Claudia L Anderson

US Patent:

53641310, Nov 15, 1994

Filed:

Feb 1, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/011916

Inventors:

Dale L. Hartsock - Livonia MI
John C. Caverly - Dearborn MI
Fred G. Schroeder - Grosse Ile MI
Claudia M. Anderson - Southfield MI
Ronald G. Breuhan - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F16L 3722
F16L 37084

US Classification:

285 23

Abstract:

A tubular coupling is provided having first and second tubular elements. An annular cage is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of a first section of the first tubular element for defining a chamber with the first section for housing a garter spring. The chamber has an annular passage through which a flared end part extending from a first portion of the second tubular element passes during assembly of the first and second tubular elements to permit the garter spring to pass over the flared end part and contract about the first portion for securing the tubular elements in assembly. An expander ring is provided for expanding and centering the garter spring prior to assembly. Further provided are O-rings retained on the outer surface of the first tubular element for sealing the first tubular element to the second tubular element. The O-rings engage with the second tubular element just before the first and second tubular elements are secured in assembly.