock nut 62 is in direct or
indirect contact with a surface 64 of the hinge pin 34. Further,
the lock nut 62 is configured or adapted to tighten directly or
indirectly against this surface 64 in order to prevent removal of
the bail 38 from operational interaction with the hinge pin 34. A
washer 66 can be positioned between the lock nut 62 and the surface
64 of the hinge pin 34, such that the lock nut 62 tightens against
the washer 66, which is thereby urged against the surface 64 of the
hinge pin 34.
[0039] The adjustment assembly 60 also includes an adjustment nut
68. The adjustment nut 68 is threaded on the bail arm 40 and is in
direct or indirect contact with the surface 64 of the hinge pin 34.
In particular, the adjustment nut 68 would be in direct or indirect
contact with the surface 64 that is opposing the surface 64 that is
in direct or indirect contact with the lock nut 62. The adjustment
nut 68 is configured or adapted to tighten directly or indirectly
against the surface 64 in order to provide an adjustable abutment
surface for the hinge pin 34, thereby providing an adjustment to
the overall assembly and coupling 10.
[0040] As discussed above, the nesting of the first end 42 of the
bail arm 40 limits access to the bail 38 when the coupling 10 is in
a closed position. In order to provide additional safety features
and tamperproof functionality, and in another preferred and
non-limiting embodiment, a disturbance 70 is formed at the distal
end 72 of the threaded first end 42 of the bail arm 40. This
disturbance 70 ensures that the adjustment assembly 60 cannot be
removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the disturbance 70 may be a riveted
distal end 72 of the bail arm 40. However, this disturbance 70 can
take many forms. For example, the disturbance 70 may be a material
applied to the distal end 72 of the bail arm 40, a mechanically
applied disturbance 70, a chemically applied disturbance 70, a
disturbed thread pattern of the threads on the bail arm 40, etc.
The use of this disturbance 70 provides additional and beneficial
functionalities of the coupling 10 of the present invention.
[0041] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the coupling
10, and specifically the hinge assembly 20 of the coupling 10, is a
double hinge assembly. In particular, as seen in FIG. 4, this
double hinge assembly 20 includes a first sleeve 74 attached to the
first end 16 of the first shell arm 26. In addition, this first
sleeve 74 includes a hinge orifice 76 with a hinge pin 78 extending
therethrough. In addition, this double hinge assembly 20 includes a
second sleeve 80 attached to the first end 16 of the second arm 28.
Further, this second sleeve 80 also includes a hinge orifice 82
with a hinge pin 84 extending therethrough. Finally, in order to
complete the hinge assembly 20, the hinge pins 78, 84 are connected
at each end by a respective hinge plate 86. It is this structure
that completes the double, pintle hinge assembly 20, which prevents
crimping or the occurrence of a pinch point at the hinged joint of
the coupling arms 14. Therefore, by obviating the occurrence of
such a pinch point, the coupled parts are not damaged, and
undesirable forces and pressures are not exerted during the
coupling process.
[0042] Returning to FIGS. 1-3, and in one preferred and
non-limiting embodiment, the handle 24 is rotatably attached to the
shell 12 via a rotation assembly 88. Specifically, the rotation
assembly 88 includes a sleeve 90 attached at or near the second end
18 of the shell arm 14 that opposes the shell arm 14 that includes
the boss 50. Further, this sleeve 90 includes a hinge orifice 92
with a hinge pin 94 extending therethrough. A rotation orifice 96
extends through a portion of the first end of the handle 24.
Therefore, the hinge pin 94 extends at least partially through the
rotation orifice 96, such that the handle is rotatable with respect
to the second end 18 of the shell arm 14. In this manner, the
handle 24 is rotatable and movable with respect to the shell 12 and
shell arms 14.
[0043] In a further embodiment, and as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
coupling 10, and specifically the bail arm 40, includes a flexion
portion 98. This flexion portion 98 extends adjacent the sleeve 90
of the rotation assembly 88 and/or contacts a surface of the sleeve
90 or the hinge pin 94 of the rotation assembly 88. As seen in the
figures, e.g., FIG. 6, the flexion portion 98, in one preferred and
non-limiting embodiment, is a bend in an intermediate portion 100
of the bail arm 40. This provides a "spring action" to the bail arm
40. Accordingly, this "spring action" provided by the flexion
portion 98 also serves to assist in adjusting and otherwise
ensuring that the shell arms 14 are tightly sealed against each
other. This provides a similar adjustment characteristic and
feature as the adjustment assembly 60.
[0044] In another embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the
coupling 10 includes a substantially circular gasket 102, which
includes an inner surface 104 and an outer surface 106. The gasket
102 is positionable within a recessed seat 108 formed along an
inner surface of each shell arm 14. In particular, the gasket 102
is receivable within and removable from the recessed seat 108.
Further, the outer surface 106 of the gasket 102 is received within
and contacts the recessed seat 108 of the shell arms 14.
