APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING FINGER-TIGHTENED AND RATCHET-SECURED CONNECTIONS BETWEEN CONDUITS

摘要

An apparatus for providing a connection to a conduit may include a first part configured to be threadably attached to a second part. The first part can include a male threaded section spaced axially apart from a ratchet section having radially protruding teeth. The second part can be at least partly formed by an elastically deformable material and includes a female threaded section spaced axially apart from at least one pawl that is configured to engage the radially protruding teeth. When the at least one pawl is engaged with the teeth, relative rotation between the first part and the second part may be allowed in a tightening direction and prevented in a loosening direction or may be allowed in the tightening and loosening directions. When the second part is deformed by at least one radially inward force, the at least one pawl disengages the teeth of the ratchet section.

主权项

1. Apparatus for providing a connection, comprising:
a first part and a second part adapted to be threadably joined by relative rotation about a central longitudinal axis; the first part comprising a male threaded section axially spaced from a ratchet section having radially protruding teeth, the male threaded section and the ratchet section centered about the central longitudinal axis; the second part at least partly formed by an elastically deformable material, and comprising a female threaded section centered about the central longitudinal axis and axially spaced from at least one pawl adapted to fit between the radially protruding teeth; the second part configured such that, when the second part is relaxed, the at least one pawl engages the ratchet section such that relative rotation between the first part and the second part is allowed in a tightening direction and prevented in a loosening direction; and the second part further configured such that, when the second part is deformed by at least one radially inward force, the at least one pawl disengages the ratchet section.