Patent GB-806986-A (GB)
Title: Valved couplings for conduits
Inventor: LEAVELL IRA ALEXANDER
IPC: F16L37/127
Filed: 1956-08-24
Abstract: 806,986. Pipe Couplings. WIGGINS OIL TOOL CO. Inc., E. B. Aug. 24, 1956, No. 25927/56. Class 99(1). [Also in Group XXIX] In a coupling comprising a pair of axially separable members 1, 2 incorporating valves 6, 7 one of the members has locking means 3 engageable with the other member for holding the members in coupled relation, and there are means for operating the valves to open and close the passages through the members, sleeves 21, 80 on each of the members, means on one of the sleeves for releasing the locking means, and restraining means coupled with each valve-operating means and each sleeve which prevent axial movement of the sleeves in a direction for releasing the locking means when either of the valves is open, but permits axial movement of the sleeves in a direction for the release of the locking means when the valves are closed. Coupling member 1. This member includes a tubular body 14, at one end of which are a number of locking dogs 16 pivotally mounted on a snap ring 18 and movable in slots 20 in the body to engage a flange 17 on the coupling member 2. The sleeve 21 is slidable on the body and is urged forwardly by a spring 24 so that the cam surface 21<SP>1</SP> thereon contacts the rear ends of the dogs to rock and move the hooked ends 16<SP>1</SP> of the dogs out of locking engagement with the flange 17 ; conversely, retraction of the sleeve causes the end 21<SP>1</SP> of the sleeve to move the ends 16<SP>1</SP> into locking engagement with the flange when the member 2 has been inserted into the member 1. The valve 6 comprises a tubular body 26 slidable in the body 14 and provided with ports 32, the reduced forward end of the body 26 having screwed therein a plug 29 which locates a sealing ring 31 adapted to seal against a seat 27 ; when the valve is closed the outer face of the plug is coplaner with the outer face of the flange 28 on and formed inwardly of the end of the body 14. A spring 49 which urges the valve towards the seat 27 has one end located in a socket 50 in the plug 29 and bears by the other end thereof against a collar 51 mounted on a rotatable shaft 35, the collar supporting a pin 52, which in turn supports the spring, and being secured to the shaft by a pin 53 engaging in a circumferential groove in the shaft whereby the latter is free to turn relative to the collar. The shaft is mounted in a bearing socket 39 formed in the body 14 and extends through a bearing gland 42 and into a longitudinal slot 36 in the sleeve 21. A pair of cams 48 fixed on the shaft are operable in camreceiving slots 38 in the valve so that in response to rotation of the shaft by a handle 40 the valve is moved axially to open or close the bore in the body 14, angular movement of the handle being limited by a stop pin 40<SP>1</SP> to 180 degrees. A hub 41, carrying the handle and secured to the shaft, has a recess 57 cooperable with a projection 56 extending from the rear end of the slot 36, as shown in Figs. 2 and 8. When the valve is unseated, the projection contacts that side of the hub opposite the recess so that shaft must be rotated to close the valve and leave the sleeve free to move forwardly for releasing the dogs 16 when the projection and recess are brought into alignment thus enabling the projection to enter the recess and prevent rotation of the shaft and undesired opening of the valve when the members 1, 2 are uncoupled. Movement of the sleeve in the appropriate direction for coupling and uncoupling the members is facilitated by handles on the sleeve 21. Coupling member 2. A tubular body 61 is adapted to enter the body 14 of the member 1, there being a shoulder 63 on the body 61 for engaging a sealing ring 64 in the bore of the body 14. The construction of the valve 7 and the valve-operating means is the same as that of the valve 6. The sleeve 80, urged forwardly on the body 61 by a spring 81, has longitudinallyextending projections 85, 86 at opposite ends of the slot 87 which permits sliding of the sleeve when the projections are aligned with related recesses 88, 89 on opposite sides of the hub 78 of the handle 77. The projection 85 and the recess 88 are inwardly offset from the plane of the projection 86 and recess 89 and when the valve 7 is in the open position, Fig. 2, the hub 78 is in a position disposing the recesses out of registry with the projections so that the latter obstruct movement of the sleeve 80 in either direction but do not obstruct rotative movement of the shaft 74. Thus the latter can be turned to open and close the valve after the member- 1, 2 are locked in coupled relation. With the vavles 6, 7 closed and the member 2 inserted into the member I, the sleeve 21 is moved rearwardly so that the part 21<SP>11</SP> thereof contacts the dogs 16 to engage the latter behind the flange 17, the projection 56 of the sleeve being disengaged from the recess 57 of the hub 41 to allow opening of the valve 6, and the sleeve 80, Fig. 5, is urged forwardly by the spring 81 so that the projection 86 of the sleeve is removed from the recess 89 of the hub 78 to allow opening of the valve 7.