Patent ID: 6715803
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: F16B,F16L

Abstract:
An expansion coupling for connecting the terminal portions of separate first and second lengths of electrical metallic tubing to permit relative axial movement between the first and second lengths of electrical metallic tubing, said coupling comprising:a sleeve of tubing having a principal length and an interior axial passageway terminating in opposing, internally threadless first and second openings, said first opening dimensioned to receive therein in telescopic sliding relation a terminal portion of the first length of electrical metallic tubing, and said second opening dimensioned to receive therein a terminal portion of the second length of electrical metallic tubing; a set screw positioned proximate the second opening, said set screw being selectively positionable within said passageway to fixedly secure the second length of electrical metallic tubing in fixed relationship with said sleeve; a stop extending into said passageway to define a limit of telescopic sliding movement for the first length of electrical metallic tubing relative to said sleeve; said sleeve being characterized by the absence, between the first opening and the stop, of any means for selectively securing the first length of electrical metallic tubing in fixed relationship with said sleeve; and said coupling being further characterized in that, when a terminal portion of the second length of electrical metallic tubing is received in said second opening and fixedly secured in relationship to said sleeve, the terminal portion of the first length of electrical metallic tubing is freely telescopingly movable in a substantially frictionless manner within said sleeve to thereby permit relative axial movement between the first and second lengths of electrical metallic tubing.