Patent ID: 7222889

Claim:
A coupling for interconnecting ends of first and second fluid carrying conduits, said coupling comprising: a first coupling member having first and second ends, and a first passageway extending therethrough, said first coupling member further comprising: (i) external threads formed adjacent said second end of said first coupling member, (ii) a rim spaced from said external threads and having at least one projection formed thereon, (iii) an annular groove formed at said second end of said first coupling member, and (iv) said first end of said first coupling member attached to said first conduit; a second coupling member having first and second ends, and a second passageway extending therethrough, said second coupling member further including: (i) a nut member having internal threads formed adjacent said second end of said second coupling member, (ii) a lock ring placed over and secured to said nut member, (iii) a spring disposed between said nut member and said lock ring enabling biased relative movement of said lock ring with respect to said nut member, and (iv) at least one relief formed on a periphery of said lock ring, a standard flange secured to said second coupling member, said standard flange including a rib formed on an end thereof, said standard flange having an opposite end attached to said second conduit; an o-ring positioned in said annular groove of said first coupling member; and wherein said first and second coupling members are connected by engagement of said external threads of said first coupling member with said internal threads of said second coupling member, said rib of said standard flange contacting said o-ring, and said second coupling member is tightened with respect to said first coupling member so that said at least one projection engages said at least one relief thereby maintaining said coupling in a locked position, and said rib of said standard flange having a facing surface contacting said o-ring thereby sealing said first coupling member with respect to said second coupling member and providing a continuous leak proof connection between said first and second passageways.