Patent ID: 7309085
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A threaded pipe coupling having an axis and opposed axial ends, especially for connecting a copper pipe in refrigeration technology to a connection part that is characterized with an external and internal diameter, an external threading and a conical exterior end surface, consisting of: (a) an axially extending metal clamping ring having a first axial end for contacting the conical exterior end surface of the connection part and a second axial end for receiving the copper pipe to be connected; (b) the metal clamping ring defining a first interior surface having a diameter positionable about an outer diameter of the copper pipe to be connected extending from the second axial end, and a second interior surface, of lesser diameter to the first interior surface extending from the first axial end of the metal clamping ring, and a first step defined by the metal clamping ring where the first and second interior surfaces meet so that the end of the copper pipe to be connected can be received into the second axial end, and contact directly and bear directly against said first step; (c) the metal clamping ring defining a first exterior surface having a first diameter positionable in the connection part extending from the first axial end of the metal clamping ring to a point axially between the first step defined by the metal clamping ring and the second axial end of the metal clamping ring, and a second exterior surface of lesser diameter than that of the first exterior surface of the metal clamping ring extending from the second axial end to meet the first exterior surface, and a second step defined by the metal clamping ring where the two exterior surfaces meet; (d) the first axial end of the clamping ring terminating in a convex surface that extends from the second interior surface radially outwardly toward the first exterior surface so that the convex surface will contact tangentially and directly and bear directly against the conical exterior surface of the connection part when effecting the connection; and (e) a sleeve-shaped union nut having first and second ends, said first end having an interior diameter positionable over the copper pipe when effecting a connection; (f) a radially increasing interior inclined surface defined by the sleeve-shaped union nut in its interior surface adjacent the first end of the sleeve-shaped union nut for contacting directly and bearing directly against the second axial end of the metal clamping ring when effecting a connection; (g) the second end of the sleeve-shaped union nut being threaded internally and being a suitable interior diameter to coact with the external threading on the connection part when effecting a connection; whereby when the sleeve-shaped union nut is positionable on a the copper pipe to be connected, the copper pipe is received in the metal clamping ring and bears against the first step, and the sleeve-shaped union nut is threaded onto the connection part and tightened, whereupon the convex surface at the first axial end of the metal clamping ring is brought to bear directly and tangentially against the conical exterior end surface of the connection part so that the starting torque for tightening is substantially reduced, and when tightened a sealing is effected without the necessity for any further elements.