Abstract:
A coupling device for releasably interconnecting conduit elements includes two coupling members, each having a central opening therethrough. A tapered pocket is defined in one coupling member to act as a seat for slidingly receiving the other coupling member, which is in the form of a wedge-like element. An alignment mechanism ensures complete engagement between the two coupling members. Two annular grooves are disposed opposite each other about the central openings of the respective coupling members. A gasket is disposed in one of the grooves for engaging the opposite groove when the coupling members are fully interengaged. The gasket has a first annular portion of a compressible resilient material for positioning in one annular groove, and a second annular portion extending from the first annular portion, of a less compressible material, for compression into the first annular gasket portion as the coupling members are being interengaged.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to flanges for connecting pipes and conduits and, more particularly, to coupling devices for interconnecting such conduits in the field. Specifically, the present invention relates to a quick-connect coupling device for making rapid and reliable pipe connections. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   There are numerous different types of flange and connection devices and assemblies designed to interconnect the ends of opposing pipes and hose. Such connection flanges must be adapted for use in the field to make tight connections that will withstand the internal pressures of the fluids traveling through the pipes. It is important that these connections be made quickly and reliably. Moreover, such connections need to be tight and aligned properly to ensure smooth fluid flow through the piping system without leaking at the joint. Examples of typical pipe flanges and connection devices are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 98,131, 218,723, 779,479, 784,848, 823,346, 942,047, 959,854, 2,265,268, 3,583,731 and 5,788,291. 
   Rotating cams and attachment bolts and rings have been used in numerous flange designs to insure positive locking and tight fitting joints. Unfortunately, these devices are not particularly suited to rapid attachment. Moreover, a great deal of effort becomes necessary to align such flanges to insure that flange faces are parallel and the bolt holes are aligned. Once aligned, bolts and nuts are then tightened until the flanges are drawn together tight enough to displace a gasket disposed between the flanges to attempt to provide a leak-proof seal. Improper alignment or unbalanced joint pressures can result from such attachment structures and methods. As a result, the pipe joints are not necessarily reliable over the long term and can leak or fail under higher fluid pressures or improper field installation. 
   In addition to the above, typical gasket arrangements for such flanges are susceptible to twisting and unseating during the process of attaching two flange portions together. Consequently, the gaskets may not remain completely seated for sealing purposes once the flanges are secured together. This can also be a source of leakage and failure. Accordingly, there remains a need in the industry for a device that can make fast, cost-effective pipe connections as well as a device capable of connecting any and all other appliances associated with piping systems to the piping conduit to permit quick pipe assembly, disassembly or replacement. Moreover, there remains a need for such a device which is reliable and easy to use, and the present invention addresses and solves these particular problems in the art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved coupling device for rapidly and releasably connecting conduit or pipe elements. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a quick connect coupling device for interconnecting conduit elements in a manner that will prevent long term failure yet permit easy replacement if necessary. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a quick-connect device for pipe conduit that has an improved gasket seal arrangement which prevents gasket rolling and unseating during the process of pipe connection. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pipe flange device having near perfect pipe alignment and capability of sealing against high fluid pressure without the use of attachment connecting bolts to maintain the component portions together. 
   To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a coupling device is disclosed for releasably interconnecting conduit elements. The device includes a first coupling member having a first central opening therethrough, and a second coupling member having a second central opening therethrough. The second coupling member is sized and shaped to slidingly engage the first coupling member. A first collar element is coaxial with the first central opening and extends outwardly from the first coupling member. A second collar element is coaxial with the second central opening and extends outwardly from the second coupling member in a direction opposite that of the first collar element when the coupling members are interengaged. A tapered pocket is defined in the first coupling member to act as a seat for slidingly receiving the second coupling member, the second coupling member being substantially in the form of a wedge-like element. An alignment mechanism is disposed in the upper portions of, respectively, the first and second coupling members. The alignment mechanism is adapted to ensure complete engagement between the first and second coupling members. First and second annular grooves are disposed opposite each other about the central openings in the first and second coupling members. A gasket element is disposed in one of the annular grooves and is adapted to engage the opposite annular groove when the first and second coupling members are fully interengaged with each other. The gasket element has first and second annular portions. The first annular gasket portion is of a first compressible resilient material and sized and shaped for positioning in one annular groove. The second gasket annular portion extends outwardly from the first gasket portion and is made of a second less compressible material than the first gasket portion. The second gasket portion is adapted for compression into the first annular gasket portion as the first and second coupling members are being interengaged. 
