Patent ID: 7731246
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A ring for use in a coupling member, the coupling member having an interior wall, the coupling member being generally cylindrical and having a channel therethrough, the coupling member with two spaced-apart ends, each end threaded for threaded mating with a tubular so that the coupling member is connectable to two tubulars, wherein the two tubulars each have a tapered portion and the ring body has a first end and a second end, the ring comprising: a ring body positionable adjacent the interior wall of the coupling member between the two spaced-apart ends of the coupling member and located for contact by the two tubulars coupled together by the coupling member, the ring body being generally cylindrical and having a ring channel therethrough, the ring body having a volume, and at least three energizing members spaced axially within the ring body, each of said energizing members having a hardness, at least one of the at least three energizing members which is located axially between the other of the at least three energizing members having a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the other of the at least three energizing members, such that the ring body, upon compression, is movable against the interior wall of the coupling member by action of the at least three energizing member.