Patent ID: 7201404

Claim:
A union nut for connecting an end of a threaded pipe having exterior threading to an end of a flanged pipe having an exterior flange; said union nut including: a generally cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis; including: a body wall; including: a thread retaining end for attaching to the exterior threading of the end of the threaded pipe; said thread retaining end including: an outer surface: an inner surface including: threads adapted for mounting upon the threading of the threaded pipe; a flange retaining end; including: a partial collar projecting radially inward beyond said inner surface and defining an aperture for receiving the flange of the flanged pipe such that said partial collar partially retains the received flange within said body; first cooperative detent means; and first cooperative alignment means; and a lock member including: second cooperative detent means; and second cooperative alignment means; said lock member adapted to be removably engaged with said body such that, when engaged, said lock member and said partial collar cooperate to fully retain the received flange; and said first and second cooperative detent means adapted to cooperate when lock member is engaged with said collar so as to prevent casual disengagement of said flange retaining end and said lock member; and said first and second cooperative alignment means adapted to cooperate to align said lock member with said flange retaining end such that said lock member engages with said flange retaining end by sliding in a direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and resists disengagement by forces not perpendicular to said axis.