U.S. patent application number 16/128391 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for clamshell coupling.
The applicant listed for this patent is Glenn Brown. Invention is credited to Glenn Brown.
Application Number | 20190003621 16/128391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60988381 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190003621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Glenn |
January 3, 2019 |
CLAMSHELL COUPLING
Abstract
A coupling configured with at least one fastener for compressing
and also opening the coupling. The fastener may be at least one
jack screw.
Inventors: |
Brown; Glenn; (Spring,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown; Glenn |
Spring |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60988381 |
Appl. No.: |
16/128391 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15218324 |
Jul 25, 2016 |
10072779 |
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16128391 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 21/065 20130101;
F16L 3/1075 20130101; F16L 3/1091 20130101; F16L 2201/40
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 21/06 20060101
F16L021/06; F16L 3/10 20060101 F16L003/10 |
Claims
1. A coupling, comprising: a first coupling section; and a first
fastener, wherein the first fastener is configured to compress the
coupling, and wherein the first fastener is configured to open the
coupling.
2. The coupling of claim further comprising: a second coupling
section, wherein the first coupling section and the second coupling
section are fastened together in at least one position in order to
couple.
3. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising: a second
fastener.
4. The coupling of claim 2, further comprising: a second
fastener.
5. The coupling of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge.
6. The coupling of claim 2, further comprising: a hinge.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mechanical coupling, and
in particular, a clamshell coupling configured to open and close
mechanically.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to couplings for attaching
various mechanical devices, such as hoses, manifolds, and similar
connections. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a
coupling that includes at least one fastener configured to open the
coupling.
[0003] Previously, conventional compression couplings were
configured only to connect two or more separate devices (e.g.,
hose, manifold, etc.) together. The compression coupling came in at
least two parts which fit around the connection areas (e.g., shaft,
neck, etc.) of the two devices being coupled. On many applications
such as industrial applications and cryogenic applications, the
prior art compression couplings effectively coupled; however, they
often become seized together with the devices they coupled.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention, as described herein, addresses the
problems described above and other problems of prior art systems
and methods which will become apparent to one skilled in the art
from the description below. Generally, the present invention
provides a coupling that includes at least one fastener which is
configured to compress the coupling, and further, is also
configured to open the coupling. For example, the clamshell
coupling may include at least one jackscrew that is configured to
compress the coupling and is also configured to open the coupling.
As such, the clamshell coupling is an improvement over the
conventional threaded coupling currently being used in the
cryogenic industry. The clamshell fitting can be used for any type
of connection, including cryogenic liquids.
[0005] In a first aspect, the clamshell coupling includes a first
coupling section and a first fastener, wherein the first fastener
is configured to compress the coupling, and wherein the first
fastener is configured to open the coupling.
[0006] In a second aspect, the clamshell coupling includes a first
coupling section; a first fastener, wherein the first fastener is
configured to compress the coupling, wherein the first fastener is
configured to open the coupling; a second coupling section, wherein
the first coupling section and the second coupling section are
fastened together in at least one position in order to couple.
[0007] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and
technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the
detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better
understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure
will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims
of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be
readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other
structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present
disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit
and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.