   In one application of the invention, the first and second collar elements of the coupling device are integral components of, respectively, the first and second coupling members. In another application, the first and second collar elements are separate components carried by, respectively, the first and second coupling members. 
   In one modification of the invention, the first coupling member pocket is defined by a pair of sloping side shoulders converging angularly downwardly toward each other from an open upper portion, a bottom surface interconnecting the lower ends of the side shoulders, an inner pocket surface extending between the side shoulders, and a substantially U-shaped ledge portion extending along the side shoulders and bottom edge to define an outer surface opening spaced from the inner pocket surface. In another modification, the second coupling member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and side portions in the form of tapered flanges sized and shaped to fit within the first coupling member pocket cammed against the sloping shoulders to removably engage the second coupling member within the first coupling member. In this form, the second coupling member inner surface slidingly engages the pocket inner surface, with the second collar element extending outwardly through the pocket outer surface opening. 
   In one application of this modification, the first and second coupling members each include, respectively, a central socket disposed about the respective first and second central openings. In this application, the first collar portion is in the form of a cylindrical member having a circumferential annular shoulder disposed at one end thereof. The shoulder is sized to engage the first coupling member central socket and axially terminate in an inner annular end surface substantially planar with the pocket inner surface. Similarly, the second collar portion is in the form of a cylindrical member having a circumferential annular shoulder disposed at one end thereof sized to engage the second coupling member central socket and axially terminating in a second collar inner annular end surface substantially planar with the second coupling member inner surface. 
   In still another application of the invention, the first and second annular grooves are disposed, respectively, in the first collar portion inner annular end surface and the second collar portion inner annular end surface, the annular end surfaces abutting each other when the second coupling member is fully engaged within the first coupling member pocket. 
   In a further modification of this invention, the first annular groove is substantially rectilinear or square-shaped in cross-section, while the second annular groove is substantially V-shaped in cross-section. In one application of this modification, the first gasket portion is sized and shaped to fit within the substantially square-shaped first annular groove, and the second gasket portion includes a semi-circular outer curved surface projecting from the first gasket portion for engagement with both surfaces of the V-shaped second annular groove when the first and second coupling members are fully interengaged with each other. 
   In yet another application of the invention, the first gasket portion includes a central annular chamber defined therewithin to enable it to collapse to receive the second gasket portion as the second coupling member is being slidingly interengaged with the first coupling member. The first gasket portion has sufficient elasticity to rebound and bias the second gasket portion into the second annular V-shaped groove upon complete engagement of the second coupling member with the first coupling member to seal the first and second collar portions together. 
   In still a further application of the invention, the device of the present invention further includes a flat bottom surface and an upper portion that includes a rounded mounting bracket having a mounting aperture for hanging or affixing said device. 
   In another application, the alignment mechanism of the device is in the form of a pair of alignment apertures disposed in a portion of, respectively, the first and second coupling members, and a single alignment pin. The alignment apertures are coaxial and adapted to receive the alignment pin therethrough only when the first and second coupling members are fully interengaged. 
   Another modification of the invention is in the form of a quick-connect coupling device for releasably interconnecting first and second conduit elements. The coupling device includes a first coupling component having a front surface, a rear surface, an upper portion, a lower portion, a pair of side portions and a first central opening therethrough. A first collar portion is provided coaxial with the first central opening and extending outwardly from the first coupling component front surface, the first collar portion having an annular inner end surface. A wedge-shaped slot is defined in the first coupling component by a pair of sloping shoulders tapering angularly downwardly toward each other from the first coupling component upper portion. 
   A second coupling component is also provided and has a front surface, a rear surface, an upper portion, a lower portion, a pair of side portions and a second central opening therethrough. The side portions are in the form of tapered flanges sized and shaped to fit within the wedge-shaped slot of the first coupling component against the sloping shoulders to removably engage the second coupling component within the first coupling component. A second collar portion, coaxial with the second central opening, extends from the second coupling component rear surface. The second collar portion has an annular inner end surface which substantially abuts the annular inner end surface of the first collar portion when the second coupling component is fully engaged with the first coupling component. A pair of alignment apertures are disposed in the upper portions of, respectively, the first and second coupling components. The alignment apertures are coaxial when the first and second coupling components are fully interengaged, and a single alignment pin is provided for removable attachment through the alignment apertures to ensure full engagement between the first and second coupling components upon assembly of the device. First and second annular grooves are disposed, respectively, in the annular inner end surfaces of the first and second collar portions, and a gasket element is disposed in the annular grooves to seal the collar portions and the first and second coupling components upon assembly of the device. 
