Accession Number:

ADD014398

Title:

Expanding Ring Joint.

Descriptive Note:

Patent, Filed 5 Dec 88, patented 7 Nov 89,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Whitham, Kent G.

Report Date:

1989-11-07

Pagination or Media Count:

7.0

Abstract:

This investigation relates to an apparatus and method for producing a rigid joint between two interlocked tubular members and in particular between two tubular members have cylindrical mating ends. This patent involves a joint having no external protrusions consisting of the mating cylindrical ends of two tubular members joined by interlocking cogs on the male and female ends of the tubular members, and a pair of facing ramp surfaced rings disposed in the joint with one ring integral with or affixed immovably to the male end of one tubular member, the other ring rotatably disposed upon that same member within the joint so that when the movable ring is rotated by means of a spanner wrench or equivalent tool relative to the stationary ring, the juxtaposed ramp surfaces ride upon each other causing the movable ring to move axially relative to but in continuing contact with the stationary ring until contact with the female end of the other tubular member in the joint is established and the joint is thereby made rigid. The spaces thus created between the ramps of the rings are filled with material that becomes solid or set screws radially disposed in the movable ring to engage an annular slot about the male end of the one tubular member and underlying the movable ring can be used to thereafter immobilize that ring. aw

Descriptors:

• *PATENTS
• *RINGS
• *JOINTS
• *TUBES
• MOBILE
• RAMPS
• RIGIDITY
• SCREWS
• SLOTS
• STATIONARY
• SURFACES
• TOOLS
• LOCKING FASTENER DEVICES

Subject Categories:

• Couplers, Fasteners and Joints

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE