Patent ID: 6837646

Claim:
A tensioning means for operably applying forces to respective inner surfaces of axially adjacent hollow bodies, said tensioning means comprising: (a) a bracing means having a first receptacle portion and a bracing portion; (b) an axially movable rod that is threadably received in to said bracing means such that a first portion thereof is selectively axially movable therewithin, said rod including a first annular portion extending radially outwardly from a first end thereof, said first annular portion being configured to retain said first portion of said rod in said first receptacle of said bracing portion, and second and third annular portions extending radially outwardly from a second portion of said rod; (c) a wedge means having a first inner surface and a second outer surface, said second outer surface being sloped with respect to said first inner surface, said first inner surface being operably disposed adjacent to an outer surface of said rod for coaxial movement therewith and at least partially concentrically surrounding a second portion of said rod, said wedge means further including a third end surface extending perpendicularly from said first inner surface and between said first and second surfaces of said wedge means, said third end surface being operably disposed adjacent to said third annular portion of said rod, such that axial movement of said rod in a first direction causes said third end surface of said wedge means to operably bear against said third annular portion, said wedge means including a fourth surface extending perpendicularly from said first inner surface toward said second outer surface of said wedge means and being spaced from said third end surface thereof, said fourth surface of said wedge means being operably disposed adjacent to said second annular portion, such that axial movement of said rod in a second direction causes said fourth surface of said wedge means to operably bear against said second annular portion, with said second and third annular portions being spaced apart along said rod to accommodate at least a portion of said wedge means therebetween; and (d) a tensioning body having a first inner surface and a second outer surface, said first inner surface of said tensioning body being operably and slidably engaged with said second outer surface of said wedge means, said first inner surface of said tensioning body being sloped with respect to said second outer surface of said tensioning body such that said second outer surface of said tensioning body is operably disposed in a generally parallel relationship with said respective first inner surfaces of said adjacent hollow bodies such that selective axial motion of said rod within said bracing means correspondingly and coaxially moves said wedge means, which coaxial movement of said wedge means progressively radially displaces said tensioning body so as to selectively impart contact pressure on respective inner surfaces of said adjacent hollow bodies.