Patent ID: 6318766
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: F16L,Y10S

Abstract:
In a coupling assembly of the type including first and second coupling members having through bores defined axially therethrough for fluid communication with one another and end faces disposed in facing relation, and a gasket interposed between the end faces to define a sealed relation between the coupling members as the coupling members are axially advanced toward one another in response to a threaded assembly engaging the coupling members, at least one of the first and second coupling members comprising:a rounded, circumferentially continuous seal bead on the end face adjacent the bore of the one coupling member for contacting the gasket along a radially inner region thereof;an annular, substantially planar region disposed radially outward of the seal bead of the one coupling member for providing an increase in torque required to make-up the coupling assembly;a raised ring disposed radially outward of the annular region of the one coupling member for contacting the gasket along a radially outer region of the gasket during initial make-up of the coupling assembly; anda recess in said raised ring of the one coupling member for receiving the gasket therein during make-up of the coupling assembly and locking the one coupling member to the gasket.