Patent ID: 8419077
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A self aligning coupling system for aligning one end of tubing to another end of tubing, said coupling system comprising: a cylindrical first coupling member having an outer surface and a first circumference; a first flange extending axially along a portion of and from said first circumference such that said first circumference has a first flange portion and a first flange-free portion; a first locking detent extending radially outward from said outer surface of said first coupling member; a cylindrical second coupling member having a second circumference; a second flange having an inner surface and extending axially along a portion of and from said second circumference such that said second circumference has a second flange portion and a second flange-free portion; a second locking detent extending radially inward from said inner surface of said second flange; said first locking detent and said second locking detent radially overlapping each other and lockably engaging said first coupling member to said second coupling member when said first flange contacts said second flange-free portion of said second circumference and said second flange contacts said first flange-free portion of said first circumference and is located radially outward from and overlaps said first locking detent of said first coupling member.