Patent ID: 7984932
Filing Date: 2011-07-26
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A threaded union for first and second tubulars having mating ends, comprising: a unitary nut having a top wall, an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall and a depending skirt defining a box thread that engages a pin thread on a male end of the second tubular, the top wall extending past the inner sidewall to define a top flange that extends to and closely surrounds an outer sidewall of the first tubular; and at least two P-shaped nut retainer segments for supporting the top flange of the unitary nut, the P-shaped nut retainer segments having a head portion and a depending leg portion, the head portion being closely received in an annular segment retainer groove in an outer sidewall of the mating end of the first tubular and the depending leg portion substantially filling a gap between the inner sidewall of the unitary nut and the outer sidewall on the mating end of the first tubular; and a nut travel limiter that limits a travel of the unitary nut so that the unitary nut holds the P-shaped nut retainer segments in the annular segment retainer groove, the nut travel limiter ensuring that the unitary nut cannot slide far enough over the first tubular to permit the at least two P-shaped nut retainer segments to fall out of the annular segment retainer groove when the unitary nut is not engaging the pin thread on the male end of the second tubular.