   Finally, another modification of the invention is in the form of a quick-connect coupling device for releasably interconnecting first and second conduit elements. The coupling device includes a female coupling component having a front surface, a rear surface, an upper portion, a lower portion, a pair of side portions and a first central opening therethrough. A first collar portion is coaxial with the first central opening and extends outwardly from the female component front surface, the first collar portion having an annular inner surface. A wedge-shaped pocket is defined in the female component by a pair of sloping side shoulders converging angularly downwardly toward each other from an open upper portion, a bottom surface interconnecting the lower ends of the side shoulders, an inner pocket surface extending between the side shoulders, and a substantially U-shaped ledge portion extending along the side shoulders and bottom edge to define an outer surface opening spaced from the inner surface. 
   A male coupling component is also provided and has a front surface, a rear surface, an upper portion, a lower portion, a pair of side portions and a second central opening therethrough. The side portions are in the form of tapered flanges sized and shaped to fit within the wedge-shaped pocket of the female component and cammed against the sloping shoulders to removably engage the male component within the female component, the male component inner surface slidingly engaging the pocket inner surface. A second collar portion is coaxial with the second central opening and extends from the male component rear surface outwardly through the female component pocket outer surface opening when the male component is interengaged with the female component. The second collar portion has an inner annular surface substantially congruent with and abutting the inner annular surface of the first collar portion when the male component is engaged with the female component. A pair of alignment apertures are disposed in the upper portions of, respectively, the male and female components, the alignment apertures being coaxial when the male and female components are fully interengaged. A single alignment pin is provided for removable attachment through the alignment apertures to ensure full engagement between the male and female coupling components upon assembly of the device. First and second annular grooves are disposed, respectively, in the inner annular surfaces of the first and second collar portions. Finally, a gasket element is disposed in one of the annular grooves and is adapted to engage the other annular groove when the male and female components are interengaged with each other. The gasket element has a first annular portion sized and shaped for positioning in one of the annular grooves and is made of a compressible resilient material. A second annular portion extends outwardly form the first annular portion and is made of a lesser compressible material than the first annular portion. The second annular portion is adapted for compression into the first annular portion as the male component is being engaged with the female component. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a quick-connect coupling device constructed in accordance with the present invention and secured to a pair of conduit elements; 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the same embodiment of  FIG. 1  but unsecured to conduit elements; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view illustrating the separated components of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  before assembly thereof; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view illustrating the components of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  in partial assembled condition; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view, with some parts exploded, of the assembled embodiment of  FIG. 7  but illustrating the alignment pins in spaced position for installation; 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the gasket arrangement of the present invention in an unassembled position; 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged, partial sectional view of the gasket arrangement of  FIG. 9  but illustrating the gasket arrangement in a fully seated condition when the components of the present invention have been fully assembled; and 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged, partial sectional view substantially similar to that of  FIG. 10  but illustrating a pressure enhancement system incorporated therein. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring initially to  FIGS. 1-3 , the present invention is directed to a coupling device  10  that is designed to provide quick interconnection between a pair of conduit elements  12 ,  14 , such as pipes, hose and the like. The device  10  is particularly useful as a quick-connect coupling for PVC piping in field locations. The primary purpose of the device  10  is to provide a new, fast and cost-effective technique to make pipe connections. The device  10  is also adaptable to connect any and all appliances associated with piping systems to the piping conduit so it may be easily removed or replaced. While a specific preferred embodiment will be disclosed and discussed herein, it should be understood that the invention is not to be so limited but is to be interpreted in accordance with the full scope appended claims. 
   The device  10  preferably includes a first or female member  16  that is adapted for connection to one conduit element  12 , and a second or male member  18  that is adapted for connection to another conduit element  14 . The first or female member  16  is sized and shaped to slidingly and tightly receive the second or male member  18  therein. In this manner, the female member  16 , secured to a conduit element  12 , and the male member  18 , separately secured to a conduit element  14 , may be interjoined with each other to thereby interconnect the conduit elements  12 ,  14 . The first and second members  16 ,  18  preferably include, respectively, collars  20  and  22  extending outwardly therefrom and adapted for respective connection to conduits  12 ,  14 . The conduit elements  12 ,  14  may be secured to the collars  20 ,  22  in any desired manner and are preferably cemented. An alignment system  23 , discussed in greater detail below, is provided to insure that the first and second members  16 ,  18  with their respective conduits  12 ,  14  are fully engaged and in precise alignment. The structural components of the device  10 , as more particularly discussed below, may be made from any desired material appropriate to the environment in which the device  10  will be used, including plastics, metals and the like. In preferred form, however, the components of the device  10  are polyvinyl chloride plastic. 
   Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 1-8 , the first or female member  16  preferably includes a first block structure  24  having a front surface  26 , a rear surface  28 , an upper portion  30 , a lower portion  32 , a pair of side portions  34 ,  36  and a first central opening  38  aligned axially therethrough. As previously indicated, the first block structure  24  is preferably made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In preferred form, the top portion  30 , the bottom portion  32  and the respective side portions  34 ,  36  include substantially flat surfaces so that the device  10  can be readily placed or mounted on a flat surface or against a sidewall. 
   A slot or pocket  40  is preferably formed in the first block structure  24  proximate the rear surface  28  thereof and is sized and shaped to receive the second or male member  18  therein. The slot  40  is preferably defined by a pair of tapered interior surfaces  42 ,  44  that converge angularly downwardly toward each other from an open upper portion  46  toward a bottom surface  48 . This creates a wedge-like slot shape that is wider at its upper portion  46  and narrower toward the bottom surface  48 . An inner pocket surface  50  is defined by the slot  42 , and a substantially U-shaped ledge portion  52  extends along the tapered surfaces  42 ,  44  and the bottom surface  48 . The U-shaped ledge portion  52  forms the inner surface  34  of the first block structure  24  as well as defines a U-shaped outer surface opening  54  spaced from the interior pocket surface  50 . 
   The first collar  20 , which extends axially outwardly from the front surface  26  of the female member  16 , may be an integral portion of the first block structure  24 . Alternatively, and in the preferred and illustrated form, the collar  20  may be a separate cylindrical element  56  which may be readily inserted into the first block structure  24 . In preferred form, the cylindrical element  56  includes an annular shoulder  58  which extends radially outwardly therefrom at the interior surface  60  thereof. An annular socket  62  surrounds the central opening  38  inwardly of the front surface  26  of the first block structure  24 . In this manner, the cylindrical collar element  56  is sized to snugly fit through the central opening  38  and extend outwardly from the front surface  26 . The annular shoulder  58  seats in the socket  62  to snugly maintain the element  56  within the first block structure  24 , the interior surface  60  of the cylindrical element  56  being substantially planar with the inner pocket surface  50  when the element  56  is firmly seated in the socket  62 . 
   The second or male member  18  includes a second block structure  64 , also preferably made from PVC. The second block structure  64 , in preferred form, includes an inner surface  66 , an outer surface  68 , a top portion  70 , a bottom portion  72 , a pair of side surfaces  74 ,  76 , and a second central opening  78  which is coaxial with the first central opening  38  of the female member  16  when the device  10  is in its fully assembled condition. The side surfaces  74 ,  76  are preferably tapered and sized and shaped to cam against the converging interior surfaces  42 ,  44  of the slot  40  in the first block structure  24  when the male member  18  is engaged within the female member  16 . In this manner, the block structure  64  is generally wedge-shaped to snugly force fit within the slot or pocket  40  of the female member  16 , the inner surface  66  engaging the inner pocket surface  50 . 
   As in the female member  16  arrangement, the second collar  22 , which extends axially outwardly from the outer surface  68  of the male member  18 , may be an integral portion of the second block structure  64 . Alternatively, and in the preferred and illustrated form, the collar  22  may be a separate cylindrical element  80  which is readily inserted into the second block structure  64  in the direction indicated by the arrow  82 . In preferred form, the cylindrical element  80  includes an annular shoulder  84  which extends radially outwardly therefrom at the interior surface  86  thereof. An annular socket  88  surrounds the central opening  78  inwardly of the inner surface  66  of the second block structure  64 . In this manner, the cylindrical collar element  80  is sized to snugly fit through the central opening  78  and extend outwardly from the outer surface  68 . The annular shoulder  84  seats in the socket  88  to snugly maintain the element  80  within the second block structure  64 , the interior surface  86  of the cylindrical element  80  being substantially planar with the inner surface  66  of the second block structure  64  when the element  80  is firmly seated in the socket  88 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates the first and second block structures  24 ,  64  with their respective collar elements  56 ,  80  inserted therein, poised for sliding interengagement to join the second or male member  18  with the first or female member  16 . As described above, this interengagement action is a physical force fit with the side surfaces  74 ,  76  of the wedge-shaped male member  18  camming against the converging interior surfaces  42 ,  44  of the slot  40  in the female member  16 . Since the interconnected conduits  12 ,  14  carry fluid under pressure, it is imperative to ensure that the seal between the members  16 ,  18  is fluid tight. 
