Self-aligning coupling assembly
First Claim
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1. A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of axial arranged first and second flanged fittings, the coupling comprises:
- a) first and second arms adapted for pivotal connection to one another, and having open and closed relative pivotal positions in use, wherein the first and second arms further comprise outwardly extending ears having apertures;
b) a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically effectuate the closing of the first and second arms relative to a pair of flanged fittings to be connected in use, and further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the second flanged fitting;
wherein the first and second arms are rotatable about an axis which is substantially parallel to the facing planar surfaces of the flanged fittings and c) a fastener received in the apertures for further securing the arms in the closed position.
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Abstract
A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings, generally for pipe couplings. The self-aligning coupling includes a first arm, a second arm, and a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically synchronize the closing of the first and second arms relative to the flanged fittings to be connected. The rotational assist mechanism is further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the flanged fittings in axial alignment.
67 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of axial arranged first and second flanged fittings, the coupling comprises:
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a) first and second arms adapted for pivotal connection to one another, and having open and closed relative pivotal positions in use, wherein the first and second arms further comprise outwardly extending ears having apertures;
b) a rotational assist mechanism adapted to mechanically effectuate the closing of the first and second arms relative to a pair of flanged fittings to be connected in use, and further adapted to provide motion between the first arm and the second arm to receive and secure the second flanged fitting;
wherein the first and second arms are rotatable about an axis which is substantially parallel to the facing planar surfaces of the flanged fittings andc) a fastener received in the apertures for further securing the arms in the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A self-aligning coupling for mating a pair of corresponding flanged fittings, comprising:
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(a) a pair of arms adapted for pivotal connection between open and closed positions, the arms at least partially defining a mating groove adapted to receive at least potions of a pair of flanged fittings to be coupled;
(b) a rotational assist mechanism linking the arms and adapted to move the arms such that the flanged fittings can be received in the mating groove as the arms are effectively pivoted to a closed position;
wherein the first and second arms are rotatable about an axis which is substantially parallel to the facing planar surfaces of the flanged fittings andc) a clamp selectively affixing the arms in the closed position. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification