Patent ID: 8336644
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: E21B,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A plug-in coupling between first and second rod segments for underground horizontal boring, comprising: first and second coupling members formed at opposing ends of each rod segment, wherein each first coupling member comprises a stop ridge, said stop ridge having a transversely extending head, said head having a cylindrical-shaped cross section with a flat side wall; and wherein each second coupling member comprises a pair of opposing arms which have aligned longitudinally extending slots, and a transverse opening which extends through a respective side wall of each of the opposing arms and opens into a first end of the slots and has a length corresponding to at least a transverse length of the head of the stop ridge and a width corresponding to at least a diameter of the cylindrical-shaped cross section of the head, wherein each slot has a flat side wall opposite the transverse recess which defines a reduced cross sectional shape, wherein a second end of the slots has an enlarged cross sectional shape corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrical shape of the head, and wherein the second coupling member includes a coupling mouth extending between the pair of opposing arms, and wherein the stop ridge of the first coupling member of the first rod segment is inserted into the transverse opening of the second coupling member of the second rod segment such that the flat side wall of the head of the respective said stop ridge is aligned with and abuts the flat side wall of the respective said slots of the second rod segment, and wherein the head is longitudinally slid to the second end of the slots and the first and second rod segments are rotated relative to each other such that the cylindrical shape of the head retains the stop ridge within the second end of the slots and the first coupling member of the first rod segment extends through the coupling mouth of the second rod segment.