| 摘要 |
<p>A coupling assembly (A) for releasably interconnecting first and second annular flanges (26,28) on respective confronting ends of first and second fluid carrying conduit members (22, 24) includes a pair of arcuate coupling halves (2, 4) pivotally joined together at first adjacent ends for circumferentially surrounding said confronting ends. Each arcuate halve includes an arcuate circumferential wall (15,19) having a thickness and a pair of spaced ribs (16,17 and 20,20') extending inwardly from opposite circumferential edges of the wall (15,19). At least one longitudinal locking channel is provided on the outer surface of the opposite end of one of said coupling halves (4). A pair of resilient locking tines (48,50) extends longitudinally from the outer surface of the opposite end of the other one of the coupling halves (2). The locking tines (48, 50) are bendable toward each other for reception within the locking channel. Each tine has an outer edge (54,58) with a radius so that a corresponding inner side of said locking channel makes contact with the outer edge (54,58) of the tine (48,50) during closure and release. Each tine further includes a locking surface (68, 70) which snaps into engagement with the corresponding locking surface (72,74) of the locking channel to releasably hold the coupling halves (2,4) in closed position around the confronting ends. <IMAGE></p> |