The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the
disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation,
together with further objects and advantages will be better
understood from the following description when considered in
connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the
purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as
a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of the disclosed system
and methods, reference is now made to the following descriptions
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a coupling 100, according
to one example embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a coupling 100, according to
one example embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a coupling 100, according to one
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a top and bottom view of an exemplary
section 102, according to one example embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a coupling 100, according to
one example embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a coupling 200 with various fasteners,
according to one example embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows coupling 300 with various fasteners, according
to one example embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows coupling 400 with various fasteners, according
to one example embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Various embodiments of the coupling shall be described with
reference to FIGS. 1-8. The particular features of the disclosed
embodiments should not be limited to just those illustrated
configurations. Instead, the various features disclosed within this
disclosure may be combined to create exponentially more embodiments
not explicitly illustrated within this disclosure. As one example,
the various fasteners and configurations for opening and closing
the clamshell coupling which are disclosed within may be combined
in far more configurations than illustrated within the confines of
this disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a coupling 100, according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In many
embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, coupling 100 includes
two separable sections, 102 and 104. Coupling 100 may include
sections that are held together by various fasteners, such as a
hinge(s) (e.g., 210, 310, etc.) and/or unlocking bolt(s) (e.g.,
122, 124, etc.). For example, and as shown in the illustrated
embodiment of FIG. 1, coupling 100 is connected by jack screws, 122
and 124 (jack screw and locking/unlocking bolt may be used
interchangeably). Coupling 100 includes an aperture 101 configured
to surround the two or more components (e.g., fittings) that are
being coupled. In many embodiments, the aperture 101 has a circular
circumference configured to mirror the circumference of the
components being fitted. It should be understood that the shape of
aperture 101 may be adapted to fit the particular shape of the
components being coupled (e.g., hexagon, etc.). As shown by 102A
and 104A, aperture 101 is divided between sections 102 and 104.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a coupling 100, according to
one embodiment of the present invention. Sections 102 and 104 may
include one or more bore(s) (e.g., 141 and 142) configured to
accommodate a fastener, such as a jack screw. In order to couple,
sections 102 and 104 fit together to create a coupling assembly
that completes the circumference of aperture 101. Fasteners such as
122 and 124 may incorporate a washer(s) 130. The fasteners (e.g.,
122 and/or 124) may be held in place with a snap ring (e.g., 160).
In some configurations, snap ring 160 prevents the jack screw 122
or 124 from becoming separated from section 102. It should be
understood that various alternatives exist for snap ring 160, such
as a sleeve which covers a larger portion of fastener 122 and/or
124. In conjunction with the fastener(s), snap ring 160 may assist
in separating section 102 from section 104 (i.e., opening the
coupling). In many embodiments, the coupling 100 has an unthreaded
bore 142 in section 102 but has a threaded bore 141 in section 104.
In this configuration, rotating the fasteners 122 and 124
counterclockwise opens the coupling.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a coupling 100, according to one
example embodiment of the present invention. The aperture 101 of
coupling 100 includes different apertures e.g., 150 and 155) in
order to prevent separation of the two or more fittings. Further,
coupling 100 may include structures that align sections 102 and 104
together and also reduce the torsional strain on the fasteners. For
example, section 104 may include alignment dowels 170, each with a
protrusion 171 ("alignment dowel" or "male" portion) which fits
into a similarly sized and shaped cavity 172 ("female" portion) in
section 102. It typically does not matter which section has the
male portion or corresponding female portion. Further, it should be
understood that other structures may be used, such as a ridge on
one section and corresponding valley on the other section, or
further, a lip extending around the perimeter on one section which
surrounds the perimeter of the other section (e.g., shoebox
lid).
[0021] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a top and bottom view of an exemplary
section 102, according to one example embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4A shows a top view of an exemplary section 102.
The fasteners 122 and 124 may be threaded per the specification and
size required for a particular application. Alignment dowels 170
may be placed throughout the coupling to secure sections 102 and
104 together. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes four
alignment dowels. The aperture 101 may be configured to accommodate
the fittings it will be mating (e.g., 2.4-4 Stub ACME-2G-RH-INT to
2.4-4 Stub ACME-2-G-RH-EXT). FIG. 4B shows a bottom view of an
exemplary section 102. The cross sectional view of FIG. 4B is
identified in FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment, snap ring 161
prevents fasteners 122 and 124 from separating from section 102.
