Patent ID: 6257628
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A coupling device for a tube, the tube having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional view perpendicular to said longitudinal axis, the coupling device comprising:a sleeve part having at least one insert end for the tube;a sealing organ mounted in said sleeve part and suitable to provide a seal around the tube inserted into the sleeve part, the sealing organ comprising a plurality of slidably abutting interlocking elements which, by being interlocked, form part of a substantially closed ring defining an inner surface, said elements increasing in thickness from first edges which define said inner surface radially outward away from said tube to opposite second edges, each of said elements having first and second interlocking lateral faces with one first interlocking lateral face slidably interlocking with one second interlocking lateral face of an abutting element, the mating between abutting elements permitting lateral movement between interlocked abutting elements such that said elements are slidable relative to each other generally radially with respect to said longitudinal axis to allow adaptation of said inner surface to variations in the diameter of said tube; andpressure means operatively associated with said sleeve part and suitable for pressing the plurality of interlocking elements of the sealing organ in said sleeve part against said tube, thereby holding said elements in sealed assembled relationship against said tube and sealing the coupling device to said tube.