   To achieve this seal and with particular reference to  FIGS. 6-10 , a gasket element  90  is provided between the two members  16 ,  18 . The gasket element  90  may be made from any elastomeric material that will stay in position and is appropriate for the environment in which the device  10  is to be used. The preferred material for the gasket element  90  is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. To secure the gasket element  90  in place and in preferred form, the first collar element  56  includes a first annular groove  92  disposed in the interior surface  60  thereof, while the second collar element  80  includes a second annular groove  94  disposed in the interior surface  86  thereof. The grooves  92 ,  94  are positioned in their respective collar elements  56 ,  80  so that they are directly opposite each other with their center lines precisely aligned when the male member  18  is fully engaged within the female member  16 . The grooves  92 ,  94  are sized and shaped to receive and hold the gasket element  90  therebetween, and the gasket element  90  is thus designed to seal the connection between the male and female members  18 ,  16 . 
   When the members  16 ,  18  are being interengaged, the two block structures  24 ,  64  are moving against each other in opposite directions. This creates counter-frictional forces coacting on the gasket  90 . Consequently, while a variety of gasket element arrangements may be utilized with the present invention, the gasket  90  must be designed so that the gasket  90  is not rolled or pushed out of position by these frictional forces. Therefore and in preferred form, the gasket  90  of the present invention includes two portions. A first or base annular portion  96  is sized and shaped to fit within one of the grooves  92 ,  94  and is of a first compressible material, preferably approximately 100-125 durometer ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. A second annular portion  98  extends axially outwardly from the gasket base portion  96  and is made of a second lesser compressible material than the base portion  96 , preferably approximately 65-80 durometer ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. The second annular portion  98  is sized to fit within the other opposite groove  92 ,  94 . In this manner, the second portion  98  compresses into the base portion  96  as the members  16 ,  18  are in the process of being interengaged. Once the members  16 ,  18  are in their final fully engaged position, the base portion  96  urges the second portion  98  outwardly and into its respective groove. 
   In preferred form, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the first annular groove  92   a  is in the form of a “V” shape having two surfaces  100 ,  102 . The second annular groove  94  is preferably in the form of substantially square-shaped cross-section channel. Accordingly, the first or base gasket portion  96  is preferably square-shaped to snugly fit within the square channel-shaped groove  94 , the square shape providing substantially greater contact area than a round shape as is typical in standard O-ring arrangements. The second gasket portion  98  is preferably a rounded member having a semi-circular outer surface  106  extending outwardly from the square-shaped base gasket portion  96 . In the most preferred form, the square-shaped base portion  96  is hollow and includes a central annular chamber  108  extending throughout its interior. In this manner, the rounded second gasket portion  98  is readily compressed into the chamber  108  of the base gasket portion  96  during the process of fitting the male member  18  into the female member  16 . Once the members  16 ,  18  are in their fully engaged position, the grooves  92   a ,  94  are opposite each other. The base gasket portion  96  then rebounds to urge the second gasket portion  98  with its semi-circular outer surface  106  into the V-shaped first groove  92   a . When this occurs, the semi-circular outer surface  106  of the gasket portion  98  fully engages both V-shape surfaces  100 ,  102 . In one embodiment, the semi-circular outer surface  106  may include a silicone finish to reduce resistance as the male and female members  18 ,  16  are pushed together. Moreover, the rebound action of the base gasket portion  96  may result from the elastomeric nature of the material of the base portion, or it may be the result of some sort of pneumatic or hydraulic impulse force to urge the second gasket portion  98  to its sealed position in the V-shaped first groove  92   a.    
   As a result of the above gasket arrangement, the gasket  90  is not rolled or pressed out of position by the counter-frictional forces coacting on the gasket  90  as the male member  18  is being inserted into the female member  16 . Moreover, the fully engaged position of the device  10  is insured only when the gasket  90  has expanded to urge the semi-circular outer surface  106  of the gasket portion  98  into the V-shape groove  92   a  and engage both surfaces  100 ,  102 . 