Further, the connection of snap ring 161 with section 102 allows
the coupling 100 to open mechanically when fasteners 122 and 124
are rotated, which is typically a counterclockwise rotation, but is
dependent upon the direction of the threading of the fastener and
the threaded bore.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a coupling 100, according to
one example embodiment of the present invention. The cross
sectional view of FIG. 5 is identified in FIG. 3 as the section
line A-A. In embodiments with jack screws or similar fasteners,
coupling 100 tightens one or more sealing surfaces together by
linearly compressing one or more sealing surfaces against one or
more corresponding sealing surfaces of at least one fitting (this
may include sealing surfaces that use gaskets), which can be
accomplished using a standard sized wrench. To open, coupling 100
loosens one or more sealing surfaces from one or more corresponding
sealing surfaces of at least one fitting by moving apart section
102 and 104 from each other. When section 102 and 104 move apart,
the tight bond of the male fitting and the coupling 100 is loosened
("broken loose") without the use of a hammer or similar tool. In
one embodiment, the coupling 100 is loosened and removed by
untighteningloosening the fastener 122 and 124. This allows the
coupling to be opened to varying positions and rotated by hand or
with a wrench. This configuration allows the sealing surfaces to be
disconnected from their corresponding fitting sealing surfaces. As
such, the unsafe hammering to "break loose" the coupling when the
transfer of fluid (or similar) is complete is no longer needed.
Coupling 100 can be used in place of standard couplings on existing
fittings, and as such, no retrofit of the existing delivery end or
existing receiving end is necessary.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows a coupling 600 with a hinge fastener, according
to one example embodiment of the present invention. It should be
understood that some embodiments may use a pivot point (e.g.,
hinge, 224) in place of a jack screw (e.g., 124), as shown by the
exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6. In such a configuration, jackscrew
222 is configured to open and close the clamshell coupling about
the pivot point. Snap ring 260 secures fastener 222 to section 202.
The bore of section 202 may be configured (e.g., enlarged) to
accommodate for the arcuate opening direction of coupling 200.
Alternatively, fastener 202 may use a pivoting attachment point
attach to section 202, in which the attachment point pivots on an
axis that is parallel with hinge 224 (e.g., a sleeve surrounding
the jack screw that also includes an attachment pin with a pivot
axis parallel to the hinge pivot axis). Alternatively, it should be
understood that some embodiments may use one unitary section
instead of two separable sections 202 and 204. For example, the
coupling--or at least a portion of the coupling--may be created out
of a metal, polymer, plastic, or other similar material that is
sufficiently rigid to act as a coupling but yet pliable enough to
open far enough to release the coupling, and as such, the coupling
may use a single unlocking bolt but not require a hinge/pivot
point.
[0024] FIG. 7A & 7B show couplings 300 and 400 with various
fasteners, according to one example embodiment of the present
invention. As additional examples of possible fasteners, couplings
300 and 400 include latch fasteners, 322 and 422, respectively.
Coupling 300 includes a hinge 324 while coupling 400 includes a
jack screw, 424. The latch fastener is configured to open and close
by rotating, as shown by the arrow. An internal latch on the latch
fastener locks the two sections together when rotated. An internal
cam on the latch opens the two sections when rotated the other
direction. The sections 304 and 404 are configured with a bore to
accept the latch fasteners. Further, sections 304 and 404 may be
configured with channels/recesses to accept the internal latch and
internal cam.
[0025] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
appended claims. It should be noted that any of the various
feature(s) disclosed in the detailed description may be excluded
from any one of the various embodiments (i.e., a negative
limitation of a particular feature) for the purpose of reducing
cost, reducing complexity, increasing breathability, distinguishing
from other methods and/or systems, and/or removing duplicative
features that may be provided by a separate method or system,
especially when the other method or system is connected with the
present method and/or system. Further, various industries will
require different combinations of the various features of the
disclosed invention, and in particular, may need to limit or
exclude certain features (i.e., a negative limitation of a various
feature). Moreover, the scope of the present application is not
intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the present
invention, disclosure, machines, manufacture, compositions of
matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be
developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments
described herein may be utilized according to the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
* * * * *