A tubular coupling.

摘要

A tubular coupling is provided having first and second tubular elements (12,14). An annular cage (22) is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of a first section (12a) of the first tubular element (12) for defining a chamber (24) with the first section (12a) for housing a garter spring (20). The chamber (24) has an annular passage through which a flared end part (18) extending from a first portion (14a) of the second tubular element (14) passes during assembly of the first and second tubular elements (12,14) to permit the garter spring (20) to pass over the flared end part (18) and contract about the first portion (12a) for securing the tubular elements (12,14) in assembly. An expander ring (42) is provided for expanding and centering the garter spring (20) prior to assembly. Further provided are O-rings (28,30) retained on the outer surface of the first tubular element (12) for sealing the first tubular element (12) to the second tubular element (14). The O-rings (28,30) engage with the second tubular element (14) just before the first and second tubular elements (12,14) are secured in assembly. <IMAGE>