Patent ID: 6347928
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
A connector for connecting a pump to a detachable engine, the engine being connected to the pump through a shaft extending along a central axis and adapted to be mechanically connected to the engine and the pump, the connector comprising:a first coupling member adapted to be installed on any one of the pump and the engine, the first coupling member extending along an axis that is coaxial to the central axis, the first coupling member comprising a first contact surface having a plane perpendicular to the central axis; a first sleeve projecting outwardly from the first contact surface and having a radius larger than the radius of the shaft, and at least one flange projecting inwardly from the sleeve, the flange defining at least one opening, the at least one flange defining an inner radius smaller than the radius of the first sleeve but larger than the radius of the shaft, a second coupling member coaxial to the central axis and adapted to be installed on the other one of the pump and the engine, the second coupling member comprising: a second contact surface complementary to the first contact surface, a second sleeve projecting outwardly from the second contact surface, and having a radius larger than the radius of the shaft but smaller than the inner radius of the first sleeve, and at least one tooth projecting outwardly from the second sleeve, the at least one tooth designed to fit in the at least one opening of the first sleeve, wherein, when the first and second sleeves are brought together, the at least one tooth is in registry and is adapted to fit within the at least one opening of the first sleeve so to allow rotational engagement between the first and second coupling members and thereby frictionally engage and connect said first and second coupling members together.