Patent ID: 8079773
Filing Date: 2011-12-20
Classification: B29C,B29L,F01D,F05D,F16B,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A coupling assembly comprising: a first flange formed integrally with a first adjacent component to be coupled, said first flange comprising a first mating surface, a first load bearing surface opposite said first mating surface, and a first opening extending from said first mating surface to said first load bearing surface, said first load bearing surface comprising an inner end portion, a body portion, and an outer end portion, wherein said outer end portion comprises a partial frusto-conical cross-sectional shape such that said outer end portion extends obliquely from said body portion, said inner end portion comprising an arcuate cross-sectional shape such that said inner end portion extends arcuately from said body portion; a second flange formed integrally with a second adjacent component to be coupled, said second flange comprising a second mating surface, a second load bearing surface opposite said second mating surface, and a second opening extending from said second mating surface to said second load bearing surface; a load spreader comprising a spreader load bearing surface, a spreader mating surface opposite said spreader load bearing surface, and a spreader opening extending from said spreader load bearing surface to said spreader mating surface, said load spreader configured to be coupled to said first flange such that said first load bearing surface is substantially flush against said spreader mating surface, said load spreader comprising an inner end portion that extends axially to, in an oblique angle, said load bearing surface and circumscribes said first adjacent component; and a fastener sized for insertion through said first opening and said second opening, said fastener configured to secure said first flange to said second flange such that said first mating surface is substantially flush against said second mating surface, said outer end portion configured to distribute a load induced by said fastener substantially uniformly across said first load bearing surface.