Patent ID: 8567827
Filing Date: 2013-10-29
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 to wall extending past the inner sidewall to define a top flange that extends to and closely surrounds an outer sidewall of the first tubular; 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 a nut retainer segment holders that respectively engage the annular segment retainer groove to retain the respective P-shaped nut retainer segments in the annular segment retainer groove, the respective nut retainer segment holders comprising a pin slidably received in a smooth bore through a top wall of the head portion of respective ones of the at least two P-shaped nut retainer segments and a set screw received in a threaded bore through an outer sidewall of the head portion of respective ones of the at least two P-shaped nut retainer segments, the threaded bore communicating with the smooth bore so that the set screw can be tightened against a bottom end of the pin to force the pin into contact with a top surface of the annular segment retainer groove to hold the respective P-shaped nut retainer segments in the annular segment retainer groove.