[0045] In order to provide a better seal against the attachable
parts or conduits (not shown), the inner surface 104 of the gasket
includes at least one, and possibly multiple, projection flanges
112. These projection flanges 112 extend from and along the inner
surface 110 of the gasket 102. Still further, these projection
flanges 112 are configured, sized and/or shaped to contact and seal
against at least a portion of a coupled part (not shown).
[0046] As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, and as best
seen in FIG. 5, the inner surface 104 of the gasket 102 includes
three projection flanges 112, each of which are configured to urge
against and provide a seal with respect to the coupled part in the
coupling 10. This gasket 102 can be made from a variety of
materials, such as a flexible plastic, polymer, synthetic material,
flexible material, rubber, etc. Still further, since the gasket 102
is removable from the recessed seat 108 of the shell arms 14, the
gasket 102 may be replaced after a specified amount of wear has
occurred.
[0047] Yet another safety feature of the present invention is in
the form of a strap 114. As seen in FIG. 2, the strap 114 is
attachable between the handle 24 and the first shell arm 26 and/or
the second shell arm 28. In particular, the strap 114 is configured
to prevent rotation of the handle 24 toward and/or away from the
shell arms 14.
[0048] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the strap 114 is
attachable between a strap orifice 116 extending through an end of
the handle 24, and a strap loop element 118 attached to a portion
of at least one of the shell arms 14. In order to provide maximum
efficiency and connection, the strap loop element 118 may be
positioned substantially opposite the strap orifice 116 of the
handle 24.
[0049] In operation, after the bail 38 is adjusted and the
engagement member 46 of the bail 38 is attached to the groove 48
and slot 52 of the boss 50, the handle 24 is rotated to effect a
closure of the shell arms 14. Once closed, the strap 114 is
attached between the strap orifice 116 and the strap loop element
118 to provide extra security and tamper resistance to the coupling
10. Accordingly, through use of the strap 114 and the positioning
of the first end 42 of the bail arm 40 (within the inner area 58 of
the handle body 30), the security features of the coupling 10 of
the present invention are maximized.
[0050] The coupling 10 may be constructed from a variety of
materials. For example, at least a portion of the coupling 10 may
be cast from aluminum. Still further, in allowing proper alignment
of the shell arms 14 for use in appropriate closure, an alignment
assembly 120 may be used. Specifically, this alignment assembly 120
may be used to ensure that, when positioned in an abutting
relationship, the shell arms 14 are substantially in alignment. For
example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the alignment
assembly 120 is in the form of an alignment member 122 extending
from an end 16, 18 of at least one shell arm 14. This alignment
member 122 ensures that, when closing the shell arms 14, the ends
16, 18 are in proper alignment, although such alignment may also
occur during use of the coupling 10. Such a function may be
particularly beneficial when using the double hinge assembly 20
discussed above.
[0051] In a further embodiment, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 1,
3 and 5, at least one coupling flange 124 may extend from the shell
12. This coupling flange 124 is used in proper alignment and
positioning of the coupled part, such as a conduit or pipe. As
illustrated in the figures of the present invention, a single
coupling flange 124 is used. However, such a coupling flange 124
may be positioned on each side of the shell 12, for coupling parts
together. Alternatively, there is no need for a coupling flange 124
to be utilized when operating and attaching parts together using
the coupling 10 of the present invention.
[0052] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a method
of manufacturing the coupling 10 is provided. Specifically, the
method includes the steps of: (a) forming the shell 12 having the
two semi-circular shell arms 14, each with a first end 16 and a
second end 18; (b) movably attaching the first end 16 of the shell
arms 14 by a hinge assembly 20; (c) releasably securing the second
ends 18 of the shell arms 14 in a substantially abutting
relationship by (i) rotatably attaching a handle 24 at or near the
second end 18 of one of the shell arms 14, where the handle 24
includes a handle body 30, a hinge orifice 32 extending through a
portion of the handle body 30, and a hinge pin 34 extending through
the hinge orifice 32, where the hinge pin 34 includes a hinge pin
orifice 36 extending therethrough; providing a T-shaped bail 38
having an arm 40 with a first end 42 and a base portion 44 having
an engagement member 46 extending substantially transversely with
respect to the bail arm 40; (iii) attaching a boss 50 at or near
the second end 18 of the other of the shell arms 14, where the boss
50 includes a groove 48 for receiving the engagement member 46 of
the bail arm 40; and (iv) extending the first end 42 of the bail
arm 40 through the hinge pin orifice 36.
[0053] In this manner, the present invention provides a coupling 10
with specific and beneficial safety precaution components and
functions for protecting against tampering, removal or accidental
opening. In addition, the coupling 10 of the present invention
provides additional ease of closing and locking the shell arms 14
in an abutting relationship. Still further, the coupling 10 of the
present invention avoids the occurrence of a pinch point at the
hinge joint of the shell arms 14. In addition, the coupling 10
provides additional safety and tamper resistant or tamperproof
characteristics or functions that overcome the drawbacks and
deficiencies of the prior art.
[0054] Although the invention has been described in detail for the
purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be
the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the
contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent
arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present
invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more
features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more
features of any other embodiment.
* * * * *