   The final objective of the gasket  90  is to be constructed from preferred materials that will stay in position in either the male member  18  or the female member  16  and will not interfere with the field assembly of the two members. Due to the arrangement provided by the present invention, the gasket element  90  is not pinched, scarred or in any other way damaged during assembly or disassembly. It also allows the joint of the device  10  to hold a working pressure of at least 175 psig and maintains all of its design criteria for a period of not less than 50 years. Finally, it does not hold any electromagnetic charge, either positive or negative. 
   To insure that the male member  18  is fully engaged within the female member  16  so that the collar elements  20 ,  22  are co-axial and the gasket element  90  is in its proper position, an alignment system  23  is provided. In preferred form, the alignment system  23  includes a pair of apertures  110 ,  112  disposed, respectively, in the upper portions of the first and second block structures  24 ,  64 . When the male member  18  is fully engaged within the female member  16  so that the gasket element  90  is in its proper position, the apertures  110 ,  112  are coaxial and congruent. An alignment pin  114  is provided and is sized for a precise fit within the coaxial apertures  110 ,  112 . An attachment nut  116  is utilized to secure the free end of the pin  114  after it passes through the coaxial apertures  110 ,  112 . Perfect alignment of the device  10  is achieved via the pin  114  which passes through the male member aperture  112  until it reaches its end of travel through the female member aperture  110 . This forms a perfect alignment of the two members  16 ,  18 . It also assures precise alignment for proper placement and fitting of the gasket element  90 . However, the pin  114  is not utilized to hold the members  16 ,  18  together. Rather, it is the V-shape of the groove  92  that holds the device  10  together, not the alignment pin  114 . 
   The alignment system  23  also keeps the female and male members  16 ,  18  from sliding out and disengaging due to fluid vibration, mechanical twisting of the parts and the like. In one preferred form, a quick connect or self-locking fastener may be used as pin  114 . One example of such a fastener is the Permanentech fastener by Permanent Technologies, Inc. In this manner, the pin  114  may not be inadvertently removed. 
   As described above, the member  16  has flat side and bottom surfaces so that the device  10  can be set or mounted on a ground surface or against a wall surface. In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a mounting bracket  118  may be secured to the female portion  16  at the upper surface  30 . The bracket  118  includes an opening  120  so that the bracket  118  may be hung from a ceiling surface, thereby hanging the device  10  and its conduits  12 ,  14 . 
   In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , a pressure differential enhancement system  122  is illustrated. The system  122  is designed to increase the pressure on the gasket  90  to enhance the seal created thereby. The system  122  is also capable of creating a pressure difference or differential across the junction between the conduit elements  14 ,  12 . To accomplish this, a first duct  124  is provided between the radially inwardly annular edge  126  of the collar  22 , and the bottom surface of the chamber  108 . The duct  124  is preferably tapered so as to have a larger inlet opening  128  and a narrower outlet opening  130 . In this manner, when fluid moves from the conduit element  14  into the conduit element  12 , a small portion of the fluid is also directed into the first duct  124  to push against the gasket  96  in the chamber  108  to increase sealing pressure. 
   Likewise, a 2 nd  duct  132  is provided between the inner annular edge  134  of the conduit element  12  and the end  134  proximate the apex of the “V” notch  92 . In this instance, the duct  132  is also tapered so that the inner opening  136  of the duct  132  is narrower than the outer opening  134 . This arrangement creates a vacuum on the second duct  132  when fluid passes from element  14  into element  12  and goes by the outer opening  134 . This vacuum co-operates with the increased pressure in the 1 st  duct  124  to further enhance the sealing capability of the gasket  90 . Finally, the ducts  124 ,  132  can be used to create a fluid pressure differential across the joint between the two conduit elements  12 ,  14  which may be useful in numerous applications. 
   As can be seen from the above, the present invention provides a coupling device that enables quick connection of a pair on conduit elements in the field. The device relies on a wedge-shaped mechanical fit and a unique gasket sealing arrangement to insure proper and tight fit between the conduit elements. An alignment system assures a precise alignment for proper placement and fitting of the coupling component members. The present invention provides a quick-connect coupling device for making rapid and reliable pipe connections, and permits the connection to be placed in any desired location, such as on a floor surface, against a wall surface or hung from a ceiling. 
   The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in varying modifications and alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the foregoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited to the claims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.